The Bergen Railway – your key to the kingdom of the fjords

According to Lonely Planet Travel Guide, the Bergen Railway is “one of of the world’s most scenic journeys”. And I was able to experience the truth of this statement during my voyages to the kingdom of the fjords!

A small “lyrical” digression: I want to mention and praise the Norwegian trains of NSB system for their comfort and reliability. They transcend the most difficult routes (for example, the Bergen Railway, in many places, surrounded by sheer cliffs and steep cliffs), and they always arrive on time!

My conclusion: you have all the possibilities for enjoying the surrounding spectacular views. Oslo-Bergen route passes through the mountain plateau Hardangervidda. This allows you to admire the unusual spectacle – the contemplation of the glacier Folgefonna. So, let me share with my experience of travel by the Bergen Railway.

As I remember, during my learning in elementary school class, our teacher told us that while climbing a high mountain, you can visit different climatic zones – from the subtropics to glaciers. It boggled the imagination!

When me and my family went in a cozy NSB train carriage on the Bergen Railway, the height of the area first grew – 200, 500, 800 meters above sea level. It was the beginning of a “real north” – stations Gol, Geilo. Cold weather, huge clouds, mosses, lichens, and huge boulders… We were sure to see one of the famous Norwegian trolls here!

Finse station is the highest point of the Bergen railway (1222 meters above sea level). 

Passengers are greeted with rain, cold and biting wind … To live here do not want to, but Finse is the native land for someone. Although the residents here will be typed on the strength of 10-15 people. Of course, during the tourist seasons it’s getting noisier.

Summer in Finse comes rather late – in July and lasts until about October. Accordingly, at the same time comes the “high season”.

How can you get to Finse, in addition to the railway? On bike, and (an option for the most daring) – on foot. Cities that are closest to Finse – Oslo, Bergen, Stord.

By the way, in 1979, all known George Lucas filmed here one of the episodes of sensational “Star Wars”! Snow-covered landscapes of a distant planet Hoth from “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” are the local ice fields! Those who watched the cult saga will surely remember the heavy armored “planetary tanks” marching along the slopes of the mountain plateau Hardangervidda.

Another interesting fact: at their time the famous polar explorers Nansen, Amundsen and Shakelton stayed in Finse.

Let’s turn to the “southern part” of the Bergen Railway. 

Finse station was behind and the weather improved significantly – the thermometer crept up. Especially we felt that in the town of Voss (about an hour drive from Bergen). And then the sun came out!

Voss is a ski resort with excellent environmental conditions. It attracts tourists of its peculiar mixture of urban and rural traditions for nearly 200 years. Families with children and those who like extreme sports (fans of rafting, kayaking, skiing, skydiving, paragliding, etc.) feel themselves equally comfortable there. Also there is a variety of musical traditions – you can listen to whatever your heart desires – from classical music to jazz!

Are you fond of cycling and hiking? Perfectly! Voss is just created for them. If you wish, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide, for example, in the mountains. And also you can go on an amazing tour to the waterfalls.

Local cable car is quite popular. It allows to observe Voss from a height. Do you want a stronger extreme? Then book a helicopter tour.

Voss is a real paradise for fans of fishing, birdwatching and horse riding – specially equipped places, observation points, riding clubs.

The final part of our trip by the Bergen Railway

After Voss station landscape has changed dramatically: instead of mosses, lichens and boulders we saw forested cliffs. We often passed the fast mountain rivers and fjords. Admiring them, we did not notice that we arrived to Bergen!