Europe’s ‘masterpiece’ railway stretching 300 miles through 22 towns | World | News
Stretching more than 300 miles across southern Norway, the legendary Oslo-Bergen railway is more than just a route between two cities; It is a journey to the heart of the country. This 22-station line, connecting Norway’s capital with its famously beautiful city on the west coast, is often hailed as one of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. From valleys to deep fjords, from frozen lakes to snow-capped mountains, the train journey passes through different breathtaking landscapes.
Taking approximately seven hours from start to finish, the Bergen Railway Line, or Bergensbanen, is also the highest railway route in Northern Europe and crosses the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. First completed in 1909, the line was a triumph of early 20th-century engineering, overcoming extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain.
The Bergen Railway passes through an impressive 182 tunnels, including the famous Finse Tunnel, located 1,200 meters above sea level.
There are approximately five trips every day and four in winter. The journey begins in Oslo, the capital of Norway, where city life meets scenic fjords and forests, and then continues towards Drammen with its vast valleys, Norway’s fifth largest lake and incredible mountains.
The train stops at the first main stop in cities, as well as several smaller towns and villages such as Voss, Myrdal and Finse.
At Myrdal, travelers can also connect to the famous Flåm Railway, which drops steeply into the Aurlandsfjord and offers another breathtaking journey.
The train offers comfort and a wide range of amenities, including a café, a family car with its own game room, a built-in Wi-Fi network, power outlets, comfortable seats and even beds for overnight travelers with the PlusNight ticket option.
European train travel TikTok account, train.europeHis 27.3 thousand followers described the journey as a ‘masterpiece’ and said it was considered one of the “most spectacular” journeys on the entire continent.
TikTokker described the train ride seen through the window as a “painting” where you’ll see “pine forests, glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks and majestic glaciers.”
One TripAdvisor user wrote about the train ride: “The time passed so quickly. The seats were large and comfortable. The changing landscape was spectacular. It went from spring to winter and back to spring in a matter of hours. There is a ski resort in the middle of the journey. It’s very remote. This area was used to film the ice planet Hoth in ‘The Empire Strikes Back.’
Another from Bristol said: “What a fantastic train journey. Beyond my expectations. I can see why it’s on the list of the world’s best train journeys. Stunning views.”
Rhiannon, from Bournemouth, added: “If you’re traveling in Norway and love nature and landscapes, I couldn’t recommend this train journey more. I’d heard of the stunning views and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s incredibly beautiful and I loved it.”
