Is This 7-Hour Train Ride the Most Beautiful Journey on Earth?

I have a confession: I'm a window-seat person. Not just for the extra legroom or the convenient wall to lean on, but for the story that unfolds outside. For me, travel has always been as much about the getting there as the being there. So, when I kept hearing whispers online and from fellow travelers about a train journey in Norway that was consistently labeled "the world's most beautiful," my curiosity was officially piqued. In a country famed for its dramatic fjords and ethereal northern lights, could a simple train ride truly be a main event?

The journey in question is the Bergen Line, or Bergensbanen, an approximately seven-hour odyssey that connects Norway’s two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen. It’s not just a commuter line; it’s a masterpiece of engineering that traverses some of Europe's most raw and diverse landscapes. You climb from forests and fields into the stark, beautiful wilderness of the Hardangervidda plateau, the highest mountainous plateau in Europe, before descending through stunning valleys to the coastal charm of Bergen. It’s a journey of dramatic and constant change.

Honestly, the idea of spending seven hours on a train might sound tedious to some, but this is different. It’s an invitation to slow down and simply watch. You see the country transform, from the urban energy of Oslo, through sleepy countryside villages, and up into a landscape so vast and empty it feels like another planet. This isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about witnessing the very heart of Norway reveal itself, one breathtaking panorama at a time.

The Main Event: The Bergen Line (Oslo to Bergen)

The full Bergen Line experience is a study in contrasts. Starting in Oslo, the landscape is gentle and green, dotted with farms and forests that feel familiar and comforting. The train glides smoothly, and for the first couple of hours, you might be lulled into thinking this is just another pleasant European train ride. But then, you start to climb. The trees begin to thin, the hills grow into mountains, and the scenery takes on a wilder, more dramatic edge.

The true showstopper is the crossing of the Hardangervidda National Park. The train reaches its highest point at Finse Station, which, at 1,222 meters (4,009 ft) above sea level, is the highest-altitude railway station in Norway. There are no roads to Finse; the train is the only way in or out. Stepping out onto the platform here, even for a moment, feels like stepping onto the surface of the moon. The air is crisp, and the landscape is a stark, beautiful expanse of rock, hardy mosses, and, for much of the year, snow. It’s a powerful, humbling experience that makes you feel incredibly small in the face of nature's grandeur.

From Finse, the descent towards Bergen begins, and the landscape transforms yet again. The stark plateau gives way to lush, green valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Rivers rush by, waterfalls cascade down mountainsides, and the train weaves through a series of tunnels and sharp curves, each one revealing a new, jaw-dropping vista. It’s this constant, unfolding drama that makes the Bergen Line so captivating. You’re not just looking at a single beautiful view; you’re moving through an entire gallery of them.

The Unmissable Detour: The Flåm Line (Flåmsbana)

As if the Bergen Line weren't spectacular enough, there's an optional side quest that many, including myself, would argue is the most concentrated dose of beauty on the entire route: the Flåm Line. At the mountain station of Myrdal, you can hop off the main line and onto a different train for an hour-long journey that is, without exaggeration, one of the most incredible railway trips on the planet. It’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, descending 867 meters down to the tiny village of Flåm at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord.

The engineering itself is a marvel. The train winds its way through 20 tunnels, spiraling in and out of the mountainside. The views are relentless. You pass by roaring waterfalls, deep ravines, and impossibly steep farms clinging to the mountains. The train even makes a special five-minute stop at the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can get out and feel the spray on your face. It’s a powerful, multi-sensory experience.

This hour-long detour perfectly encapsulates the drama of the Norwegian landscape. It’s a journey from the high, barren mountains right down to the serene, deep blue waters of the fjord. Many people take the train down to Flåm and then return to Myrdal to continue their journey to Bergen, but if you have the time, spending a night in Flåm is well worth it. The quiet of the fjord after the day-trippers have left is something truly special.

A Few Pro-Tips for the Journey

If you're planning this trip, a little preparation goes a long way. First, book your tickets well in advance, especially if you're traveling in the summer. Norwegian train operator Vy (formerly NSB) releases "Minipris" tickets, which are significantly cheaper, but they sell out fast. Booking ahead not only saves you money but also guarantees you a seat on your desired train.

When booking, you’ll have the option of a standard seat or upgrading to "Pluss" class. While the standard carriages are perfectly comfortable, the Pluss carriages offer more spacious seating, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary coffee and tea. For a seven-hour journey, that little bit of extra comfort can make a big difference. Regardless of which class you choose, try to snag a window seat—the views are, after all, the main attraction.

Finally, pack some snacks and a drink. While there is a cafe car on board, having your own supplies is always a good idea. Settle in, put on a good playlist (or just enjoy the silence), and let the landscape work its magic. This isn't a journey to be rushed; it's one to be savored. The destination is wonderful, but the path to get there might just be the best part of your entire trip.