There is no WiFi available on board, but as I quickly realized, there is absolutely no need for digital distractions when you are speeding along on what is widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful train journeys. Technology can take a backseat; the stunning vistas provide all the entertainment required. I have traveled the train route from Oslo to Bergen numerous times in both directions, and the experience never loses its charm. The Bergen Line has earned its world-famous status for very good reasons.
A Journey Through Norway's Natural Wonders
Fjords, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain plateaus accompany passengers on this astonishing voyage. Every pitstop features postcard-worthy stations, and each inch of the route is a visual feast for the eyes. Construction on the line commenced in 1875, and it was officially inaugurated on November 27, 1909, by King Haakon VII. Today, the complete journey spans approximately 471 kilometers, taking between six and a half to seven and a half hours, with stops at 21 destinations along the way.
Engineering Marvels and Comfortable Travel
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Bergen Line is the sheer scale of engineering involved. This electrified route passes through 180 tunnels, with the longest being the Finse Tunnel, which extends for 10.3 kilometers. Many of these passages were excavated by hand under extremely harsh mountain conditions. On my most recent trip, I traveled from Oslo to Bergen, pausing roughly halfway at Finse for a polar exploration festival. The segment took just over four hours.
Despite subzero temperatures and a generous coating of snow outside, the train cabins were pleasantly warm, leading most passengers to shed their jumpers. Unlike standard economy train seats in the UK, the seats on the Bergen Line are exceptionally accommodating, resembling armchairs with footrests and adjustable headrests. The combination of warm temperatures and comfortable seating makes it easy to doze off, so I set a phone alarm to avoid missing my stop.
Onboard Amenities and Scenic Delights
I was traveling with a group of friends for the festival, but since we were assigned different seats, we agreed to meet in the café carriage. Alongside the breathtaking views, my other favorite feature of the Bergen Line is the delicious hot chocolate, a quintessential Norwegian treat. For those traveling in business class, known as Plus, free unlimited refills are available before settling into a lay-flat bed for the full seven-hour journey. In economy, the café carriage is one of the best spaces to spend time, featuring windows that run the length of the carriage and large communal tables.
The four-hour journey to Finse seemed to pass in a flash, and all too soon, our stop arrived. I often wonder if I will ever say the same about train journeys in the UK.
Finse: A Remote Arctic Outpost
Finse holds the distinction of being the highest point on any mainline railway in Northern Europe, situated at 1,222 meters, or 4,009 feet, above sea level. This isolated station lies above the tree line and is frequently snowbound in winter, imparting an almost Arctic atmosphere year-round. Remarkably, this is the same location where the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott, trained for the South Pole. It continues to serve as a training ground for polar explorers today, with British adventure company Shackleton conducting regular training camps there.
Festivals and Film Connections
Stepping off the train, you are greeted by a hotel that seems straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Finse 1222 is the area's only real hub, as the tiny village has no roads or shops and is accessible solely by train, skis in winter, or bike in warmer months. For the past 15 years, the 41-room hotel has hosted Expedition Finse, Norway's only expedition festival, founded to unite people passionate about exploration. The event now attracts adventurers from around the globe, with Ben Fogle serving as the headline speaker this year.
'I have been coming here for decades, and it truly is a magical place,' Fogle remarked. Like us, he spent the weekend exploring the surrounding area with his son, engaging in activities such as hiking, sled racing on skis, and snowkiting. The hotel's food is another highlight, with breakfast spreads featuring Norwegian delicacies like brown cheese, fresh whole grain bread, and smoked salmon.
In addition to Expedition Finse, Finse 1222 hosts several other notable events throughout the year, including the annual Hoth Strikes Back gathering. Held near the location where Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was filmed in 1979, this event brings together fans for location tours, cosplay, and talks from individuals involved in the film's production. The hotel includes various nods to its cinematic history. Another spectacular event is the Ice Music Festival, which showcases a full orchestra of instruments hand-carved from locally harvested ice, including violins, cellos, guitars, banjos, and drums.
Return Journey and Seasonal Variations
After a packed weekend, we returned to the platform to catch our train back to Oslo. Everyone ensured punctuality, as only a handful of services operate each day. I would love to experience the journey in warmer months, having only traveled this route in February for the annual festival. Finse 1222 sits beside a glacial lake, but I have yet to witness it in its full, thawed glory.
Travel Tips and Accommodations
British Airways offers daily direct flights from London to Oslo. For morning flights, the Aerotel London Heathrow, located directly within the Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, provides a convenient, 24/7, and walkable option for travelers. The Clarion Hotel Oslo is situated in the bustling Barcode district, just a 10-minute walk from the city's central train station. Amenities include a gym, restaurant, bar, and a generous breakfast buffet featuring an array of traditional Norwegian dishes, with 810 rooms ranging from doubles to suites.
Trains run daily from Bergen to Finse, and tickets can be booked via VY. Stays at Finse 1222 start from approximately £260 per night for a double room. For more information on places to visit, travelers can consult Visit Norway.
