As part of a Scandinavia trip I was planning to take the Olso to Bergen train. A travel agent is telling me to fly instead, but I have read Rick's description of this "spectacular" scenery. It turns out that I will be doing the Norway in a Nutshell from a different point later in the trip. I still need to get to Bergen first. Is the long train ride worth it or should I just fly?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
IMO it's one of the the most scenic train journeys in the world and should not be missed. As Rick says in your guidebook: If you don't do it you should have your passport revoked:) The diversity of the scenery is incredible, and the train is very comfortable. This isn't one of those narrow-gauge rack trains you would ride on in Switzerland. It's a heavy-duty modern train...it's amazing how it can effortlessly handle the rugged terrain. One the greatest highlights in all my travels throughout Europe.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2715 posts
I thought the train ride was pretty in places, but I wouldn't call it spectacular. If flying will give you more time to spend in Bergen, particularly if you won't have a lot of time in Bergen, then I would fly. Bergen is a really neat town -- very picturesque with interesting sites and history.
Posted by
Durham, UK
55 posts
Sally,
The trip between Oslo and Bergen is about 6 hours if I remember correctly. The first part out of Oslo is a bit tedious, but the mountainous section is fabulous, and if you have the time there is the famous (if overpriced) Flåmsbana, from Myrdal, which is not far from the Bergen end.
Plus, flying is never as interesting as taking the train!
Mark
Posted by
Yorkshire, UK
264 posts
Maybe this will make sense - I don't know. That Oslo - Bergen railroad is like going to a favorite restaurant and not getting what you like because you'd rather have some side dish that comes with another meal.
With that said if it works out that you take the train - it's not the end of the world and a nice 6 hr trip. You certainly are not passing through ugly land. That said if there is another way that gets you more time in the Fjords. I would encourage to do that.
Posted by
Ypsilanti, MI, USA
233 posts
We took the train from Oslo to Bergen as part of the Norway in a Nutshell in 2007. To me, it was just a long train ride, not particularly memorable. If I had to do it again, I would skip the Norway in a Nutshell and fly from Oslo to Bergen. (I enjoyed the time in Oslo and Bergen much more than the time in between!)
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
It's a nice trip. Not overly memorable, but nice.