Planning your train journey from Oslo to Bergen This amazing Oslo to Bergen railway experience can be done in one day, but of course you will want to have extra days in your itinerary to enjoy the variety of attractions in Oslo and the top sights in Bergen.
You can take the train direct Oslo to Bergen - there are 4 daytime trains for the July date I picked, 6.5-7 hours travel time. The train is very scenic and you might see snow in the mountains (I was there in May however so not sure about July).
The Oslo to Bergen train is consistently rated as one of Europe's most scenic train journeys for good reason. Although it's a long day on the train, it's worth spending that time to soak in the natural beauty of Norway.
Bergen is certainly beautiful and sitting along the west coast, its iconic buildings reflect off the glassy waters. The city is fun to explore by foot and I'd recommend having a day or two to dive into all that is here. Here's a look at how to spend a day in Bergen, Norway.
If you love big cities, museums, and international food, you'll enjoy Oslo. But if you want to experience fjords, hiking, and historic charm, Bergen is the better choice. For me, Bergen is the best city for travelers – it feels more local, it has easier to access the fjords, and it's a great base for exploring Norway.
I travel Oslo to Bergen with Trains, Fjord Cruise & Bus (Norway in a Nutshell)
How much time do I need in Bergen?
Ideally, staying in Bergen for 2 nights will give you enough time to see the city's most celebrated attractions, such as the historic Bryggen wharf area and Hanseatic Museum. You'll have time to enjoy the dining and shopping scene too and take a trip on the funicular railway up to the top of Mount Fløyen.
Yes, Bergen is very walkable, especially its compact city center with attractions like Bryggen, the Fish Market, and museums all close together, making it ideal for exploring on foot, though be prepared for some hills and the option to use public transport for longer distances or mountain hikes.
Oslo is expensive, with high prices for housing, food, and entertainment. Bergen is slightly more affordable in some areas, but still far from cheap. However, salaries in Oslo tend to be higher, which can offset the increased cost of living.
Norway's most scenic road trips often feature dramatic fjords, rugged coastlines, and towering mountains, with popular choices including the iconic Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsvegen), known for its dramatic bridges over the ocean, and routes through the Fjord Norway region (Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord) connecting stunning waterfalls and glaciers, plus northern routes like the Lofoten Islands for wild beauty. The best trip depends on your preference for coast, fjords, or mountains, but these National Tourist Routes offer unforgettable experiences.
The best months to visit Bergen are June, July, and August for the warmest weather, longest days (midnight sun potential), and peak activity, though it's the busiest and priciest time. For fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful autumn colors with milder temperatures, May and September are excellent shoulder-season choices, while winter (Nov-Mar) offers Northern Lights and snow but very cold, wet conditions and limited daylight.
What is the beautiful train ride from Oslo to Bergen?
The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) Experience one of Europe's most beautiful train journeys between Oslo and Bergen. The Bergen Line is the scenic mountain track to the fjords.
Some of the prettiest towns near Oslo offer coastal charm or historic vibes, with top contenders being Drøbak, a quaint fjord-side town with ferry access; Son, known for its historic wooden houses; Stavern, a vibrant artist colony with fortresses; and Fredrikstad, featuring a well-preserved old town. For inland beauty, consider the mountains of Norefjell or the charming villages in Vestfold county.
Skyss is the company that operates public transport in Bergen and across Vestland county. With the Bergen Card, you can travel for free on Skyss buses, the Bergen Light Rail, and some boats within the zone A.
Many Norwegians consider Ålesund to be Norway's most beautiful city, and you'll quickly see why when you visit. Plus Ålesund is right by some of Norway's most beautiful fjords and hikes, so it makes a great base from which to explore Norway's west coast.
What time of year can you see the northern lights in Bergen?
It is reasonable to try to see the Northern Lights between the end of September and the end of March. Generally, it is good to look for them between 10pm and 2am on clear nights, however they can occur anytime during dark hours.
If you just want to experience Bergen Town, two days or 48 hours in Bergen, Norway, will give you time to explore its highlights. In two days, you will have time to take the famous gondola up to Mount Ulriken or the funicular to Mount Fløyen and enjoy the views of Bergen from the surrounding mountains.
Choose Bergen for picturesque fjords, charming historic areas, and easy access to iconic Norwegian scenery (mountains, UNESCO fjords), while Oslo offers a broader range of world-class museums, art, and a more modern capital experience, though both are great but offer different vibes. Bergen is often described as more quintessentially "Norwegian" and tourist-friendly with stunning natural beauty right at its doorstep, whereas Oslo is richer in diverse cultural institutions and urban attractions.
Norway's 23/5 rule is a pathway to university admission for adults (aged 23+) without standard qualifications, requiring them to have 5 years of combined education/work experience and pass specific core subjects (Norwegian, English, Math, Science, History, Social Studies) to gain general university admissions certification. This rule provides a "second chance" for vocational students or those who didn't complete general upper secondary education, allowing them to qualify for higher education by demonstrating maturity and foundational subject knowledge.
The best months to visit Bergen are June, July, and August for the warmest weather, longest days (midnight sun potential), and peak activity, though it's the busiest and priciest time. For fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful autumn colors with milder temperatures, May and September are excellent shoulder-season choices, while winter (Nov-Mar) offers Northern Lights and snow but very cold, wet conditions and limited daylight.
Drive from Oslo to Bergen and experience the magnificent mountain passes and majestic fjord landscape. Enjoy the drive across the mountains and stop at places such as the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Flåm or Vøringsfossen waterfall.
