Whether it’s Athens, Paris, or finding the one welcoming place in Spain nowadays, Europe is always calling our name when we’re ready to cash in our PTO.
But hold off on making travel plans for a moment! A new report claims there’s a record-breaking train that’s undoubtedly Europe’s top summer adventure.
You might be surprised to discover it’s not France, Greece, Spain, or any of the most notable names you’d think of; it’s actually a stunning journey through Scandinavia’s stunning landscapes that saw a record of passengers left gobsmacked in 2024.
I wasn’t one of them last year, but I’ve experienced it in previous years, and I can attest: the Oslo-Bergen Railway has stuck in my mind’s eye as one of my top travel memories, and it will be for you too.
Just avoid burritos in Norway…You’ll thank me later.
81.9 Million Journeys — But This One Is Norway’s Best!
Oslo. One of Europe’s most underrated capitals.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 3 times and it’s been a blast every time despite the bruised bank account afterward.
While I had to sacrifice $8 Red Bulls for caffeine headache withdrawals, overall, Norway is truly phenomenal from its welcoming locals, captivating folklore, Hogwarts-esque train stations, and most magnificent fjords, something so beautiful it doesn’t seem possible to be real; a true “pinch me” moment.
Unless you’re already in Scandinavia, your easiest access point will be Oslo, a city with 3 direct connections from the U.S via highly-respected Scandinavian Airlines or low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways, possibly the biggest bag police airline on Earth (be sure to pack wisely!).
Having been to Oslo a handful of times, as much as I enjoy the unique culture, vibrant waterfronts, and world-renowned art exhibits, it’s best served by a short stay, which makes a trip across Norway’s astounding scenery and postcard villages even more enticing.
A record 81.9 million rail journeys transpired across Norway in 2024, but there’s no doubt the Oslo-Bergen Railway (also referred to as “Bergensbanen” if you want to try your hand at Norse) is not only the most popular, but globally renowned as the ultimate summertime thrill.
There are a total of 12 stops between Oslo and Bergen, the gateway to Norway’s famous fjords. While it may be tempting to stay put in your window seat the whole journey, don’t sleep on the in-between.
Norway’s Postcard Villages
After departing from Oslo, the first stop is Drammen, a scenic riverside stopping point before the real adventure begins.
The next stretch escapes the city bustle of crowded plazas, line-out-the-door museums, and never-ending troll statues, traversing village after village for hours before ultimately ending up in a what feels like a Lord of the Rings film set.
Among the many charming stops along the way, these 3 are particularly notable:
Flå: Home to Bjørneparken (Bear Park), this small village nestled in the green Hallingdal valley is the ultimate destination for wildlife lovers who can get up close and personal with foxes, bears, wolves, moose, and more!
Finse: Reaching Finse is the pinnacle of the journey — literally. Sitting over 4,000 feet high, Finse offers a winter wonderland setting in the midst of summer with snow-capped mountains in a vast expanse of raw, untouched wilderness.
Voss: Ever paid for overpriced glass bottles of water with “Voss” slapped on the label? Well, you’ve reached its namesake! Voss offers a treasure trove of activities for thrill-seekers, for which you can refuel with, you guessed it, Voss water. This tiny village is Norway’s “adrenaline capital” with towering waterfalls, white-water rapids, skydiving, skiing, and anything that gets your blood pumping.
Bergen: Norway’s Heaven On Earth
There are nearly 200 countries on our beautiful planet. I’ve only checked off about 40 thus far, but when people ask me for advice on where to go in Europe, Bergen is always a top hidden gem I recommend, no matter the season.
When I visited, it was during the throes of winter, and every aforementioned village and beyond was a Hallmark movie with gleaming white snow blankets and winter wonderland magic.
Come summer, Bergen and the surrounding region take on a whole new vibe, but even more vivid and lush.
If you’re not familiar with fjords, Merriam-Webster defines them as “a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes,” which sounds way less enthralling than it is in real life.
While I’m not a religious man, it’s hard not to question whether Bergen’s fjords weren’t meticulously designed. They are a living masterpiece carved by millennia of ice and water, forming awe-inspiring cliffs, valleys, and pristine waterways.
But it’s not just the fjords outside of town, the townscape is a charming destination itself with a picturesque main plaza that puts life into perspective how small we are amongst the staggering peaks.
Ticket prices vary day to day. Purchase tickets for the roughly 6-hour journey here.
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