Exploring Norway’s Fjords: A Journey by Train, Boat, and Bus
A 14-hour adventure through mountains, fjords, and charming villages on Norway’s most scenic route.
Standing on the platform in Oslo’s Central Train Station at six in the morning, anticipation fizzed through me. The journey we were about to embark on has been touted as one of the most scenic train treks in the world, so our expectations were high. While most travelers book tickets through a popular website, we opted to take matters into our own hands.
Our excitement soon turned to panic as departure time neared and there wasn’t another soul in sight. This trendy tourist route should have been packed, so I knew something was wrong. Just then, a lone man appeared and asked my husband, Clyde, “Can I help you?” He looked at our tickets and informed us we were on the wrong track. With just five minutes to spare, Clyde grabbed both of our carry-on bags and sprinted to the opposite end of the station. I tried to keep up but feared the doors would close, leaving me behind. Thankfully, we made it aboard just in time.
Soon the bustle of city life faded, and the generous train windows revealed Norway’s alluring countryside: lush farmland dotted with red cottages, crystal-clear lakes and brooks, majestic waterfalls, and craggy rock formations. The little engine climbed mountain passes where emerald pastures gave way to snowy landscapes. It was early July, yet snow still blanketed the mountains and roadsides. At one village, a group of hikers disembarked, layering themselves in ski pants, hats, and coats before heading out into the snow.
A while later, the train came to a complete stop in the middle of nowhere. A crew member announced a medical emergency and that we would have to wait for an ambulance, with no idea how long it might take. Passengers grew anxious—our full-day journey was tightly scheduled, and this delay could make us miss the famed Flåmsbana train and the boat through the fjords. Thankfully, when we finally reached Myrdal Station, the Flåm Railway was still waiting.
We boarded over an hour late and had slim seat choices. I squeezed between a Dutch family and their giant beagle sprawled across the floor. The dog nuzzled me for cuddles while the family, already familiar with the route, wanted to chat. All I wanted, though, was to take in the spectacular scenery. Clyde found space to stand between cars, befriending a fellow photographer as they traded turns at the windows.
The train stopped at the mighty Kjosfossen Waterfall, where passengers disembarked for photos. Mist filled the air, music began to play, and a mystical forest creature called a Hudra appeared, dancing among the rocks.
Back on board, I found a standing spot with a better view. Hilltop villages draped in flowers gave way to green meadows with grazing cows. Rustic wooden cabins lined the rivers where rapids tumbled down from towering mountains.
Our train journey ended in the tiny village of Flåm, where many tourists spend the night. Accommodation prices were high, and most had shared bathrooms—something we weren’t keen on. With a few hours to spare before the next leg, we refueled on sandwiches, drinks, and dessert at the village’s only restaurant.
Outside, the sky turned grey with occasional rain, but we were prepared with waterproof gear. Our final destination was Bergen, Norway’s “Rainiest City in Europe.”
Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun, doesn’t truly see darkness in summer. Sunsets come at 11 p.m., lingering in dusk until the sun returns around 3 a.m.
By evening, we boarded a sleek all-electric catamaran to cruise the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen. The panorama was breathtaking—colossal mountains draped with waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and villages with pastel-colored homes. Kayakers paddled through the glacial waters as we glided past.
Disembarking in Gudvangen, we boarded a bus to Voss and then caught a train into Bergen. A rain shower welcomed us, but locals carried on unbothered—joggers ran by, kids splashed in puddles, and life continued as usual, rain or shine.
Bergen charmed us with its rainbow-colored homes, historic waterfront, fragrant parks, and quintessential Scandinavian vibe.
Clyde and I have traveled to many countries, but Norway ranks among the most ravishing. Its jaw-dropping scenery, spectacular natural beauty, long daylight hours, and budget-friendly transport make it unforgettable.
Booking the 12–14-hour trek from Oslo to Bergen ourselves cost $432, not including meals or extras. Tour company packages would have topped $700. We traveled in peak season, but prices may be lower in spring or fall.
Norway did not disappoint. Our long journey from Oslo to Bergen was nothing short of incredible: dazzling natural beauty, comfortable public transport, and memories we’ll never forget.
— Terry Coles
If you’d like to see this journey come alive, join Clyde and Terry Coles as they take you along their spectacular trek from Oslo to Bergen—by train, bus, and boat. Their video captures the waterfalls, fjords, mountain passes, and colorful towns that make this one of the world’s most unforgettable travel routes: