Some come to Bergen for the fjords, others for its historic harbour. Those with a little more time, however, should consider turning the journey there into a destination in its own right.

If you clicked into this post, chances are you are already half-convinced about commuting via train from Oslo to Bergen; you’re now probably making a preliminary scan on what the journey will actually be like in practice, such as, Is there wifi? Can I charge my phone? Do I need to book seats in advance? And what is Norway in a Nutshell anyway?

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Where can I book my tickets?

Vy is the official website; and as far as third-party sites go, I will only venture as far as to vouch for Rail Ninja. Ticket prices are pretty standard so you will want to refrain from diving too deep into bargain-hunting; you’re more likely to run into questionable sites than genuinely better deals down that path.

ON THAT NOTE: My advice here is specific to third-party websites that sell only the train ticket and nothing else. There are plenty of tour websites that offer this same train journey as part of a larger travel package; most of these are legitimate – but again, please conduct due diligence before hopping in.

Do I really need to book tickets in advance?

I’m assuming the actual question is, is there an option to book seats only when you’re at the station because you want to keep things flexible – and the answer is, yes, technically you can. There isn’t a strict cut-off time or date for ticket sales per se; so as long as there are seats available, you can buy one literally even as the train is about to leave.

The keywords here, of course, are “as long as there are seats available”.

Weekends, holidays, and peak summer season are instances of when you probably don’t want to be flirting so vehemently with fate. Also, if you have seating preferences or are travelling as part of a larger entourage, I strongly discourage against the gamble; the last thing you’d want on a seven-hour train ride is to have to have to sit it out with bunch of sulky companions – or worse, be split up because there aren’t enough seats to take you all in.

I’m only travelling in 6 months, why are all the seats already sold out?

They aren’t.

If you’re checking for availability more than 90 days in advance, all tickets will be reflected as “sold out” by default. Go back again when you’re 90 days away from your travel date.

Which departure time is the best?

Generally speaking, the earlier the better because the corniche of this journey braids a confluence of forests and mountains and fjord inlets that you should not deprive your eyes of, and daylight coverage gives you consistent visibility through what will feel like a seven-hour nature documentary very quickly in.

That said, I have also always been a firm believer that the best time is the best time, for you; and as such, whatever best fits the cadence of your plan, is the best time. Don’t let the internet influence you otherwise.

Are trains frequently delayed?

Train companies are often inclined to prioritise long-distance journeys; and as far as the Oslo-Bergen route goes, it is generally pretty reliable and massive delays are not typical. Even when they do happen, the train company usually does as much as possible to reroute you via alternative means; so even though you might not reach as exactly stipulated, you will still get there (albeit a little off schedule).

The only time this becomes itinerary-altering is when Mother Nature decides to throw a wrench in the works when you are already on board: because the Oslo-Bergen route criss-crosses mountainous terrains and long stretches of rugged, uninhabited wilderness, weather-trigged circumstances such as landslides and heavy snowfall (especially at higher passes) can bring sections of the line to a temporary standstill; in cases where the situation is bad enough, the train may even turn back. It is relatively uncommon, but a little bit of travel insurance wouldn’t hurt either, is what I’m saying.

Should I do Oslo-Bergen, or Bergen-Oslo?

As always, the best direction is the one that best fits the plan – although, when it comes to long rail rides, I have to confess that I actually do have a preference, and that is for taking the route that brings you in to an increasingly dramatic landscape (i.e. Oslo-Bergen). In all practicality, the Oslo-Bergen route takes you out of it; and so your visual high will taper off like a balloon slowly losing its air via a single pinhole, eventually de-culminating in the deflated urban sprawl that is Oslo.

What do I do with my luggage?

There are designated racks for suitcases at the ends of each carriage, with plenty of space to accommodate spillovers even if the train runs full. There is also overhead space for smaller carry-ons. If you have odd or oversized items (like, say, a bicycle, or a giant luggage), there is a special luggage area just before the end of the train (between the cafe and the sleeper cabins) dedicated just for that.

Mildly anxious travellers, you will be highly comforted to know that as far as theft goes, Norway is quite possibly the last country in the world you will have anything to worry about. Leave your luggage where they are and just enjoy the ride.

Intermediately anxious travellers, there is always the option of picking a seat near the luggage area when purchasing your ticket. This will allow you to keep a watchful eye on your suitcases at all times, especially when people are getting on and off.

Chronically anxious travellers, just go ahead and book the sleeper cabin. Mind, you will be shelling out at least 2-3 times more money but if you travel with a genuine crippling anxiety, it’s well worth the upgrade. Each sleeper compartment is made to seat 6 people, but if there are only 1-2 of you, all your luggage will fit in perfectly with you. The furthest I would stretch this setup is to 3; thereafter, the space is going to be a lot less forgiving for both humans and suitcases in tow.

Is there a luggage limit?

Theoretically there is a three-luggage limit per person with a maximum combined weight of 30kg… but literally no one checks.

If you are bringing a bicycle, you will need to reserve a space for your bike prior to departure.

Is there food on board?

Yes… although, I must warn you that the menu is fairly pricey and word on the street is that everything is chargeable – even hot water.

The silver lining is that the range is pretty decent and the food actually good; so if you don’t fancy prepping a packed lunch, you’re unlikely to regret it even as you find yourself parting with a little more money than you would normally care for.

Also, a side note because this question came up on Facebook a couple of times: the restaurant wagonis available on all options of this route, regardless of departure time. There is also seating available there (it’s almost like a small cafe and all rather quaint); but if you prefer, you may also lunch in your own seat (as many travellers do).

Are there shower facilities on board?

Unfortunately not, and you won’t find them at the station either.

If you’re taking an overnight train and this matters to you, you may want to head directly to your hotel upon disembarkation. There are a couple of beautiful boutique hotels just a minute’s walk away*; alternatively, most other hotels are within a fifteen-minute amble. Keep in mind that your path will be cobblestone for most part so if you have luggage in tow, maybe hop on a short cab ride to where you need to be. It won’t take more than five minutes and isn’t likely to burn a hole in your pockets either. Use Bolt or Uber for transparent fares*.

* I personally stayed at Zander K which is right smack at the side of the train station; and I cannot recommend it enough.

** this is a 100% an unsponsored recommendation.

What about wifi and charging?

There is free wifi though extremely spotty once you start moving through the nature parts (which, as you know, is almost all of it).

Further, each seat comes with its own charging port – which I also advise against relying on completely; I had two in my sleeper cabin and one charging port wasn’t working whilst the other took so absurdly long I decided against utilising it for the sake of my device’s battery health.

Since the train is making a few stops in between, is there time to hop off at some of them for a quick peek?

If my memory serves me correctly, the train does stop a wee bit longer at a couple of stations; but you definitely do not want to be hopping off and on because this is essentially not made to be a touristic journey. Most times, there is zero chance to do this without risk of the train departing without you.

When the former does so happen, there will be an announcement beforehand that tells you where and for how long (bad news: it’s usually five to ten minutes tops). Adhere to it strictly. Norway is notoriously punctual and the train will leave exactly when it says it will.

I am trying to maximise my journey: can I do Oslo-Flåm-Bergen in one day?

Technically speaking, you can: Get off at Myrdal and then change to the Flåmsbana which continues you up north. When you’re done and dusted, get back on the Flåmsbana back to Myrdal again; and there, switch trains back to the one that goes to Bergen.

Realistically speaking? You probably shouldn’t.

The journey from Oslo to Myrdal is a five-hour train trip; and Myrdal to Bergen another two. If you’re thinking of squeezing in a visit to the Viking Village or hopping on a fjord tour, it’s going to be even more of a tightrope walk because the former closes at 6pm (with reduced hours during winter) while the latter is an activity at least two-to-three hours long.

All in all you will be looking at a fourteen-to-sixteen-hour day; which by all means, is more than enough to exhaust me just by the sound of it. But course, if this is exactly how you roll, then definitely. It is, mathematically, possible to do Oslo-Flåm-Bergen in one day.

I keep seeing ‘Norway In A Nutshell‘ everywhere: what is that?

lolll. Norway In A Nutshell is confusing only because it sounds like it’s supposed to be a ‘thing’; but really, it’s the name of a tour run by Fjord Tours… that basically just got really famous.

At its core, Norway In A Nutshell is a pre-packaged, logistically seamless train route that allows you to make the most out of your Oslo-Bergen journey by stitching it together with a handful of other side quests; and it’s also fully self-guided so the experience unfolds entirely at your discretion.

Typically, this includes:

✺ a train between Oslo and Myrdal
✺ the iconic Flåm Railway down to Flåm
✺ a fjord cruise through the Nærøyfjord, and
✺ plenty of other stuff, like fjord villages and valleys and scenic viewpoints, etc. (You get to fully customise your itinerary)

Contradictory to my aforementioned advice on the Oslo-Flåm-Bergen itinerary, Norway In A Nutshell actually allows you to tick off all three in a single day (which, for the record, I am sticking to my guns and refusing to recommend); or spread out across a few days. The most natural question proceeding this then, of course, is, “well, can’t I just arrange this myself for much cheaper?“

Precisely.

You can. You’re not actually paying for anything exclusive when you book a ticket on Norway In A Nutshell. All routes and activities offered are 100% public and considering that you don’t even get a guide, you are right to say that you can piece together your own itinerary in the exact same way for a lot less.

But, Norway In A Nutshell is arguably a more convenient way to tie it all together. Think of it as a ready-made framework that removes all the logistical guesswork; and it does connect all the moving parts in a way that makes what-would-otherwise-be-a-convoluted-journey extremely stress-free.

Notably, Norway In A Nutshell also offers luggage transfer services, which can come in really handy because, who wants to be dragging their suitcases everywhere as they move from one sightseeing point to the next? Keep in mind though, that they deliver only to hotel accommodations, so if you’re holing up in an Airbnb, this service will not be available to you.

Here’s a good resource from YouTube that will tell you more:

How far is the train station from where I need to be?

Presuming you are staying where most travellers tend to be at either end, there is very little legwork involved in getting yourself where you need to be.

Specifically, Bergen’s main downtown area is but a gentle ten-to-fifteen minute stroll away from the train station – although, as noted earlier, the path is mainly cobblestone and even slightly inclined, so a cab for that first commute might prove wiser.

By a rare stroke of genius, I had a room booked at the Zander K, which is located practically at the doorstep of the train station and just about the most precious design-infused little hipster boutique hotel you can find in Bergen.

Oslo, of course, is no exception either. It is relatively compact for a capital city and as long as you are staying centrally, your hotel (and most key sights) will be within walking distance – or a short tram ride – away. I was holed up at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel* in Oslo, which is practically connected to the train station and a very, very judicious decision that you will thank yourself for when you have a 6am train to catch to Bergen.

* At the time of writing, there are at least 3 other Radisson Blus in Oslo. If you want to be near the station, the one you want is Radisson Blu Plaza.

Are there any family-friendly amenities on board?

Yes, and surprisingly brilliantly done.

If you are travelling with young ones in tow, book a seat in the family car. There is a soft play area that will prove pretty nifty when all that extra energy needs some channeling; plus the bathrooms are considerately larger and equipped with a changing table as well.

And yes, there is alloted parking space for strollers – although, as with oversized luggage, a spot needs to be reserved in advance.

I’m still in two minds about taking a 7hr train ride when the journey literally takes 1hr by plane…

An absolutely valid point:, and there is literally no right or wrong answer. Some perceive this journey as logistics, others as a whole experience unto itself; and as the adage goes, to each their own. I once shared a 6hr train ride in Finland with my sixteen-year-old niece who spent the entire journey binge-watching old House episodes on her iPad; whereas I, some three years ago, came out of a 17hr train ride in Sweden wanting more. It is certain to say that she would very much have preferred the plane while I would choose the train, every single time.

It really just comes down to personal preference, and it shouldn’t be a difficult decision once you break it down like that. But just in case you’re still in two minds, here are all five ways of getting between Oslo and Bergen, and how they stack up against one another.

Still undecided? Here are two more resources from YouTube for you to dip your head into: the first is a whopping 7-hour long video of the full train journey from Bergen to Oslo; and the other which I picked for good contrast, is a concise 20-minute version of the same journey, but flipped the other way round from Oslo to Bergen (and during winter at that).

did you reach bergen a little exhausted? this guide might actually really help. ♡