Our recent trip to Norway was a true odyssey across the south of one of the most incredible countries we’ve ever visited. After a bit of back-and-forth trying to figure out how we’d actually get to Bergen, we eventually settled on the 7-hour train journey on the Bergensbanen—giving us the chance to travel between Oslo and Bergen in one unforgettable trip.
This is widely considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world—but that doesn’t automatically make it perfect.
So, a week after returning to the UK… was it actually worth it?
The short answer is yes — the train from Oslo to Bergen is absolutely worth it for the scenery… but it’s a one-time experience, not something you’d rush to repeat.
If you’re considering it yourself, you probably want a bit more than that. So in this post, I’ll break down the cost, the highlights, the honest downsides, and a few practical tips for surviving the full 7 hours.
What is the Oslo to Bergen Train?
The train from Oslo to Bergen—known as the Bergensbanen—is often ranked among the most scenic railway journeys in the world. And after experiencing it for ourselves, it’s easy to see why.
Stretching for 471 kilometres across southern Norway, the route cuts from east to west over mountains, across vast plateaus, and through some of the most remote landscapes in the country. The full journey typically takes between 6.5 and 7.5 hours, depending on the service and conditions.
This isn’t a simple point-to-point sprint either. The train makes regular stops along the way—particularly around popular ski areas like Geilo and Voss. While that might sound like it would break up the flow, it actually adds to the experience, giving you a glimpse into smaller towns and a better sense of just how varied Norway’s landscape really is.
Onboard, the experience is comfortable rather than luxurious—but more than enough for a journey of this length. We opted for the ‘Plus’ seats, which we were very glad we did. At 6 foot 4, legroom can make or break a long journey for me, and here I could stretch out the entire way. The seats recline enough to make it easy to relax, and yes—even sneak in a quick train nap (although it does feel slightly criminal when the views outside are constantly changing).
What Makes It Worth It?
It’s hard to fully capture just how spectacular this journey is. We were incredibly lucky, with heavy snowfall both before and during the trip, transforming the landscape into something that felt like a winter wonderland—like stepping straight into Narnia as we left Oslo.
As the train climbed higher, the snow deepened into what felt like a vast white desert, stretching endlessly in every direction. We enjoyed watching local people going about their daily business on skis, giving us a brief glimpse into the range of Norwegian lifestyles. Then, almost as suddenly as it arrived, it began to fade about an hour or two before reaching Bergen—revealing a completely different world of lush, green, alpine scenery.
I’ve always been a fan of a scenic lake or a dramatic mountain landscape, and this journey delivers both in abundance. Just as you start to feel like you’ve “seen it all”, the view shifts again. For us, that moment came about 90 minutes in, when the first proper mountains rose into view—far taller and more imposing than we’d expected, looming over the valley as the train wound its way through.
As a huge Star Wars nerd, my personal highlight was passing through Finse and the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier—the filming location for the icy planet Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. It’s a stark, almost eerie landscape, but I could instantly picture Luke Skywalker riding a Tauntaun across the snow.
For travellers like us—always on the lookout for hiking opportunities and a bit of adventure—the journey does more than just get you from A to B. It builds anticipation. By the time we arrived in Bergen, we were completely in the mood to get out and explore.
And despite clocking in at around 6.5 hours, it genuinely didn’t feel that long. The constantly changing scenery keeps you engaged, and the free, unlimited hot chocolate certainly didn’t hurt either.
The Downsides
As incredible as the journey is, it’s not without its drawbacks—and this is where the “only once” part of our verdict really comes into play.
For us, the biggest downside was the return journey. After spending 5 nights in Bergen, taking the train back to Oslo felt noticeably more arduous. The scenery, while still beautiful, didn’t quite have the same impact the second time around, and the sense of novelty had definitely worn off. It’s the kind of journey that’s unforgettable the first time – but slightly too familiar the second.
Our experience wasn’t helped by a mid-journey bus replacement, which meant the extra legroom we’d paid for in ‘Plus’ seats suddenly disappeared. That said, this was just unfortunate timing and won’t affect every journey—but it’s a reminder that long rail trips aren’t always seamless.
The length of the journey is also something to seriously consider. At 6–7 hours, it’s a big time commitment, and on the way back especially, boredom did start to creep in.
Then there’s the cost. We paid over £400 for two return tickets with ‘Plus’ seats, which is a significant expense—especially when you factor in additional spending on food and drinks along the way. When you compare that to a roughly 55-minute flight between Bergen and Oslo, which can cost around £92, it does make you question whether the return leg is really worth it.
Our advice? Take the train once, and if your itinerary allows, consider flying one way. You’ll still get the full experience without doubling the time and cost. Of course, we understand that logistics don’t always make that possible—and if you do end up taking the train both ways, it’s still the more adventurous option.
Hints and Tips
You probably don’t need a full guide on how to sit on a train for 7 hours—but we did pick up a few useful tips along the way.
- Leave early in the morning
We set off around 6am from Oslo, which gave us a full afternoon to explore Bergen at its best. Factor in a tactical nap on the train, and you’ll arrive feeling surprisingly fresh. - Use the VY app
We booked everything through the Vy app, and the whole process was smooth and straightforward. It’s easily the simplest way to manage tickets and check times. - Pack your own snacks
There is a buffet cart onboard, but once you’re settled in, it’s nice not to have to think about food. We’d recommend stopping at somewhere like 7-Eleven beforehand and stocking up. Bonus points if you grab a few Barebells protein bars—they come in loads of flavours and are perfect for the journey. - Sit on the left-hand side
We were told this before travelling, and it turned out to be spot on. The scenery is beautiful on both sides, but for much of the journey, the most dramatic views tend to be on the left.
Final Verdict
So, with all that considered, let’s answer the three key questions.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. It’s a totally unforgettable experience and one of the most unique ways to see a huge stretch of Norway and its incredible landscape.
Would we do it again?
Honestly, once was enough—so probably not. That’s not a knock on the experience at all, but 7 hours on a train is a long time, and not something you’ll be rushing to repeat—especially in the same week.
Who should do it?
If it’s your first time visiting Norway, the Bergensbanen should be high on your list. Both Oslo and Bergen are well worth visiting for very different reasons, and if you love dramatic scenery, this journey delivers in a big way.
Bonus tip
If you’re skiing in Voss, consider hopping on the train for a day trip to Bergen. It’s a much shorter journey and makes for a great change of pace from the slopes.
If you’re planning the journey—or you’ve already done it—we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Because for us, the Oslo to Bergen train is simple:
an unforgettable experience… just not one we’d rush to do twice.
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