Norway has two of the world’s best railway journeys

The Oslo-Bergen Railway and the Flaamsbana Railway (Flåmsbana) have been voted as two of the top 25 Railway journeys in the world by The Society of International Railway Travellers .

Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) loops its way from Myrdal to Flåm 865 meters below, nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord.

Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway’s major and most spectacular tourist attractions.

Cascading waterfalls

The train journey provides some of Norway’s wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20-kilometre long train ride you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms that cling dizzily to sheer slopes.

The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The gradient is 55/1000 on almost 80% of the line. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are manifestations of the most daring and skilful engineering in Norwegian railway history.

At the foot of the mountains you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Flåm Valley and admire the majestic Aurlandfjord, a branch of Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord.

The railway recently underwent a facelift; its new fleet of trains, in forest green livery, comprises five engines and 12 cars. It also boasts new interiors and a unique guide and loudspeaker service.

Oslo-Bergen Railway

Different international ratings consider the train ride between Oslo and Bergen with the Bergen Railway as the most exciting and beautiful train ride in the world. Last up was the well known travel journalist Gary Warner, who published his favourite train rides in the American newspaper The Chicago Tribune.

Riding high

No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than the one between Oslo and Bergen. Its highest point is Finse, 1,222 metres above sea level. During the ride you will witness amazing nature. The total travel time between Oslo and Bergen is approximately seven hours.

Introduction/History:
The complete Oslo-Bergen line was opened in 1909 as the only year-round land transport between Norway’s two largest cities. It was electrified in 1964. The 300-mile length of track passes through 200 tunnels and 18 miles of snowsheds in addition to crossing more than 300 bridges. In 2009, the Bergen Railway celebrates its 100th anniversary!

The scenery on the 7-hour Bergen Railway trip across the Hardanger plateau, the largest wilderness area in Europe, is breathtaking. Keep your eyes open for reindeer and other wild animals on what the Eurail Guide calls the “most scenic rail trip in Europe.”

A cruise-and-hike is a cost-effective way to see Norway

At this trip you will see Bergen, Sognefjord, Flåm, Eidfjord and Hardangervidda.

Hiking in Norway

“…I found a neat way to explore this lovely land without paying an arm and a leg.

By cruising with a group of hikers, we were able to see the sights at affordable prices – with the added creature comforts of a cruise ship as a bonus…

…The idea of taking an organised walk at each port of call is new, but it’s one which is gaining in popularity…

…By day you can yomp around in shorts and T-shirt, trainers and boots, exploring the local countryside. By night, back on board, you can shower and change into your gladrags for the evening’s entertainment…”

What’s the deal?

An eight-day trip sailing on Balmoral to the Norwegian Fjords costs from £861pp including shore transport and some tips with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For more info go to www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk or call 01707 386767.

Read the full story at www.mirror.co.uk

A unique culture cruise

 

In November the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) and its orchestra will board the coastal express ship MS Trollfjord in Bergen for a culture cruise.

With 11 ports of call and just as many days, Hurtigruten and NRK wish to give passengers a unique cultural experience.

The cruise starts in Bergen Monday 5 November. It then travels northwards and makes its return in Alta Friday 16 November. 

During the cruise there will be concerts with the NRK Orchestra and various shows every night – all broadcast directly on the NRK radio channel P2.

Artists performing during the cultural cruise include Norwegian singer Wenche Myhre and Norwegian pianist Håvard Gimse.

Norway’s fjords are a hit

 

Tourists continue to visit Norway’s western fjords in increasing numbers.

During the first quarter of 2007 985,000 overnight stays were recorded at hotels, camp sites and cabins in the area according to Terje Devold, managing director of Fjord Norway. These figures mean that Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn & Fjordane and Møre & Romsdal, the four counties that make up Fjord Norway, have seen a tourist growth of 16.5 percent so far this year. Growth for the rest of Norway was up 5.6 percent.

Rogaland County has been the most popular, with tourist visits up 30 percent. The biggest increase in visits are from abroad. According to Devold the foreign market has increased by 32 percent for Fjord-Norway in the first quarter.

Fly to Bergen from all over the world

From 18 May 2007, Icelandair will be having three weekly flights directly to the Norwegian city of Bergen, with a stopover on Iceland. This opens for “direct” flights from New York, Baltimore/Washington, Minneapolis and Boston.

Bergen, the gateway to the fantastic Norwegian fjords, also has flights from cities in England, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Cheque Republic, Croatia, Lativa and Austria.