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.”
Posted by visitnorway 
