Want to travel from Oslo to Norway’s fjords in a sustainable and experience-rich way? By train, you can reach the fjord – to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, or to Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord. Both journeys offer some of Norway’s most spectacular train routes, where you can step off at the final station and experience fjords, mountains, and nature right from the platform.
By train, you can travel from Oslo all the way to the edge of the fjords – without a car and with a low carbon footprint. In this article, we take a closer look at two of Norway’s most spectacular train journeys: the Bergen Line and Flåm Railway to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, and the Dovre Line and Rauma Railway to Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord. Both journeys offer impressive train routes and unique nature experiences – with fjords, mountains, and breathtaking landscapes greeting you the moment you step off the train.
See also: From Oslo to the Fjords of Western Norway
Quick Overview – Train Journeys from Oslo to the Fjords
Oslo → Flåm (Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord)
- Take the Bergen Line from Oslo to Myrdal (duration: approx. 4.5–5.5 hours).
- Change to the Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm (duration: approx. 1 hour).
- The Aurlandsfjord is right by the train station in Flåm. Travel times may vary depending on route, season, and train connections.
- Best time to visit Flåm: Flåm is a year-round destination, offering a wide range of activities, experiences, restaurants, and accommodation that are open throughout the year. From May to September is still the best time to visit Flåm, with the greatest variety of activities and experiences available. Early in the spring, at the start of the summer season, and later in autumn, some activities may be unavailable due to weather conditions, snow, and avalanche risk. Many activities and attractions are closed during winter. The road across the Aurlandsfjellet mountains is usually opened around the turn of May to June, while the stretch between Aurland and the Stegastein Viewpoint is open year-round. Train connections from Oslo and Bergen to Flåm operate throughout the year.
Oslo → Åndalsnes (Romsdalsfjord)
- Take the Dovre Line from Oslo to Lillehammer or Dombås (duration: approx. 4–5 hours from Oslo to Dombås).
- Change to the Rauma Railway from Lillehammer or Dombås to Åndalsnes (duration: approx. 1.5 hours from Dombås to Åndalsnes).
- The Romsdal Fjord is just a few steps from the train platform in Åndalsnes. Travel times may vary depending on route, season, and train connections.
- Best time to visit Åndalsnes: June to September is the best time to visit Åndalsnes, when Trollstigen is open and activity options are at their best. Early in the spring, at the start of the summer season, and later in autumn, some activities may be unavailable due to weather conditions, snow, and avalanche risk. Many activities and attractions are closed during winter. Trollstigen usually opens around the turn of May to June and is closed in winter. Outside the high season, many activities are either closed or have limited availability. Train connections from Oslo and Trondheim to Åndalsnes operate year-round.
Travel Sustainably to the Fjords by Train
Traveling by train is a low-emission alternative to cars and planes, while also offering a unique opportunity to experience Norway from your seat, watching the ever-changing landscape and beautiful scenery pass by. For visitors without a car, or for those who want to travel more sustainably, train travel provides a comfortable and inspiring way to explore.
The trains along the Bergen Line, Flåm Railway, and Rauma Railway are known as some of the most scenic in the world, with dramatic mountain passes, deep valleys, and spectacular landscapes along the way. Traveling by train allows you to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace, with a minimal carbon footprint – a form of travel that both nature and travelers appreciate.
Here you can read about two scenic, sustainable train journeys that take you from Oslo all the way to the fjord’s edge: to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord, and to Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord. These are the only fjords in Western Norway that can be reached directly by train.
By Train from Oslo to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord – Route Guide
From Oslo, you can take the Bergen Line to Myrdal, where you transfer to the spectacular Flåm Railway, which takes you down to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord. Vy (vy.no) operates the route between Oslo and Myrdal, while the Flåm Railway is run by Vy Flåm (flamsbana.no). You can book the entire journey from Oslo to Flåm on either website, including combined tickets for the Bergen Line and the Flåm Railway.
For those seeking a complete experience, the Norway in a Nutshell tour is a popular option. This round trip combines train travel on the Bergen Line from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal with the Flåm Railway down to Flåm. It can also be combined with a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, other activities, and overnight stays in Flåm.
This flexible tour allows you to tailor your trip – make sure to specify any overnight stays and the activities you want to experience when booking. The round trip offers a “full package” of the spectacular Western Norway scenery, all without a car and with a low carbon footprint. The tour is available year-round and can be booked through Fjord Tours.
The Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most spectacular rail routes, featuring 20 tunnels and a gradient of 1 in 18 over nearly 80% of the line. It is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The ride down the Flåm Valley from Myrdal to Flåm passes sheer mountainsides, dramatic waterfalls, and deep, narrow valleys. The train winds between and through rocks and cliffs, over rivers and waterfalls, offering breathtaking views along the entire route. The landscape becomes increasingly spectacular the closer you get to the fjord, and many describe the Flåm Railway as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Upon arrival in Flåm, the fjord is just a few steps from the train platform – you can stand and take in the view of the Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine nature. The area offers a wide range of activities, although not all are open year-round. The Flåm Railway, Fjord Cruises on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, FjordSafari by RIB boat, the Stegastein viewpoint, as well as several other activities, accommodations, and restaurants, are open throughout the year.
In addition to train travel and fjord cruises, you can enjoy spectacular viewpoints, hiking, kayaking, cycling, as well as a selection of accommodations and local restaurants in and around Flåm.
Brekkefossen waterfall, not far from Flåm, is a popular hiking destination during the summer. A well-maintained trail leads up to the viewpoint at Brekkefossen. The first part of the trail is a gravel path, followed by 578 stone steps up to the Raokjen viewpoint.
The neighboring villages of Aurland and Undredal are also well worth a visit. For more information on places, activities, accommodations, and attractions around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, see our article about Flåm. Keep in mind, however, that not all activities, accommodations, and restaurants are open year-round.
By Train from Oslo to Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord – Route Guide
From Oslo, the journey usually takes the Dovre Line to Dombås, where you transfer to continue on the Rauma Railway down the Romsdalen Valley to Åndalsnes. Depending on your route, the transfer may also take place at Lillehammer. Vy (vy.no) operates the route between Oslo and Lillehammer or Dombås, while SJ NORD (sj.no) runs the Rauma Railway from Lillehammer or Dombås to Åndalsnes. You can book the entire journey from Oslo to Åndalsnes on either website.
For those seeking a complete experience, the UNESCO Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell round trip is an excellent choice. It is a self-guided and flexible journey that can be tailored to individual preferences, combining some of Western Norway’s most iconic natural attractions. The tour operates from June to September and is arranged by Fjord Tours.
One possible route includes a train journey from Oslo to Åndalsnes on the Dovre Line and the Rauma Line, followed by a bus journey over Trollstigen to Geiranger. The round trip can also be extended to include Ålesund, along with overnight stays and selected activities along the way. It offers a unique way to experience fjords, mountains, and UNESCO-listed landscapes – entirely without the need for a car.
The Rauma Railway is considered one of Norway’s most scenic train routes. The stretch from Dombås to Åndalsnes passes dramatic landscapes with steep mountains, deep valleys, and rushing rivers that accompany the train all the way down to the fjord. The closer you get to the fjord, the more impressive the scenery becomes – mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and rivers create a breathtaking setting for an unforgettable nature experience.
Upon arrival at Åndalsnes, the fjord is just a few steps from the train platform – within moments, you are standing on the quay, looking into Isfjorden, surrounded by the beautiful mountains that encircle the fjord and the town.
Åndalsnes offers a great selection of activities and attractions, although not all are open year-round. The Romsdal Gondola, located just a few metres from the railway station, operates with reduced hours in December, January, and February, while the Trollstigen mountain road is closed during winter. However, there are excellent opportunities for guided ski touring through Uteguiden at Åndalsnes. In winter, you can rent ski equipment and join guided, tailor-made ski tours in the Romsdal Mountains, with almost every tour offering stunning fjord views.
During summer, you can also join guided mountain hikes and kayaking tours with Uteguiden. The hike along Romsdalseggen is often described as one of the most spectacular mountain hikes in Norway. If long and demanding hikes are not your preference, the shorter hike to Litlefjellet might be a tempting alternative.
You can also experience the Rauma Railway, which starts and ends in Åndalsnes, and visit the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre (Norsk Tindesenter), located right in the town center. Or how about relaxing in the sauna at Grand Hotel at Åndalsnes after a day of skiing, hiking, or fishing on the Romsdalsfjord? More information about accommodation, attractions, and activities in the area can be found in our article about Åndalsnes.
The train journey to Åndalsnes is more than just transportation; it is an experience in its own right. Roger Grøvdal from Åndalsnes met a traveller in Peru in 1988. This is how Roger recalls the encounter:
“I was sitting in a bar talking to an American. The young man had been travelling around the world for four years and was on his way home to the United States. His parents believed that every young person needed such a journey – a formative experience. I asked him what he remembered most from his travels, something that had really stayed with him.
He said there were three places he would never forget. The first was a lagoon on an island in the Pacific. Then came Nepal. The third was as follows:”
– I took the night train from Oslo, to a small place called Andalsness. I didn’t sleep that much on the train and that was fortunate. At end of the journey, the train went down a narrow valley called Romsdalen. The sun was coming up and set color on the mountains. I’ve never seen anything like it. Maybe the most beautiful place I’ve ever been…”
A little moved, the young Roger Grøvdal said… “Thats where I’m born” ❤
Flåm – the gateway to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
Flåm is one of several fjord villages located along the Aurlandsfjord. It is an excellent base for a wide range of memorable experiences and activities on the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.
Where the Aurlandsfjord comes to an end, the Flåm Valley begins. If the Aurlandsfjord is a fairy tale, then the Flåm Valley is an even more beautiful one – and both are well worth experiencing.
Getting to Flåm is easy. You can, for example, travel by train via the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway. By taking the Flåm Railway, you also get to experience the spectacular scenery of the Flåm Valley along the way.
There is plenty to see and do with Flåm as your base. A fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, or a FjordSafari by Rib-boat, is a must. A visit to the Stegastein viewpoint and to the idyllic fjord village of Undredal is equally recommended.
Below you can see a winter journey from the high mountains to the fjords, using electric and sustainable modes of transport throughout. The video follows the Bergen Railway across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, continues down the Flåm Railway through the Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm, and then shifts to an emission-free, fully electric fjord cruise sailing out the Aurlandsfjord. The final scene is filmed from Stegastein Viewpoint, high above the fjord, where the same vessel can be seen far below, gliding silently through the winter landscape.
Åndalsnes – the gateway to the Romsdalsfjord
Åndalsnes is the natural hub of Romsdal, serving as a key junction for roads and railways, and perfectly located for exploring the many sights and activities around the Romsdalsfjord.
Åndalsnes is an ideal base for visiting the Trollstigen mountain road, the Romsdal Gondola, Romsdalseggen, and the Rauma Railway.
Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous tourist destinations, are nearby, and the route there along the Geiranger – Trollstigen National Tourist Route is an attraction in itself.
Traveling west, you reach the Atlantic coast with the Atlantic Road, Ona Island with its lighthouse, and Midsundtrappene – spectacular hiking trails on Otrøya Island. Heading northeast, you’ll find the wild and beautiful Eikesdal with the majestic Mardalsfossen waterfall. The towns of Ålesund, Molde, and Kristiansund are also within easy reach.
Below you can see a drone video from the Romsdalseggen hike. In the video, the Rauma Railway can be seen winding far below, following the Rauma River through the Romsdalen valley.
Explore the fjords of Western Norway with the Fjord Guide
The fjords in Western Norway have been voted the world’s best travel destination by National Geographic Traveler – and it’s easy to see why. Here you will encounter dramatic nature, vibrant culture and a tranquility that few other places can offer.
In the fjord guide you will find information about the ten most beautiful and well-known fjords in Western Norway – what you can see, do and experience in each of them. Experience a fjord cruise, go on a road trip, explore charming fjord villages, or hike to viewpoints where time seems to stand still.
Along the fjords you will find everything from historic hotels and cozy guesthouses to selected Michelin Key hotels where quality, comfort and a strong local identity are at the heart of the experience. Everywhere you go, you can enjoy locally sourced food and the warm hospitality of Western Norway. Here you can create your own “fjordcation” – a break from everyday life, where you disconnect from noise and reconnect with nature, culture, and peace.
