The beautiful city of Bergen and its wooden houses (Bryggen)
When deciding on places to visit in Norway, be sure to divide your time between the lovely towns and cities, and the truly unique nature. From impressive waterfalls and stunning fjords to Norway’s amazing shops, restaurants and entertainment, you’ll see it all when you ride the rails. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, your Eurail Norway Pass is the key to unlocking it.
The cultural mix in Oslo
Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is a mecca of international activities, music, art, culture, science and history. From the unusual, like the Fire Museum (Brannmuseet i Oslo), to the historical Aker Brygge Wharf and the Royal Palace. Oslo will suit your style, no matter what that is. Spend some time listening to the local music and enjoy the hearty cuisine before venturing away from the city into the majestic fjords and stunning nature.
View more things to do in Oslo.
Step off the train at Oslo’s station Nationaltheatret, and the royal palace grounds will be directly in front of you.
Natural beauty in Bergen
The train ride from Oslo to Bergen has been called the most beautiful in the world. Mountains, lakes, rivers and forests await you along the way. In Bergen, there’s plenty to do. The famous Bryggen wooden wharf houses celebrate 900 years of Norwegian tradition. Ride the Funicular Cable Car, and soar to the top of Mount Floyen, 1,050 feet above sea level. Love fresh seafood? The lower station is just steps from the fish market.
From Bergen station (Bergen Stasjon), the lower station of the Funicular Cable Car is a
10-minute walk.
Steepest railway line in the world in Flåm
Some very skillful engineering created the rail path from Flåm to Myrdal. This is one of Norway’s most popular attractions and also boasts magnificent natural scenery. The steepest inclines for any railroad (at some points, up to a 55% gradient) , plus narrow paths that pass into and out of the mountainside, waterfalls and wildlife make this journey truly unique. Your 40-minute train ride will provide memories that last a lifetime.
You can travel from Bergen to Flåm in about 3 hours, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery – mountains, fjords and forests – along the way.
Gamlebyen, the Old Town (Fredrikstad)
One of Norway´s most popular attractions, the old town (Gamlebyen) in Fredrikstad is the best-preserved fortress town in all of Scandinavia. Breathtaking and dynamic, the area boasts cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, quaint shops, the Fredrikstad City Museum, and a spectacular Saturday morning flea market. Spend a day walking back through time to 17th century simplicity and beauty.
Fredrikstad is about 1 ½ hours by train from Oslo.
Say hello to Aurora Borealis
Get front row seats to the Northern Lights. The best months to witness this breathtaking natural event are October, February and March. But the Lights are ever-changing, so it’s worth checking into the possibilities whenever you plan to visit Norway. Specific weather conditions are also a factor. (The Lights are best visible in the very northern parts of Norway, such as Narvik, Bodø, Tromsø and Finnmark.)
Bodø is the northern end of the Norwegian State Railways.
Mountain lake, NorwayWhen to go
Most tourists prefer to visit Norway in the summertime, when daylight lasts for 18-20 hours per day. In contrast, the winter months see short days, with daylight lasting only a few hours. However, winter and early spring are the best times to view the Northern Lights, if you’re so inclined.
Climate
The climate in Norway is relatively temperate, despite its very northern location. The Gulf Stream ensures that the temperatures – especially inland, like in Oslo and the surrounding cities – enjoy mild winters and warm summers. Coastal climates can change more frequently, but rarely get extreme.
Holmenkollen Ski Festival
In 2011, more than 1.2 million spectators came out to see the 12-day event, which features competitions in ski jump, cross country, and combined events.
From Oslo Central station take metro 1 to Holmenkollen.
Norwegian Wood
This small music festival in Oslo has an impressive line-up of classic rock acts and Norwegian bands playing on a festival for the first time. The festival takes place at a public open-air bath, so you can go for a swim during the concerts!
The festival site can be reached by tram 12, bus 20 (stop Frogner stadion or Vigelandsparken) or by metro (stop Majorstuen) from Oslo's main train station.
Oslo jazz festival
Oslo’s 6-day jazz festival offers an eclectic mix of jazz sounds. The event includes colorful jazz parades through the city.
The jazz festival is held at locations around Oslo.
Constitution Day
Oslo’s citizens do traditional garb and fill the streets, gathering at the Royal Palace for celebration and merry-making to honor the country’s constitution.
The Royal Palace is a 20-minute walk from Oslo’s Central station.
Øya Festival
This popular 5-day summer festival is Oslo’s largest and offers an excellent selection of international and local acts across 4 stages.
The festival is located in Medieval Park in Gamlebyen, just a 10-minute walk from Oslo’s main train station.
Amandus Film Festival
Each year, the city of Lillehammer welcomes filmmakers under the age of 20 to compete in various categories, from screenplay writing to production and direction. Workshops, seminars and events round out the 3-day event.
Lillehammer is a 2 hr train ride from Oslo. The festival venues are within walking distance of Lillehammer’s train station.
