A 5-day Summer Bergensbanen train trip itinerary: Oslo to Finse to Bergen
- Snowstorm Adventures
- May 24
- 4 min read
If you want a Norway trip that feels both cinematic and unhurried, the Bergensbanen is hard to beat. This five-day summer-time itinerary starts in Oslo, gives you two nights in Finse, and then moves onwards to Bergen. It gives you stunning scenic views from the train, unhurried time in nature in Finse and a little time in both cities so you can see the cultural changes across the country and through the mountains.
The best thing about this route is that it turns the journey itself into the holiday. Instead of treating the train as transport, you get mountain scenery, crisp highland air, and a choice between a classic rail finish or a more adventurous descent into fjord country.
Day 1: Oslo
Arrive in Oslo and spend your first day easing into the trip. Walk the waterfront at Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, visit the Opera House area, and choose one major museum or neighbourhood rather than trying to see everything at once. At Snowstorm Adventures our favourite day thing to do in Oslo is take the water taxi to The Fram Museum to explore the polar ship.
A good first-night base is central Oslo near the station, since the Bergensbanen departs from Oslo Central Station. If you want a lighter day, add a relaxed dinner by the harbour and an early night before the train.
Day 2: Scenic train journey: Oslo to Finse
Take a daytime Bergensbanen departure so you can enjoy the scenery instead of the overnight option, which would miss the views. This is the day for the dramatic transition from city to mountain plateaus, valleys, and highland stations along the route.
Finse is the highest station on the line and a classic mountain feel, there are no roads to Finse and it is an adorable little Norwegian rail village (not that we are biased!) and a great place to pause and be in nature. If you prefer a more small town vibe then consider Geilo, the stop right before Finse, where you’ll find shops and supermarkets.
In the evening, we recommend a visit to the Rallar Museum to see the exhibits about the history of the train line and how it was to be a railway worker in Finse 100 years ago.
Day 3: First full day in Finse: Glacier walking or hiking
Your time in Finse should be slow and outdoors-focused. This is not a place for rushing between sights; it is a place to walk, breathe, and take in the plateau scenery. In summer, even a simple wander around the station area can feel special because the landscape is so open and uncluttered.
If you like hiking and ready for some exercise we recommend a guided day tour walking on the blue ice of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. A magical experience that’s on its way out as the glacier is predicted to have melted entirely in the next 70 years.
For a shorter experience you could join us at Snowstorm Adventures on a guided hike. And for a much more relaxed day we also arrange guided historical tours of the village.
Alternatively, explore some of the walking trails yourself. Climbing either Lille Finsenut or Jomfrunut are lovely walks that give wide views of Finse village and the nearby glacier.
Day 4: Biking on the Rallarvegen: Finse to Fagernut Railway Museum and Cafe
Use your second day in Finse to get to know the tundra area more. This is the right moment for a longer hike, a more ambitious photo walk, or a quiet day exploring the landscape around the station in whatever weather you get.
Another option is to rent pedal bikes and cycle along the old Rallarvegen road. Enjoy cycling through a glacially formed landscape down to the railway museum and cafe of Fagernut. At this quaint little cafe you can buy coffee and cake and enjoy what is possibly the most peaceful spot in Norway before slowly meandering back to Finse for dinner.
Day 5: Bergen
It’s time to move West. Finish your stay with the morning train from Finse to Bergen. This section of the Bergensbanen line takes you through, believe it-or-not, even more spectacular scenery and is an experience in itself.
When you arrive in Bergen, keep your afternoon compact and walkable. Start in Bryggen, then ride the Fløibanen funicular or the Ulriken gondola for city-and-fjord views, depending on the weather and your energy. If you have extra time before departure or onward travel, spend it exploring the harbour, fish market area, and the old wooden streets. Our favourite activity in Bergen is finding an independent cafe for bolle and people watching!
Top tips
Book a daytime Bergensbanen train, since the scenery is one of the main reasons to do this route and you will miss a lot of it on a night journey.
Reserve your seat on the Bergensbanen in advance because this is a popular scenic route and some trains do sell out in the Summer.
Pack layers, even in summer, because Finse is high and conditions can change quickly on the plateau.
Keep the Finse stay slow and outdoors-focused, with at least one proper walk or easy hike rather than trying to treat it as a transit stop. We highly recommend the glacier walking day tour.
Bring snacks, water, and a few train-friendly extras for the long rail sections, since a comfortable ride makes a big difference to your overall enjoyment. Most trains do have a cafe-carriage too.
Leave flexibility in the schedule so you can enjoy the mountain views, linger in Finse, and avoid turning a scenic holiday into a checklist.
Final tip for the Bergensbanen Itinerary
The strongest tip for this journey is to make Finse the heart of the trip, not just a stop on the way west. Two nights there gives the route its rhythm, and it is the part most likely to make the holiday feel special rather than rushed.
