How to get to Finse by train
- Snowstorm Adventures
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
One of the best things about Finse is that even though it might feel like one of the most remote destinations on your Norway itinerary; it's surprisingly easy to get to.
Finse is inaccessible by roads: You cannot drive to Finse. This is what makes Finse such a speical place. You don't arrive and find a parking space, or enter through a busy tourist centre. Instead, you step off a train into a high mountain, arctic tundra setting that immediatley feels quieter, wilder and more dramatic than most destinations that are this accessible.
If you're wondering how to get to Finse the answer is simple: most visitors arrive by train on the Bergensbanen railway.
There are a few important things to know before you plan your route, especially if you're coming from Oslo or Bergen. This guide covers exaclty how to reach Finse, what the journey is like (spectacular!) and how to make the trip as smooth as possible.
Where is Finse?
Finse is a small mountain settlement in Southern Norway. It's located on the highest point of the Bergensbanen railway line between Oslo and Bergen.
Finse sits right on the edge of the Hardangervidda Plateau which gives it's exposed alpine atmosphere and famously dramatic weather. The elevation is a huge part of the experience and also the reason why the experience feels so different from other lower-elevation Norway destinations.
Even though it's remote, Finse is not isolated in the 'hard to access' sense because the railway means you can be in central Oslo in the morning and four hours later step off into the wilderness at Finse. The railway is what makes Finse one of the most rewarding and unusual stops in Norway.
Can you drive to Finse?
For most travellers, the practical answer is:
No. Finse is not a normal drive-to destination.
This is one of the most important things to understand before planning your trip. Unlike many places in Norway, you cannot reach Finse by renting a car at the aiport and driving to a hotel parking lot. Finse is train access only and, most likely, that is how you should plan to arrive.
This sounds like a drawback but it's actually part of the magic.
But because of this, you should:
Book train tickets well in advance, particularly if you are a group, travel with a dog or have a lot of luggage.
Plan around the train schedules.
Book accommodation with your arrival time in mind (DNT Finsehytta for example has a fixed dinner sitting at 7pm every night and often another sitting at 9pm which you should plan to arrive for if you intend to eat dinner with them).
Avoid assuming you can improvise in the same way you might in a normal road-town trip.
How do I get to Finse from Oslo?
From Oslo, start at Oslo Central train station ('Oslo S stasjon').
From Oslo S you can join the Bergensbanen railway and take the train directly to Finse. The journey is about 4 hours and is a beautiful scenic trip with wide open vistas.
'Oslo S' station is about a 20 minute train ride from Oslo Gardermoen airport or 36 minutes to drive.
How do I get to Finse from Bergen?
From Bergen, start at Bergen train station ('Bergen stasjon').
From Bergen station you can join the Bergensbanen railway and take the train directly to Finse. The journey is about 2.5 hours and is spectacular trip with steep cliffs and mountains.
Bergen train station is about a 30 minute train ride from Bergen airport or 25 minutes to drive.
What is the train journey to Finse like?
Finse is different from other locations because the anticipation begins on the spectacularly scenic train journey even before you arrive. The Bergensbanen railway is known for its scenic mountain stations and views and arriving into Finse feels less like reaching a village and more like entering a mountain world.
The trains are comfortable. Many trains have a cafe carriage with a good variety of meals, snacks and drinks. Many trains have the option of upgrading to 'Plus' which gives more space, free tea and coffee and your own power socket. There is often also the option for a carriage with a child's play area, a quiet carriage and a carriage for dogs.
Whichever way you travel, bring sunglasses, your camera and sit back and savour the journey into Narnia.
What to expect on arriving in Finse
Arriving at Finse Station is one of the most distinctive travel moments in Norway. Instead of stepping into a busy station area with shops, traffic and lots of infrastructure, you'll find something more quiet and exposed.
Expect:
A small mountain station feel.
Dramatic weather depending on the season.
Other adventure travellers with bikes or camping equipment in the summer and sleds and skis in the winter.
Immediate access to the surrounding wilderness.
The feeling that the train is your lifeline into the wilderness.
When you arrive in Finse, it's worth arriving prepared.
First, know where your accommodation is:
Hotel Finse 1222 is located right on the station, less than a minutes walk from the train.
DNT Finsehytta is located a 300m walk or ski from the station and takes about 10 minutes to walk to.
The summer wild camping area is located on the other side of the lake of Finsevann. The walk is approximately 2km and takes about 30 minutes.
It also helps to:
Be ready for weather changes when you exit the train.
Have proper clothing accessible and not buried deep in your luggage.
Don't assume you'll want to stand around outside for long in harsh conditions.
That first impression of stepping off the train is part of what makes Finse unforgettable!
Seasonal travel considerations
Finse changes a lot with the seasons, so the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. Summer offers easier hiking, long daylight hours, and access to the Rallarvegen cycling route, while winter brings deep snow, colder temperatures, and a true Arctic-style landscape that suits skiing and winter adventures. Spring and autumn can be beautiful but less predictable, with fast-changing weather and more limited activity options.
No matter when you go, pack for sudden weather shifts and expect conditions to feel harsher than the map suggests. Even in summer, strong wind, rain, and cold snaps can make the area feel remote and demanding.
We also recommend using travel insurance because severe weather can impact train travel and your ability to get to or from your booked accomodation and activities in Finse.
Alternative ways to travel to Finse
Walking
In the Summer, it is of course possible to walk to Finse. The closest place you can drive to begin your hike to Finse is at Haugastøl. Worth noting that the hotel and tourist centre in Haugastøl make excellent coffees and often have pastries and cookies to start your hike with or a delicious pizza menu to end your hike with.
Biking
In the summer, when the Rallarvegen trail is open it is possible to bike to Finse. Most commonly, the Rallarvegen trail to Finse is accessed from Haugastøl. It is also possible to bike to Finse from Flåm.
The distance to bicycle from Haugastøl to Finse is approximately 27km, will likely take 3-4 hours and gains some vertical height.
You can transport bicycles on the train but make sure to book a space for your bicycle as well as yourself.
Skiing
In Winter, it is possible to ski to Finse. Familiarise yourself with marked winter trails at www.ut.no and remember to pack appropriately for Winter wild mountain conditions.
Should you visit Finse as a day trip or stay overnight?
Technically you can visit Finse briefly if you are already travelling in the Bergensbanen area (for example staying in Geilo), but for most people I'd strongly recommend staying for at least one night.
Why staying at least two nights in Finse is best:
If you only pass through quickly:
The visit can feel rushed and a bit stressful trying to make sure you finish your activity in time to get your train.
You're more limited in activity choices because of the train timings.
You don't get to fully experience the sense of peace and remoteness.
Weather windows can make a short trip disappointing.
If you stay for at least one night:
You get time to settle into the landscape.
You can experience morning and evening atmospheres which is when the light is usually most beautiful.
You will be less stressed about train schedules.
You're much more likely to feel like you truly visited Finse rather than just stopped there.
It makes for better travel ethics: it makes a more effective model for the local businesses of DNT Finsehytta and Hotel Finse 1222, which in turn means a better quality of experience and service for guests.
You get the chance to explore different areas of the landscape.
Is the journey to Finse worth it?
Absolutely.
Finse is truly a special place in Norway and the journey to this remote spot is actually part of what makes Finse so unique. Getting to Finse feels as rich a part of the experience as being in Finse itself. For the right traveller, that's a huge part of the appeal.
If you enjoy:
Scenic train travel,
Unusual landscapes,
Mountain destinations with glacier views,
Experiencing dramatic and variable weather and
Experiencing places that feel less touristy and more dramatic.
Then a trip to Finse is well worth the effort.
Summary
Finse feels remote, but it is surprisingly easy to reach.
You cannot drive to Finse; for most visitors it is train-access only.
From Oslo, the train journey is about 4 hours.
From Bergen, the train journey is about 2.5 hours.
The journey is part of the experience because the scenery is spectacular.
Pack and plan carefully, because you should not rely on last-minute flexibility.
Staying at least one night is recommended so the trip feels less rushed.
