Whether it is Athens, Paris, or discovering the one welcoming place in Spain these days, Europe is at all times calling our title once we’re able to money in our PTO.
But maintain off on making journey plans for a second! A brand new report claims there is a record-breaking prepare that is undoubtedly Europe’s high summer time journey.
You is perhaps stunned to find it is not France, Greece, Spain, or any of essentially the most notable names you’d consider; it is really a shocking journey by way of Scandinavia’s beautiful landscapes that noticed a file of passengers left gobsmacked in 2024.
I wasn’t one in all them final yr, however I’ve skilled it in earlier years, and I can attest: the Oslo-Bergen Railway has caught in my thoughts’s eye as one in all my high journey recollections, and it will likely be for you too.
Just keep away from burritos in Norway…You’ll thank me later.
81.9 Million Journeys — But This One Is Norway’s Best!
Oslo. One of Europe’s most underrated capitals.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 3 occasions and it has been a blast each time regardless of the bruised checking account afterward.
While I needed to sacrifice $8 Red Bulls for caffeine headache withdrawals, general, Norway is actually phenomenal from its welcoming locals, fascinating folklore, Hogwarts-esque prepare stations, and most luxurious fjords, one thing so lovely it would not appear doable to be actual; a real “pinch me” second.
Unless you are already in Scandinavia, your best entry level shall be Oslo, a metropolis with 3 direct connections from the U.S through highly-respected Scandinavian Airlines or low-cost service Norse Atlantic Airways, presumably the most important bag police airline on Earth (you’ll want to pack properly!).
Having been to Oslo a handful of occasions, as a lot as I benefit from the distinctive tradition, vibrant waterfronts, and world-renowned artwork displays, it is best served by a brief keep, which makes a visit throughout Norway’s astounding surroundings and postcard villages much more engaging.
A file 81.9 million rail journeys transpired throughout Norway in 2024, however there isn’t any doubt the Oslo-Bergen Railway (additionally known as “Bergensbanen” if you wish to attempt your hand at Norse) is just not solely the most well-liked, however globally famend as the last word summertime thrill.
There are a complete of 12 stops between Oslo and Bergen, the gateway to Norway’s well-known fjords. While it might be tempting to remain put in your window seat the entire journey, do not sleep on the in-between.
Norway’s Postcard Villages
After departing from Oslo, the primary cease is Drammen, a scenic riverside stopping level earlier than the true journey begins.
The subsequent stretch escapes town bustle of crowded plazas, line-out-the-door museums, and unending troll statues, traversing village after village for hours earlier than in the end ending up in a what seems like a Lord of the Rings movie set.
Among the numerous charming stops alongside the best way, these 3 are notably notable:
Flå: Home to Bjørneparken (Bear Park), this small village nestled within the inexperienced Hallingdal valley is the last word vacation spot for wildlife lovers who can rise up shut and private with foxes, bears, wolves, moose, and extra!
Finse: Reaching Finse is the head of the journey — actually. Sitting over 4,000 toes excessive, Finse affords a winter wonderland setting within the midst of summer time with snow-capped mountains in an unlimited expanse of uncooked, untouched wilderness.
Voss: Ever paid for overpriced glass bottles of water with “Voss” slapped on the label? Well, you have reached its namesake! Voss affords a treasure trove of actions for thrill-seekers, for which you’ll be able to refuel with, you guessed it, Voss water. This tiny village is Norway’s “adrenaline capital” with towering waterfalls, white-water rapids, skydiving, snowboarding, and something that will get your blood pumping.
Bergen: Norway’s Heaven On Earth
There are practically 200 nations on our lovely planet. I’ve solely checked off about 40 so far, however when individuals ask me for recommendation on the place to go in Europe, Bergen is at all times a high hidden gem I like to recommend, irrespective of the season.
When I visited, it was throughout the throes of winter, and each aforementioned village and past was a Hallmark film with gleaming white snow blankets and winter wonderland magic.
Come summer time, Bergen and the encompassing area tackle an entire new vibe, however much more vivid and luxurious.
If you are not aware of fjords, Merriam-Webster defines them as “a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes,” which sounds means much less enthralling than it’s in actual life.
While I’m not a non secular man, it is arduous to not query whether or not Bergen’s fjords weren’t meticulously designed. They are a dwelling masterpiece carved by millennia of ice and water, forming awe-inspiring cliffs, valleys, and pristine waterways.
But it is not simply the fjords exterior of city, the townscape is a captivating vacation spot itself with a picturesque foremost plaza that places life into perspective how small we’re amongst the staggering peaks.
Ticket costs differ each day. Purchase tickets for the roughly 6-hour journey right here.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No adverts, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.