3 things you can do on Norway’s most popular scenic route
Experience mountains, fjords and spectacular cliffs up close between Oslo and Bergen – and top it off with a stop at beautiful Eidfjord.
Travel itineraries: Oslo - Eidfjord - Bergen
If you want to experience Norway this summer, the trip from Oslo to Bergen is a good choice.
The journey between Norway’s two largest cities goes over Hardangervidda, one of the country’s most famous high mountain stretches. Here you can take a detour with the Flåmsbanen, hike in the mountains, cycle or paddle on the fjord.
On the way down to Western Norway, the landscape opens up with waterfalls and fjords. En route, you can kayak, rent a rowing boat or join a fjord safari on Hardangerfjorden, Norway’s second longest fjord.
There are many experiences between Oslo and Bergen, and it can be difficult to get everything on one trip. Here are three stops worth making on the road.
1. Get up close to Norway’s largest predator
The trip from Oslo to Bergen takes you across Hardangervidda, which is known for its rich wildlife and birdlife. Here you can be lucky enough to see king eagles, hunting falcons or parts of Europe’s largest wild reindeer tribe. Irish and mountain foxes also live widely, so it’s worth following along closely.
If you want to experience the animals up close, you can make a stop at Bjørneparken in Flå. Here you can see bears, wolves, lynx, moose and reindeer up close and even help feed the animals.
Tips! Need to book an overnight stay along the way? Thon Hotel Bjørneparken is only a short walk away from Bjørneparken, located right next door.
2. Magnificent fjords and magical waterfalls in Eidfjord
The journey from Oslo to Bergen offers impressive contrasts, from the bare mountains of Hardangervidda to the lush Hardangerfjord.
Eidfjord is a great starting point for outdoor experiences. Here you can swim, fish, hike or explore the fjord. You can also join a fjord safari or kayak and experience nature up close.
The area is also known for its waterfalls. Vøringsfossen is Norway’s most famous waterfall and has a drop of 182 metres. From the viewpoints, you can see the water masses dip into the valley, or walk over the waterfall on the walkway.
A little further west, by Norheimsund, you will find Steinsdalsfossen. Here you can walk on the trail behind the waterfall and experience the water up close - without getting wet.
Tips! Treat yourself to a night of historical splendour at Thon Hotel Sandven, located around an hour’s drive along the Hardangerfjord towards Bergen. The hotel dates from 1857 and is picturesquely located right on the edge of the fjord with its own beach zone in the beautiful town of Norheimsund.
3. Take Europe’s best train ride – the Bergen Railway!
If you want to experience the journey from Oslo to Bergen by train, Bergensbanen is a good choice. The train journey has been described by Lonely Planet as one of Europe’s best train journeys.
The tour takes around six to seven hours and crosses Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. Along the way, you can get off at several stops, or take a detour with Flåmsbanen from Myrdal.
Finse is the highest point on the Bergen Line, at 1,222 metres above sea level. From here, you have easy access to the high mountains, with great opportunities for hiking, glacier rides and nature experiences.
Did you know...? Have you seen Star Wars Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back from 1980? Finse was used as the location for the planet Hoth in the movie and is therefore a popular destination for Star Wars fans.
Once in Bergen, you can check in to one of our four great hotels- all at a convenient location and with a fantastic breakfast buffet included in the rate.
