Europe’s Top Adventure This Summer time: This Record-Breaking Train Runs Through Stunning Landscapes

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Whether it is Athens, Paris, or discovering the one welcoming place in Spain these days, Europe is at all times calling our title after 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 prime summer season journey.

You could be stunned to find it is not France, Greece, Spain, or any of essentially the most notable names you’d consider; it is truly a surprising journey by way of Scandinavia’s gorgeous landscapes that noticed a file of passengers left gobsmacked in 2024.

I wasn’t certainly one of them final 12 months, however I’ve skilled it in earlier years, and I can attest: the Oslo-Bergen Railway has caught in my thoughts’s eye as certainly one of my prime journey reminiscences, and will probably 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 instances 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 really phenomenal from its welcoming locals, fascinating folklore, Hogwarts-esque prepare stations, and most opulent fjords, one thing so stunning it would not appear doable to be actual; a real “pinch me” second.

Unless you are already in Scandinavia, your best entry level will likely be Oslo, a metropolis with 3 direct connections from the U.S through highly-respected Scandinavian Airlines or low-cost provider Norse Atlantic Airways, presumably the largest bag police airline on Earth (you should definitely pack properly!).

Having been to Oslo a handful of instances, as a lot as I benefit from the distinctive tradition, vibrant waterfronts, and world-renowned artwork reveals, it is best served by a brief keep, which makes a visit throughout Norway’s astounding surroundings and postcard villages much more attractive.

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) just isn’t solely the most well-liked, however globally famend as the final 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 actual 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 finally 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 significantly notable:

Flå: Home to Bjørneparken (Bear Park), this small village nestled within the inexperienced Hallingdal valley is the final word vacation spot for wildlife lovers who can stand 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 season with snow-capped mountains in an enormous expanse of uncooked, untouched wilderness.

Voss: Ever paid for overpriced glass bottles of water with “Voss” slapped on the label? Well, you’ve got 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 stunning 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 prime 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 season, Bergen and the encircling area tackle an entire new vibe, however much more vivid and luxurious.

If you are not acquainted with 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 fundamental plaza that places life into perspective how small we’re amongst the staggering peaks.

Ticket costs fluctuate day after day. Purchase tickets for the roughly 6-hour journey here.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.

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