Often regarded as one of the world's greatest train journeys, the Bergen Line runs along a spectacular route, offering an assortment of mountain and lake views throughout.
Outside Oslo, the train passes through a mixture of urban and rural landscape, before travelling through some of the best untouched, natural scenery in existence. En route, the train travels through some of eastern Norway's best agricultural land, as well as Lake Kroderen and the mountain at Norefjell. From Gol and beyond Geilo, the train passes through more mountainous settings, climbing over 1000m in less than 100km. It's at the top of this mountain that the route's spectacular scenery becomes truly apparent. Between here and Bergen, the route descends, passing through tunnels and valleys before arriving in the western capital of Norway, Bergen.
The journey takes around seven hours, and passengers may be able to spot various forms of wildlife, including reindeer. The service is day-time only, and offers a buffet carriage service (although passengers may wish to purchase food in advance and bring it with them to save money).
As with most of Norway's rail journeys, carriages are clean and comfortable, with efficient staff and service.
One sleeper service operates per day, although by travelling at night, of course, you will miss out on the spectacular scenery this route has to offer. Dedicated sleeping accommodation is available (at an additional cost). Sleepeing compartments contain two berths, accommodating up to two adults and two children under 16. If you don't want to pay for a sleeping compartment, you can opt to stay in the seating carraige, where you will be given a pillow and travel pack.
There is a great guide to the sights and scenes passed en route on the operator's website, here. NSB also have a video introduction to the Bergen Railway online.