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Make the journey the goal
The best way to travel through big countries is to see the journey as a goal in itself – and with natural attractions and stunning viewpoints around practically every corner, this is definitely not very hard in Norway!
Norway has a well-developed network of trains, from Kristiansand in the south to Bodø in the north. If you want to go further north by train, you have the option to travel via Kiruna in Sweden to Narvik.
Most trains are now operated by The Vy Group (previously NSB). Vy cooperates with tour operators all over the world, so don’t hesitate to contact Vy directly to get prices.
Two famous train journeys, often included in tours to Norway, are the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway. In 2014, Lonely Planet referred to them as “the most beautiful journey in the world” and “the world's most incredible train journey”, respectively.
Video: Sit back and relax
Norway has a comprehensive, locally operated public bus network. Updated information about timetables and prices is available at the local tourist information offices.
There are many advantages of travelling by bus:
- Express coaches link all major towns, airports and ferry terminals.
- There is an extensive network also to more rural areas.
- It is one of the cheapest ways to see Norway.
- Book online in advance for the best prices.
Norway’s nature turns a road trip into a sightseeing tour. Just make sure to check the distance in advance – it takes around 30 hours to drive from Kristiansand in the south to Hammerfest in the north! The drive from Oslo to Bergen is less than 500 kilometres and takes around 10 hours.
Toll roads in Norway
Many roads in Norway are toll roads, and almost all of them are automatic.
Visitors with non-Norwegian vehicles are automatically sent an invoice by the Euro Parking Collection plc (EPC). It is possible to register with EPC to get access to the invoices, speed up the process and pay online, but this is optional.
Norwegian scenic routes
18 roads in Norway have had selected viewpoints, rest areas and car parks transformed by art, design and architecture. The idea behind the project is to make the car journeys more enjoyable and give travellers something more than yet another petrol station to see on the way.
Two of the most famous scenic routes, often included in tours to Norway, are the Atlantic Road and Geirangerfjord-Trollstigen in Fjord Norway.
Video: Sit back and relax
In Norway, 90 percent of the population live by the coast. We have always relied on the sea both for food and for transport.
- Car ferries are common in many parts of Norway, especially in the western and northern parts.
- The ferries depart regularly and you don’t usually have to book in advance – but watch out for queues in the summer.
- Not all ferries accept cars, for example the passenger ferries in the Oslofjord.
Island hopping
The many ferry connections provide numerous opportunities for island hopping, with or without a bike. A few popular areas to hop from island to island are Fjord Norway, Helgeland, Lofoten and the Oslofjord.
Hurtigruten cruises
The coastal steamer Hurtigruten goes daily between Bergen and Kirkenes, calling at 34 ports along the way. Do the whole journey (12 days) or hop on and off as you wish.
Video: Sit back and relax
There are more than 50 airports in Norway. As a result, even remote places like the Lofoten Islands, the North Cape and Svalbard are easy to access.
The regional air company Widerøe flies all around the country, and larger companies such as SAS and Norwegian also offer a good selection of flights in Norway. Most Norwegian airports are small and has an effective infrastructure, so it is very easy to fly in and out.
For those who want to combine experiences in different parts of country, a domestic flight is often welcome, and sometimes necessary.
Avinor operates the majority of the airports in Norway. Contact them for any queries related to flights in Norway, including information about departures/arrivals, domestic transfers, and travelling with children.
Norway is generally accessible for people with special needs. Most trains, buses, trams, underground trains, ferries and express boats in Norway are wheelchair accessible.
Plane
Let the airline and the airport know of your needs at least 48 hours in advance. The airline can also help you to reserve seats with enough space.
Train
Contact NSB (Norwegian State Railways) 24 hours in advance if you need assistance on trains or at the station. If you travel with a personal assistant, they can get a discount.
Bus
Note that guide dogs will not be allowed on long-distance buses if other passengers are severely allergic.
Car ferry
It is not a requirement to tell the ferry crew of your needs in advance, however it is strongly recommended to do so.
Wrap-up with Isabel
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Yes! Lonely Planet praised both the Flåm Railway and the Bergen Railway as particularly beautiful in 2014. The Flåm Railway was even named the most incredible train journey in the world. Two other famous railway lines are the Dovre Railway between Oslo and Trondheim and the Nordland Railway between Trondheim and Bodø.
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Well done! The Norwegian Scenic Routes is a national initiative that combines nature, architecture and design along 18 selected roads around the country. Several of Norway’s best architects and designers have designed rest areas, parking lots and viewpoints to amplify the natural wonders along the way.
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Way to go! In Norway, 90 percent of the population lives by the coast. We have always relied on the sea both for food and for transport.
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