Norway is a breathtaking nation that doesn't need an introduction. Hearing its name, you can imagine breathing in crisp country air while admiring the unspoiled natural beauty and colorful wooden houses sitting in the distance. Luckily, the 288-mile road trip from Oslo to Bergen showcases the best of this state and more than you could ever imagine.
From the onset, alpine roads weaving through the exposed rock formations direct you to Hardangervidda, Norway's most extensive national park. While sweeping its borders, you'll get a sneak peek at its beauty. The crystal-clear waterways, glimmering lakes, rustic woodlands, and wooden cabins nestled in the mountains leave you speechless and wondering how they got there.
Being wedged between lush meadows on the right and seemingly bottomless bodies of water on the left causes the road to narrow. Surreal clouds gently flow along the foothills, surrounding your car, adding to the mystical feeling of this venture. You'll be stuck in wonder and awe as each tunnel cutting through the mountainous terrain portrays postcard vistas of iconic fjords and waterfalls on their exits.
In 7 hours and 10 minutes, you'll stand outside in Bergen's fairytale (and UNESCO-listed) Bryggen district. But you want to arrive feeling refreshed and ready to explore one of the European bucket-list destinations. So keep reading our in-depth Oslo to Bergen guide to uncover how to travel in style and comfort in 2024!
About Bergen
By European standards, Bergen is a small city along Norway's southwestern coast. However, you'll arrive in the nation's second-largest urban center after your Oslo to Bergen transfer. Only 290,000 residents live on its picturesque coastline, surrounded by seven mountains along the Bergen peninsula.
Early Bergen
Bergen has a rich history dating back to the Vikings. However, it took until 1070 when King Olav Kyrre declared it a town. It prospered as a trading hub and the gateway between Europe and Scandinavia along the North Sea. It was Norway's capital city until Oslo took over at the end of the 13th century.
For over 400 years, Bergen remained part of the Hanseatic Empire, which helped propel its harbor and establish the famous Bryggen district, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, the city's luck ran out when Nazi Germany invaded in April 1940. The town witnessed a significant Allied air raid to neutralize the importance of its port. As a result, they destroyed many historic buildings in the process.
### Modern Bergen
Bergen can thank much of its financial wealth today for discovering oil reserves off its coast. Experts estimated that the nation earned $140 billion in revenues. This helped rebuild and bring the city to new heights with its 21st-century tourism infrastructure.
Today, Bergen welcomes 2.7 million visitors through its gates, where you can immerse yourself in a city that combines its maritime history with modern innovations. Wooden houses decorated in vibrant reds and yellows line the cobbled lane like something from a Charles Dickens novel. Fragrant salty air floating from the coast, mixing with coffee beans and earth aromas from trendy coffee houses, sparks a sense of adventure as you lose yourself in the narrow side streets.
However, Bergen is most famous for its pristine nature. Whether it's fjords, the North Sea, sheer cliffs, or urban gardens, the City Between the Seven Mountains can't escape the outdoors. This town allows you to indulge in its geological wonders, from a scenic boat cruise to the adrenaline-filled funicular ride to Floyens summit, 1050 feet above sea level. City lovers, nature enthusiasts, and everyone in between will appreciate this slice of heaven!
Language: Norwegian and Sami
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Time zone: GMT+1
Climate: Oceanic
Plug types: C and F
Fun fact: Bergen is twinned with Seattle
From Oslo to Bergen: travel tips
Driving from Oslo to Bergen is a unique road trip. So, if it's your first time traveling on this route, you'll need to learn a few insider travel tips to overcome any hurdles you might encounter!
Stop to appreciate Mother Nature
In 2024, scientists ranked Norway as Europe's greenest country. It's one of the continent's last wildernesses, where majestic waterfalls drop into gaping valleys below. So don't just watch Mother Nature drive by your window; get out and explore!
By stopping at the pretty lakeside town of Eidfjord, you can admire its lake and all the reasons why Norway is on the tourist map. But if you want a truly remote experience, a trip to Voringsfossen is a must. You'll hear its roaring echoes before you see this geological wonder!
### Book today
Purchasing your tickets today might seem dramatic. But Norway is Europe's third-most expensive country to visit!
Reserve your place early to save hard-earned cash, whether it's for transportation or accommodation. You can even book a seat with Daytrip's private door-to-door service with free cancellation 24 hours before departure!
### Respect local culture
Locals are a vital reason Norway is a wild paradise, adhering to green incentives and respecting the land. So when you're a guest in the nation, follow in their footsteps and help contribute to sustainable travel.
The "leave no trace" vision is an excellent concept to follow. And be mindful of preserving the tranquility of the locals' oasis. Remember to use your inside voice even in bars and restaurants in Bergen.
How to get from Oslo to Bergen
Although scenic, the tour from Oslo to Bergen is time-consuming. So choosing the best mode of transportation to suit your needs and budget is essential. Fortunately, four options are available, each with unique advantages!
Trains from Oslo to Bergen
Since the train is the cheapest way to travel from Oslo to Bergen, it's the most popular mode of transport for locals. It's also sought-after by tourists, especially interrail users in the summer.
Trains with Norwegian State Railway, also known as Vy, offer up to six direct daily services with restrooms, wifi, and onboard catering facilities. You'll travel from Oslo Central Station to Bergen Station while reaching over 4,050 feet above sea level at its peak. It almost feels like flying!
Cheapest/average ticket price: $26-$50.50
Fastest/average train duration: 6 hours, 23 minutes; 7 hours, 23 minutes
First/last train departure: 6:25 AM- 11:23 PM
### Buses from Oslo to Bergen
Due to the extensive railway network and infrastructure on the Oslo to Bergen line, the bus is not a common travel method. It's more costly and time-consuming than the alternative public transportation method.
However, catching a bus is still possible and can be a suitable choice if you wish to stop at smaller cities en route. Bus firm Nor Way offers an indirect service that requires a transfer to the idyllic town of Sogndal. From here, you can catch another bus or, the most adventurous option, take a 4.5-hour scenic ferry with Norled to Bergen!
Cheapest/average ticket price: $35-$74
Fastest/average bus duration: 13 hours, 5 minutes; 17 hours, 47 minutes
First/last bus departure: 8:30 AM-10:30 PM
### Flight from Oslo to Bergen
A flight from Oslo to Bergen is best if speed is your only priority. You can fly from Oslo to Bergen in under an hour with one of the numerous daily services. Just remember you also need to account for the time getting to and from the airport, as well as two hours for check-in and security, so the total travel time is more like four hours.
Book tickets online from TORP Sandefjord Airport (73 miles south of Oslo) with Wideroe to travel by plane. Or you can buy a seat from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (31 miles north of Oslo) through Norwegian Air. Once at Bergen Airport, you can travel downtown via the Bergen Light Rail or an airport taxi shuttle.
Cheapest/average flight price: $50-$66
Average flight duration: 55 minutes
First/last flight departure: 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
### Daytrip private car transfer from Oslo to Bergen
A private car transfer with Daytrip is by far the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Oslo to Bergen. Not only will your professional driver collect you directly at your hotel in Oslo and drop you off at your new one in Bergen, but you can also decide the most convenient departure time. You don't need to worry about setting an awful 7:00 AM alarm to reach the station.
As you cruise in a clean, comfortable, and quiet vehicle, admiring the surreal views that flash by, you're free to satisfy your urge to stop and explore. Drammen is one of the busiest cities where you can experience authentic cultures due to the fewer tourists. But for peace and serenity, the charming villages of Ulvik and Vossevangen will appeal to your senses!
Seats from: $245
Door-to-door Duration: 7 hours and 10 minutes
Driver: professional and English-speaking
Departure times: flexible schedule
Vehicle suitability: pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
Customer support: 24/7 service
Cancellation policy: free cancellation 24 hours before departing!
Things to do when you get to Bergen
You're probably familiar with Bryggen, the city's most photogenic spot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But that's just one of the highlights of Norway's coolest city. You can expect a packed travel schedule after your Oslo to Bergen transfer!
Ascend Mount Floyen
The Floibanen funicular offers a scenic ride from the city center to the top of Mount Floyen, providing stunning views of Bergen and its surroundings. The thrilling journey takes you from ground zero to 1,050 feet in only 8 minutes!
You can enjoy panoramic vistas, hiking trails, and various outdoor activities once you arrive at the peak. The mountaintop also features a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a playground, perfect for family travel.
### Step back in time to Bergenhus Fortress
Bergenhus Fortress has stood proudly in Bergen since the 13th century, but you'd never have guessed. After its reconstruction in 1514, this stone fortification's pristine condition looks like Norwegians built it this year.
Inside one of Norway's oldest forts, you can take a tour to uncover the fascinating military history of this setting. You can even learn how German forces stormed the building and added a fortified bunker!
### Venture out to the fjords
Going to Bergen and not seeing the fjords is like going to San Francisco and not visiting Alcatraz Island. These natural wonders are the main reason why almost 3 million visitors flock here from the four corners of the globe. They're so significant that they entered the UNESCO Hall of Fame in 2005.
When staying several days in Bergen, you can book an overnight cruise to these deep glacial valleys. Or you can take a day trip and admire the dramatic landscapes as you speed along the sub-zero waterways!
### Relish Bryggen
Bryggen, Bergen’s old wharf, is one of the oldest ports in North Europe, and today, the wooden structures preserve its centuries-old legacy. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site which will draw you in with its lively energy and colorful buildings, no matter where your hotel is in Bergen. The stunning scenery and cozy eateries will ensure you don't leave.
Roaming in this neighborhood is like stepping back in time, with narrow alleyways, small stores, and museums that describe life during the Middle Ages. Due to the beautiful surroundings, many travelers overlook the Hanseatic Museum. However, it's a must-visit, offering a deep dive into the history of the Hanseatic merchants who once dominated the trade here.
When is the best time to visit Bergen?
Summer is the most popular time for visitors to travel from Oslo to Bergen. But there are several reasons why you should consider traveling during the shoulder seasons.
Bergen in the spring
Bergen's daily high spring temperature is 58° Fahrenheit. Although this may not seem warm, it's the ideal climate for exploring the surrounding nature, whether hiking the plateau at Vidden or cycling from the old town along its coast.
April to early June is the second busiest period. So you'll still encounter a lively atmosphere without herds of tourist groups.
### Bergen in the fall
Temperatures start to cool in the fall, but it's still warm enough to spend the days outside. However, the best reason to visit from mid-September to the end of October is to get the best bang for your buck. Norway is expensive. But hotels and transportation companies offer enticing deals before the slow winter period.
You'll also increase your chance of spotting the northern lights and contribute to sustainable travel, as local businesses won't rely on just summer revenues.
The distance from Oslo to Bergen is 288 miles, which can take 7 hours and 10 minutes when driving safely. However, you should add more time to your schedule if traveling via the scenic route or visiting geological formations en route. Since it's an extensive trip, you might also want to stop for snacks or stretch your legs.
A train ride from Oslo to Bergen is worth it due to the cost, duration, and scenic views. Norwegian State Railways offers affordable seats from $26 to $84, with the average ticket costing $50.50. You'll find clean and quiet compartments with modern conveniences such as catering facilities and lie-flat seating when traveling at night.
A one-way adult train ticket from Oslo to Bergen costs $50 on average. However, the Norwegian State Railway Vy offers fares as low as $26. Reserve your seats online at least 30 days before departure and consider traveling during the weekdays or the off-season to keep costs down.
Overall, Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the best way to get from Oslo to Bergen. You'll travel from your hotel in Oslo to your new one in Bergen in a clean, comfortable vehicle, with the option to stop at sights en route. However, trains are more suitable if traveling on a budget, and flights are best if you prioritize speed.
It's possible to see the northern lights in Bergen due to its southwestern location on Norway's map. Although you're not guaranteed to spot this phenomenon, the peak season for the aurora borealis is from March to April and September to October. Locals know Nordnes Park, Damsgårdsfjellet, Lyderhorn, and Løvstakken as the best areas in town to seek them out.
The express train from Oslo to Bergen is one of the most scenic rides worldwide. For 6.5-7.5 hours, you'll pass through Norway's most stunning natural wonders, including waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and jagged cliffs. You'll even pass along Fla Bear Park, where you can keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears. Sit on the right side of the carriage with an unobstructed window for the best views.
沿途参观这些景点
德拉门
This vibrant riverside city beautifully incorporates its port and inland waterway, the Drammensfjord, into its lively culture with contemporary flair. Vibrant Waterside
沃尔宁斯福森
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway awaits in Hordaland county, with cascades dropping from immense heights and a steep valley encased by towering mountains. Norway's Roaring Pride
埃伊德峡湾
At the end of a narrow valley and surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls, Eidfjord beckons you with a unique blend of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage. Gateway to the Fjordlands
哈丹格桥
One of the longest and most impressive suspension bridges in the world, this spellbinding piece of architecture provides stunning views of the Norwegian fjords. Skyline Connector
乌尔维克
Nestled in the heart of Norway’s fjord region, this picturesque and idyllic village will enrapture you with thriving fruit orchards, a poet’s quaint home and outdoor experiences. Orchard of Hardanger
沃塞旺根
Deriving from the Old Norse word meaning “wave” or “sea”, this Norwegian village is flanked by pristine waters and towering mountains, making it both a sports hotspot and a magical destination to recuperate. Extreme Sports Village
