If you think Norway is out of the way, think again. Getting to and around Norway with a Eurail Pass is easier than you’d believe.
Up in the bangs of Europe’s continental cranium, Norway might seem quite far from the well-trodden paths of Western Europe. Though north it may be, it’s not a fly-over country. Glaciers have cut their way through this end of the Scandinavian Peninsula, creating grand fjords and mountains that would make any stretch of European geography farther south green with envy.
Norway is af-fjord-able, especially with a Eurail Pass.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Oslo, Norway
Norway? Yes-way with the Eurail Pass
What you need to know before purchasing Norway train tickets.
What is a Eurail Pass?
A Eurail Pass is essentially a golden ticket for train and ferry travel throughout 33 European countries, including Norway. When you purchase a pass, you choose how long it’s valid and which countries it’s valid for.
The perks? Near-unlimited train travel during your validity period. The catch? The longer and farther you want to travel, the more you’ll have to spend—which, in all fairness, can seriously save you money compared to buying tickets à la carte at the last minute.
Which Eurail Pass do I need for Norway?
You’ve got options when it comes to selecting a Eurail Norway Pass for Norway train tickets.
A One Country Pass is ideal if you’re only visiting Norway; if you’re going from Norway to Nice, France, by train, a Global Pass is a better bet because it provides access to all 33 Eurail countries.
When you choose a One Country Pass, you can use a Flexi Pass, which gives you a set number of travel days during your validity period. Which makes sense: Why pay for all ten days of your vacation when you’re only spending five actually using the train?
Should you opt for a Global Pass, however, you can choose a Continuous Pass that lets you go-go-go each day of your validity period.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Franz Aberham. Image Location: Norway
What’s the best train ride to take in Norway?
There are too many Norway train routes that deserve a ride, but if you can only take one, then let us introduce you to the Nordland Railway. Also known as the Arctic Circle Express, Norway’s longest train journey starts in Trondheim and ends in Bodø, taking you through historic Stiklestad, Namsskogan Wildlife Park, and into the Arctic Circle. In winter, you might spot the northern lights on board; in summer, you can take a sleeper train and never miss a sight, thanks to the midnight sun.
What are the best cities to visit in Norway?
Norway is a long country, stretching above the Arctic Circle and nearly down to Denmark. Oslo and Bergen get loads of visitors, but they’re not the only two cities to explore. The Trøndelag region includes dining destinations like Hitra, Trondheim, and Røros. Skudeneshavn is a cutesy fishing village across the water from Stavanger, while Lyngen will show you that Europe’s northern Alps are just as breathtaking without the crowds.
Image Credit: Getty Images, helovi. Image Location: Bodø, Norway
From Bodø to Oslo with the Eurail Norway Pass
Want to see the best of the country without jumping on official Norway train tours? Here’s one of the easiest Norway train routes to accomplish on your own, with no need for excessive Norway train tickets thanks to your Eurail Pass.
Oslo to Bodø
Assuming you’re starting your journey in Norway’s capital, don’t leave the airport once you touch down in Oslo. Instead, take a plane up to Bodø and catch the northern lights in all their glory. If you’re visiting in the summer, check “tanning on an Arctic beach” off your bucket list.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kerry Kissane. Image Location: Trondheim, Norway
Bodø to Trondheim
Your Norway train journey begins properly when you bail south from Bodø to Trondheim. Catch some z’s on this lengthy ride and don’t get too acquainted with the restaurant car. Trondheim is Norway’s foodie haven, offering both Michelin-starred restaurants and street eats.
Trondheim to Bergen
From Bodø to Trondheim, you’ll think you’ve seen it all; then you’ll reach Bergen and realize the sights out of your train window were small potatoes compared to the Sognefjord. This coastal city is cradled by fjords and mountains, guaranteed to max out your camera roll.
Image Credit: Getty Images, IngerEriksen. Image Location: Preikestolen, Strand, Norway
Bergen to Stavanger
Stavanger is where you’ll do as the tourists do and not regret it one bit. Preikestolen, aka Pulpit Rock, offers one of the most breathtaking views on the planet assuming you're willing to take a 45-minute drive followed by a hike from Stavanger to make it there. It’s a super popular selfie spot (as well as a Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One filming location) but you won’t care about the crowds or the cliché when you pose for this unrivaled photo.
Stavanger to Oslo
Finally, you’ve arrived back in Oslo and have full permission to explore this Scandinavian capital. The Oslo Metro makes it easy to get around – rain, snow, or shine. Check out The Scream at the Munch Museum, shop some of the trendiest Scandi brands, and hop between the sauna and the food stalls at SALT.
Want to cut this Norway train route short but still fill your followers with Instagram envy? Here’s how you do it:
✈️ Fly to Bodø and see the northern lights, a non-negotiable for northern Norway travel.
🚂 Take the train to Trondheim, then check museum-hopping off your list.
🧆 Use your Eurail Pass to pivot east across the Swedish border to Östersund.
🗺️ Swing down to Stockholm and continue south into Denmark, ferry hop your way from Estonia to Finland, or lounge in a locomotive to Latvia and Lithuania.
There’s no wrong way to explore when you’ve got a Eurail Pass in your pocket. Just leave a little room in there for the Trainline app; we help make train travel through Europe easy, effortless, and affordable.
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, bruev. Image Location: Bergen, Norway