Is this the most scenic train journey in the world?
We started our journey in the vibrant city of Bergen - the perfect gateway to explore the Fjords in Western Norway.
I've also written a review about my time in that criminally underrated city; you can read all about why you should make Bergen your next city break.
If you're ready to leave the city bustle behind and return to some blissful nature, head over to Bergen's main train station just east of the city centre.
It's about a 10-minute walk from the popular fish market and approximately 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen.
I'd recommend you start your day early and book in advance - it's a very popular route, so seats fill up quickly.
Our first train, on the Bergen line, took us to the striking mountain station of Myrdal.
We couldn't believe we were seeing snow when it was almost May. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
I was lucky enough to have secured a window seat - my nose pressed up against the glass as we travelled through the breathtaking scenery of dominating hills and twisting rivers.
The couple of hours flew by in the comfortable carriages as our excitement grew and the snow started to dust the mountain tops.
We made a brief stop at Myrdal station, which was small but scenic. The surrounding mountains were entirely coated in snow, leaving us in disbelief that it was almost May.
The small but scenic Myrdal station. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) There is a small cafe and toilets in the station, but I'd suggest packing some snacks for you to enjoy on the trip, as it was bustling with people trying to make their connections.
Is the Flåm Railway worth it?
After a brief pause - plenty of time to take snowy pictures - we hopped on the Flåm Railway.
This section of the train ride is where the railway route earns its global acclaim. Originally built to connect Sogn and Fjordane to the rest of the Norwegian rail network, the train line is one of the steepest railways on the planet.
The line has Northern Europe's steepest standard gauge adhesion track, which in short means it doesn't use any gears or cables for traction.
It's considered a masterpiece of engineering, taking a staggering 20 years to construct. The railway features 20 tunnels ( 18 of which were built by hand) and spans 20 km.
I was very happy to have a window seat. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
So that it can manage the difference in altitude from the mountain plateau down to the Flåm valley, the train actually makes an impressive 180-degree turn inside the mountain.
Just before we arrived in Flåm, we could actually see the valley through an opening on the rock face.
The valley is a fantastic example of the Fjords you will find in Western Norway. It's a continuation of the Aurlandsfjord and concludes with the steep mountainside at the ultimate Instagram spot.
The train stops for five minutes to allow for photos at the Kjofossen waterfall. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
The Kjofossen waterfall is so spectacular that the train route actually includes a five-minute photo stop in front of it before heading onwards to the end station of the Flåmsbana.
As unbelievable as the train ride was, it's only the start of your journey. Once you hop off, you can start a new adventure exploring the characterful Fjord villages of Flåm or nearby Gudvangen.
The possibilities are endless - a hike to see Brekkefossen waterfall or panoramic views at the Stegastein viewpoint.
Take in the incredible views from the Stegastein viewpoint. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
If you want to continue your journey in style, I could not recommend a trip on an electric cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord.
The 20km journey between Flåm and Gudvangen puts you in the heart of nature as you sail past countless waterfalls, valleys and mountainsides.
Recommended reading
If the weather is on your side, I'd suggest making the most of the majestic views on deck as you try and seals or porpoises in the harbour.
You don't want to miss an electric cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) You can enjoy the train ride and the Fjord cruise, and so much more as part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Prices for this inclusive and convenient package start from NOK 2510 ( £183.37), and you can find out more and start planning your trip via the Fjord Tours website.
Please don't ask me to pick a favourite between my time in Bergen, the spectacular train ride on the Flåm Railway or the peaceful cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. It would be impossible!
But I will say - A plane, a train and an electric cruise later, I had the most unforgettable trip of my life.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Couple explore 'second least visited country' in Europe – and are left stunned
Europe is full of popular tourist spots, but it also has some hidden gems that are just as beautiful. One couple went to the continent's second least visited country and described it as 'stunning". A couple were left spellbound after going to Europe's second least visited country. Some holidaymakers might shy away from lesser-known destinations, fearing a lack of tourists means they are less appealing. Europe is brimming with tourist hotspots like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, and Greece's Santorini. But, travel vloggers Chris and Reanna are on the hunt for Europe's hidden gems. The adventurous duo has journeyed through 50 countries but grew weary of the usual tourist traps and elbowing through crowds. In their search for quieter places, they set their sights on uncovering Europe's most underrated spots that deserve to be on travellers' bucket lists, despite being off the beaten path. In a recent TikTok video, the pair divulged their experience in Liechtenstein, Europe's fourth tiniest nation, home to just 39,850 people as per the latest data. Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a German-speaking country. Reanna gushed over the country in their TikTok video, saying: "It might be tiny but it's packed with fairy tale castles, some of the most gorgeous lakes you've ever seen and incredible mountain views." The globetrotting enthusiast suggested that while Liechtenstein can be ticked off in a day trip from Switzerland, it's worth staying for the night to catch the "stunning" Stausee Steg lake at sunset. Reanna recommends for visiting the picturesque Gutenberg Castle, where you can "admire the incredible views over the country". She also suggests taking a trip to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein and home of Prince Hans-Adam II. The royal family of Liechtenstein lives in Vaduz Castle, perched on a hill with origins dating back to the 12th century. Although the medieval castle isn't open to the public, it stands as a significant landmark, accessible via a walking path, offering tourists breathtaking views from atop the hill. Tripadvisor notes that Vaduz boasts a car-free, pedestrianised centre, allowing tourists to stroll at their leisure. The country is celebrated for its stunning alpine landscapes, especially its mountains, which are a magnet for winter sports fans. Malbun, a ski resort village in Liechtenstein, draws crowds for winter activities. Beyond the slopes, the tiny nation is dotted with an array of museums and art galleries. Chris and Reanna's TikTok video showcasing Liechtenstein's charm, has garnered 27,400 views, more than 1,000 likes, and numerous comments.
Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
This spectacular national park in northern Spain has been crowned best in Europe
You can tell a lot about a country by its national parks. These preserved and protected spaces help teach visitors about the country's natural landscape, resources, wildlife, weather and local produce, all while offering visitors the chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the earth. Europe alone offers over 460 parks to explore, so Iglu Cruise studied TripAdvisor data to rank the best of the best of the continent. The top contender? P arque Nacional Ordesa y Monte Perdido in Spain. This Pyrenees park stretches its jagged mountain peaks, elevated cerulean lakes and mouth-dropping waterfalls across 156 kilometres along the northeastern border between Spain and France. If you're a nature junkie, Ordesa is your enabler, offering activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, camping, canyoning, rock climbing and then some. Experienced climbers flock to Monte Perdido, or 'the lost mountain', the Pyrenees' third-highest summit, for adrenaline-pumped climbing, while the Escupidera, Perdido's final section, is a cold, icy challenge even in summer. Less experienced nature dwellers will still be in awe down on the Ordesa Valley Floor, where a 16k route winds through fields of flowery meadows, silver-fir forests and waterfalls-a-plenty. Maybe you'll stumble upon some of the wildlife or herds of curious cows grazing, accompanied by their shepherd, steering them away from dangerous edges. Taking second place is Slovenia's Triglav National Park, where the highest peak of the Julian Alps, Mount Trivalgo, stands at just under 2900 metres. Take the challenge of this intermediate trek, or, if you're looking for a journey on wheels, cycle on the Radovna Cycle Route in the Radovna Valley on the park's western border, suited for all levels. Wales' Snowdonia National Park (or Eryri) comes third, with 823 square miles of stunning Welsh wilderness. Climb the mighty Mount Snowdon, walk through its lakeside trails or simply camp out among Wales' countryside, taking in the fresh air and lush green hills. Did all this nature talk tempt you to a nearby trail? Check out our roundup of the 20 best hikes in the world after reading the rest of the Iglu Cruise winners below. The top 10 national parks in Europe 1. Parque Nacional Ordesa y Monte Perdido, Spain 2. Triglav National Park, Slovenia 3. Eryri/Snowdonia National Park, Wales 4. Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Italy 5. Killarney National Park, Ireland 6. Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Spain 7. Parc National Des Calanques, France 8. New Forest National Park, 9. Goreme National Park, Turkey 10. Parque Nacional de Garajonay, Spain
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months
The two minute journey from the pier to the mainland costs £1.70 GO SEA IT The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A UNIQUE floating train ride to the end of the UK's oldest pier is once again welcoming passengers aboard. On the edge of Ryde Pier is a train station that is used to pick up passengers from ferries, which is why it 'floats' over the sea, and it's just reopened after 10 months of essential upgrades. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Ryde Pier Head train station is literally over the sea Credit: Alamy 6 The station connects ferry passengers to the mainland who want to avoid the long walk Credit: Alamy Ryde's Victorian pier opened in 1814, and Ryde Pier Head first became a tramway station in 1864. The tramway was at first horse-drawn, but it was electrified in 1886, making it one of the first electric tramways in the world and later it was developed into a train station. In October 2024, the train station on the pier was closed in order to undergo renovation work. Upgrades were undertaken to ensure the structure could hold new trains that would be added onto the route - for the first time in 30 years. Lots of the track was replaced, steel barriers were installed, weather screens were put in, and it was freshened up with new paint. The station was due to reopen in May 2025, but was delayed until early July 2025 after issues due to storms. The station is a stop on the Island Line train service that operates between Ryde and Shanklin. The journey offers incredible views, and doesn't cost much either - the one-stop trip from Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier costs £1.70 and takes two minutes. Tickets from Ryde to the neighbouring town of Shanklin cost £3.90. A pier train station isn't all the town has to offer - the seaside town is so charming that it was even the inspiration behind the Beatles song, Ticket to Ride. The Mykonos-like beach restaurants in the Isle of Wight 6 Appley Beach is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in Ryde Credit: Alamy 6 The town has charming shops and markets too Credit: Alamy Paul McCartney said the title referred to "a British Railways ticket to the town of Ryde on the Isle of Wight." One of the most popular spots is Appley Beach - the coastline has long stretches of soft sand, a cafe and playground. Visitors say that the beach gets even bigger at low tide making it ideal for kids and families. And the stretch of beach nearest the village of Seaview is dog-friendly too. One beachgoer wrote on Tripadvisor: "Lovely flat sandy beach for the kids to play without the worry of deep water and then the tide came in around 2-3pm and was so lovely, still super shallow." On Appley Beach is a historic watchtower that used to be part of a sprawling family estate. 6 The remains of Appley Towers sit just off the beach Credit: Alamy The tower is right on the beach and formed part of the home of the Hutt family, who owned the Appley House in the late 1800s. Ryde is great for shopping, with Union Street lined with boutiques, gift and souvenir shops. If you continue walking, you'll reach Shanklin, which is actually the UK's sunniest town. The town has, on average, the most hours of sunlight per day, according to a new study, looking at which places in the country are the safest bet for a warm day out. The beach at Shanklin is one of the better-regarded stretches of shoreline on the Isle of Wight, with its traditional English seafront promenade adding to the seaside resort experience. Here's more on why visitors say heading to the Isle of Wight is like 'going back in time'. And where to find the best caravan spot on the island.
