
What’s the best time to visit Scandinavia?
25/03/2025 · By Tim Hall
Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager Tim Hall reveals his expert advice for a holiday in Scandinavia, including his top three rail trips in Norway and Sweden.
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A magical land of dramatic fjords, Arctic expanses and Viking heritage, Norway opens the door to unforgettable experiences in cities and nature. Since our first tour to Scandinavia in 1975, our catalogue has expanded to include many ways to explore this enchanting destination - each curated by the experts with immersive excursions, iconic rail journeys and the expertise of a Tour Manager every step of the way.
In the winter, the Northern Lights dance through the skies of the idyllic Lofoten Islands, whereas summer brings stunning Midnight Sun journeys. Set sail on an unforgettable cruise along Norway's coast, soak up awe-inspiring views on renowned trains, including the Flåm Railway and the Bergen Railway, and experience everything Norway has to offer alongside the experts.
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Whether venturing between Bergen and Oslo on the Bergen Railway, relishing sights of waterfalls and fjords on the Flåm Railway, crossing the vast Arctic on the Nordland Railway, or looking over mountain views from the Fløibanen funicular, there's no better way to see Norway than aboard its renowned railways.
Come along to watch the Northern Lights create breathtaking displays of pink, green and purple in Norway's winter skies, or travel during the summer months, when the Midnight Sun brings continuous daylight, especially above the Arctic Circle. Both turn the landscape into a dreamlike spectacle you must see to believe.
From the sleek architecture of Oslo and colourful wharves of maritime Bergen to fjord-side Flåm, Norway's towns and cities offer the perfect blend of timeless charm and modernity. Follow in the footsteps of the past on guided tours, or explore the destinations at your own pace, surrounded by unmatched culture.
In addition to colourful villages and diverse cityscapes, everywhere you look brings a new way to appreciate nature. While this far-north nation is most famous for its plunging fjords, its spectacular waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, vast tundra and stunning plateaus paint a complete picture of nature's prowess.





Spellbinding Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to Swedish Lapland, visiting the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, with many opportunities to experience these swirling lights. Travelling by rail through amazing landscapes, cross the Arctic Circle to Bodø to seek the ethereal Northern Lights on a...





Experience the beauty of Norway, from natural wonders to charming cities, on this tour across stunning landscapes. Journey through an impressive wilderness of plateaus and waterfalls on two of the world's most famous train journeys: the spectacular Bergen Railway and the cherished Flåm Railway. Marvel at towering cliff faces on a sensational...





Experience the beauty of Norway in winter on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking fjords and colourful cities. Travel on one of the world's most famous rail journeys - the Flåm Railway - crossing snowy plateaus and winding past cascading waterfalls, before soaking up the scenery of Norway's wild landscapes aboard two fjord cruises. Step...





Experience Norway in magical winter, first exploring Oslo and Bergen with an epic journey on the spectacularly scenic Bergen Railway, before embarking on a six-night cruise into the enthralling Arctic wilderness. Our northbound sea voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes passes beautiful fjords, and crosses the Arctic Circle, before a husky sled ride into...





Embark on this summertime journey across Norway. From Oslo in the south to the Lofoten Islands north of the Arctic Circle, enjoy four epic trips on the world-renowned Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma railways. On this top-rated tour, discover Norway's beautiful cities and cruise across shimmering Geirangerfjord. Experience a taste of life in this...





Discover evocative Scandinavian landscapes on picturesque rail journeys between the cultured capitals of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Starting in Oslo, uncover its stylish modernity and thousand-year history on a guided tour, before travelling by rail to Stockholm. In the Swedish capital, visit the colourful Gamla Stan, one of the best-preserved...





Uncover the extraordinary landscapes and traditional culture of Arctic Norway and Sweden on a journey from Tromsø to Narvik and Kiruna. Meet the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer and travel into atmospheric Swedish Lapland aboard the Ofoten Railway. Enjoy a husky-hauled sled ride through an enchanting winter wonderland - a magical way to...





Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and azure fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic holiday. Experience all the great Scandinavian rail experiences, cross the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' and visit an authentic Sámi village to gain an insight into the traditions of Lapland's indigenous...





Discover glorious Norway in summer, combining guided city tours and a journey on the Bergen Railway from Oslo with a six-night cruise through some of the world's most magical fjords into the land of the Midnight Sun. An epic voyage north is marked by the crossing of the Arctic Circle, before continuing into northern Norway to marvel at...





Embark on an immersive exploration of Norway's northern coast, witnessing striking natural wonders and encountering captivating history. Beginning in the ancient Viking city of Trondheim, board the iconic Nordland Railway for a scenic journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. Enjoy a serene cruise across Beiar fjord and visit a Sámi village...
Norway's railways not only showcase engineering excellence but also allow travellers to immerse themselves in the country's natural wonders. The Bergen Railway, which spans 308 miles from Oslo to Bergen, is considered one of the world's most picturesque train journeys travelling through snow-covered mountains and deep valleys. The Flåm Railway also offers a scenic journey descending from high mountains to Aurlandsfjord with stunning views of waterfalls and lush greenery. Meanwhile, the Dovre Railway serves as a crucial north-south link connecting Oslo to Trondheim.
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