Interrail in Norway
Interrail is an extraordinary vacation experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. It is, as pop culture has taught us, a road trip by train with a kind of ticket/subscription: a format that makes it clear that in a vacation, what matters is not just the destination but the journey itself.
Young people love it because it allows them to discover new places. They prefer it also because it's not excessively expensive. Even older adults are rediscovering this way of traveling. Among the most visited countries with the European pass is Norway. Here's what you need to know about interrail in the country.
Interrail in Norway
Currently, interrail offers two types of digital passes for residents in Europe: the Global Pass, which allows travel in all countries participating in the program, or the One Country Pass, which is only valid for one selected country.
The vast majority of train companies that operate in Norway participate in the Interrail program. Of course, it is possible to travel with the One Country Pass - as well as with the Global - on all trains, including night trains, operated by NSB (Norwegian State Railways). It is also allowed to travel on trains crossing the country but operated by SJ (Swedish State Railways).
On trains of the Flam Railway - a private company - discounts are available if you hold an interrail subscription. For night trains, of any company, booking is appreciated but not mandatory for Interrail pass holders. For daytime trains, however, booking is necessary.
It is important to remember that Interrail passes can be for first or second class. However, all Norwegian trains do not have a first class. Holders of the digital pass for this price range can travel in NSB Komfort, but always with prior booking.
Train Routes and Itineraries
Many of the train routes in Norway are known for their breathtaking scenic views, making train travel particularly enjoyable in this country. For example, the Bergen railways (Oslo - Bergen), Dovre (Oslo - Trondheim), the Flam Railway (Myrdal - Flam), the Rauma (Dombas - Andalsnes), the Sørland or Nordland line, which starts from Trondheim and crosses the Arctic Circle.
On these routes, the Interrail pass is considered valid.
A typical itinerary that allows a tourist to admire various regions of the country and discover the diverse beauty of Norway lasts 5 days.
Starting from Stavanger and its cathedral - in the southwestern part of the country - a little over 7 hours on the Sørland railway, crossing valleys and coastal areas, leads you to Oslo.
The capital can be explored through museums and architectural and natural beauties, and - using the Bergen railway - you can arrive in the eponymous destination in 6 hours and 40 minutes. In Bergen, you must take a funicular ride to enjoy views of the seven mountains surrounding it. From one of the country's most charming cities, you can set off for the return trip, passing back through Oslo and arriving by Dovre railway in Trondheim.
This train journey takes about 13 hours; upon arrival, you will enjoy a lovely town, which was once the capital of the country and is now a major university hub - thus always full of events and music festivals. From Trondheim, it takes almost ten hours to reach Bodø, the northernmost stop on the Nordland railway, a perfect point to embark for the Lofoten Islands and admire the Northern Lights.
How much does an Interrail ticket cost?
The One Country Pass allows travel in Norway for 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 days within a month. For each travel day, you can use as many trains as you want without limitation.
Ticket prices vary depending on the number of travel days. Three-day pass: €170; four-day pass: €197; five-day pass: €221. For a six-day valid pass, the price is €242; for the eight-day pass, the price is €281.