Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, airfare strategies, packing suggestions, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Since 2009, we have helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy adults-only small group tours and luxury river cruises with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service.

Explore articles on Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Peru, Newfoundland, Paris, Normandy, Santa Fe, Canada, Italy, and AmaWaterways river cruises — then view our current Small Group Tours and River Cruises.

07Oct

4 Must-Do Scenic Norway Rail Journeys

Explore Norway’s Spectacular Train Journeys: A Small Group Adventure

Norway is a land of fjords, mountains, and breathtaking scenery, but one way to experience it like few others do is by train. On our small group tours, we avoid the crowds of big bus tours and instead embark on Norway’s extraordinary rail journeys—offering unparalleled views of nature at its finest.

Here are The Professor’s top recommended train trips in Norway:

1. The Bergen Line

The Bergen Line is Norway’s most popular scenic train journey. Traveling from Oslo to Bergen, this seven-hour adventure takes you through majestic mountains, the Hallingdal valley, and highland landscapes near Finse. Passengers are treated to stunning views of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier before descending to the spectacular Bergen fjord—a true cross-section of Norwegian landscapes.

2. The Flåmsbana Railway

Though only an hour long, the Flåmsbana Railway delivers excitement in every turn. From Myrdal Station to Flam, this steep descent passes dramatic waterfalls, rushing rivers, and towering mountain peaks. It’s a short journey packed with some of Norway’s most iconic scenery.  On our tours to Norway, we often find ourselves doing this journey at least two times. 

3. The Rauma Line

Fans of the silver screen might recognize the Rauma Line from Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, where it doubled for the Orient Express. Over 1 hour and 40 minutes, this journey highlights the Romsdalen valley, the awe-inspiring Trollveggen rock face, and the architectural wonder of the Kylling Bridge.  Whenever we travel north of Bergen, we try to find a way to fit this rail trip in. 

4. The Dovre Railway

Described by The Professor as “jaw-dropping,” the Dovre Railway travels from Oslo to Trondheim over 300 miles of mountains, valleys, and national parks. Keep your eyes open for wildlife—around Dovre, Hjerkinn, and Kongsvoll, you might spot one of the region’s 200 musk ox.

Why Train Travel Makes Norway Unique

Norway is remarkable in any season, but traveling by train transforms the journey into an unforgettable adventure. From the dramatic landscapes to the hidden valleys and highland glaciers, rail travel lets you experience Norway intimately and comfortably, far from the crowded tourist trails.

Discover Norway with The Traveling Professor and let these scenic train journeys become the highlight of your trip.

Related

What to See and Do in Dingle Ireland

What to See and Do in Dingle Ireland

Dingle is part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. From the scenic Slea Head Loop and historic Gall...

Read More >
3 Hidden Treasures in Paris You Need to Discover

3 Hidden Treasures in Paris You Need to Discover

Discover three hidden treasures in Paris — the Musée des Arts et Métiers, Canal Saint-Martin, and t...

Read More >
Top Ten Traits of the Experienced Traveler

Top Ten Traits of the Experienced Traveler

An experienced traveler knows how to pack light, book smart, avoid delays, use local transport, and ...

Read More >
What is the UK ETA and Why Do You Need It?

What is the UK ETA and Why Do You Need It?

This is just what we need - another silly, inconvenient thing to do and pay for before traveling to ...

Read More >
Dates to Avoid When Planning a European Trip

Dates to Avoid When Planning a European Trip

Plan your 2026 Europe trip smarter by avoiding major public holidays in Iceland, Scotland, Norway, A...

Read More >
What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

Learn the essentials of travel insurance for small group tours. From medical coverage and trip cance...

Read More >

Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.

Receive destination ideas, travel tips, early tour announcements, and special offers from Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.

Since 2009 | IATA Accredited | JourneyWoman Partner | AmaWaterways Certified Advisor | Google Reviews | NTA Member