Chase the northern lights on special nighttime Nordic trains (Source: Instagram/@arctictrain)
If watching psychedelic streaks across the night sky is on your travel bucket list, you cannot miss a journey on this Nordic nighttime panoramic train! For the first time in rail history, Norway has unveiled an innovative panoramic night train designed exclusively for watching the northern lights, an irresistible proposal for lovers of the Arctic and science.
The unique journey takes travelers along one of the many historic Nordic trainlines, in the quest to experience one of nature’s most spectacular phenomenon: the Aurora Borealis. Away from the city lights and pollution, witness the spectacle during the months of highest geomagnetic activity, from train cars with fully glassed walls and ceilings that offer an unobstructed view of the sky. The seats recline upward, and the interior lighting is kept dim so as not to interfere with the observation.
The project, promoted by the state-owned company Vy, aims to establish Norway as a world leader in aurora tourism while prioritising sustainable practices, as the train runs on renewable energy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to ecological initiatives. Throughout the ride, passengers receive real-time scientific data on solar activity and space weather conditions, all thanks to specialised sensors and satellite connection.
The train journey begins from Oslo and ends in Bergen, spanning across 460 km and a total duration of 7 hours and 35 minutes. Vy’s night service runs along the famous Bergensbanen. A few years ago, they even introduced a new feature offering overnight accommodation called “PlusNight”, which provides an airline-style business-class seat designed for overnight travel on a train.
According to Vy’s official website, the panoramic train has rest compartments that offer overnight packs with sheets, pillows and blankets, and you get to make up the bunks yourself. Each berth has a reading light, wall mounted storage net and USB port, and there are also two power sockets below the window.
The train journey begins from Oslo and ends in Bergen (Source: Instagram/@alaskarailroad)
The middle and top berths have fixed bedrails and ladders are available. But this isn’t all.
Good news for pet lovers — yes, you can experience the spectacular sight along with your pet!
Vy’s website mentions that dogs are allowed in rest compartments. Any dog taller than 40 cm counts as a passenger in the compartment, and you can have up to three dogs with you per compartment. However, they also urged passengers to make sure that dogs remain on the floor, and keep in mind that limited floor space is available as the compartments are small. Finally, note that compartments do not have space for dog crates.
Take as many pictures and videos from the windows and ceilings as your heart desires, for this is a once in a lifetime experience for many. In the end, travelers journey to Bergen, bringing memories of the magical place and pictures reflecting the experience. Visit Norway says this year, thousands of travelers have shown interest in this train ride, marking a shift in the rising popularity of nocturnal train journeys in the Arctic region and tourism boost in and around the area. When are you booking your ride?