Bucket List Adventure Day 3 - The big train journey

When going away on any sort of trip I always look to maximise the time I have by doing as much as I feel comfortable with - I call it top and tailing.

In my article "Planning an Adventure Day 2" I wrote about my choice of ship for the coastal exploration side of my adventure. Today I am looking at taking the train between Oslo and Bergen, courtesy of NSB (Norges Statsbaner AS) or the Norwegian State Railways. I've read numerous articles about this seven-hour journey; it's considered one of the world’s most scenic train rides bringing you across one of Europe’s highest mountain plateaus, and takes you through spectacular and varied nature. I love train travel, and this is a very affordable way of seeing a snowy Norway. (If I like it I will go back at a later date and do it the other way in the Summer via Flam).

My itinerary then, is shaping up with an overnight stop in Oslo, catching the early plane gives me most of the day to explore Oslo; and with the swift Flytoget service from the airport I can be at my hotel in 20 minutes. Hotel location is everything here as I have to be up early to catch the NSB service to Bergen. On my must-see list is the Nobel Peace Centre, Royal Palace and Karl Johans Gate, Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum and the Oslofjord. Oh, and the Fram Museum; might even pop in for a spot of ski jumping!

On my list of iconic stops is the Mathallen indoor food hall with over 30 speciality shops and cafes, just right for picking up a reindeer burger for lunch, and the beautiful Continental Hotel which overlooks the Oslofjord. This is an elegant hotel dating from 1900, a perfect stop for traditional afternoon tea in the Theatercaféen. There's also a collection of 12 graphic works by Edvard Munch in the lobby bar. Not sure I can afford to stay there though!

Norway is big on opera and ballet so I will see what's on, but I will have to check out the architecturally stunning harbour side auditorium. Several of the hotels have very high floor bars with spectacular views over the city and the Oslofjord. I think for a nightcap that is a must.

Dreaming now of the train journey and getting more than a little excited. Train, boat and plane - whatever next? More ways to wear my Norwegian Cardi and my bobble hat?