By Train Beyond the Arctic Circle: Norway’s Nordland Line and the Search for the Northern Lights

Travelling by train beyond the Arctic Circle is one of the most extraordinary ways to experience Norway’s raw, untouched beauty. The historic Nordland Line, stretching 729 kilometres from Trondheim to Bodø, is more than a railway journey—it’s a slow, immersive passage through fjords, forests, mountains, and tundra, culminating in the chance to witness the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

This is sustainable travel at its finest: no rush, no crowds, just the rhythm of the rails and the ever‑changing Nordic landscape unfolding outside your window.

A Legendary Railway Into the Arctic

The Nordland Line—Norway’s longest railway—has been operated for decades by SJ Nord, offering comfortable long‑distance trains designed for scenic travel. The full route normally runs from Trondheim Central Station to Bodø, crossing:

•              154 tunnels

•              293 bridges

•              The Arctic Circle on the Saltfjellet plateau

However, due to landslides and limited train availability, the current operational route begins in Steinkjer, reachable by a two‑hour bus connection from Trondheim. From Steinkjer to Bodø, travellers enjoy an eight‑hour journey through some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes.

A Route Through Fjords, Mountains, and Tundra

As the train departs Steinkjer, the scenery gradually transforms:

•              Rural farmlands give way to dense Nordic forests

•              Steep mountains rise dramatically along the tracks

•              Frozen lakes and fjords shimmer under the winter sun

•              Wildlife, including reindeer, occasionally appears near the line

The highlight is crossing the Arctic Circle just before Lønsdal station. Here, the landscape opens into a vast, windswept plateau of tundra, framed by the peaks of the Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park. In winter, this region becomes a photographer’s dream—snow‑covered, silent, and ethereal.

And when darkness falls, the sky may reward travellers with the Aurora Borealis, swirling in shades of green, blue, and violet.

Why the Nordland Line Is Perfect for Northern Lights Chasers

Unlike flying or driving, travelling by train offers:

•              Long, uninterrupted views from wide windows

•              Minimal light pollution in remote Arctic regions

•              A warm, comfortable base while waiting for the aurora

•              A sustainable way to explore northern Norway

Bodø, the final stop, is one of the best Northern Lights destinations in the region—an ideal place to extend your stay and continue the chase.

Tickets, Reservations, and Planning Your Journey

Travellers can book tickets through the official SJ Nord website or the connected trip‑planning service. Prices vary by season and availability, but early bookings from Steinkjer to Bodø typically start around: Kr 419 per person (approximately €35–40)

Because the Nordland Line is popular—especially in winter—it’s wise to book well in advance. The trip planner also allows you to combine routes from other Norwegian cities, making it easy to build a full Arctic itinerary.

A Journey Into the Heart of the North

The Nordland Line is more than a train ride—it’s a meditative, unforgettable journey through Norway’s wildest landscapes. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, seeking a sustainable Arctic adventure, or simply longing for the serenity of winter wilderness, this railway offers a front‑row seat to the magic of the far north.