On the right track: Scenic rail journeys

Snow-capped peaks on Norway's Bergensbanen rail trip © Rune Fossum

Jump aboard to discover the region's most thrilling rail trips.

Bergensbanen, Norway

Celebrating its centenary in 2009, the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) originally began life as a vital new link between the country's two biggest cities, Bergen in the east and Oslo in the west. Around 15,000 men worked on this huge engineering project, laying tracks round the clock and carving out no fewer than 182 tunnels. It was a daring undertaking that cost the Norwegian state a whopping 50 million kroner, equivalent to the whole state budget at the time.

It's the stretch along the Hardangervidda, Europe's highest mountainous plateau, which boasts the most spectacular scenery, and has made this railway famous the world over. Finse, at 1,222m (4,008ft) above sea level, is the highest point on the line, and a popular destination for nostalgic winter sports enthusiasts, although other ski resorts such as Geilo, Gol and Nesbyen also draw their fair share of visitors.

With rough weather, extreme temperatures and the risk of avalanches ever present, the line remains a challenge to run despite advances in technology, but the railway is open year round. The trip between Oslo and Bergen takes about eight hours.

Rauma Line, Norway

Not as well known, but arguably just as beautiful as the Flåm Railway, is the Rauma Line (Raumabanen), which snakes its way through stunning alpine scenery from Dombås, a mountain village in Dovre, to the town of Åndalsnes, by Romsdalfjord. The 124km (77 miles) track winds over 32 bridges and through four horseshoe-tunnels. Parts of the route featured in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

During the summer (June-August), the focus is on sightseeing; audio commentaries are offered in several languages, including English, and the trains slow in speed enabling visitors to enjoy the scenery. The panoramic windows mean it's easy to take photographs too. Highlights include: Trollveggen, Europe's tallest vertical rock face (watch out for rock-climbers and base-jumpers); Kylling Bridge (particularly impressive when floodlit at night), and the emerald-green Rauma River, which follows the tracks for part of the route.

Flåm Railway, Norway

A side line from the Bergensbanen, the Flåm Railway plunges its way from Myrdal down to the majestic Aurlandfjord some 800m (2,624ft) below. It is one of the world's steepest railway lines, clinging to the mountainside at an angle that will make you forget about reaching for your camera and clench your armrest that little bit harder instead. Indeed, it's such a steep descent that trains are equipped with five braking systems.

Another masterpiece of Norwegian engineering, the 20km stretch passes through 20 tunnels, most of which had to be excavated manually - each metre taking a team of over 100 men a month to dig. From the rugged peaks surrounding Myrdal to the lush valley by the fjord below, the landscape is breathtaking, dotted at every bend with rushing streams, waterfalls, picturesque wooden farms and even mountain goats.

Inlandsbanan, Sweden

No trip to Scandinavia would be complete without a foray into Lapland, and the Inlandsbanan (Inland Railway) between Mora and Gällivare is one of the best ways to discover this untamed wilderness. Travel in summer to experience the midnight sun and make the most of the long, warmer days. Or venture north in the midst of winter and marvel at the white frozen wonderland from the comfort of your (heated) carriage. You may even be lucky and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Whatever the season, there is plenty to see and do along the way. Discover Sami culture, explore rugged, unique nature (the Laponia Area is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list), try your hand at angling, pick cloudberries, join a reindeer safari or even visit the local mosquito museum in Galliväre (ouch!). Package tours are available, or you can travel independently with the Inlandsbanan Card, enabling you to hop on and off during a two week period.

Helsinki-Savonlinna, Finland

To see the best Finland has to offer, head east from Helsinki to the Finnish Lakeland region, one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of the country. The trip to Savonlinna in the heart of the Lake Saimaa district takes just under five hours, with a change at Parikkala, cutting through dense forests and passing countless lakes.

Savonlinna itself is a picturesque town. It's home to one of northern Europe's most dramatic castles, and hosts a popular opera festival in July. Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to travel around this time. As with everywhere else in Scandinavia, trains are modern, comfortable and on time, but in Finland they are also very cheap, making this an ideal way to explore the country.

Further info:

Norwegian Railway: www.nsb.no
Flåm Railway: www.flaamsbana.no
Inlandsbanan: www.grandnordic.se
Finnish Railway: www.vr.fi