Trains
Train services are operated by Norges Statsbaner (NSB) - Norwegian State Railways (tel 815 00 888, www.nsb.no ). Apart from a few branch lines, NSB work on four main routes. These link Oslo to Stockholm in the east, to Kristiansand and Stavanger in the southwest, to Bergen in the west and to Trondheim and on to Fauske and Bodø in the north. The nature of the country makes most of the routes engineering feats of some magnitude and worth a trip in their own right - the tiny Flam line and sweeping Rauma run to Andalsnes are exciting examples, and the journey from Oslo to Bergen is an impressive six-and-a-half-hour cross-country ride, taking in forests, waterfalls, mountains, bleak uplands and plunging valleys. InterRail and Eurail passes are valid, as is the ScanRail pass, which covers train travel in all of Scandinavia including Finland. The ScanRail pass costs GBP125/US$200 (GBP95/$150 for under-26s) for five days of travel within two months; GBP169/$270 (GBP125/$200) for ten days within two months; and GBP195/$310 (GBP145/$230). Seniors (over 60) get a discount of around fifteen percent on the full price of the pass. The ScanRail and InterRail passes and, to a lesser extent, the Eurail pass also provide large discounts on many major ferry crossings and long-distance bus journeys. Rail passes are best purchased from travel agents before you go. NSB also have tickets at discounted rates for off-peak travel, pre-booked journeys and weekend excursions; details can be obtained from any major Norwegian train station. Fares are bearable - the popular Oslo-to-Bergen trip, for example, costs about 580kr one-way. Note that most express and all overnight trains require advance seat reservation (25kr for a seat) whether you have a rail pass or not. In high season it's wise to make a reservation anyway as trains can be packed. Sleepers are reasonably priced, starting at 150kr for a bed in a three-berth compartment. It's somewhat more expensive for more private facilities: 290kr for a two-berth compartment and 580kr for a single compartment; some trains also have ensuite compartments, they cost 740kr. Note that these prices are additional to the cost of the train-ticket.
Kristiansand Survival Guide - Budget GuideAnnika Sara says "Check out www.krsguide.com. A bugdet guide for young tourists and students in Kristiansand. " Christmas in Lillehammer NorwayGeir Kollstroem says "Lillehammer and Hafjell area is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy quality time with your family and friends. If you are travelling alone you will also have ample opportunity to meet people coming to the area also looking to make new friends. There will be a wide range of activities for both young and old – a place where all generations can enjoy the festive Yuletide spirit together. The local tourist board have made a Christmas guide at www.julebyen.com with lots of activities." my tripma.rosario delmo says "follow the rigth tract trough to your destination
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