Finse Station Live Cam

Finse is known for its pristine natural beauty, rich history, and its unique position as one of the highest settlements along the famous Bergen Railway. Nestled at an altitude of 1,222 meters (4,009 feet) above sea level, Finse is located between Oslo and Bergen and is a key destination for adventurers, hikers, and skiers. This remote village is not accessible by road, making it a serene and untouched place that offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes.

History

Finse and the Bergen Railway: A Village Born of the Railways

The history of Finse is closely tied to the development of the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen), one of Norway’s most important transportation routes. The railway, which connects Norway’s capital, Oslo, to the coastal city of Bergen, was completed in 1909 and remains a vital connection between the two cities. Finse was established as a railway station during the construction of the Bergen Railway, which at the time was a monumental feat of engineering, passing through some of the most challenging and remote terrain in Norway.

Before the railway was built, Finse was an isolated and uninhabited area, primarily covered by glaciers and tundra. The construction of the railway made this remote area more accessible, and the village quickly became a crucial stop for railway workers and travelers. The village's elevation at over 1,200 meters made it the highest point on the Bergen Railway, and this high-altitude position played a significant role in shaping the development of the area.

The Finse station became operational in 1908, a year before the official opening of the Bergen Railway, and it soon attracted workers, engineers, and their families. These settlers needed accommodation and amenities, leading to the establishment of hotels, guesthouses, and other facilities to support the growing number of travelers and tourists interested in the area’s natural beauty. Over time, Finse became a popular destination for those seeking adventure in the Norwegian wilderness, including skiers and mountaineers drawn to the nearby Hardangerjøkulen glacier.

The Polar Exploration Connection: A Training Ground for Expeditions

Finse’s connection to polar exploration is another important chapter in its history. The harsh climate and challenging terrain surrounding the village have made it an ideal training ground for explorers preparing for expeditions to the polar regions. In particular, the legendary British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton used Finse to train for his Antarctic expeditions in the early 20th century. The conditions in Finse closely resemble those found in the Arctic and Antarctic, making it a perfect location for testing equipment, clothing, and survival techniques.

The connection to polar exploration continues to this day, with various expeditions and outdoor training programs using Finse as a base. The village’s Polar Institute is a hub for polar research and outdoor education, attracting both professional explorers and adventure enthusiasts. This legacy of exploration has made Finse a symbol of endurance, survival, and the pioneering spirit in Norway’s history.

Surroundings of Finse: Natural Beauty and Attractions

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier: A Dominant Feature of Finse’s Landscape

One of the most striking natural features surrounding Finse is the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, one of the largest glaciers in mainland Norway. This majestic ice mass towers over the landscape and is a significant draw for hikers, skiers, and photographers. The glacier’s proximity to Finse makes it easily accessible, and many visitors come to explore its icy expanse or ski across its frozen surface during the winter months.

Hardangerjøkulen has also gained international fame for its role in popular culture. Portions of the glacier were used as a filming location for the planet Hoth in the iconic movie *Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back* (1980). This connection to the famous science fiction franchise has further boosted Finse’s reputation as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and film enthusiasts alike.

Rallarvegen: A Scenic Cycling and Hiking Route

Another key attraction near Finse is the Rallarvegen, a historic construction road that was built during the construction of the Bergen Railway. Originally used by the railway workers (known as *rallare* in Norwegian) to transport materials, the road has since been converted into one of Norway’s most scenic cycling and hiking routes. The Rallarvegen stretches for 82 kilometers (51 miles) from Haugastøl to Flåm, passing through Finse along the way.

The route offers breathtaking views of Norway’s mountain landscapes, fjords, and waterfalls, making it a popular choice for cyclists and hikers seeking a multi-day adventure through some of the country’s most stunning terrain. Rallarvegen’s rugged beauty and historical significance have made it one of Norway’s top outdoor destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year during the summer months.

Winter Sports and Outdoor Adventure

Finse is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as cross-country skiing, snow kiting, and alpine touring. The village is often covered in snow from October to May, creating ideal conditions for these activities. The area’s vast snowfields, combined with the challenging terrain of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, make Finse a prime location for experienced adventurers looking to push their limits in a remote and wild environment.

In addition to its winter sports offerings, Finse is also a gateway to the Norwegian wilderness, with numerous hiking and trekking routes leading into the nearby Hardangervidda plateau, the largest mountain plateau in Europe. This vast and windswept landscape is home to reindeer, arctic foxes, and a variety of bird species, offering nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts the chance to experience Norway’s untamed beauty firsthand.

Geographical Position: High Altitude and Remote Location

Finse is located in the Hordaland region of western Norway, at the highest point along the Bergen Railway. The village is situated at an altitude of 1,222 meters (4,009 feet), making it one of the highest inhabited areas in Norway. This high-altitude position places Finse in a unique geographical context, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and tundra. Its remote location between Oslo and Bergen means that the village can only be reached by train or on foot, as there are no roads leading to Finse. This isolation adds to its appeal as a wilderness destination, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Finse’s proximity to Hardangerjøkulen and the Hardangervidda plateau gives it a rugged, alpine character. The village is nestled between towering peaks and vast expanses of snow and ice, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. The area’s geological features, including moraines, glacial valleys, and fjords, are a testament to the region’s glacial history and its ongoing transformation by natural forces.

Climate: Harsh Winters and Cool Summers

Finse experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Due to its high altitude and location in the mountains, Finse is one of the coldest inhabited places in Norway. Winters are harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall covering the landscape. Snow can remain on the ground for much of the year, especially in the higher elevations surrounding the village.

Average winter temperatures in Finse range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F), with frequent snowstorms and strong winds adding to the region’s challenging winter conditions. The long winter season provides ample opportunities for skiing and snow sports, making Finse a popular destination for those seeking to experience Norway’s winter wonderland.

Summers in Finse are short and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). Despite the cool temperatures, summer is the ideal time for hiking, cycling, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty, as the snow melts and the landscape bursts into life with alpine flowers and lush green meadows. The long daylight hours during the summer months provide plenty of time for outdoor activities, making Finse a popular destination for adventurers during this season as well.

Finse, Norway, is a place where history, adventure, and natural beauty converge. From its origins as a railway station on the Bergen Railway to its role as a training ground for polar explorers, Finse has played a unique role in Norway’s history. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the Hardangerjøkulen glacier and the Hardangervidda plateau, the village offers visitors a chance to experience Norway’s wild and untamed beauty. Whether you are skiing across snow-covered glaciers in winter or hiking through alpine meadows in summer, Finse provides an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Norwegian mountains.

A construction/access road in central Norway

The first traces of human activity at Finse are about 7000 years old. It was stone age people who hunted for reindeer. The first tourists in the mountain were Lord Garvah and his son from England. They hunted and fished in the vicinity of Finse in the late 1850s. A number of lord huts and stone arches lie as visible marks from this time, most commonly known as Lordehytta in Folarskaret.

The town of Finse was established in connection with the construction and operation of the Bergen Railway. This was one of the coolest places on the stretch over the high mountains. After the opening of the Bergen Railway in 1909, Finse Fjellstua (later Finnish hotel) became a favorite gathering place for Europe's jet sets, which include: Prince of Wales, Sonja Henie and Fridjof Nansen.

You can find bicycles for short or long-term rental at tourist offices, camping grounds, holiday resorts, in sports stores, and in any number of other places around the country. In some places there are city bikes or other bicycles that you can use locally without charge. The bicycling town Sandnes has been a pioneer community for such projects.

The Norwegian landscape offers countless fresh challenges for those who want a more demanding kind of cycling activity. Forest roads and trails are invitations to a vigorous ride, and challenges await those who seek them out. Just remember that many different people use the Norwegian countryside, so please take care as you go whizzing along.

If you haven't had a great deal of experience touring on a bike, there are organised tours and individually designed itineraries which may be a good first-time choice. In a group tour, the group leader takes care of safety and practical arrangements, while each participant contributes to the social aspect of the tour. A trip like this offers both physical and social enjoyment and nature experiences to be shared by all.

If you wish to make a trip on your own but still have some expert guidance, there are individual bicycle tour packages available with all sorts of detailed information regarding the tour. The organisation Cycle Tourism in Norway has been active in getting an assortment of such cycle routes marked and has assembled information about the routes into a single publication.

Rail tricycle riding is a special form of cycling. Since the rail tricycle follows old abandoned railway lines, the route is set in advance. Only a few places in the country offer this activity, among them Rjukan and Numedal.

Its many rivers and lakes make Norway a veritable paradise for fishermen. Besides trout, which is common throughout the entire country from Lindesnes in the south to the Russian border in the far north, there is also much whitefish and freshwater herring in the inland rivers. Grayling is steadily increasing in popularity.

There are good catches in the Trysilelva River at Rena in Hedmark county and in the River Glomma between Rena and Røros. In western Norway, especially in Sunnhordland and Rogaland, eel fishing is excellent. In total there are 29 different species of freshwater fish in Norway. Children under 16 fish free except in rivers where salmon, sea trout and char run. Contact The Directorate for Nature Management for further information on rules and regulations.

Norway has a rich animal life, and thus a good basis for hunting. State laws, however, regulate where you can hunt, what you can hunt, when you can hunt, and what weapons you can hunt with. In addition, there are often separate rules for hunting on private land and Crown lands. Some types of hunting are primarily reserved for residents in Norway, but visitors from abroad may apply for permission to take part even in this type of hunting. Hunting is also subject to regulations concerning hunting proficiency tests or inclusion in the Norwegian Hunters' Register, acquisition of a current hunting licence and use of a legally obtained weapon.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate in Norway is not so cold as its latitude would suggest. Summers can be pleasant and warm - up north too. Opportunities for swimming are many -- in the sea, in rivers and in lakes. Though public beaches are abundant, most Norwegians prefer to swim at their favourite natural beach. Should summer be delayed, you can also swim indoors in public pools or at the larger indoor water installations that are situated several different places in the country.

Norway is a country with old, maritime traditions. Sailing especially is a sport with distinguished traditions. There are numerous sailing associations in the country, and sailboats are available for hire several places along the coast. The choice is yours between renting an old or a new one. Some boats can be chartered to you personally where you skipper it yourself, while others are chartered with a captain and strictly to groups. Rowboats with or without outboard motors are available for rent at campgrounds, holiday resorts, tourist offices, gas stations, and any number of other sources wherever there is water. Make sure that life vests are also available.

Canoeing and kayaking are becoming ever more popular. With a canoe or a kayak you can get to places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Sea paddling, river paddling and paddling on a lake are three different experiences, but each one offers a special closeness to nature and the chance to observe bird and wildlife that motor noise would never allow.

There are organised paddling tours as well as canoes and kayaks for hire by the hour. Paddling along the Telemark canal, the River Glomma and the Lake Femunden are especially popular. Many campgrounds, holiday resorts and the like have canoes for hire. The renter is responsible for providing you with life vests when you rent a canoe or kayak.

Rafting is a kind of water sport that appeals to thrill seekers as well as to the more cautious. You can choose between an intense trip that really tests the river's forces or a family trip through easier rapids that makes your stomach sink just a little. Some of the more popular rivers for rafting are Driva in Sør-Trøndelag county, Sjoa in Oppland county, and Trysilelva River in Hedmark. Dagali River in Voss and the rivers in the Setesdalen valley are also good.

Windsurfing is very popular in Norway, especially on the Southwest coast along the beaches of Jæren. Sailboards can be rented at campgrounds, holiday resorts, hotels and some sports shops. Norway's long coastline and innumerable lakes and waterways offer opportunities for water skiing anywhere in the country.

Canyoning is a new and exciting water sport where you wander along a river gorge, rappel down toward the river or simply jump in and let the river take you along on its own waterslides.

If you're looking for a more pleasant trip, you might think about sailing on a wooden raft down the Trysil river. There you can drift down the river in peace and quiet with both hearth and eating area onboard. If it is a speedier pace you're after with the natural elements right up against your body, a river board is just the thing.

The Norwegian mountain wildernesses are vast and inviting for anyone who loves mountain climbing. There are endless mountains and climbing routes just waiting to be investigated. Åndalsnes is where you will find one of the several larger climbing centres

For those looking to learn the art of climbing, there are courses offered by the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association through its mountain sport groups. Some local enthusiasts also organise courses for people who want to try something new. For the experienced climber there is ample opportunity to set out alone. Just remember to respect the mountains and make sure that you have good enough equipment with you, remembering that the weather can change suddenly.

The Norwegian Climbing Federation is first and foremost an organisation for Norwegian members only, but they are willing to supply information to non-members.

Climbing up a brilliant frozen waterfall is an exceptional experience. It is an activity best suited for highly experienced climbers. There are also opportunities for organised ice climbing. You will find the right kind of falls many places in the mountains and especially in western Norway. The Norwegian Climbing Federation is first and foremost an organisation for Norwegians members only, but they are willing to supply information to non-members.

Indoor climbing walls are steadily growing in popularity. You will find them especially in the larger cities. Under expert supervision the beginner can try it out for the first time, and the experienced climber can stretch his or her limits.

Golf is a growing sport in Norway. In total there are twenty-five 18-hole courses, thirty 9-hole courses, and ten 6-hole courses, with several more under construction. While most of them are in the Oslo area and near the cities of Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, there are also some in smaller areas. Where capacity allows, guests can play for the green fee, which normally amounts to NOK 150-300. The Norwegian Golf Federation can supply with further information on golf courses and golf clubs.

Golf courses are conducted by the different golf clubs around the country. Non-club member golfers can also participate in these courses when space allows. Those who wish to participate in a golf course should contact the individual clubs directly. The Norwegian Golf Federation can supply with further information on golf courses and golf clubs.

If you dream of playing golf but have not yet ventured out onto the green, minigolf can be an introductory exercise. You will find minigolf courses at campgrounds, holiday resorts, hotels and other outdoor areas around the country.

Indoor golf is available mainly in the larger cities. Here the avid golfer is able to perfect his or her skills independent of the weather. Although golfing on ice and snow is not a regular thing in Norway, there are special winter events held on occasion. This has been tried mostly in Hemsedal so far, but is expected to spread once golf enthusiasts catch on to the idea.

The experienced rider can rent a horse and ride out on his or her own. If you want a companion or an instructor, arrangements can be made either separately or as part of a group. Should you choose to ride on your own, be sure to ask about paths and roads designated for riding. Certain places in populated areas have restrictions.

The great thing about a trip on horseback is the contact you have with nature and with your horse. Forgotten are the demands of everyday life. The only thing that matters is your objective for the day.

In Norway riding camps and trips are available in several forms. Some have a single lodging place from which you take new trips each day. Others have a planned route that takes several days, and lodging is in different places along the way. Both forms are very popular. Group trips are especially popular in the mountain areas of southern Norway and in the Trøndelag counties in Mid-Norway. Yet another alternative is riding from hotel to hotel while your baggage is transported by car. Fitness and experience requirements vary with the different trips.

Tracks for riding are available to those who want to perfect their riding skills and for those who are stepping into the stirrup for the first time. A number of hotels, holiday resorts and riding centres offer this type of riding, often as preparation for longer trips.

Several places in the country there are tours available by horse and carriage. The most famous one is perhaps the tour to Briksdalsbreen glacier. Horses with carriage can also be rented for groups in connection with special occasions. Such tours are sometimes also offered in connection with various local events.

In addition to the activities already mentioned, Norway offers familiar activities like tennis, squash, bowling, indoor fitness centres.¨If you want to be active but without great physical demands, there are various summer courses and summer schools that can be stimulating for both mind and body. Air activities include parachute jumping, hanggliding, micro-light flying and paragliding.

If you are a tennis enthusiast you will have every opportunity to play while on holiday in Norway. Many hotels, holiday resorts, and larger campgrounds have tennis courts. If you have a personal training programme you wish to continue while on holiday in Norway, you will find fitness centres especially in the larger cities and in some towns. Especially in the larger fitness centres it is possible to buy a coupon card that is good for a certain number of training hours. Larger hotels usually have fitness centres for their guests too.

If you're the type who likes "airy" experiences, you won't be disappointed. The Norwegian Aero Club is a federation of 270 local aviation clubs around the country. These clubs incorporate every possible form of aviation sports including flying small planes, gliding, parachute jumping, tandem jumping with an experienced instructor, hanggliding and paragliding, hot air ballooning, micro-light flying and model plane flying. Most clubs welcome visitors who wish to participate in their activities. Equipment can often be rented locally. Clubs associated with any of Norway's 50 airports will often have planes for hire for those with valid flying certificates.