ÅNDALSNES
The mountaineering capital
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Ready for an epic nature adventure in the northern part of Fjord Norway?
Start by hiking the 550 metres up to the Rampestreken viewing platform.
For a full panoramic view, climb the Romsdalstrappa steps all the way to the top of Mount Nesaksla, 708 metres above the Romsdalsfjord.
You might meet some tired-looking hikers along the way, as the trail down from Nesaksla is the final leg of Romsdalseggen – one of Norway's most popular (and Instagrammable) hikes, which starts in Vengedalen.
The view is spectacular – and not just from the top, which is no doubt why Lonely Planet named it one of the world’s most scenic hikes.
While Romsdalseggen is a strenuous route for experienced hikers, hiking up Litlefjellet (pictured), is much easier and also offers breathtaking views.
From the car park, it takes about half an hour to reach the top (roughly 1 hour both ways).
Fuel up for your hike in the mountains with some tasty local food!
Åndalsnes has several cosy restaurants and cafés, including Sødahlhuset café, which serves delicious homemade food made with locally-sourced ingredients — perfect for active mountaineers!
A short walk from the café, you'll find the Norsk Tindesenter mountaineering centre.
Here, you can learn about the region's proud mountaineering history, and try Norway’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Are you up for a 21-metre-high challenge?
The Romsdalen Gondola is right next door to the mountaineering centre. The gondola takes you all the way up to Eggen Restaurant and stunning views at Nesaksla's summit.
Looking for more adrenaline?
You are sure to feel a serious rush as you make your way up the Romsdalsstigen via ferrata.
If you prefer to experience nature closer to the ground, how about a guided trip along the Istra river on a stand up paddle board (SUP)?
For safety reasons, the famous Trollstigen road will remain closed in 2024.
However, you can reach the spectacular viewing platform on the top and look out over the 11 hairpin bends if you drive in from the Geiranger/Valldal side.
Those craving a tough challenge use road bikes, a good dose of will power, and some solid pedaling.
Others choose to enjoy the surroundings while letting an electric bike do most of the work. You can even rent electric bikes with pre-programmed routes.
If you're planning a bike trip, it's a good idea to go outside the high season in July. You will then have more space and travel more safely on the roads.
If you don’t have a bike, you can hire one, for example at the charming Hotel Aak – which is well worth a visit in its own right.
Enjoy rustic homemade dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. Or take a guided tour of the northernmost vineyard in the world, Vingården Tuen.
Sit back and relax on the Rauma Railway – named one of Europe's most beautiful train journeys by Lonely Planet.
The trip from Åndalsnes to Dombås takes less than two hours. The line connects at Dombås with the Dovre Railway line, which runs between Oslo and Trondheim.
Another way to experience this railway is by taking The Golden Train roundtrip. It’s a journey peppered with stories, like the one explaining how Norway’s gold reserves were smuggled out of the country on this track during World War II.
The journey takes you past the emerald green Rauma river and the picturesque Kylling Bridge.
Tip: If you want a great photo, take the short hike from Verma to this viewpoint and snap a picture when the train passes by!
Make sure to look out when passing the famous Trollveggen mountain wall – Europe’s tallest vertical rock face at more than 1,100 metres high!
You can also visit the nearby Trollveggen Visitor Center – a spectacular building with big panoramic windows facing the wall.
If you can't get enough of this view and would like to wake up to it, check in at Trollstigen Camping.
Here, you can also bring your own tent, motorhome, or van.
When the temperatures drop and the seasons change, Åndalsnes turns into a dreamy winter wonderland and a ski touring paradise.
Mount Kirketaket is one of the most popular peaks to conquer. Once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with beautiful views of the powder-coated landscape.
Sun, powder, and a fast descent – does it get any better than that?
For your own safety, we strongly recommend having a local guide. You'll find experienced, certified guides at both Romsdal Lodge and Guiding, and Urpu Ski and Mountain Guiding.
Be a better traveler! Rauma municipality has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
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Get set for adventure! Discover Åndalsnes and Fjord Norway's northwest.