ÅNDALSNES

The mountaineering capital

Scroll down for inspiration or go directly to our plan your trip page

Rampestreken, Romsdalseggen in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Small World Production / Shutterstock

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.

Rampestreken, Romsdalseggen in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Small World Production / Shutterstock

For a full panoramic view, climb the Romsdalstrappa steps all the way to the top of Mount Nesaksla, 708 metres above the Romsdalsfjord.

Nesaksla .
Photo: Knoff / visitnorthwest.no

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.

Romsdalseggen in Åndalsnes .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

Romsdalseggen .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

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).

Litlefjellet in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Øyvind Heen / Fjords.com

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!

Food at Sødahlhuset in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Sødahlhuset

Sødahlhuset in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Sødahlhuset

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 Norwegian mountaineering centre in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Oddgeir Visnes / Møre og Romsdal Reiseliv

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.

View from Eggen restaurant in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Sven Erik Knoff

Looking for more adrenaline?

You are sure to feel a serious rush as you make your way up the Romsdalsstigen via ferrata.

Romsdalsstigen via ferrata .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

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)?

SUP at Istra .
Photo: Norsk Tindesenter

Romsdalsstigen via ferrata .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

Yet another rush awaits if you head up the 11 world-famous hairpin bends to the Trollstigen plateau. At the top, you can enjoy both beautiful architecture and an unforgettable panoramic view from the viewing platform.

Don’t be surprised if you see people cycling up the steep mountainside.

Trollstigen in Åndalsnes .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

Those craving a tough challenge use road bikes, a good dose of will power, and some solid pedaling.

Biking in Romsdalen .
Photo: Sverre Hjornevik

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.

Cycling at Trollstigen in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Haakon Lundkvist/Nordveggen

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.

Hotel Aak in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Visitnorthwest

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.

The Rauma Railway in Åndalsnes .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

The Rauma Railway .
Photo: VisitNorthwest

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!

Rauma line on the Kylling bridge .
Photo: Leif Johnny Olestad - Visit Norway

Rauma line at Kylling Bridge .
Photo: Leif Johnny Olestad - Visit Norway

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.

The Rauma railway .
Photo: Leif Johnny Olestad / Visit Northwest

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.

Caravanning in Norway .
Photo: Terje Borud / Visitnorway.com

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?

Kirketaket in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Haakon Lundkvist

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.

Guided tour to Nyheitind .
Photo: Einar Engdal

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.

Experience Åndalsnes, Ålesund and Geiranger in one day with a Geirangerfjord in a nutshell round trip.

Romsdalseggen in Åndalsnes .
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson Photography AB / Visitnorway.com