.png){kind=icon}
Discover more of Western Norway
.png)
Extend Your Geirangerfjord Trip to Romsdalen
Geirangerfjord is a natural starting point for exploring Western Norway, but the journey does not have to end there. Continue beyond the fjord to discover more of Western Norway. Drive through Valldal and Trollstigen to Åndalsnes, where towering mountains, spectacular viewpoints, scenic train journeys and outdoor adventures await in Romsdalen. Make the journey part of your experience and discover why this region deserves more than a passing visit.
Why add Åndalsnes to a Geirangerfjord journey?
Geirangerfjord is one of the best-known destinations on a road trip through Western Norway. Åndalsnes offers a different experience, where the Romsdalen valley, steep mountain faces and surrounding peaks become the main attraction.
The contrast is part of what makes the journey worthwhile. A fjord itinerary can take you through narrow valleys, along scenic roads and to viewpoints overlooking the water. From there, Romsdalen continues the experience into a landscape of towering mountains, hiking trails and spectacular natural landmarks.
Åndalsnes is more than a stop between Geiranger and the next destination. It is a place to spend a few days exploring the valley, taking the gondola into the mountains or travelling through the landscape by train.
.jpg)
%201.webp)
.png)
.jpg)
Geiranger and Ørnesvingen
Geiranger is one of the highlights of a fjord journey through Western Norway, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and spectacular views of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. The road above the fjord offers several opportunities to stop and take in the landscape, with Ørnesvingen among the most memorable viewpoints. From here, visitors can look across Geiranger, the fjord and the surrounding mountains, making it a natural stop for photographs and a closer look at the scenery.
From Geiranger, the journey towards Romsdalen continues along the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger–Trollstigen, connecting the fjord with the mountains around Åndalsnes. The route combines fjord views, winding mountain roads, waterfalls and dramatic landscapes, making the drive an experience in its own right.
Rather than treating Geiranger as the final stop, allow time to continue towards Åndalsnes and explore Romsdalen. The journey connects the fjord landscape with the mountains, while a longer stay provides opportunities for hiking, scenic railway journeys, viewpoints and further excursions into the surrounding region.
From Valldal and Gudbrandsjuvet to Trollstigen and Romsdalen
For travellers approaching from Valldal or Geiranger, the mountain roads can become part of the experience. Gudbrandsjuvet and Valldal offer natural attractions along the way, while Trollstigen adds one of Norway's most famous mountain road experiences to the journey towards Åndalsnes.
The route connects fjord landscapes with mountain scenery, making it an appealing option for visitors exploring Western Norway by car. Depending on the season and current road conditions, the journey can include scenic viewpoints and opportunities to stop along the way.
Trollstigen is one of the highlights along the way. This famous mountain road features 11 steep hairpin bends winding up from Isterdalen towards Stigrøra, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The winding ascent, steep mountainsides and viewpoints make it a memorable part of a road trip through Western Norway.
Once you reach Åndalsnes, there is no need to immediately continue driving. The town provides access to mountains, viewpoints and railway experiences of Romsdalen, allowing you to explore more of the region without having to cover long distances every day.
Experience the mountains and Romsdalen from Åndalsnes
Åndalsnes offers several ways to experience the surrounding landscape, from hiking and cable car rides to scenic journeys through the valley.
Romsdalsgondolen connects Åndalsnes with Nesaksla, approximately 708 metres above sea level, in seven minutes. The journey offers panoramic views of Romsdalen, the fjord and surrounding peaks. At the mountain station, visitors can enjoy the scenery, explore the area or dine at Eggen Restaurant. Rampestreken viewpoint can be reached by hiking from town or taking the gondola to Nesaksla and walking down. Romsdalstrappa also connects Åndalsnes with the mountains, while the demanding Romsdalseggen hike ends at the gondola's mountain station.
The Golden Train follows the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes through Romsdalen towards Bjorli and back. Described by Lonely Planet as "Europe's most scenic train journey", it combines spectacular scenery with stories about the railway, landscape and local history. Highlights include the Rauma River, Trollveggen, Kylling Bridge, Verma Waterfall, Kors Church and Bjorli. The journey offers a different perspective on the valley without having to drive.
.jpg)
Hjørundfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps
Romsdalen does not need to replace the other destinations on your itinerary. It can extend a journey through the fjords and mountains of Western Norway, adding another landscape and more opportunities to explore along the way.
Hjørundfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps offer another combination of fjords, dramatic peaks and mountain scenery for travellers exploring Western Norway.
The area can be included in a broader road trip alongside Geiranger and Romsdalen, creating a journey through some of the region's most varied landscapes.
Rather than trying to cover every destination in a single day, consider allowing time for individual stops and experiences along the way. The most practical route and travel times depend on your starting point, season and current transport conditions.
Innerdalen
Innerdalen offers another reason to extend a journey through the mountains. Often called Norway's most beautiful mountain valley, Innerdalen is a scenic destination in Sunndal municipality. In 1967, it became Norway's first protected landscape area, preserving its distinctive mountain scenery and natural surroundings. It is an appealing addition for visitors looking for quieter surroundings and outdoor experiences.
For travellers planning a longer stay in Romsdalen, Innerdalen can broaden the itinerary beyond Åndalsnes and the main attractions of the valley.
Extend your fjord journey into Romsdalen
A road trip through Western Norway can be planned around several destinations, with Romsdalen and Åndalsnes providing a natural place to spend more time between the fjords and the mountains.
Depending on your route and available time, a journey could include:
- Explore Geirangerfjord: Experience the fjord, its viewpoints and the surrounding landscape.
- Continue through Valldal and the mountain roads: Include Gudbrandsjuvet or Trollstigen when access and conditions permit.
- Stay in Åndalsnes: Use the town as a base for exploring Romsdalen and the surrounding mountains.
- Experience the valley: Travel on The Golden Train, take Romsdalsgondolen to Nesaksla or explore viewpoints above Åndalsnes.
- Add further excursions: Consider Trollveggen, Mardalsfossen, Eikesdalen or other destinations depending on your itinerary.
The exact order depends on road conditions, seasonal access, transport connections and how much time you have. Check current information before planning the route.
Stay longer and discover more of Western Norway
Geirangerfjord, Valldal, Hjørundfjord and the surrounding mountain roads offer plenty of reasons to explore Western Norway. Adding Romsdalen and Åndalsnes extends the journey beyond the fjords, bringing together mountain hikes, viewpoints, scenic railway experiences and road trips through the valley.
With accommodation ranging from camping to hotels, Åndalsnes also makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region. Spend a few days discovering Romsdalen, combine several experiences at your own pace and make the journey through Western Norway part of the adventure.
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
