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The wildest parts of Norway
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Make Romsdalen part of your journey
Romsdalen is a destination for mountain hikes, viewpoints, waterfalls, scenic journeys and road-trip experiences. Around Åndalsnes, visitors can move from the Romsdalen valley to Nesaksla by cable car, follow the Rauma Railway and the Golden Train towards Bjorli or set out on foot towards viewpoints and mountain ridges.
While Romsdalen and Åndalsnes work as destinations in their own right, they can also make a worthwhile detour on a road trip through Western Norway. A visit can be built around a challenging hike, a shorter mountain outing, a family-friendly alternative, a scenic train journey or a combination of nature and dining.
Romsdalseggen & Litlefjellet
Romsdalseggen is one of the major hiking experiences in Romsdalen. The demanding ridge hike starts in Vengedalen and ends at the mountain station of Romsdalsgondolen, creating a natural connection between the hike, the mountain station and the journey back to Åndalsnes by cable car. The route covers approximately 10 km, takes around 7–8 hours and is best suited to experienced hikers in good physical condition. The main hiking season is June to September, depending on weather and trail conditions.
Litlefjellet offers a shorter mountain outing and an alternative to the demanding Romsdalseggen hike. Located in Venjedalen, the trail rewards hikers with views of Romsdalshorn and the surrounding mountains. The marked route is approximately 730 metres each way, with an elevation gain of 109 metres and an estimated walking time of around 40 minutes. Graded blue, it is a relatively easy hike, although the initial ascent is somewhat steep. The trail is suitable for summer and autumn, making it an appealing option for visitors looking for a shorter outdoor experience.
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Rampestreken and Nesaksla
Rampestreken is a well-known viewpoint above Åndalsnes, offering spectacular views of the town, Romsdalsfjorden and the surrounding mountains. It can be reached by hiking from Åndalsnes, via the Romsdalseggen hiking route or by taking Romsdalsgondolen to Nesaksla and walking down to the viewpoint.
Romsdalsgondolen connects Åndalsnes with Nesaksla, approximately 708 metres above sea level, in around seven minutes. From the mountain station, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Romsdalen, the fjord and the surrounding mountains. The gondola also provides access to Eggen Restaurant, where visitors can combine the mountain experience with a meal overlooking the landscape. For those who prefer to explore on foot, Romsdalstrappa offers a hiking route from Åndalsnes to Nesaksla, passing Rampestreken along the way. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to the viewpoint, with the mountain station further uphill.
The Golden Train
The Golden Train travels from Åndalsnes through Romsdalen towards Bjorli and back along the Rauma Railway. Described by Lonely Planet as "Europe’s most scenic train journey", the experience combines spectacular views of the Rauma River, Trollveggen, Kylling Bridge, Verma Waterfall, Kors Church and Bjorli with storytelling about the railway, the landscape and local history. The journey offers a convenient way to experience some of the region's most impressive scenery without having to drive.
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Trollveggen
Trollveggen, or the Troll Wall, is one of the defining landmarks of Romsdalen. Part of the Trolltindene mountain massif, it is Europe's tallest vertical overhanging rock face, rising approximately 1,700 metres from the valley floor to the summit of Trollryggen. Its sheer rock face drops around 1,000 metres vertically, with the upper section overhanging the base by approximately 50 metres.
For a closer look, Trollveggen Visitor Center (Trollveggen Besøkssenter) is located along the E136, approximately 10 kilometres from Åndalsnes. The centre features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, an outdoor patio, a cafeteria and a souvenir shop. The Golden Train also passes Trollveggen, offering another way to experience this impressive mountain landmark.
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Trollstigen
Trollstigen is a world-famous mountain road and one of the region's major scenic attractions. The road features 11 steep hairpin bends winding up from Isterdalen towards Stigrøra, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Normally open from mid-May until autumn, the road closes for winter when snow arrives. Visitors can experience the mountain pass by driving themselves when access permits or join a bookable guided bus excursion from the Romsdalen and Åndalsnes area.
Beyond Åndalsnes
Romsdalen and Åndalsnes make an ideal base for exploring more of Western Norway, whether you are travelling between Trondheim and the fjords or planning a road trip through the region. With dramatic mountain scenery, spectacular waterfalls and scenic mountain roads within reach, staying a little longer opens up opportunities to experience much more than the main attractions along the way.
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Mardalsfossen and Eikesdalen
Mardalsfossen and Eikesdalen are well worth a detour for visitors travelling through the region. Eikesdalen is one of Romsdal's most spectacular valleys, with steep mountains rising dramatically above Eikesdalsvatnet, a nearly 20-kilometre-long lake surrounded by lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. The valley is also the starting point for the spectacular Aursjøvegen mountain road.
At the heart of the valley lies Mardalsfossen, one of the world's tallest free-falling waterfalls. The 655-metre waterfall, including a 297-metre uninterrupted drop, is particularly impressive during its annual water release season from 20 June to 20 August. Originally developed for hydropower following the controversial Mardøla demonstrations in 1970, the waterfall is now released during this period, allowing visitors to experience its full force. For those travelling through Western Norway, it is an excellent reason to include Eikesdalen in the itinerary and use Åndalsnes as a base for exploring the surrounding region.
Dovrefjell and Musk Ox Safaris
Dovrefjell and Musk Ox Safaris offer another opportunity to extend a road trip through Norway. Located along the route between Trondheim, Oppdal and Romsdalen, Dovrefjell is known for its open mountain landscapes and wildlife. Guided musk ox safaris provide the opportunity to encounter these impressive animals in their natural habitat.
A longer stay in Romsdalen and Åndalsnes makes it possible to combine hiking, scenic journeys, viewpoints and day trips without turning the visit into a race between attractions. With accommodation ranging from camping to hotels, including Grand Hotel, Eidsvåg Fjordhotell and Frich’s Ekspress Hotel Åndalsnes, the area offers a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region while enjoying more time in the mountains and valleys.
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Make Romsdalen part of your journey
Whether you are travelling through Western Norway or planning a longer mountain holiday, Romsdalen and Åndalsnes offer plenty of reasons to stop and stay. Instead of passing through on the way to the next attraction, spend a few days exploring the mountains, viewpoints and scenic routes at your own pace.
Combine a hike to Rampestreken or Romsdalseggen with a ride on Romsdalsgondolen, a journey on the Golden Train or a scenic drive through the valley. With Trollveggen, Trollstigen, Mardalsfossen and Eikesdalen within reach, Åndalsnes also makes a convenient base for day trips and further adventures in the surrounding region.
From camping to hotels, there are accommodation options for different types of travellers, making it easy to turn a road-trip stop into a longer stay. Give yourself time to explore Romsdalen, and discover how much more there is to experience beyond the road ahead.
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