Welcome toÅndalsnes

the height of holiday excitement!

Take your fjord foray to new heights in Åndalsnes, Norway’s mountaineering mecca. This tiny town of 2400, at the mouth of the Rauma River, on the Isfjord, may be small but it looms large when it comes to hikes, drives, train trips and ski tours among the region’s towering peaks and sweeping vistas.

A first for any visitor is the hike up to the dizzying Rampestreken viewing platform, perched nearly 550 m (1800 ft) over Åndalsnes. Stroll up from the town center to a unique set of stone steps, the Romsdalstrappa, laid by none other than — who else? —Nepalese Sherpa guides.

Still not high enough for you? Head back up the steps to the top of Mt. Nesaksla, 708 m (2323 ft) tall. Families can easily tackle Litlefjellet for accessible views, while ambitious hikers will want to take a crack at the challenging Romsdalseggen trail — one of the world’s most scenic highland routes. A skier? Grab a local guide and make for Mt. Kirketaket, for 1439 m (4721 ft) of powdery slopes and stunning fjord scenery.

Loftier still is Trollveggen, a nearby mountain wall soaring a mind-boggling 1700 m (5578 ft) skyward. Free climbers and base jumpers make a habit of scrambling up or plunging off this intimidating “Troll Wall.” But you’ll probably prefer to view its massive bulk from below or — even better — from the comfort of the Rauma Line. Ride its legendary rails on a safe and scenic trip from Åndalsnes to Dombås or Bjorli for unparalleled sightseeing.

After your train pulls back into town, make a beeline for the Norsk Tindesenter to explore local mountaineering history and — if your adrenaline’s still pumping — scale the nation’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Mountaineering mission accomplished, recharge your batteries and rest your soles at one of the town’s charming cafés or inns with a cup of tea or coffee, cinnamon roll or New Nordic nosh.

Welcome to Åndalsnes — the height of holiday excitement!