Welcome toÅndalsnes

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. If you want to swap sugar kicks with adrenaline kicks, maybe a Via Ferrata route does the trick?

Welcome to Åndalsnes — the height of holiday excitement!