Åndalsnes, the mountaineering capital of Norway, known for iconic spots such as Rampestreken and Trollveggen has added something exciting to its offerings for tourists and nature-lovers alike, the Romsdal gondola.
The Romsdal Gondola
The gondola, which opened in May of 2021, offers a new way to experience the world-class views of the Romsdal Alps and the fjord in Romsdalen. The gondola departs from the town center of Åndalsnes (next to the Tindesenter museum) and goes to the top of Nesaksla mountain. A short 5-minute ride takes you from fjord level up 1679m to the summit. Once at the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of your surroundings, including the famous peaks Romsdalshorn, Store Vengetind, and Kirketaket. Indulge not only your sense of sight, but your sense of taste as well and visit Eggen Restaurant at the top of Nesaksla. The restaurant offers traditional, seasonal, and local cuisine with unobstructed views over Romsdalen. Walk along the nature paths before heading back down to Åndalsnes. You can choose to ride the gondola back down or hike down the mountain which allows you to visit the famous Rampestreken viewpoint on the way. The gondola runs year-round and is suitable for people with disabilities. For more information visit the Romsdal gondola website.
Tindesenter
While in Åndalsnes a visit to the Tindesenter is a must! The Tindesenter is a unique visitors center focused on Norwegian mountaineering history and mountain adventure sports. It houses a mountaineering museum, climbing wall, café, and a unique film experience within its architecturally distinct building. The film experience gives a historical overview of climbing in the region interspersed with local folklore and animation – all on a giant screen designed to mimic a rock face!
In addition, the Tindesenter offers guided climbs on the via ferrata, climbing equipment for rent, guided kayak experiences, stand up paddle board (SUP) rentals, and guided hikes in the area. Whether you choose to explore the region on your own or with a guide, we recommend starting your journey in Åndalsnes here. You’ll be introduced to the famous peaks and local folklore of the region before setting out on your journey.
For more information on hours and tickets, please visit the Tindesenter website. We also offer excursions from Åndalsnes that include a screening of the Tindesenter’s film, “Troll Folk” to start the tour before heading out and exploring the region.
Trollveggen
No visit to Åndalsnes would be complete without taking a short drive outside of the city to the magnificent Trollveggen (Troll Wall). The impressive Troll Wall is Europe’s tallest vertical rock face boasting an impressive 1100m in height from the valley floor. A popular and prestigious spot for climbers, the wall is a spectacular sight to see. At one time the rock face was a popular spot for base jumpers, but base jumping from the Troll Wall became illegal in 1986. The jagged peaks of the ridge evoke images of troll heads playfully looking over the valley below. Stop in to the Trollveggen visitor’s center and grab some refreshments at the restaurant while enjoying unobstructed views of the wall and pop in the gift shop to bring a memento of troll country home with you. There is also an auditorium that screens a short-film on the history of the Troll Wall for an additional fee.
For guided excursions of the Troll Wall and surrounding area with Norway Excursions click here.
Hiking is arguably Norway’s favorite pastime. And for those who want to partake in this activity, the area around Åndalsnes is a fantastic place to start.
Rampestreken
The hike up to the viewpoint at Rampestreken is a moderately challenging mountain hike that rewards you with amazing views of Åndalsnes, the Romsdal Alps, fjord, and valley below. The trailhead is located in the center of Åndalsnes and takes you on a steep climb up to Rampestreken, 537m above sea level. It is classified as a moderate hike but as the trail steepens, you’re greeted with stone steps called Romsdalstrappa. The path is well marked and has signage alerting you to every 100m in elevation you gain. Allow for 3 hours (1.5 hours up, rest/photos, and 1 down) and you should have plenty of time to enjoy this popular hike.
Romsdalseggen
The hike across the Romsdalseggen ridge is one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway. In fact it was named one of the world’s most scenic hikes by Lonely Planet (2011). From the ridge you’re rewarded with views of the famous Trollveggen (Troll Wall) and the peaks of Romsdalshorn and Vengetindene. The 10km hike along the ridge reaches 1,329m above sea level at its peak. However, various routes along the ridge allow for adaptability depending on ability. You can choose between an easy route, a medium route, and an extreme route that requires a mountain guide. Take a bus from the Tindesenter to the trailhead. The hike up and across Romsdalseggen takes approximately 7-8 hours.
Surrounded by the dramatic Romsdal Alps and with so many mountain-focused activities to offer, it’s no surprise that Åndalsnes has been dubbed the mountaineering capital of Norway! Åndalsnes attracts visitors from all over the world. We hope to be able to show you around this special place.
Norway Excursions tours departing from Åndalsnes can be found here.
