Things To Do In Åndalsnes, Norway

Tucked away amidst the stunning landscape of Norway, Åndalsnes is a small town that offers big experiences. Often dubbed as the ‘Alpine town by the fjord', Åndalsnes is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

I recently spent a day in Åndalsnes, a small town in a picturesque part of Norway that's often missed by international travellers. If you are planning a trip around the Norwegian fjords, Åndalsnes and the Rauma valley is a place well worth considering.

From picturesque railway rides to awe-inspiring hiking trails, the Rauma valley is a destination that truly encapsulates the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of the fjord region.

Like many small towns in Norway, Åndalsnes itself is rather ordinary due to the damage inflicted during World War II. But as a cruise ship port or a base camp for exploring the surrounding area, it's ideal.

An Introduction to Åndalsnes, Norway

Åndalsnes is a small town in Rauma municipality, part of Møre og Romsdal county. Approximately 2,400 people live in the town, but it has a lot of facilities and services that are used by people who live throughout the region.

The town is connected to the Norwegian railway network via the Rauma line to Dombås, and it's a cruise ship port often used by smaller ships and German lines.

So despite its small size, Åndalsnes boasts a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to travellers of all types, from thrill-seekers to tranquility-seekers. Here are some of the best things to do in Åndalsnes.

Watch: The Best of Åndalsnes

I've made a popular YouTube video all about the best things to do in Åndalsnes, which you can watch here:

If that's got you interested, read on for much more detail and lots more photos.

Ride the Cable Car

One of the main attractions in Åndalsnes is the Romsdal Gondola, a recently opened cable car that takes visitors up to the mountain peak of Nesaksla.

As you ascend in the cable car, you'll be presented with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the town below, and the mesmerising fjord. But that pales in comparison to what you'll see from the top.

Be sure to explore all the walkways (take care if it's been raining) for stunning views in all directions. Breathtaking is an overused word in travel, but in this case I think it's entirely justified.

A mountain lodge with cafe and restaurant offers shelter, and food and beverages to enjoy with the spectacular panorama.

At NOK 560 for a roundtrip, a ride on the Romsdal Gondola is not cheap, but the view is incomparable. Walking up the mountain is popular with locals, and those taking just a one-way trip on the cable car will pay NOK 360.

The call car usually opens at 10am in high season. Although it's open year-round, it doesn't operate every day during the off-season and hours do vary through the year so do check in advance if you're making a special visit.

Ride the Rauma Railway

For those who prefer an even more leisurely adventure, the Rauma Railway offers a relaxed yet joyful experience.

This scenic train journey takes you past some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Trollveggen (the Troll Wall), which is Europe's highest vertical mountain face, and over the stone-hewn Kylling Bridge.

UPDATE Sep 2025: At the time of writing, the Rauma Railway and Golden Train are closed due to a landslide. Please check before travelling.

The train's slow pace allows ample time to appreciate the stunning views, and the large windows offer unobstructed panoramas of the breathtaking surroundings.

Allow a few minutes before boarding the train at the station in Åndalsnes to visit the chapel. Built inside an old train carriage, the chapel was consecrated in the presence of King Harald and Queen Sonja.

It's a lovely touch. Look for the historic red train carriage standing alone just outside the station building.

Mountaineering Visitor Centre

Norsk Tindesenter is a destination for mountain and outdoor enthusiasts, before or after you’re done with the actual mountains, of course! A blend of museum and activity center, it captures the spirit of Norwegian mountaineering through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.

Visitors can delve into the rich history of climbing in Norway, watch a panoramic film showcasing the stunning local mountains, learn about local fauna and flora, and even tackle an indoor climbing wall.

However, I would say it really is only a destination for keen hikers and mountaineers. There is a popular cafe on the ground floor.

Admire the Troll wall

Just outside Åndalsnes stands one of Norway’s most dramatic natural landmarks, Trollveggen, or the Troll Wall. Rising almost 1,100 meters from the valley floor, it is Europe’s tallest vertical rock face and a legendary challenge for climbers and base jumpers alike.

Seen from the Rauma Railway, the sheer cliffs make an unforgettable impression, but the best place to appreciate the scale is the Trollveggen Visitor Centre, only a 15-minute drive from town.

Here you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows framing the wall, a café for a mid-journey break, and a spacious shop filled with books, local crafts, and mountain gear.

Outside, tiered seating lets you sit back and take in the panorama while learning more about the geology and the daring history of those who attempted the climb. A memorial provides a sobering reality check of the dangers of nature.

Spectacular Hiking Trails

Åndalsnes is a hiker's paradise, offering numerous trails that cater to different fitness levels. Here are some of the most notable hikes in Åndalsnes:

One of the most popular trails is the Romsdalseggen ridge, known for its sweeping views of the fjords and mountains. On days graced with clear skies, your vision can stretch as far as the ocean, offering a rare view of the Romsdal mountains typically unseen by most tourists.

However, a word of caution – this trail is not suitable for novices, or for those uncomfortable with lofty heights. Additionally, if you're not a planner, this might not be the excursion for you, as the ridge demands a full day of dedicated commitment.

If that sounds like too much, consider the hike to Rampestreken viewpoint instead. It's actually the final stretch of the Romsdalseggen trail, but you can hike there and back from Åndalsnes in about 2.5 hours.

This one still requires a decent level of physical fitness, though. It's a steep climb! You could instead take the cable car up and walk down, or vice-versa if you prefer.

Riverside Camping in Åndalsnes

For those arriving by cruise ship, you don’t have to worry about overnight accommodation. But if you’re a keen mountaineer or hiker, consider the accommodation at Åndalsnes Camping.

In the shadow of the epic mountains of the Rauma region, the riverside campsite offers space for pitching a tent, parking for motorhomes, and cabins for rent.

Cabins are equipped with kitchenettes, while there is a service building that includes cooking facilities, bathrooms, and showers.

What are your favourite things to do in Åndalsnes? Let us know in the comments below?