Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes is a town in the western county Møre og Romsdal. For some reason it has attracted some unfavourable comments on travel boards but it's a superbly located transport hub. The town itself is merely a village, but the surrounding mountains and fjords are among the greatest in Norway. Åndalsnes there is eas

Get in

• Buses from Ålesund, Molde, Kristiansund and, in summer, Geiranger
• Train from Oslo or Trondheim via Dombas along the Romsdal, one of Norway's most scenic lines. This is the only railway line in Møre og Romsdal and Åndalsnes the line's endstation.

Get around

Bus or 10 minute ferry to Molde, ferry from there to Vikibund and return by bus (from Ålesund) makes a great day out. A return trip to Geiranger with ferry from there to Hellesylt and back is easily done in a day - given an early start if you are going by bus.

A Minipris (Non refundable discount) ticket from Oslo to Åndalsnes can be purchased from as low as 199NOK at www.nsb.no

See

• Mountains named after chess pieces, the 'Bishop' being a perfect example, can be seen early on the Golden Route to Geiranger.
• The Trollstigen, a mountain road climbing the pass between Isterdalen valley in the North and Valldal valley in the South. This road is the major attraction in this area and one of the most visited destinations in Norway.
• The Trollveggen, Europe's highest vertical and overhanging rock face can be seen to the left of the railway as you leave Åndalsnes.

Trollsveggen

• The entire Romsdalen valley stretching from Åndalsnes to Bjorli on Road E136. Waterfalls at Monge, Verma and Sletta. Mountains Trolltindane (inlcuding Trollveggen), Romsdalshorn, and Mongegjura.

Do

Drive,or go by bus, up Trollstigen road which is located some 15 kilometers outside Åndalsnes. Trollstigen is a road that is encircled by enormous mountains and goes in sharp curves up the mountain side. The road is normally closed from October to May, but is open during the summer months. On the top one has a spectacular view over the valley and the Trollstigen road itself. This is part of what is often called the Golden Route. The road closes for a major part of the year.

Åndalsnes with it's valleys (Romsdalen and Isterdalen) is the centre for Norwegian alpine sport, rock face climbing and mountaineering. There are also endless opportunities for pleasant walks on paths in the mountain vallies as well as challenging scrambles to impressive summits. Warning: Do not walk on glaciers without proper equipment and experience.

Non-climbers can visit the top of Trollveggen, a six hour hike from Trollstigen. Warning: Experience and solid boots needed, contact a local guide if you do not know the route or are not familiar with Norwegian mountains.

Sleep

Andalnes Camping is located on the riverside about 2.5 kilometres upstream from the village. When on foot stick to the northern shore of the river and cross the footbridge to end up near the campings reception.

The Grand Hotel Belleview near the station has excellent views over the wide Moldefjord - and fine meals, buffet and set in different restaurants.)

Hotell Aak is a small hotel 5 kilometers outside the city. It has an interesting history which dates back from 1850, but it was fully renovated in 1998. The hotel has only 16 rooms and a small restaurant.

Get out

• Visit Valldal via the Trollstigen. Trollstigen ("The Troll Pathway") is a mountain road on national highway 63 between Åndalsnes and Valldal in West Norway. It is one of Norway's major attractions due to its steep incline and eleven hairpin bends climbing cliffs and steep hills until the mountain pass. Trollstigen is closed during the fall and winter months. A normal opening season stretches from the mid of May to October.

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