Norway | 6x what to see and do in Åndalsnes

Hiking with a view of the rugged mountains, hiking up to 550 meters above sea level or going to the beach? This is all possible in the 'quiet' Andalsnes. Quiet is in brackets, because it is a popular holiday destination in the summer and winter months. The village itself has 3000 inhabitants and is located at the mouth of the Rama River which flows through the valley of Romsdal. It is accessible via the railway line The space shuttle to Andalsnes, which is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world Norway is. Here you can read our tips and what to see and do in Åndalsnes!

What to do in Andalsnes

1. Train journey: the Raumabanen

Let's start with the train journey The space shuttle. A journey through landscapes full of contrasts. Between Andalsnes en Dombås this railway line was built right through the beautiful nature. This train ride is an attraction in itself. You pass the rugged fjords and wild waters. You even have the chance to see the rare musk oxen (a long-haired ungulate with horns) at Dombås! The train journey is a must! Easy to do, because the journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Believe me… time flies with the views you are treated to.

Tip:: Book your ticket and reserve a seat in advance. This is even mandatory on many trains. Otherwise you run the risk of not having a seat on the train. We took the risk twice with the thought: 'it won't be too bad'. Then we were the sjaak, the train was full! Reserve your tickets here.

2. Car/camper route: the Trollstigen

Åndalsnes is the starting point for the world-famous troll route: the Trollstigen. This is an 18-kilometer road with a 12% gradient and is known for its many hairpin bends. It ends in one of the most beautiful and most visited fjords in Norway: the Geirangerfjord. I can confirm from experience that this is one of the most beautiful routes in all of Norway by car or camper! It's a shame to miss this experience when you're in the Åndalsnes area! You drive on the Stigfossen waterfall and there are numerous viewpoints where you can park the car and walk around or look over the mountains. It is a fairytale scene…

Tip:: You will lose a few hours on this route. To also Geiranger I would recommend to stay there for a night. There are about 5 campsites within a short distance of each other in Geiranger. We stayed one night in a cabin on the fjord. We felt like protagonists in a movie! Insanely beautiful to sleep right on the fjord. Click here for prices and availability.

Also read: Norway | The most beautiful National Scenic Routes for car and camper

3. Viewpoint disaster areas

Our highlight in Åndalsnes was the hike up to 550 meters above sea level. Disaster pranks is the name of the viewing platform overlooking Åndalsnes. A tough climb, because you are constantly going uphill. You are about an hour and a half on the way to the top. Along the way we met a few older couples who turned around because they thought it was too spicy. Understandable, because a bit of good condition is definitely recommended for this hike.

Don't underestimate it when you see that a hike is only 1 km. 1 km straight up can feel harder than walking 10 km on flat ground! At the top you will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the mountains Isterdalen and the beautiful Romsdalsfjorden. You can choose to continue walking to Nesak lettuce, a building where you have an even better view Romsdalen en Trollstigen.

4. Beach on the Isfjord

By chance we discovered a cute little beach on it Isfjord in Åndalsnes (location here). The view is super nice and peaceful, we completely relaxed here. There are several picnic benches on the water. This way you can enjoy the mountains and the peaceful water. The beach is easy to find, you don't need a car. Follow the signs 'To comb' until the parking lot and there you walk via the footpath to the beach. There are also toilets and a shower. Perfect for a day to relax after adventurous hikes in the area!

5. Hiking in Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes is a wonderful place for walking. It is a beautiful area, full of natural contrasts. You can walk for miles along turquoise water over beautiful bridges and along rugged rocks. You do not necessarily have to map out a walking route, because it is very beautiful everywhere. While strolling through the streets you can enjoy the wild mountains in the background.

Åndalsnes really is one of those places where you can just go out and let nature surprise you. The center itself is not that special, it is really a quiet village. The environment and nature in Åndalsnes, on the other hand, has a lot to offer. It is therefore a wonderful place to find beautiful hotspots on the water during a walk. Don't worry, you don't have to be an adventurous hiker to enjoy nature in Åndalsnes.

6. Stay overnight

Camping Soggebru (Look at here) is a small campsite, but in a wonderful environment. At this campsite you will be rewarded with beautiful water right on the field, a beautiful bridge and a view over the Romsdalseggen mountain. You can also take a wonderful bath in the clean water that lies at your feet. It is a 45 minute walk from the campsite to the center of Åndalsnes, so a car or bicycle is recommended. A bus may also stop right in front of the campsite (1 minute walk), which will also take you to the center of Åndalsnes.

It is a primitive campsite, so don't expect luxury. There are four cabins to reserve. You can also see this in the background of the photo above. In addition to the possibility to put up your tent or camper. But many campers are satisfied with the basic facilities and a piece of grass to pitch the tent/camper (in a beautiful setting). If you are such a person this is a perfect campsite.

Also read: Wild camping in Norway | Tips and what you need to know in advance

We also have a few nights in Andalsnes Gustehouse (look at here) slept. We were very positive about this hostel. We had the entire top floor to ourselves with a spacious living room including television. Here we could watch Netflix & YouTube on the television. You don't often have that luxury in hostels! The beds were fine. There were two beds in the room, so we didn't share the room with strangers. A clean kitchen with oven, and as a highlight (!) a very large balcony with a view of the mountains. Here we sat enjoying a cup of coffee with the sun. Some other people also slept in the hostel, which you sometimes see walking back and forth or cooking, but you really have your own bedroom. The hostel cost us 53 euros for 2 people (out of high season).

Conclusion

You don't have to go to Åndalsnes for a vibrant city life. On the other hand, it is a Valhalla for hikers and nature lovers. Looking for a cool hike to do? Then you have the lookout point Disaster pranks to look up. It is also the gateway to beautiful car routes and other beautiful places. This is how you want the troll route (Trollstigen) have really done and from Åndalsnes you have the chance to visit the famous Geirangerfjord to visit. For a day out it is nice to take the train over the Rauma jobs. Enough to do during a week in Åndalsnes!