Åndalsnes
Romsdalseggen in Åndalsnes, one of the world's most beautiful mountain hikes according to Lonely Planet. Here you can find the description of the tour.
This hike takes you through a dramatic landscape that features many highlights from the beginning to the end. From the ridge, you can see the majestic Trollveggen cliff, surrounded by a number of well-known mountains.
How long is the hike over Romsdalseggen?
The hike is 10 kilometers long, with an elevation gain of 970 meters.
Normally, the hiking time is about 5-8 hours.
The hike requires good weather and suitable hiking equipment. You and your hiking companions must also be in good physical condition and have experience in navigating steep and rough terrain.
Tour description
The hike across Romsdalseggen ridge starts with the Romsdalseggen bus taking you from the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre (Norsk Tindesenter) in the centre of Åndalsnes to the starting point of the hike.
The path is waymarked with painted red Ts, and starts where the bus stops. The ascent up the first part to Hestheia along Tverrelva river is moderate. You get a last chance to fill your water bottle at Hestheia, so remember to do so before you leave the river. There is a sign-posted and well-marked fork in the path up where the terrain levels off; turn west up the steep mountainside that takes you up onto Romsdalseggen ridge.
The ascent from here is hard going and steep, but the view that awaits you at the top is well worth the effort! From the ridge, you look directly at the legendary Trollveggen cliff, Europe's highest perpendicular rock face – crowned by rugged mountains. To the southeast, you can see the Dalsida landscape protection area, which extends all the way to the Dovrefjell and Sunndalsfjella mountains, with the highest peak Snøhetta.
The mountains Romsdalshorn and Store Venjetind tower like spires into the sky. It is not hard to understand why this sea of jagged peaks, ridges and wild precipices has drawn mountaineers to the area for centuries. To the southwest, you can see Reinheimen National Park and the well-known mountains Bispen, Kongen and Dronninga. From Romsdalseggen ridge, you also get a view of Romsdalen valley, with the Rauma river winding its way through the lush landscape out to the fjord and Åndalsnes.
There is another crossroads on the ridge between Blånebba and Mjølvafjellet. Romsdalseggen ridge goes to the right, northwest towards Åndalsnes. Follow the ridge, which gradually narrows and descends Halsaskaret ridge. This section is steep and requires some light climbing. This is one of the narrowest sections on Romsdalseggen ridge. The route is well-secured with chains, however, bringing you safely to Mjølvafjellet (1,216 metres). This is the highest point on the hike.
The ridge widens considerably from this point, and the descent down to Nesaksla is pleasant. On this section of the path, you mainly walk on stone and rock. The ridge again narrows at Mjølvaskaret for a brief, but lofty section. There's a great point to stop and take photos just after this section.
Rampestreken, Eggen Restaurant, and Romsdalsgondolen
At Nesaksla lies the Eggen restaurant with a panoramic view over Åndalsnes. Here, you can take a break with ice cream, pastries, and coffee - or a finer meal with a view of the fjord. From here, the last leg of the hike down the Romsdalstrappa (stone steps) back to Åndalsnes remains. This section is relatively steep, and many find it helpful to use walking poles. A mandatory photo stop at the viewpoint Rampestreken. You can also take the Romsdalsgondolen down to the center of Åndalsnes.
Important information
Romsdalseggen ridge is a long (10,3 km) demanding hike with a 970 meter ascent, which means you have to be in a good shape and used to walking in steep and uneven terrain. It is therefore important that you consider your own fitness and that of others in your party before you set out.
A shuttle bus operates from the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre (Norsk Tindesenter) to the start of the path throughout the season. Revenue from this bus goes to the management and maintenance of the path. Your contribution helps to manage Romsdalseggen in the best possible manner.
Romsdalseggen ridge is not recommended for children.
Some parts of the hike is exposed, and it feels scary to some people. You don't need climbing equipment, but there are chains bolted in the steepest parts for a better grip. People with a mild degree of fear of heights will, with a good companion to lean on, manage to get through the toughest part of the hike. We do not recommend the normal route if you suffer from a solid fear of heights or lack sufficient hiking experience. The route via Høgnosa is in this case a better option for you.
The last two kilometeres of the hike (Romsdalstrappa) are quite steep and can be challenging at the end of the hike, especially if you have former knee injuries. Walking sticks can be a good support, especially if wet and slippery.
Hiking maps can be downloaded on norgeskart.no, bring a compass and make sure you know how to use it.
Dogs can generally be taken on hikes on Romsdalseggen ridge, but they may need assistance in the most exposed sections.
Check the weather forecast at yr.no
Blånebba and Mannen observation site in Rauma will give you the best indications of what the weather is like on Romsdalseggen ridge, which can differ considerably from the weather in Åndalsnes. In case of dense fog or low clouds, strong wind in combination with rain, low temperature, or if the weatherforecast says thunderstorms, choose another day for hiking Romsdalseggen!
Make sure your phone is fully charged. In the event of an emergency call 112
Lightning a bonfire, bbq, or disposable bbq in or clode to forests and all other uncultivated land is forbidden between April 15th and September 15th.
Close the gate and show consideration of domestic animals. Dont feed domestic or wild animals, and always bring your rubbish back with you.
Show considerations if you bring a drone.
We advise against hiking Romsdalseggen ridge off-season.
There are no toilets along the trail - hence use the toilet before you go exploring. In Åndalsnes you will find public toilets at the railwaystation, Norsk Tindesenter and Rauma kulturhus. When there`s no toilet: Walk at least 70 steps away from the trails and/or water. Dig a hole, do your bussiness and cover the hole afterwards. Please use only unbleached toilet paper (no wetwipes!), and carry the used paper out in a compostable bag or the like. Dispose when you get to town.
Remember that your safety is your responsibility.
Recommended guide companies
Season
15. June - 30. September
Bus transport to the starting point of the trip
From Oslo and Trondheim, you can travel by train to Åndalsnes. When planning to hike Romsdalseggen, we recommend using the Romsdalseggen bus from the center of Åndalsnes to Venjedalssetra.
See timetables and buy your tickets from Åndalsnes station to Venjesdalssetra (Romsdalseggen) here.
Car parking in Åndalsnes
If you arrive by car, please park at the longterm parking (langtidsparkering) opposite the railway station (Isfjordvegen). From here it`s only 3 minutes walk to Norsk Tindesenter where the bus depart.
Bron: Visit Northwest