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Andalsnes, Norway © Tom Phillips/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Andalsnes, Norway © weisserstier/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Andalsnes, Norway © weisserstier/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Andalsnes, Norway © weisserstier/Flickr/CC BY 2.0Andalsnes is a town at the mouth of Romsdal valley in the western county More og Romsdal. For some reason, it has attracted some unfavorable comments on travel boards but it's a superbly located transport hub and the Romsdal valley itself is one of the most monumental and romantic valleys of Norway. The small town itself is merely a village, but the valley and surrounding mountains and fjords are among the greatest in Norway. Andalsnes is a center for mountaineering in Norway and calls itself "alpine town at the fjord".Andalsnes, Norway
Romsdal is the deep valley stretching some 40 km from the county line near Bjorli to the Romsdal fjord at the small town of Åndalsnes. Åndalsnes sits at the mouth of Rauma river, opposite the village of Veblungsnes (the former center), which has a characteristic parish church. Romsdal is the valley of the great Rauma river. Åndalsnes is also the terminal station for the Raumabanen (railway... Read more
Destination:Andalsnes, NorwayAndalsnes is a town at the mouth of Romsdal valley in the western county More og Romsdal. For some reason, it has attracted some unfavorable comments on travel boards but it's a superbly located transport hub and the Romsdal valley itself is one of the most monumental and romantic valleys of Norway. The small town itself is merely a village, but the valley and surrounding mountains and fjords are among the greatest in Norway. Andalsnes is a center for mountaineering in Norway and calls itself "alpine town at the fjord".
Romsdal is the deep valley stretching some 40 km from the county line near Bjorli to the Romsdal fjord at the small town of Åndalsnes. Åndalsnes sits at the mouth of Rauma river, opposite the village of Veblungsnes (the former center), which has a characteristic parish church. Romsdal is the valley of the great Rauma river. Åndalsnes is also the terminal station for the Raumabanen (railway line) running through the valley. Near Åndalsnes the main Romsdal valley converges with the shorter but even more dramatic Isterdal valley, home to famous Trollstigen hairpin road and mountain pass and more wild summits. The lower parts of the two valleys are dominated by the confluence of rivers Rauma and Istra: the delta they create and the meanders through which they flow. The valley floor is surprisingly flat and even between these wild mountains. About 2/3 of the area is above the treeline.
The Romsdal valley allows easy connection to the inland counties of Oppland and Hedmark, and is, in fact, a western continuation of the great eastern valley Gudbrandsdalen. Lesjaskogsvatnet lake is exactly at the watershed and water from the lake flows both east and west. Åndalsnes' central location made it a transport hub and old trading post. Most visitors by car, train or bus will eventually drive through the valley. The valley has given its name to the district surrounding the Moldefjord/Romsdalsfjord, as well as the entire county.
The Romsdal valley begins around the county line in the highlands where the valley and the river quickly descend through gorges (with lovely rapids and waterfalls) to the relatively even and low valley floor. The road and the railway then run between some of the highest cliffs and highest waterfalls in Europe. Nearby Eikesdalen valley (as well as Sunndalen) are also home to some of the highest waterfalls in Europe. All waterfalls in Romsdal valley are easily accessible and visible from the car window and from the train (Mongefossen is perhaps the tallest waterfall visible from a train).
Åndalsnes and Romsdal valley were early key tourist destinations in Western Norway. In particular affluent English gentlemen were attracted by the salmon angling in the great landscape. Properties were purchased and hotels established by the English. The alpine pioneer William Cecil Slingsby visited Romsdal, in addition to the Sunnmøre Alps (around Hjørundfjord) and Jotunheimen.History
Åndalsnes played a key role in the dramatic days following the German invasion on April 9, 1940. British troops landed at Åndalsnes to support the Norwegian Army and the town was totally destroyed by the subsequent German bombing. The British troops landed at Åndalsnes (as well as Namsos) were engaged in the first Allied direct combat with German troops during the war. The King, cabinet, and Bank of Norway's gold and cash holdings were evacuated through Åndalsnes amidst heavy fighting in a bold and legendary operation. The Raumabanen railway was then strategically important as it connected Oslo and East Norway to the protected harbor at Åndalsnes. Later during the war, the railway was the target of sabotage intended to interrupt German transport of troops and supplies.
More than 300 years earlier, Scottish mercenary troops landed in the Åndalsnes and Romsdal valley en route to join the war in Sweden. The Scottish troops marched through the valley and passed Otta in Gudbrandsdalen where they were slaughtered by a local militia in a legendary ambush.
Source:https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Åndalsnes_and_Romsdal_valley
Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0Andalsnes, Norway: Port Information
Cruise liners dock right in the center of the town. Everything is within walking distance. The scenery is stunning.Get around Andalsnes, Norway
Åndalsnes itself is only a village and can be covered on foot.
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 the ferry from there to Hellesylt and back is easily done in a day - given an early start if you are going by bus.What to see in Andalsnes, Norway
- King and Bishop summits, Road 63 (Trollstigen) (Drive road 63). Mountains named after chess pieces, the 'Bishop' being a perfect example, can be seen early on the scenic drive to Geiranger. Free
- Trollstigen mountain pass, Åndalsnes-Valldal (Road 63). summer only (late May - October). 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 frequently named the most scenic drive in Norway. It is an elegant road and engineering achievement amidst iconic mountains and wild waterfalls. Part of road 63 between Åndalsnes and Geiranger, designated as one of Norway's national tourist routes. NOTE: During high season the traffic load is high at noon (11 to 14 o'clock), traffic jams occur, try to drive early morning or evening. Free.
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Trollveggen
. The Trollveggen, Europe's highest vertical and overhanging rock face can be seen to the right of the railway as you leave Åndalsnes. Road E136 also passes the panorama point. Panorama also includes countless peaks (Trolltindane) and other great walls. - Kylling railway bridge (Kylling bru), Verma (Rauma railway or road E136). Elegant mason arc bridge across river Rauma. Free.
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Romsdal valley
(Rauma railway or road E136). The impressive Romsdal valley is a 1500 meter deep canyon in the bedrock, stretching some 40 km from Bjorli to Åndalsnes. The wonderful Rauma river alternates between wild waterfalls and tranquil salmon pools. The entire Romsdalen valley stretching from Åndalsnes to Bjorli on Road E136. Waterfalls at Monge, Verma, and Sletta. Mountains Trolltindane (including Trollveggen), Romsdalshorn, and Mongegjura. - Grytten church (Grytten kirke). Red painted octagonal wooden church at Veblungsnes, close to road E136.
- Eikesdalen (valley) (Route 64 and 660). Eikesdalen valley with the famous Mardøla waterfall, the lovely lake, the wild summits, and the great canyon is worth the detour from Åndalsnes.
What to do in Andalsnes, Norway
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 mountainside. 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 its valleys (Romsdalen and Isterdalen) is the center 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 the Norwegian mountains.Outdoor
- Åndalsnes with its valleys (Romsdalen and Isterdalen) is the center 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. You can also hike along the Romsdalseggen, a seven hours popular trip along the ridges over Romsdal. Warning: Experience and solid boots needed, contact a local guide if you do not know the route or are not familiar with the Norwegian mountains.
- Åndalsnes Golf Course (Rauma Golfbane), Setnesmoen Åndalsnes/Veblungsnes (3 km from Åndalsnes center). May-October. This hilly 9-hole course lies in beautiful surroundings at Setnesmoen near Åndalsnes. Not many are aware that this was where golf started in Norway. The English salmon lords held golf tournaments in Åndalsnes as early as 1905, on the site of the current golf course.
- Rauma Ski Resort (Rauma skisenter) (Skorgedalen right across the fjord from Åndalsnes, drive via Isfjorden). A small and nice alpine skiing hill and lift.
- Bjorli ski resort, Bjorli (Dombås-Åndalsnes along E136 or Rauma railway). Bjorli ski resort does not have big and very steep hills, but plenty of snow and long season. The highest village in Romsdalen valley, at the county border.
What to eat and drink in Andalsnes, Norway
This charming port has numerous dining options for every taste, including restaurants serving Scandinavian, Norwegian, Italian, Chinese, and Thai cuisine.
Pizza, burgers, fish, sushi, etc. - the choice is wide, and you can easily find your favorite dishes or try something new.
Besides delicious meals, several restaurants offer breathtaking views.Shopping in Andalsnes, Norway
You can find many lovely shops to buy clothes, cosmetics, sports goods, household products, etc. Besides, there are souvenir shops with great items to take home as presents.Safety in Andalsnes, Norway
Emergency number: 112
Norway has a low crime rate. However, you should always use your common sense.
Remember that walking in the mountains or near/on glaciers without instructors and special equipment is dangerous.Language spoken in Andalsnes, Norway
Norwegian is the main official language and the most widely spoken one. English is the main foreign language. It's widely understood in tourist places.
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NOKTravelers recommend visiting the following places of interests
Grytten Church, Andalsnes, Norway
Grytten Church (Norwegian: Grytten kyrkje) is a parish church in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located near the mouth of the Rauma River in the village of Veblungsnes. The church is part of the Grytten parish in the Indre Romsdal deanery in the Diocese of Møre. The red, wooden, octagonal church was built in 1829...Hen Church, Andalsnes, Norway
Hen Church (Norwegian: Hen kyrkje) is a parish church in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located in the village of Isfjorden. It is about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) east of the town of Åndalsnes. The church is part of the Hen parish in the Indre Romsdal deanery in the Diocese of Møre. There has been a church in this...Romsdalsfjord, Andalsnes, Molde, Norway
Romsdalsfjorden is the ninth longest fjord in Norway. It is 88 kilometres (55 mi) long and located in the Romsdal district of Møre og Romsdal county. It flows through the municipalities of Midsund, Haram, Vestnes, Molde, Nesset, and Rauma. The deepest point in the fjord is just southwest of the town of Molde, where it is 550 metres (1,800...Isfjorden, Andalsnes, Norway
Isfjorden is a village in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) east of the town of Åndalsnes. The mountains Kyrkjetaket and Gjuratinden lie a few kilometers away. The historic Hen Church is located in the village. The 1.13-square-kilometre (280-acre) village has a population (2013) of...Rauma, Andalsnes, Norway
The Rauma is a river that runs through Romsdalen, a valley in Møre og Romsdal and Oppland counties in Norway. It runs for 68 kilometres (42 mi) from Lesjaskogsvatnet, a lake in the municipality of Lesja, to the town of Åndalsnes in the municipality of Rauma. The river was once famous for its salmon-fishing, but since an infection with...Juratinden, Andalsnes, Norway
Juratinden or Gjuratinden is a mountain on the border of the municipalities of Nesset and Rauma in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of Isfjorden and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Åndalsnes. The lake Eikesdalsvatnet lies about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) to the east of the mountain. The mountain...Isfjorden, Andalsnes, Norway
Isfjorden is a branch of the Romsdalsfjorden in Rauma Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. The 6.5-kilometre (4.0 mi) long fjord stretches past the town of Åndalsnes and ends at the village of Isfjorden. The Norwegian County Road 64 runs around the whole fjord. The Raumabanen railway line has its terminus at the railway port in the...Kyrkjetaket, Andalsnes, Norway
Kyrkjetaket or Kirketaket is a mountain on the border of the municipalities of Rauma and Nesset in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. The peak is located in Rauma, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) northeast of the village of Isfjorden and 12.4 kilometres (7.7 mi) from Åndalsnes. The mountain Gjuratinden lies about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) southeast of...Troll Wall, Andalsnes, Molde, Norway
The Troll Wall (Norwegian: Trollveggen) is part of the mountain massif Trolltindene (Troll Peaks) in the Romsdalen valley, near Åndalsnes and Molde, on the Norwegian west coast. Trollveggen is part of the Reinheimen National Park in the municipality of Rauma in Møre og Romsdal county. The Troll Wall is the tallest vertical rock face in Europe,...Reinheimen National Park, Andalsnes, Norway
Reinheimen National Park (Norwegian: Reinheimen nasjonalpark) is a national park in Norway that was established in 2006. The park consists of a 1,969-square-kilometre (760 sq mi) continuous protected mountain area. It is located in Møre og Romsdal and Oppland counties in Western Norway. The park includes parts of the municipalities of Lesja, Skjåk...
