Fjelltur
Romsdalseggen: the ridge above Romsdalen, the gondola and where to stay
Views of Trollveggen and down onto the Rauma river all the way. Romsdalseggen is one of Norway’s most beautiful hikes. Here is the hike, the bus, the gondola and the hotels in Åndalsnes.
From the ridge you look straight across Romsdalen to Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, and down onto the River Rauma winding towards the fjord. Romsdalseggen has been called one of Norway’s most beautiful hikes, and with good reason: the view stays with you all the way.
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Short answer: Romsdalseggen
Distance: Around 10 kilometres, from Vengedalen to Åndalsnes.
Time: Six to eight hours.
Season: Mid-June to September.
Base: Åndalsnes, with a bus to the start in Vengedalen in summer.
Stay in Åndalsnes
In the centre: Grand Hotel Åndalsnes. See rooms at Grand Hotel
Historic in Romsdalen: Hotel Aak. See rooms at Hotel Aak
The hike
The hike starts in Vengedalen and climbs to the ridge, where the path follows the crest with steep drops on both sides. It is demanding, with some exposed sections, but well marked. The descent to Åndalsnes is long and hard on the knees.
The gondola
The Romsdalen Gondola runs from Åndalsnes to the top of Nesaksla. You can ride it down at the end of the hike and spare yourself the steep descent.
Around Romsdalen
Romsdalen is more than the ridge. Trollveggen rises around a thousand metres straight up from the valley floor, and nearby is Trollstigen, the mountain road with eleven hairpin bends climbing towards Valldalen. Both are easy to combine with the hike on the same trip.
When to go
From mid-June to September, when the snow has gone and the bus to Vengedalen is running. Pick a clear day, because the view is the whole point of the hike.
Good to know
Book the bus: The bus to Vengedalen runs to fixed times and can fill up.
Wear good boots: The path is rocky and steep.
Watch the weather: The ridge is exposed to wind, and fog can roll in quickly.
Where to stay
Grand Hotel Åndalsnes: in the centre
A hotel in central Åndalsnes, a short walk to the bus and the gondola.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Åndalsnes
Hotel Aak: in Romsdalen
A historic hotel in the valley, with views of the mountains.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Aak
The fjord at Åndalsnes.
Frequently asked questions about Romsdalseggen
How long is Romsdalseggen?
Around 10 kilometres from Vengedalen to Åndalsnes.
How long does it take to hike Romsdalseggen?
Six to eight hours for most people.
Can you take a gondola on Romsdalseggen?
Yes, the Romsdalen Gondola runs from Nesaksla down to Åndalsnes.