Your guide to the valley
Steep peaks rising straight from the fjord, seven major mountains, rivers, waterfalls and some of Norway's most famous roads and trails. Romsdalen is called the mountaineering capital of Norway for a reason. Here are our favourite things to do, sorted by season, with a map pin for every starting point. In the house you will also find a selection of topo books and maps for hiking, climbing, ski touring and ice climbing. Feel free to use them during your stay.
Interactive map: the house, trailheads, beaches, saunas, cafés and restaurants. Tap a pin for details, or open the full map in Google Maps.
Stay safe in the mountains
Romsdalen is serious alpine terrain: the weather changes fast, trails can be steep, exposed and slippery, and rockfall happens. Check the forecast and your route (ut.no) before you go, start early, bring layers, water and a headlamp, and download the 113 emergency app. If you are unsure, hire a local guide.
Hikes from the door & easy walks
Blåhammeren
Our backyard hike, starting just above the house. A short climb to a great view over the valley, with blueberries in late summer. The trail can be slippery after rain.
Trailhead
Litlefjellet
The best effort-to-view ratio in the valley: a short walk to a viewpoint facing Trollveggen, Europe's tallest vertical rock wall.
Trailhead
Isterdalen
A flat valley walk or ride towards the foot of Trollstigen, with trails running parallel to the road.
StartMountain classics
Nesaksla & Rampestreken
Climb the stone stairs from town to the famous Rampestreken viewpoint, then on to the summit of Nesaksla. Or ride the Romsdal Gondola up and enjoy lunch at Eggen restaurant with a view over the fjord.
Trailhead Eggen restaurant
Romsdalseggen
One of Norway's most famous ridge hikes. Start in Vengedalen (bus or taxi from town in summer) and walk all the way back to Åndalsnes over Nesaksla. Long and exposed in places, with views in every direction.
Start in Vengedalen
Kløvstien
The old pack-horse trail climbing alongside the waterfall below Trollstigen. Park at the hiker parking at the bottom.
Hiker parking
Norafjellet
A long, steady climb of about 1000 metres, with a big panorama over Åndalsnes and the fjord. Also a great spot for northern lights in winter.
TrailheadStoraksla (Isfjorden)
A family-friendly mountain hike above the village of Isfjorden, with fjord views all the way.
TrailheadStabbeskaret
A long and rocky hike from the Trollstigen visitor centre to an impressive viewpoint over Trollveggen.
Viewpoint
Bispen
An alpine summit above the Trollstigen plateau. The walk to the first lake below Bispen is a nice, easier option.
Trollstigen visitor centreEasy & family days
Trollstigen viewpoint
Drive (or hike) up to the platforms hanging over the hairpins and the waterfall, with a café and visitor centre at the top. Open in summer only.
Visitor centre
Gudbrandsjuvet
A dramatic river gorge with walkways and a lovely café, just after Trollstigen on the way to Geiranger.
Gudbrandsjuvet
The Rauma Line
Often called one of Europe's most beautiful train rides, from Åndalsnes station through the valley and past Trollveggen.
Åndalsnes station
Norsk Tindesenter
A mountaineering museum and climbing gym in the town centre. There is a playground for kids nearby, by the train station.
TindesenterBerries & mushrooms
Blueberries and mushrooms grow in the forest right behind the house in late summer.
Forest trailCoffee, food & local shops
Sødahlhuset
Local, vintage and cosy. Coffee and a cinnamon bun here is a must. Ask them to grind beans for your stay.
Sødahlhuset
Eggen restaurant
On top of Nesaksla, reached by gondola or on foot, with one of the best views in Norway.
EggenHotel Aak
A historic mountain hotel just down the road, with a restaurant, plus rentals and guiding.
Hotel AakVollan Cafe
A cosy café in the town centre for coffee and a bite. The café at Norsk Tindesenter is another good stop nearby.
Vollan Cafe
Local wool shop
Wool from a local maker. The sofa and entrance curtain at The Crux are handmade with local wool too.
Wool shopWater & sauna
Sogge beach & river swim
A small beach on the river just below the house, for a very refreshing dip. A sauna runs here in summer (book at sussauna.no).
Sogge beach
Sogge sauna
A sauna by the river at Sogge bru, open in the summer season. Warm up, then cool off with a dip in the river. Book a private or public session at sussauna.no.
Sogge sauna Book at sussauna.no
Åndalsnes sauna
A sauna by the fjord at Åndalsnes camping, open all year round. Book a private or public session at sussauna.no, and finish with a dip in the fjord.
Åndalsnes sauna Book at sussauna.no
Kammen beach
Bring some wood and grill your food over a fire, then enjoy a swim at sunset by the fjord.
Kammen beach
Kayak up the river
Paddle from Åndalsnes up the calm river towards Brønsletta. Kayaks for rent at UteGuiden, Norsk Tindesenter or Hotel Aak.
River UteGuiden rentalsFishing
Fishing & fly fishing
Salmon and trout in the rivers, and cod, pollock and mackerel in the fjord. Paul is a certified fly fishing instructor and can organise a course or guiding if booked ahead.
Fishing spotBike
Trollstigen
The legendary hairpin road, 7% on average, with incredible views. There is some traffic in July and August, so try early or late in the day. E-bikes can sometimes be rented in summer at Hotel Aak or UteGuiden.
TrollstigenRødven
For a flatter ride, take the small inland road from Isfjorden to Rødven and its old stave church. Quiet roads with fjord views along the way.
Road to Rødven
Climbing & via ferrata
Romsdalsstigen via ferrata
Clip in and climb steel steps, ladders and bridges right above Åndalsnes, with huge views over the fjord and valley. Several routes, from the Intro wall (about 4 hours, no climbing experience needed) to the longer West wall. Go guided, or rent gear at Norsk Tindesenter.
Romsdalsstigen
Mjelvahammaren
One of the historic crags of Romsdalen, in the heart of the valley with the big walls all around.
Mjelva
Climbing gym at Norsk Tindesenter
An indoor climbing wall and a mountaineering museum in the town centre. Perfect on a rainy day, with gear rental on site.
Norsk Tindesenter
Vengetind traverse
A serious alpine traverse along the jagged Vengetind ridge, with exposed climbing and a long day in the mountains. Only for experienced climbers, or go with a certified guide.
Vengetind
Romsdalshorn
The iconic peak towering over the valley. Reaching the summit means technical climbing and abseiling, so it is only for experienced climbers, or go with a certified guide.
RomsdalshornFor alpine classics like Romsdalshorn, Vengetind and Gjuratind, see the topo books in the house, or the "Crag Climbing in Romsdal" guidebook (about 750 routes at 36 crags). Consider a local guide.
Day trips
Geiranger
Via Trollstigen and Gudbrandsjuvet to the world-famous fjord. A spectacular summer drive.
Geiranger
The Atlantic Road
The iconic coastal road, combined with a hike to the Trollkyrkja caves (bring a headlamp).
Atlantic Road
Ålesund
The Art Nouveau town by the sea, the Atlantic Sea Park aquarium, and kayak + sauna with UteGuiden.
Ålesund
Dovrefjell musk ox safari
A guided walk to see wild musk oxen in Dovrefjell National Park. About 3 hours each way.
DovrefjellSki touring
Check the avalanche forecast
Always check the Varsom app before heading out. Romsdalen is steep, alpine terrain. If you are unsure, hire a local guide.
Isfjorden from Kavli
The starting point for some of the area's classics: Kirketaket, Gåltatind, Skarven and Steinberget.
Kavli parking
Skorgedalen
From the small Skorgedalen ski centre, tour up Skarven and Smørbottfjellet. Smørbottfjellet is a good choice for beginners.
Skorgedalen ski centre
Vengedalen
Blånebba and Storhesten, in a wild valley below Romsdalshorn. Also a great spot for northern lights.
VengedalenAlpine skiing
Skorgedalen (Rauma Skisenter)
The local ski centre just outside Åndalsnes: one lift, a few runs and lots of off-piste terrain, with a heated cabin and café. Also the starting point for ski tours and cross-country trails with views over Romsdalen.
Skorgedalen
Bjorli ski resort
One of the most snow-sure resorts in Norway, often the first to open and the last to close. Groomed runs for families and experts, great powder for off-piste, and cross-country trails. Reach it by car up the valley or on the scenic Rauma Line train.
Bjorli skisenterCross-country skiing
Isfjorden to Husnebu
Start from the shooting range (skytebane) in Isfjorden and ski up to Husnebu. Skorgedalen and Bøstølen (further away, but very nice) are great options too.
Skytebane parkingWinter hikes
Blåhammeren in winter
The hike behind the house is usually fine in winter. Low trails exposed to sun and wind, and the paths along the fjord in Isfjorden, are often snow free too.
Trailhead
Nesaksla
Nesaksla usually has a foot track and fixed ropes, with little snow. Or ride the gondola up for snowshoeing and a warm lunch at Eggen restaurant.
TrailheadOn the ice
Ice climbing
Romsdalen is a top destination for ice climbing, with frozen waterfalls all around the valley and some routes reachable from the house. See the topo books in the house, and go with a local guide if you are new to it.
Norsk Tindesenter
Ice skating
When the cold sets in and the lakes freeze, bring your skates and enjoy a frozen lake surrounded by mountains. Always check the ice locally before going out.
Sauna
Sogge sauna
A sauna by the river at Sogge bru, just below the house. Warm up, then cool off with a dip in the cold river. Book a private or public session at sussauna.no.
Sogge sauna Book at sussauna.no
Åndalsnes sauna
A sauna by the fjord at Åndalsnes camping, open all year round. Book a private or public session at sussauna.no, and finish with a dip in the fjord.
Åndalsnes sauna Book at sussauna.noNorthern lights & cosy days
Northern lights
Most visible on clear winter nights. Check an aurora forecast app and look north. The house is a good spot, or try Vengedalen (drive) or Norafjellet (night hike, depending on snow).
Vengedalen
Climbing gym at Norsk Tindesenter
An indoor climbing wall and a mountaineering museum in the town centre, perfect for stormy days. Gear rental on site.
Norsk TindesenterThe Rauma Line in snow
The scenic train ride through the valley is just as beautiful under snow.
Åndalsnes station
Sødahlhuset
Warm up after a day outside with coffee and a cinnamon bun in this local, vintage and cosy café in the town centre.
Sødahlhuset
Ålesund Aquarium
Atlanterhavsparken, one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Northern Europe, with seals, penguins and fish from the Atlantic coast. A perfect stormy-day outing, combined with a stroll through Art Nouveau Ålesund.
AtlanterhavsparkenCoffee, food & local shops
Sødahlhuset
Local, vintage and cosy. Coffee and a cinnamon bun here is a must. Ask them to grind beans for your stay.
Sødahlhuset
Eggen restaurant
On top of Nesaksla, reached by gondola or on foot, with one of the best views in Norway.
EggenHotel Aak
A historic mountain hotel just down the road, with a restaurant, plus rentals and guiding.
Hotel AakVollan Cafe
A cosy café in the town centre for coffee and a bite. The café at Norsk Tindesenter is another good stop nearby.
Vollan Cafe
Local wool shop
Wool from a local maker. The sofa and entrance curtain at The Crux are handmade with local wool too.
Wool shopGuides, rentals & safety
Guides & rentals
For ski touring and mountain courses, Romsdal Guide is the most established guiding company in the valley. UteGuiden mainly operates in the valley in summer, with packages (kayak + sauna, climbing courses, e-bikes) and rentals of bikes, kayaks and ski gear.
uteguiden.comStay safe
Weather changes fast here, and the terrain is steep, with rockfall and avalanche risk. Use ut.no or Norgeskart for routes, check Varsom for avalanches, download the 113 app before you go, and call 113 in an emergency. This guide is for information only.
ut.noWant a local to show you around?
Paul, your host, guides and organises trips for most of the activities on this page (except high-risk ones like climbing and steep skiing), and teaches fly fishing. Book early and just ask when you reserve your stay.
Guide Tommy Søjdis
Ready for your next adventure? Tommy is a local mountain guide based in Isfjorden, right in the heart of Romsdalen. He takes you ski touring and off-piste, ice climbing and climbing, and runs courses and business trips, all on his home peaks.
