Raumabanen by Golden Train

by train & on foot

Åndalsnes is a picturesque village set on the shores of the Romsdalsfjord, serving as the terminus for the Rauma Railway, which connects the Romsdal region to Eastern Norway and Oslo. The village was heavily bombed and nearly destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt with modern architecture.

After a short walk to the station, your journey begins aboard the Rauma Railway, voted Europe’s most scenic by Lonely Planet. Not only does this journey take you through beautiful scenery, but you will also travel through an important piece of Norwegian history. During World War II, 30 soldiers were given a top secret assignment – to save the country’s gold holdings! The Golden Transport Operation succeeded in moving 50 tonnes of gold from Oslo to safety in the USA and Canada, and part of this journey took place on this very railway.

You will travel alongside the famous River Rauma, which has been a favourite destination for salmon fishermen for over a century. To your left, you'll catch a glimpse of Romsdalshorn, towering at 1,550m (5,085ft), and to your right, the imposing Trolltindane peaks, rising to approximately 1,800m (5,905ft). The river originates from Lesjaskog Lake and cascades through the landscape, forming several beautiful waterfalls along the way. You'll cross the Kylling Bridge, an impressive feat of engineering with dramatic views of the canyon below.

Your journey will take you to Bjorli Train Station, located at 574m (1,883 ft) above sea level where you will be able to disembark for a short break, before reboarding the train for the return journey back to Åndalsnes.