Åndalsnes Overview

Åndalsnes (pop. 2500), on Romsdalsfjord, is a port on the edge of fjord country. Twenty kilometers out of town, accessible by bus or bike, hikes along the Trollstigen (Troll’s Road) climb to over 1000m. The Frokostplassen path is suitable for both expert and casual hikers. The trail passes the 180m Stigfossen waterfall and approaches the sheer Trollveggen (Troll’s Wall), a great place for serious climbers as it offers Europe’s longest climbing route. The lip of the wall lured base-jumpers for years, until helicopter rescues drove the town into debt and the activity was outlawed. Thrill-seekers continue to make jumps on the sly and the surrounding area is now home to the World Base Race (www.worldbaserace.com). Let’s Go does not recommend illegal activities. Head back to Åndalsnes on the Kløvstien path (5hr.), which was recently smoothed over for walkers but is still steep enough to require a handrail in some places. Bjorli is a hub for skiing in winter, especially at the end of January during the Romsdalsvinter festivals, with ski trips throughout the region. In mid-July, the paths between Åndalsnes and Bjorli fill for the Norwegian Mountain Festival (www.fjellfestivalen.no). During the first weekend of August, Åndalsnes hosts the RaumaRock Festival (www.raumarock.com; 3-day pass 990kr), which showcases Scandinavian artists. Just 2km from town, Åndalsnes Vandrerhjem (HI) , Setnes, resembles a farmhouse with its grass roof and homey dorms. The Ålesund bus will stop at the hostel upon request. (☎71 22 13 82. www.aandalsnesvandrerhjem.no.Breakfast included. Linens and towels 50kr. Free Wi-Fi. Lockable closets. Open from late May to Aug. Reception 4pm-10am. Dorms 260kr; singles 470kr; doubles 680kr. 15% HI discount. MC/V.) Trains run to Trondheim via the gorgeous Rauma line to Dombås and Oslo (6hr.; 2-4 per day; 717kr, student 538kr). Buses depart outside the train station for Ålesund (2hr.; 4 per day; 220kr, students 110kr.) and Geiranger (3hr., 2 per day via Trollstigen, 208kr). Find maps at the tourist office, located in the train station. (☎71 22 16 22; www.visitandalsnes.com. Free Internet. Open mid-June to mid-Aug. M-F 9am-6pm, Sa 10am-4pm, Su 11am-4pm. Early June and late Aug. M-F 8am-3:30pm.)