The Golden Train on Rauma Railway in Romsdalen

The Golden Train carries you from Åndalsnes into the Romsdalen valley, where steep mountain walls, river views, and impressive railway engineering do most of the talking. The trip to Bjorli takes about an hour, followed by a short stop before the train returns to Åndalsnes.

I like the clear two-and-a-half-hour format, which fits neatly into a port day or a spare morning. I also like the live commentary, which adds context to the bridges, tunnels, and railway route instead of leaving you to stare out the window without knowing what you are seeing.

The main drawback is simple: this is mostly a train ride, not an active sightseeing tour. You get only a short break at Bjorli, and trains can fill quickly, so arrive early and expect some confusion if platform instructions are not clear.

Key points

• A scenic Åndalsnes to Bjorli round trip: Spend about an hour each way following the Rauma Railway into the Romsdalen valley.
• Live stories along the route: Train hosts explain the views, railway engineering, and local points of interest.
• Right-side seats usually offer better views: Seat choice matters, though seats are not described as assigned.
• A short Bjorli stop: You can step off, breathe the mountain air, and see part of the railway’s history, but there is not much time for exploring.
• Popular with cruise passengers: The station is close to the port area, and the train may be full before departure.
• Good value at $74.14: The price buys a complete scenic round trip with commentary, rather than a short one-way transfer.

Åndalsnes station is the starting point

Your trip begins at Åndalsnes Train Station, at Jernbanegata 1. The meeting point is listed as the station parking area, while boarding takes place on Platform 1. That distinction matters, because the platform is where you need to be when the train is ready.

I would arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. The train can fill quickly, especially when cruise passengers are joining the same service. Some people have found the boarding instructions unclear, with one platform or meeting time shown in their reservation while a crowd formed beside another train. If you already have your mobile ticket, ask a station official or train staff member where to board rather than waiting alone in the car park.

The train hosts welcome you aboard and help set the tone for the ride. This is not a luxury rail journey with reserved dining or polished railway service. It is a practical scenic excursion, with comfortable seating, a full train, and spoken information during the trip.

Seats are not clearly described as assigned. That creates a small scramble at boarding, particularly if you are traveling with someone and want to sit together. Arriving early gives you the best chance of choosing a good pair of seats.

The ride into Romsdalen takes about an hour

Once the train leaves Åndalsnes, the view becomes the main event. The Rauma Railway runs through the Romsdalen valley, a dramatic route known for mountains, rivers, bridges, and railway construction that looks almost too ambitious for the terrain.

You will spend most of this section looking through the train windows. That is good news in changeable weather, since you can enjoy the scenery from a warm, dry seat. It also means you should set your expectations correctly. The Golden Train is not a hop-on, hop-off service, and you will not be stopping at every viewpoint.

The commentary is an important part of the trip. Train hosts tell stories about the railway and point out major sights along the route. The information gives meaning to what you see outside: a bridge becomes part of a major engineering project, and a curve through the mountains becomes part of the railway’s story.

Sound quality can vary. One passenger found the guide difficult to hear, while others praised the pleasant voice and useful commentary. If hearing every detail matters to you, sit close to the guide or speaker when possible. A seat with a clear view is useful, but a seat where you can hear the narration may make the ride more rewarding.

The route also rewards patience. Some views will appear briefly as the train rounds a bend or passes through a narrow section of the valley. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire ride looking at your phone. The best part of a scenic railway is often the changing view between the well-known sights.

Choose your seat with the return trip in mind

The right side of the train is widely considered the better side for views on the outward journey. That tip is worth taking seriously, especially if scenery is your main reason for booking.

The catch is that you are not guaranteed the same view on the return. A seat that gives you the best outlook toward Bjorli may not be the best position when the train reverses direction. Since there is no clear seat-switching system, you may spend the whole round trip on one side.

You can improve your odds by arriving early and asking other passengers if they are willing to change sides at Bjorli. Do not count on this, though. The stop is short, and many people will want to keep their seats or stay with their companions.

If you are traveling with family or friends, sitting together may matter more than securing the perfect window. The views are not limited to one single point, and the route is scenic in both directions. Still, getting on early gives you the choice instead of leaving it to chance.

Bjorli offers a short break, not a full excursion

The train stops at Bjorli before heading back to Åndalsnes. Depending on the departure, the scheduled stop lasts roughly 25 to 35 minutes. That is enough time to step off, stretch your legs, enjoy the mountain air, and look more closely at the railway setting.

This is the one part of the tour where you can experience the route outside the train. The stop also gives you a close look at part of the Rauma Railway’s history. It is a useful pause after an hour of sitting, but it is not long enough for a separate Bjorli sightseeing program.

You should watch the time carefully. The train leaves Bjorli on schedule, and this is a round trip rather than an open-ended visit. Stay near the platform and follow instructions from the train hosts so you are ready to board.

The limited stop is one of the clearest tradeoffs of the Golden Train. If you want a relaxed railway ride with a short leg stretch, it works well. If you want several walks, photo stops, or time to explore Bjorli, you may find the schedule too tight.

The return to Åndalsnes adds a second set of stories

The journey back is not simply a silent repeat. The hosts provide new stories and commentary on the return trip, giving you another chance to understand the route.

The return also changes the way you see the valley. Mountains and bridges can look quite different from the opposite direction, and a view you missed on the way out may appear clearly on the way back. This is another reason not to treat the second half as dead time.

Still, the return can feel long if you have already photographed the main sights and the commentary is hard to hear. Bring your patience, settle in, and use the trip as a scenic ride rather than expecting constant activity.

The full outing takes about 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes. Two listed patterns are available: one morning departure returning around midday, and one afternoon departure returning in the mid-afternoon. Departure times can change on some dates, so check the exact schedule at checkout.

The commentary makes the engineering easier to appreciate

The Rauma Railway is not just a way to reach Bjorli. Its bridges, tunnels, grades, and route through difficult mountain country give the ride much of its character.

Without narration, you would still see impressive scenery. With narration, you get a reason to pay attention to the railway itself. The hosts point out major sights and explain parts of the route, helping you notice the work behind the journey.

This is especially valuable if you are not already familiar with Norwegian railways. You do not need to study the line before boarding. The stories provide a basic sense of why the route matters and what makes its construction notable.

The quality of the commentary depends partly on where you sit and how crowded the carriage is. A full train can make it harder to hear. I would treat the spoken information as a strong bonus, but not assume that every word will be audible from every seat.

At $74.14, the value depends on your sightseeing style

The advertised price is $74.14 per person. That is not a bargain basement train ticket, but it covers a complete round trip, a Bjorli stop, train hosts, and commentary over roughly three hours.

The value is strongest if you are already in Åndalsnes and want an organized scenic outing. You do not need to arrange separate transport, plan a route, or worry about finding viewpoints along the valley. The train handles the logistics while you watch the scenery.

It can also compare favorably with a shore excursion purchased directly through a cruise line. One passenger described this booking as about half the price of the cruise ship option. Prices vary, so compare the final totals for your date, but the point is useful: booking independently may save money while offering the same basic rail journey.

The value is weaker if you want a full day with multiple stops. You are paying for the railway ride itself, not a long guided visit in Bjorli. You also do not get a meal or refreshments as part of the stated features, and suggestions for onboard refreshments have been made.

For a first visit to the Romsdalen area, I think the price is reasonable if you care about scenery, railway history, and simple planning. It is less compelling if you mainly want outdoor time.

Who will enjoy the Golden Train most

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a low-effort way to see the valley. The train is a good fit for couples, families, older passengers, and people with limited time in Åndalsnes. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

It also suits cruise passengers well because the station is close to the port area. You still need to check your ship’s return time carefully, but the defined round-trip schedule makes planning easier than an independent driving route.

Photography fans should book early and board early. You will want a good seat, and the train may be crowded. If you are happy to share views through a window and take pictures quickly, the route should provide plenty to enjoy.

This is not the best choice for someone who dislikes organized group transport. The maximum group size is 65, and the train may feel busy at popular departure times. It is also not ideal if you need assigned seats, quiet conditions, or lots of time outdoors.

Practical details before you book

Your confirmation arrives at booking, and the ticket is available on your mobile device. Keep it ready at the station, but do not assume the phone ticket alone answers every boarding question. If the platform is unclear, ask before the departure crowd builds.

The activity is offered in English. The commentary is intended to help you follow the route, though sound may be less clear in a crowded carriage or from a distant seat.

Regular departures include a morning option and an afternoon option, but times may vary by date. Check the exact time at checkout and arrive early. Being on time is especially important here because the train may have little spare capacity.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The experience depends on good weather, and if poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this train ride?

Book the Golden Train if you want a straightforward, narrated rail journey through the Romsdalen valley and you have about three hours to spare. The scenery is the strongest reason to go, while the railway stories and Bjorli stop add useful variety.

I would book early, arrive 20 minutes ahead, and aim for the right side of the train if possible. Be ready for a busy platform, limited outdoor time, and seats that may not be assigned.

Skip it if your main goal is hiking, extended exploration, or a quiet private outing. For everyone else, especially cruise passengers and first-time visitors to Åndalsnes, this is a practical way to see a memorable stretch of Norway without renting a car or spending the whole day on the move.

FAQ

Where does the Golden Train tour start?

The tour starts at Åndalsnes Train Station, Jernbanegata 1, 6300 Åndalsnes, Norway. The meeting point is listed at the station parking area, with boarding on Platform 1.

Where does the tour end?

The round trip ends back at Åndalsnes Train Station, at the original meeting point.

How long does the Golden Train trip take?

The full journey takes approximately 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes, depending on the departure schedule.

What route does the train follow?

The train travels from Åndalsnes to Bjorli on the Rauma Railway, then returns to Åndalsnes.

How long does the train stop at Bjorli?

The listed schedules show a stop of roughly 25 to 35 minutes at Bjorli. You can step off, enjoy the mountain air, and see part of the railway’s history.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, with commentary from the train hosts.

How much does the experience cost?

The stated price is $74.14 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund.