Romsdalseggen might be rated expert, but I would say that it’s a relatively safe trek, as the ridge is thick enough and have chains for support at the roughest parts. This is why, even with the weather forecast showing us constant rain, that we choose to try to climb the Romsdalseggen Ridge on the one day in the midst of all the rain, where it seemed to be a sunny day! And I am so glad we did!
Mountain mood
From my hometown, Levanger, it was a 5:30 hour/ 379 KM drive to get to Åndalsnes. Åndalsnes is, by some, called the mountain capital of Norway, and it’s not without any reason. It is home to some of the most beautiful mountains and sceneries in Norway.
We started our drive the day before so we could camp out in Åndalsnes the day before, to start fresh for our trek. Unless you live close to Åndalsnes, this is probably the best idea. Because you will need to make the 9:30 AM bus on the day of your trek if you want to experience the full range of Romsdalseggen ridge. And mainly so you don’t have to walk back to the parking lot after the trek. It’s a long 12 km walk and taxi in Norway is not very affordable.
We sat up camp in the middle of the night and couldn’t really see well. I thought we did well until I saw our tent the following morning, hehe.
You see, the trek itself starts at Vengedalen/Venjesdalen at a parking lot in a convenient location in the valley where it’s easy for both cars and busses to reach. The best way to get here is by taking the bus in the morning (there is only one departure time for most part of the season). You can get on the bus right outside Tindesenteret. It’s impossible to miss that building once you get to the centre!
Up up we go!
The trek starts at about 600 meters above sea level and will take you to a rather steep terrain in the first couple of hours. Once you are half way up you are rewarded with a breath-taking view over the mountain range. The most amazing part of this trek is the scenery… wherever you turn you will be seeing something spectacular. Fjords, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and a small peak at Troll latter road. It’s just insane.
Once your about 3 km up, you are almost at the peak. This is where the best photo-op is! A beautiful panoramic view over Rauma river and some of the Romsdal mountain range such as Romsdalshorn, Breitinden og Trollveggen/Trolltindene.
From here onwards you are starting to understand why the trek is called the Romsdalseggen Ridge. The next few kilometers you wll be ascending on a ridge, and once you hit the peak at 1216 MOH at Mjølvafjellet, you will be descending on the ridge as well. So, there is plenty of scenery to explore, on both sides!
I thought I had made it… untill I understood that the descending part must have been why this trek was rated expert! Remember to bring good trekking shoes when going here.
That scenery…
Once you hit the little rock cabin at Neksala, the terrain starts to change and the downhill path in the rubble and forest is harsh. I would say it’s a lot more tiring than on the way up and it’s going to take you several hours to get down unless you run for it. I regret not bringing some knee support as it becomes quite demanding after “Rampestreken” and downwards.
The famous “Rampestreken” a long ledge where you can walk out and take pictures above Åndalsnes city.
The total trek is around 10,5 km, and the average person will spend approximately 7 hours to complete the trek. The trek ends right in Åndalsnes centre. Which is why you should leave your car there and catch the bus up.
To complete the trek you should go have some pizza at Mama Rosa, I got one of the spicy pizzas with garlic sauce and it saved my day!
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