The Golden Train on Rauma Railway in Romsdalen

The Golden Train follows the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Bjorli, trading road traffic for a front-row view of steep mountains, rushing rivers, and impressive railway engineering. The trip lasts about two and a half to three hours, with an English-speaking host sharing stories along the way.

I like the easy start at Åndalsnes station and the short stop at Bjorli, where you can step out, breathe the mountain air, and see part of the railway up close. I also like the value: at about $74.14 per person, it gives you a scenic round trip without needing a full day or a complicated transfer.

The main drawback is that this is mostly a train-based sightseeing ride. You get limited time outside, seats are not assigned, and the train can fill quickly. Arrive early, confirm the platform, and try to sit on the right side for stronger views.

Key points to know before boarding

• The route runs from Åndalsnes to Bjorli and back, giving you a compact look at the Rauma Valley.
• The round trip takes about 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes, depending on the departure.
• English commentary adds stories about the railway and scenery, though audio may be harder to hear from some seats.
• The right side of the train is generally best for views, so early arrival matters.
• Bjorli provides a short outdoor break, but this is not a long walking excursion.
• The train can be full, especially when cruise ship passengers are boarding, so arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Why the Golden Train is a smart way to see Romsdalen

The Rauma Railway is a fine choice when you want big Norwegian scenery without committing to a long hike or a full-day tour. From Åndalsnes, the train heads inland through Romsdalen toward Bjorli, following a route known for mountain views and striking railway work.

I like the balance here. You get a real journey, not just a short photo stop, but you are back in Åndalsnes after roughly three hours. That makes the Golden Train practical for a port day, a stopover, or a morning or afternoon between other plans.

The scenery is the star. Expect views of mountain slopes, the valley, and the railway corridor as the train climbs inland. The trip also gives you time to appreciate how the line was built through difficult mountain country. One passenger described the engineering as marvelous, and that is a useful way to think about the ride: the railway itself is part of the attraction.

This is not a tour built around hiking, food, or a long stop in a village. It is a comfortable scenic ride with commentary. If you want to cover a lot of ground on foot, this may feel too restrained. If you prefer to sit back and let the views come to you, it fits well.

Starting at Åndalsnes station

The meeting point is Åndalsnes Train Station, at Jernbanegata 1. The activity begins at the station and ends there, so there is no separate return transfer to arrange.

That simple setup is one of the best parts of the excursion. The station is close to the cruise port, making the train especially convenient for a day in Åndalsnes. You show your mobile booking and board the train, but do not treat the posted meeting instructions casually. Some departures use different platforms or times, and confusion at the station has caused stress for people who arrived ready to board but did not know where to go.

Look for the correct train and platform well before departure. One useful rule is to arrive at least 20 minutes early, especially if a cruise ship has arrived. The train may fill quickly, and seats are not assigned. Early arrival improves your odds of sitting with your companions and getting a good window position.

The train has a maximum group size of 65 people for the activity, but the cars can still feel busy when everyone boards at once. Keep your mobile ticket ready and ask station staff or a train host if anything seems unclear.

The ride from Åndalsnes to Bjorli

The outward trip to Bjorli takes about an hour. During this stretch, the host provides English commentary about the route, the scenery, and the railway.

The narration gives the views some shape. Instead of seeing only a series of impressive mountains, you get a sense of how the railway connects the valley and why the route matters. The commentary has been praised for being pleasant and informative, though one practical warning is worth noting: sound quality can vary by seat. If you are having trouble hearing, move closer to the guide or a speaker when possible.

Try not to spend the whole ride looking down at your phone. The scenery changes as the train moves inland, and the best views may appear briefly. The right side of the train is often recommended for the outward journey, although you cannot count on a formal seat rotation. Since seats are not reserved, getting there early is your best strategy.

The railway also gives you a different view from the roads around Åndalsnes. You are not stopping at every viewpoint, but the train lets you watch the valley open up at a steady pace. That makes the ride feel like transportation with a sightseeing purpose, rather than a simple loop created only for photographs.

What makes Bjorli worth the stop

At Bjorli, the train pauses for roughly 24 to 40 minutes, depending on the departure schedule. This is your chance to step outside, take in the mountain air, and experience a small piece of the Rauma Railway’s past at close range.

Keep your expectations realistic. Bjorli is a short stop within a train excursion, not a separate town tour. You will not have hours to explore, and the schedule is set by the railway. Still, the break matters because it interrupts the ride and gives you a chance to stretch your legs.

The stop also makes the round trip feel more complete. You are not simply carried to a turnaround point and immediately sent back. You have a little time to look around, take photographs, and reset before the return journey.

Watch the clock carefully. The train will leave at the scheduled time, and the entire experience depends on staying with the timetable. If you prefer an unhurried stop with cafés, shops, or a long walk, this outing will feel short. If you want a brief outdoor pause in the middle of a scenic ride, Bjorli does the job.

The return to Åndalsnes

The ride back to Åndalsnes takes about 48 minutes to just over an hour, depending on the departure. The host continues with new stories, so the return is not simply a repeat of the outward narration.

This second half is also your chance to see the route from a different angle. That is helpful because some views are stronger in one direction than the other. Since passengers do not automatically switch seats, you may want to arrange a courteous change with the people beside you during the Bjorli stop, if everyone agrees.

The return ride is a good time to focus on details you missed earlier. Look at the railway cuttings, bridges, mountain walls, and the way the line fits into the valley. The commentary can help point out major sights, but you should not expect a constant stream of perfectly audible narration from every seat.

By the time you reach Åndalsnes, you have had a solid scenic outing without needing to drive, navigate, or plan a series of stops. You finish at the same station where you began.

Seats, views, and the best way to ride

Seat choice is the most important practical issue on this tour. Seats are not delegated, and the train may be full. Arrive early if you want to sit together or improve your view.

The right side is often considered the stronger side for scenery, especially on the outward run. That does not mean the left side is worthless. Mountains and valley views appear along both sides, and the return journey changes your angle. Still, if you have a choice, aim for the right side first.

You may also find that the best seat for photographs is not the best seat for hearing commentary. A position near the guide or a speaker can make the narration easier to follow, while a window seat farther away may offer a better view. Decide what matters most to you before boarding.

Bring patience when the train is busy. People may stand briefly while finding seats, and the first few minutes can feel disorganized. The confusion is usually avoidable if you arrive early, confirm the platform, and keep your booking accessible.

How much value do you get for $74.14?

At about $74.14 per person, the Golden Train is not the cheapest way to move through the valley. But it is more than transport. You are paying for a scheduled scenic round trip, an English-speaking host, railway stories, and a simple experience that begins and ends in Åndalsnes.

The price looks particularly reasonable if you are visiting from a cruise ship and want a direct shore excursion without arranging a taxi or rental car. The station is close to the port, and the return time is predictable. That convenience has real value when you have a limited number of hours in town.

The cost may feel high if you want extensive time outside, refreshments, or a guided walking tour. No refreshments are listed as part of the experience, and the main activity takes place in your seat. One suggestion for improvement has been onboard drinks, but you should plan as if food and beverages are not included.

Booking early is sensible. This experience is often reserved well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 108 days. That does not guarantee every departure will sell out, but it signals strong advance demand, especially around cruise schedules and popular travel dates.

Who will enjoy this train ride most?

I would recommend the Golden Train to anyone who wants dramatic scenery with very little physical effort. It works well for older visitors, families, cruise passengers, and anyone who wants a clear introduction to the Rauma Railway.

It is also a good fit if you value a guide’s explanation of what you are seeing. The stories give the trip more purpose than a silent ride, and the railway’s construction adds an engineering angle for people who enjoy bridges, mountain routes, and transport history.

You may want another activity if you need a long walk, a substantial meal, or several hours at one destination. The Bjorli stop is short, and most of the experience is viewed through train windows.

Service animals are allowed, the activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The group limit is 65. These details make it broadly accessible, but anyone with special needs should still confirm arrangements before booking.

Departure times and planning tips

Two regular patterns are listed:

• The first departure leaves Åndalsnes around 10:55 to 11:00, reaches Bjorli around 11:35, and returns to Åndalsnes around 12:23.
• The second departure leaves around 12:53, reaches Bjorli at about 14:06, and returns around 15:35.

Some dates use different departure times, so check the exact schedule at checkout. Do not rely on a general timetable from another date.

Allow extra time before departure. The train may be crowded, and platform instructions can be confusing when another train is loading nearby. The most useful plan is simple: arrive early, check the platform, have your mobile ticket ready, and ask for help rather than waiting in the wrong place.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. The experience also depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Golden Train?

Book it if you want an easy, scenic introduction to Romsdalen and the Rauma Railway, especially during a short visit to Åndalsnes. The strongest reasons are the spectacular views, the pleasant railway commentary, the simple station-to-station format, and the chance to experience the route without a long hike or complicated transport plan.

Skip it if your priority is time outside the train, assigned seating, or a relaxed meal stop. You will spend most of the excursion onboard, and crowded departures can make the first few minutes less smooth than expected.

For the best experience, book early, arrive at least 20 minutes ahead, aim for the right side, and check your exact departure and platform. With those small preparations, the Golden Train offers a memorable half-day look at one of Norway’s most striking railway routes.

FAQ

Where does the Golden Train start and finish?

The train starts at Åndalsnes Train Station, Jernbanegata 1, and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the activity.

How long does the Golden Train experience last?

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

Where does the train go?

The train travels from Åndalsnes to Bjorli and then returns to Åndalsnes.

How long does the train stop in Bjorli?

The listed stops range from about 24 to 40 minutes, depending on the departure schedule.

Is commentary provided in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, with train hosts providing stories and information during the journey.

Are seats assigned?

No seat reservation or delegated seating is included. Arriving early is recommended if you want to sit together or choose a particular side.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.