The Golden Train on Rauma Railway in Romsdalen

The Golden Train follows the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Bjorli, passing through some of Norway’s finest mountain scenery in a compact round trip. You get a comfortable train ride, live English commentary, and a short chance to breathe the mountain air at Bjorli before returning to town.

I especially like the spectacular views and the way the hosts add useful stories instead of leaving you to stare out the window without context. I also like the practical length: at roughly two and a half to three hours, it fits neatly into a day in Åndalsnes. The main drawback is that you spend most of the trip on the train, with limited time outside and no guaranteed seat on the best side.

Key points

• Åndalsnes to Bjorli and back: The full rail journey lasts about 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes.
• Mountain views from the right side: The right side of the train generally gives better access to the most striking scenery.
• English commentary: Train hosts explain sights, railway stories, and the engineering behind the route.
• Short Bjorli stop: Depending on the departure, you have roughly 25 to 35 minutes at the station.
• Arrive early: The train can fill quickly, especially when cruise ship passengers are boarding.
• Small group by rail standards: The maximum is 65 people, though seating is not assigned.

Riding the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes

The trip begins at Åndalsnes Train Station, at Jernbanegata 1. Your meeting point is the station parking area, and the train departs from Platform 1 according to the usual schedule.

Once on board, settle in for the run toward Bjorli. The first hour is the main event. You are not simply being carried from one station to another. The train hosts point out major sights and explain the railway as the line threads through the Romsdalen valley.

The route is especially good for people who want Norway’s mountain scenery without committing to a long hike. You can watch the views develop through the windows, hear stories about the railway, and return to Åndalsnes without arranging separate transport.

The train hosts are described as friendly, pleasant, and well informed about the route. One useful caution: commentary may be harder to hear from some seats, so sitting reasonably close to the host or speaker can make a difference.

The run to Bjorli, about one hour of changing scenery

The journey from Åndalsnes to Bjorli takes about an hour. That gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling trapped in an all-day excursion.

The views are the chief reason to book. The Romsdalen area is known for steep mountain walls, open valley views, and dramatic changes in elevation. The Golden Train lets you see this setting at a measured pace. You have time to look up from your phone, follow the valley, and listen for the next point of interest.

I find the commentary important here. A scenic railway can blur into a series of pretty views if you do not know what you are looking at. The hosts add a sense of place and explain details along the railway, including the skill and engineering needed to build and operate the line.

The trip is also a good choice for mixed groups. Someone who cannot or does not want to hike can still see the valley. Someone who has already explored Åndalsnes on foot gets a different view of the area. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What happens during the Bjorli stop

At Bjorli, the train pauses for a short break before turning back toward Åndalsnes. The exact stop depends on the departure, but the listed schedules allow about 25 to 35 minutes.

This is enough time to step off, stretch your legs, and take in the fresh mountain air. You also get a closer look at a working part of the Rauma Railway rather than seeing everything through glass.

Do not treat Bjorli as a full sightseeing stop. The experience does not provide a long visit or a separate activity there. You are making a short railway stop, not spending an afternoon exploring the town.

That limited time is the main compromise. If you want frequent photo stops, long walks, or the chance to explore several villages, this train ride will feel restrained. If you want a scenic rail outing with very little planning, the brief pause works well.

Keep an eye on the time and stay near the train. The return departure is part of the same round trip, and missing it would create a serious problem.

The return to Åndalsnes gives you another view

The journey back to Åndalsnes takes roughly the same amount of time, but it is not simply a repeat. Light and weather may change, and the view from the opposite side of the carriage can reveal details you missed on the way up.

This is why I would not spend the entire outward trip taking photos. Watch the route with your eyes, listen to the commentary, and save some attention for the return. If seating is not assigned, you may also be able to change sides during the stop at Bjorli, provided the train staff and other passengers allow it.

The right side is widely considered the better side for views on this route, but the exact best seat depends on the direction of travel and what you want to see. Since seating is not guaranteed, arriving early matters more than trying to predict the perfect seat.

The return commentary includes new stories, so you still have something to listen for after the Bjorli break. The train hosts continue to frame the scenery rather than leaving you with only the sound of the carriage.

Why the railway stories matter

The scenery is the easy part to appreciate. The railway itself gives the trip more substance.

The Rauma Railway is a notable piece of engineering, and the journey gives you a chance to see how a rail line works its way through demanding mountain country. Even if you are not especially interested in trains, the route makes the engineering visible. The bridges, grades, valley walls, and changing terrain help explain why the line was such an achievement.

The hosts also help connect the railway to local history. The stop at Bjorli gives you a brief chance to experience part of that history close up, while the ride itself puts the line into its geographical setting.

The quality of the commentary can depend on where you sit and how clearly the sound carries. One practical solution is to choose a seat where you can hear the host rather than focusing only on window position.

Price and value at $74.14

At $74.14 per person, the Golden Train is not a cheap local rail ticket. You are paying for a planned round trip, onboard hosting, English commentary, and a simple way to see the Romsdalen scenery without arranging your own transport.

The value is strongest when your time in Åndalsnes is limited. The station is right in town, and if you arrive by cruise ship, the railway can be an easy excursion to reach. You can step off the ship, make your way to the station, and spend the day on a scenic rail route rather than trying to coordinate buses, taxis, or several separate stops.

The price can also compare favorably with some cruise ship excursions. A booking made independently may cost about half the price of a cruise ship version, according to the information available for this experience. That makes it attractive for people who are comfortable handling their own timing and getting to the station.

The tradeoff is that you do not get a private carriage, refreshments, or assigned seats. One passenger specifically suggested that drinks or snacks would be useful, and another preferred a seat reservation system. Bring your own water and a small snack if you want them, since refreshments are not listed as part of the experience.

Getting to the platform without confusion

The meeting information points you to Åndalsnes Train Station and the parking area, with boarding on Platform 1. In practice, station activity can be confusing when more than one train is loading.

A reservation time such as 12:50 may not match the moment another train begins boarding at 12:30. If you see a long line, check the platform and ask a railway employee or train host before assuming it is your departure.

You should arrive at least 20 minutes early. This gives you time to locate the correct platform, show your mobile ticket, and find a seat before the carriage fills. It is particularly important on days when cruise passengers are also joining the train.

Your booking confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile. Keep it easy to display. In some cases, you may also need a Golden Train ticket or boarding confirmation to get on board, not just a general reservation reference.

The on-site meeting instructions have caused confusion for some people, especially when no obvious representative is waiting in the parking area. I would not wait passively if the train is loading. Go directly to the platform and ask for help early.

The seating question: views, comfort, and sound

Seating is not assigned, so early arrival is the best way to improve your options. The train has a maximum capacity of 65 people, but that does not mean every seat will feel equally useful.

Choose your priorities:

• Sit on the right side if your main goal is the strongest access to views.
• Sit closer to the host or speaker if commentary matters most.
• Sit with your group early if staying together is important.
• Consider changing sides at Bjorli if the carriage is not too crowded.

A full train can create stress. There have been occasions when all seats were taken and some people had to leave the train. That is a strong reason to avoid arriving at the last minute, even if you already have a mobile ticket.

The lack of assigned seating is not a deal breaker, but it keeps the experience less predictable. If you need a specific seat, this may not be the right excursion for you.

Departure times and how to plan your day

Two regular departure patterns are provided.

The first usually leaves Åndalsnes around 10:55 to 11:00, reaches Bjorli at about 11:35, departs Bjorli at 11:35, and returns to Åndalsnes around 12:23.

The second usually leaves Åndalsnes at 12:53, arrives at Bjorli around 14:06, departs at about 14:31, and returns around 15:35.

The difference between the two schedules is useful. A morning departure leaves more of your afternoon free. The later departure may work better if you want a relaxed morning in Åndalsnes.

Do not rely on these times without checking your booking. Some dates have different departures, and the final departure time shown at checkout is the one you should follow.

The total duration is listed as approximately 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes. Build in extra time before departure and after arrival if you have another fixed activity, ferry, or ship schedule.

Who will enjoy the Golden Train most

I would choose this experience for you if you want:

• A scenic introduction to the Romsdalen valley
• A low-effort alternative to hiking
• English commentary about the railway and sights
• A compact half-day activity in Åndalsnes
• An independent alternative to a more expensive cruise ship excursion
• A comfortable ride with a short outdoor break

I would think twice if your ideal outing includes long stops, extensive walking, food service, or guaranteed panoramic seating. The Golden Train is mainly a moving viewpoint with commentary. Bjorli is a short stop, not a full destination visit.

The trip also suits people who care about railway history and engineering. The hosts give the route more meaning than a simple scenic transfer, and the stop at Bjorli lets you experience a small part of the line’s history directly.

Weather, cancellation, and basic practical details

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

The activity is offered in English. It is near public transportation, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The maximum group size is 65.

The trip ends back at Åndalsnes Train Station, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

Should you book the Golden Train?

Book it if you want a well-organized look at the Romsdalen scenery with helpful stories and minimal physical effort. The strongest reasons are the spectacular views, the railway engineering, the convenient station location, and the reasonable length for a port day or short stay in Åndalsnes.

Arrive early, aim for the right side, and confirm your platform before boarding. Bring water, expect limited time outside, and accept that seats are not assigned.

I would recommend the Golden Train most strongly to cruise passengers, first-time visitors to the valley, families, and anyone who wants mountain scenery without a demanding hike. If you need a long stop in Bjorli or a guaranteed seat, choose another outing. For a compact, scenic, and informative rail ride, this is a sound use of a few hours in Åndalsnes.

FAQ

Where does the Golden Train begin?

The trip begins at Åndalsnes Train Station, Jernbanegata 1, 6300 Åndalsnes, Norway. The meeting point is listed at the station parking area, and boarding takes place on Platform 1.

Where does the Golden Train go?

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

How long does the full trip take?

The round trip takes approximately 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes.

How long does the train stop at Bjorli?

The scheduled stop at Bjorli is approximately 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the departure time.

Is the commentary in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and train hosts provide commentary during the journey.

Are seats assigned?

No assigned seating is listed. Arriving early is recommended, especially because the train can fill quickly.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity has a maximum of 65 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.