Romsdalseggen ridge hike - map and information

Romsdalseggen

Photography: Chris Holter / Visit Northwest

Map and information Romsdalseggen Ridge

Romsdalseggen Romsdalseggen ridge offers “some of the worlds most scenic hiking” [1].

This hike, through dramatic landscapes, features many highlights. From the ridge, you can see the impressive Trollveggen cliff, surrounded by a number of wellknown mountains. Romsdalseggen ridge is one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world, not far from the mountaineering capital Åndalsnes.

[ 1 ] Lonely Planet 2011

Hike description Time: 5 – 8 hours

Length: 10, 3 km

The hike across Romsdalseggen ridge starts by taking a bus from the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre (Norsk Tindesenter) in the centre of Åndalsnes. The 20 min bus journey, takes you through Isfjorden and delivers you at the start of the trail in Venjedalen. The trail starts directly where the bus stops and is very well marked with painted red “T”s.

The ascent up Hestheia along the Tverr­elva river is of moderate steepness. You get a last chance to fill your water bottle at Hestheia, so remember to do so before you leave the river.

There is a sign-posted and well-marked fork in the path up where the terrain levels off; turn west (left) up the steep

Season: June – October

mountainside that takes you up onto Romsdals­eggen ridge.

The ascent from here is hard going and steep, but the view that awaits you at the top is well worth the effort! From the ridge, you look directly at the legen­dary Trollveggen cliff, Europe’s highest vertical rock face – crowned by rugged mountains.

To the southeast, you can see the Dalsida Protected Landscape, which extends all the way to the Dovrefjell and Sunndals­ fjella mountains. The mountains Romsdals­ horn and Store Venjetind tower like spires into the sky. It is not hard to understand why this sea of jagged peaks, ridges and wild precipices has drawn mountaineers to the area for centuries. To the southwest,

Height profile

⇽Venjedalssetra

Åndalsnes⇾

you can see Reinheimen National Park and the well-known mountains Bispen, Kongen and Dronninga. From Romsdals­ eggen ridge, you also get a view of the Romsdal valley, with the stunning Rauma river winding its way through the lush landscape out to the fjord and Åndalsnes.

There is another crossroads on the ridge between Blånebba and Mjølva­­fjellet. Roms­dals­eggen ridge goes to the right, northwest towards Åndalsnes. Follow the ridge, which gradually narrows and descends Halsaskaret ravine. This section is steep and requires some scramb­ling. This is one of the narrowest sections on Roms­dals­ eggen ridge. Chains are mounted, as handrails, to facilitate access to the top of Mjølvafjellet (1,216 metres).

This is the highest point on the hike.

The ridge widens considerably from this point, and the descent down to Nesaksla is pleasant. On this section of the path, you mainly walk on stone and rock. The ridge again narrows at Mjølvaskaret ravine for a brief, but lofty section. There’s a great point to stop and take photos just after this section.

The stone cabin Ottarbu is situated on Nesaksla, where you can seek shelter if necessary. The final downhill section is a series of rock steps that takes you back to Åndalsnes. This section is rela­tively steep, and many people would be advised to use walking poles. The Rampestreken viewpoint is a must for photo opportunities.

A good range of restaurants can be found when you return to Åndalsnes.

Alternative route Hiking the Romsdalseggen ridge via Høgnosa is an alternative route, whereby you avoid most of the lofty sections. This route starts at the fork at Hestheia, where you walk northwest (signposted ‘Romsdalseggen om Høgnosa’) in relatively easy terrain to Høgnosa.

You then start walking to the southwest up Mjølvaskaret ridge, where you re-join the most common route up Romsdalseggen ridge. This part of the path crosses a scree, and is therefore challenging. Romsdalseggen

via Høgnosa is also longer than the most common route. This route is also a good alternative if it is windy or misty on top of Romsdalseggen ridge. For more information, see: Romsdal.com Insider tip: If you still have plenty of energy when you reach the fork on the ridge, we recommend walking up to Blånebba and back. This walk will take another hour, but there are views to literally top everything else in Romsdalen.

Highlights on the hike Rampestreken

The Romsdalsfjord

This viewing platform is a must for photo opportunities when you hike Romsdalseggen ridge.

You can soak up magnificent views of Åndalsnes, the Romsdalsfjord and the Romsdalsfjella mountains.

One of Norway's cleanest fjords with the richest diversity of species. The fjord is registered as a national salmon fjord.

Northern Europe’s largest bird of prey, the sea eagle, which is a protected species, lives along the fjord.

The Rauma River

Trollveggen

A famous national salmon river. Traditionally, the rivers fabulous fishing was a major source of revenue for local land owners in the valley, and was one of the corner­stones, of both Norwegian and international tourism, in Romsdal. The salmon population and fishing oppor­tunities have been reduced due to a salmon parasite, but the river has now been treated and is expected to be declared clean during 2019. Work is currently underway to restore the excellent salmon population.

Europe’s highest vertical rock face (1,000 m). It has the longest climbing route in Europe (3.5 km). Trollveggen is part of the Trolltindan mountains with Store Trolltind at 1,788 metres, one of the highest mountains in Romsdalen. Trollveggen is part of Reinheimen National Park.

Photography: Chris Holter / Visit Northwest

How to get there A shuttle bus operates from the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre to the start of the path throughout the season. Book your bus ticket at tindesenteret.no.

If you arrive by car, park at the long-term parking spaces designated on the map.

Short-term parking

Norwegian Mountaineering Centre

Long-term parking

Preparations Visit tindesenteret.no/side/romsdalseggen for more information about the hike Book your transport and packed lunch at tindesenteret.no Pack your rucksack – check our Romsdalseggen packing list Check the weather forecast, and prepare for changing conditions in the mountains Pop past Norsk Tindesenter for up-to-date information about the path and weather conditions in the mountains Put on hiking boots with good support around the ankles, and have a great hike!

Remember to share your experiences at facebook.com/romsdalseggen Tag your photos from the hike with #romsdalseggen when you post them on Instagram

Wildlife and wilderness Reinheimen National Park Norway's third biggest national park.

There is great variation in the area, with everything from lush hillsides with alpine peaks to gentler mountains and a drier climate further inland. Reinheimen has large, continuous areas of wilderness.

These areas are important to the national wild reindeer population in the area. There is little human traffic in the central areas, as most of the walking paths are in the western parts of Reinheimen. Romsdalen Protected Landscape also connects Reinheimen National Park to Dalsida Protected Landscape, which is connected to Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park.

Musk ox Musk ox were released in the Dovrefjell mountains on several occasions between 1932 and 1953, before they became established. Musk ox are a foreign species, but neither threaten ecosystems nor other species in Norway. Norway’s only herd of wild musk ox are found in the Dovrefjell mountains. The herd currently numbers 250 animals. They occasionally wander as far as to the Romsdalsfjord.

Wild reindeer This was the staple diet of the first people who came to Norway after the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Wild European Mountain Reindeer are now only found in the mountains of Southern Norway.

Along with a few European bison, the reindeer are the only megafauna species, which included mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses and saber tooth tigers, to have survived the Ice Age. Hunting pits, stone bowmen’s hides and other traces bear witness to the importance of wild reindeer right up until the Viking Age. Human interventions over the last few hundred years have encroached on their habitats and split up the reindeer population. There are still robust wild reindeer populations both in Snøhetta (Dovrefjell) and in Reinheimen-Breheimen, totalling around 6,000 animals. Reindeer hunting is still important, and around 800 animals are shot every year in Reinheimen-Breheimen.

Old Norwegian Sheep In the area between Venjesdalen and Åndalsnes, you can look for Old Norwegian Sheep, a breed also known as Norwegian wild sheep or Viking sheep. Old Norwegian Sheep are hardy and help to preserve Norway’s cultural landscape.

Before you go Useful info

The Mountain Code

• Romsdalseggen ridge is a long (10.3 km) and demanding hike with a 970-metre ascent, which means you have to be in good shape and used to walking in steep and uneven terrain. It is therefore important that you consider your own fitness and that of others in your party.

1. Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.

2. Adjust the planned routes according to ability and conditions.

3. Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.

4. Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.

5. Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.

6. Choose safe routes. Recognise avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.

7. Use a map and compass. Always know where you are.

8. Don’t be ashamed to turn around.

9. Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

• Romsdalseggen ridge is not recommended for children.

• We advise against hiking Romsdalseggen ridge off season.

• Dogs can generally be taken on hikes on Romsdalseggen ridge, but they may need assistance in the most exposed sections.

• Dogs must always be kept on a lead.

• Always stay on the path to reduce the impact on vulnerable nature.

• Lighting a bonfire, barbecue or disposable barbeque in or close to forests and all other uncultivated land is prohibited • Call 112 in the event of an accident.

• Show consideration if you bring a drone.

• Show consideration for animals grazing in the area. Do not feed domestic animals, and bring all rubbish back with you.

• You can download a walking map at norgeskart.no • Bringing a mobile phone on a walk is useful, but do not depend on it. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you set off, and don’t use up the battery en route.

• Check the weather forecast. Blånebba and Mannen observation site in Rauma will give you the best indication of what the weather is like on Romsdalseggen ridge, which can differ considerably from the weather in Åndalsnes.

Remember – your safety is your responsibility.

Feel free to contact us Norsk Tindesenter Norwegian Mountaineering Centre Telephone: +47 73 60 45 57 E-mail: post@tindesenteret.no Website: tindesenteret.no Insider tips: You can do the hike with a guide for an even better experience!

Book a guide at guideromsdal.no Don’t forget to do the spectacular Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata! Book a guided trip at tindesenteret.no Revenue from Romsdalseggen ridge goes to the management and maintenance of the path. Your contribution helps us to manage Romsdalseggen in the best possible manner – for you and the generations to come.

Romsdalen bucket list Romsdalseggen Rampestreken Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata Romsdalstien hytte til hytte Trollstigen Trollveggen Mannen Litlefjellet Bispevatnet Norsk Tindesenter

Photography: Anunatak AS

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Skorgedalsbu

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Map Legends Romsdalseggen

Skorge dalen

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Torvika

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Åndalsnes

Isfjorden

Isfjorden

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Café / restaurant

Romsdalsfjorden Parking

Hiking trail

Train station

Cycling trail

Nesaksla

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Information

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Blånebba #

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This brochure is published by Norsk Tindesenter in collaboration with DNT Romsdal, Visit Romsdal, Rauma Municipality and Reinheimen National Park.

Venjedalssetra

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Innfjord

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Summer trails

1023m

Storhestvatnet

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Camping facilities

Devoll

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Attraction

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Self-service tourist cabin

Mjølvafjellet # 1216m

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Photo point

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Accomodation

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Viewpoint

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Bus interchange

Kaffikjelbua Jamnåbotn

Store Venjetinden # 1852m

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Romsdalshornet# 1550m

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Dronninga

1462m

Kløvstien

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Bispen#

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1614m

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Kongen #

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1544m #

Trollstigen

Reinheimen National Park

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Dalsida Protected Landscape

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Trollveggen Protected Landscape

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Kartdata: ©Kartverket, ©Miljødirektoratet Kartografi : ©Miljødirektoratet, ©2286moh

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