Romsdalseggen Ridge: Hiking One of Norway’s Most Scenic Trails

Photo : Thore Kristian Engdal

Romsdalseggen is one of Norway’s most scenic ridge hikes, offering panoramic views over Romsdalen and the surrounding peaks. The trail combines exposed ridgelines, steady climbs, and some of the most iconic mountain views in the country.

We arrived in Åndalsnes late in the day, just in time to squeeze in a short warm-up on Litlfjellet. The kind of hike that doesn’t take much, but gives a lot back — soft light, quiet legs, and a first glimpse of the terrain waiting for us the next morning. From there it was straight to Grand Hotel, gear laid out, alarms set early.

04:00 came fast.

We stepped out into the dark knowing we were racing the weather as much as the route itself. Romsdalseggen is not a place you want to linger if conditions turn. The forecast called for snow and wind rolling in later in the day, so the plan was simple — move early, stay ahead of it.

Even with that in mind, it’s hard not to slow down out here.

Before committing fully to the ridge, we took a small detour up toward Blåhøa. Not necessary, but impossible to ignore. From up there, the landscape opens even more — peaks stacked in every direction, Romsdalen dropping away beneath you. The kind of view that makes you forget the clock for a moment.

Back on the main line, the character of Romsdalseggen really starts to show. The trail narrows, the exposure builds, and the valley is suddenly always there — close enough to feel. There are sections where you need to stay focused, especially if heights aren’t your thing. Some of the steps are steep and exposed, but everything is secured with wires that guide you through the most technical parts.

It’s a route that demands respect, but never feels out of reach.

And it’s not hard to see why this ridge has become a race course. Every year, some of the world’s best trail runners line up here, moving across the same terrain at a completely different pace. Petter Engdahl’s win in 2025 is just one example — a reminder that these mountains are not only scenic, but competitive at the highest level.

Eventually, the ridge gives way to descent, and Nesaksla comes into view. From here, the path down toward Åndalsnes becomes more defined, but no less scenic. Just before heading all the way down, we made sure to stop at Rampestreken — a place you’ve probably seen before, even if you haven’t been here. One of those viewpoints that somehow lives up to the hype.

From there, the final stretch drops you back toward the valley. Or, if you time it right, you can take a different way down. The gondola from Åndalsnes up to Nesaksla has become part of the experience in recent years, with Eggen Restaurant sitting at the top station. Cinnamon buns, coffee, and a view that stretches back across everything you’ve just crossed.

Not a bad way to finish.

Practical information

• Romsdalseggen is not a round-trip, so you need to plan for logistics. In the high-season the Romsdalseggen bus is the place to start : https://www.nor-way.no/ruter/romsdalseggenbussen/

• How long and technical is Romsdalseggen? - Just under 10km. Many find the last descent down from Nesaksla to Åndalsnes demanding after a long trail, but it`s possible to shortcut that by taking the newly installed gondola.

What to do around Romsdalseggen

A short drive from Åndalsnes takes you to Trollstigen — one of Norway’s most iconic mountain roads. Even outside peak season, the area carries a certain weight, with steep drops, sharp turns, and viewpoints that look straight into the valley below.

Famous landmark Trollstigen, Norway

We spent the night at Juvet Landscape Hotel, tucked into the forest along the river. Known for its minimalist architecture and for appearing in Ex Machina, it’s a place that blends completely into the landscape. Quiet, intentional, and very much part of the environment rather than separate from it.

Juvet Landskapshotel