WJ Tested: Travel Tip Norway – Ride The Rauma Railway
WJ Tested: Travel Tip Norway – Ride The Rauma Railway
By Jill Hoelting, Photos by Vivienne Chapleo
WAVEJourney Rides The Rauma Railway in Norway
Even though Thomas the Tank Engine wasn’t a popular storybook tale in my youth, my love of trains was big. My grandfather was an engineer on the iron horses clickety-clacking their way through Illinois in the mid-1900s, and I have fond memories of sitting on his lap and listening to real life train stories. Many of his stories came flooding back to me this summer when I rode the rails on one of the world’s most beautiful stretch of tracks. “Bub” would have loved the Rauma Railway in Norway!
Andalsnes in Norway
“Woo Woo”, calling all train buffs, nature lovers and photographers ~ the best 100 minutes of your vacation in Norway could very well be spent riding the Rauma Railway! This line runs from Andalsnes to Dombas (or in reverse) leaving Andalsnes in the Romsdalsfjord at 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level, and eventually climbing to Dombas in the mountains at 2162 feet (659 meters) HASL. This 71-mile (114.2 km) stretch of standard gauge track is a hugely popular excursion for tourists when visiting this area of Norway.
Ride the Rauma Railway in Norway
The absolute stunning beauty of the scenery will put you and your camera to work. The train actually slows down at the most scenic spots allowing for quality photos and appreciation of Mother Nature. The comfortable cars feature panoramic windows enhancing the viewing opportunities. You will marvel at the incredible engineering feat demonstrated in the phased construction of this line. Construction started in 1912 (officially opened in totality in November of 1924), took tremendous man-hours, and was phased in in 3 stages and includes many bridges, 6 tunnels (even a turning tunnel) and 2 horseshoe curves. Human ingenuity at its best!
Rauma Railway in Norway
Following the emerald-hued Rauma River for most of the journey from fjords to mountains, this train adventure lets you get up close and personal with superlative views of steep mountains draped in waterfalls shooting down to the valley. At times the river runs lazily until it boils and bursts through narrow gorges. Vermafossen Falls at 1250 feet (381 meters) is a powerful sight to behold. From snow-capped peaks to lush valleys and plains, the scenery is nonstop.
Rauma Railway Scenery
The train passes through the Romsdal Alps, showcasing Romsdalshorn ~ the 5085 feet (1550 meter) high mountain and Trollveggen, the highest vertical rock face in Europe. Mountaineers from around the world attempt climbs here and the “Troll Wall” was popular with base jumpers until it was ruled illegal in 1986. You can imagine that it is amazing, eye-popping scenery making for an unforgettable journey.
Bjorli Station Along The Rauma Railway in Norway
So when you plan your Norwegian adventure, WAVE Journey highly recommends you add The Rauma Railway to your list of must-do experiences. Let the clickety-clack of the tracks carry you through remarkable scenery as you witness breathtaking views of fjords, mountains, valleys, waterfalls and hamlets along the Rauma River.
Rauma Railway Trains
The Rauma Railway may bring back memories for railroad buffs, but the journey will certainly create unforgettable memories for anyone moved by natural beauty and incredible ingenuity.
Rauma Railway Train Interior
Notes:
The Rauma Railway (sightseeing) runs from May 29th to August 26th.
At Dombås there are train connections to/from Oslo and Trondheim.
Audio guides on board the train are available in Norwegian, English and German.
Vending machine snacks available on board.
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