Trolls and Fog on the Fjord: Åndalsnes by Gondola

Sailing into Åndalsnes (Åndalsnes – Pronounced OHN-dals-ness) cruise port feels like arriving in the pages of a storybook. With steep mountains, emerald hills, and misty skies, this quiet town in Norway’s Romsdal region is small but full of character.

Once a hub for Norwegian mountaineers, Åndalsnes has reinvented itself as a scenic escape for nature lovers and cruise travelers. It sits at the mouth of the Rauma River, surrounded by peaks that attract hikers, bikers, and train buffs alike. You’ll also find a surprising number of trolls here, friendly ones carved into statues and street corners.

In June, the long days stretch toward midnight, and rainbow flags fly proudly for Pride Month. Even if you arrive with no set plans, the charm of this fjord town makes wandering on foot a rewarding experience.

I didn’t book any excursions for Åndalsnes and honestly, I didn’t need to. Every direction I walked offered postcard-worthy views. The air was fresh, the trails were easy to follow, and the waterfront had pops of color from both flowers and flags. It felt safe and open, and I was especially happy to see how inclusive and welcoming the town felt during Pride Month.

One of my favorite discoveries was the old red train car turned into a chapel, just off the port. Inside were simple seats, stained glass, and a peaceful vibe. Nearby is the Åndalsnes station where you can catch the Golden Train through the Rauma valley. I didn’t take it this time, but the gondola next door caught my attention instead.

The Romsdalsgondolen climbs quickly to the top of Nesaksla Mountain. When I boarded, the skies were clear. By the time I reached the top, heavy clouds had rolled in and rain started to fall. I waited a bit hoping the view would return, but eventually rode back down. Later that evening, just as the ship was leaving, the sun came out again, perfect timing for the summer solstice. It never truly set, just hovered low in the sky while we sailed away under gold-tinted clouds.