The Golden Train on Rauma Railway in Romsdalen

Mountain scenery begins at the station. The Golden Train carries you from Åndalsnes to Bjorli and back along the Rauma Railway, with broad views, fresh mountain air, and an English commentary that gives the trip more meaning. I like the spectacular scenery and the way the guide explains the railway’s engineering and history. I also like the easy round trip, which fits neatly into a day in Åndalsnes.

The main drawback is that this is mostly a train ride, not a stop-and-explore excursion. You get only a short pause at Bjorli, and the train can fill quickly, so I would arrive early and pay close attention to the platform instructions. The right side of the train is usually the better choice for views, though you may need to accept that you cannot see everything from one seat.

Key points before you book

• Åndalsnes to Bjorli and back: The full trip takes about 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes.
• A scenic railway with a story: The English commentary covers the route, railway history, engineering, and major sights.
• Arrive early: The train may be full, and some departures have had more people than available seats.
• Sit on the right when possible: This side generally offers better access to the main views.
• Bjorli is a brief stop: You get time for fresh air and a close look at the railway, not a long village visit.
• Good cruise-port value: At $74.14 per person, it can be a much cheaper alternative to a cruise-organized excursion.

What the Golden Train actually offers

The Golden Train is a round trip on the Rauma Railway between Åndalsnes and Bjorli in Norway’s Romsdalen region. You board at Åndalsnes station, ride inland for about an hour, pause at Bjorli, and return to Åndalsnes with more commentary along the way.

That simple outline matters. This is not a hop-on, hop-off train, and it is not a full-day mountain tour. The scenery is the main event. You stay aboard for most of the journey, looking through the windows as the train follows the valley and climbs toward Bjorli.

I like this format for a short visit because it gives you a strong sense of the region without requiring a car, a long hike, or complicated transport planning. You can sit comfortably, listen to the English narration, and let the route do the work.

The train hosts welcome you at Åndalsnes station. The commentary adds useful context to what you see outside, including the railway’s construction and the notable sights along the line. One of the strongest parts of the experience is the combination of scenery and explanation. Without the narration, it would still be a beautiful train ride. With it, the route becomes easier to understand.

Boarding at Åndalsnes station

The meeting point is Åndalsnes Train Station, at Jernbanegata 1, with boarding listed at Platform 1. The activity begins and ends at the station, which makes it especially convenient if you are already in Åndalsnes or arriving by cruise ship.

I would not cut this close. Several practical problems have affected the start for some people: unclear platform information, crowds, and a full train. One departure was listed around 12:50, while another train was loading on Platform 1. The correct train was eventually identified, but the confusion could easily make a first-time visitor nervous.

The safest plan is to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Have your mobile ticket ready, find the platform, and confirm with railway staff or the train host if anything seems unclear. A booking confirmation may not be the only thing you need to board. One person needed a separate Golden Train ticket or boarding document before getting on.

This is not a criticism of the ride itself. It is simply the sort of small port-day detail that can affect the whole outing. A few extra minutes at the station are worth it, especially on a busy sailing day.

The train can also become crowded. One account describes people having to leave because there were no seats left, and another notes that the train was full. The stated maximum group size is 65 people, but the number of people arriving at the station can still make boarding feel hurried.

The Åndalsnes to Bjorli ride

The outward journey takes roughly an hour, depending on the departure schedule. As the train leaves Åndalsnes, the view opens into the Romsdalen valley, with steep mountain walls and a route shaped by the surrounding terrain.

The scenery is the part that earns the strongest praise. You get a moving view of the valley rather than a single lookout, so the setting changes gradually as the train travels inland. The railway itself is part of the appeal. Its bridges, grades, and route through the valley show why passengers often describe it as an impressive piece of engineering.

The commentary gives you something to listen for beyond the next photograph. The host points out important sights and explains aspects of the railway’s past. An English narration is included, which makes the trip accessible if you do not speak Norwegian.

Sound quality can vary. One person found the guide difficult to hear, while others praised the pleasant delivery and useful information. If you want to catch every detail, sit where the announcements are easiest to hear and avoid relying only on the speaker system from the far end of the carriage.

The best views are often on the right side of the train. That advice appears repeatedly for a reason, though it should not be treated as a guarantee for every bend and every departure. The train returns along the same route, so sitting on the other side on the way back can give you a different angle.

There is no formal process for switching sides, and seats are not assigned. If you are traveling with someone, arrive early if sitting together matters to you. If you are alone, you may have more freedom to move when seats open, but do not count on an empty carriage.

Bjorli: fresh air and railway history

Bjorli is the turning point. The scheduled stop lasts about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the departure.

This pause gives you a chance to step outside, breathe the mountain air, and see part of the Rauma Railway’s history at close range. It is a useful break after the first hour on board, particularly if you want a few minutes away from the window.

Keep your expectations in check. Bjorli is not a long sightseeing stop in this format. The attraction is the railway setting and the chance to stretch your legs, not an extended town visit or a separate guided walk.

That short stop also helps explain why the entire experience fits into less than three hours. You see the route twice, hear more stories on the return, and get a small pause in the middle. For people who want a compact outing, that is a strength. If you prefer long stops and independent exploration, it may feel limited.

Be ready to return to the train at the stated time. The journey continues on schedule, and there is no indication that late boarding is possible.

The return to Åndalsnes

The trip back follows the railway down toward Åndalsnes. The host shares new stories, so the return is not simply a repeat of the outward narration.

You will still see the same valley, but the angle changes and the light may be different. This is where the seating advice becomes useful. If you sat on the right side on the way out, you may find that the opposite side gives you a better view on the return. Since seats are not delegated, you can ask politely to change if space allows, but there is no formal seat-swapping system.

The return leg is also a good reason not to treat the outbound ride as the only important part. Some of the most useful commentary comes after Bjorli, and you get another chance to notice the engineering details and major points along the line.

The whole trip is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to leave time for other plans in Åndalsnes. The published schedules include a late-morning departure, approximately 10:55 or 11:00 from Åndalsnes, and an afternoon departure around 12:53. The exact times can vary by date, so check your booking carefully rather than assuming the same schedule applies every day.

The views, commentary, and comfort

The three features most likely to shape your experience are the views, the narration, and the seating.

The scenery is the clear star. If you enjoy railway journeys, mountain valleys, and large views from a comfortable seat, you have the right ingredients here. The trip also works well for anyone who wants to see more of Romsdalen without committing to a demanding outdoor activity.

The commentary turns a pleasant ride into a more informative one. The guide points out major sights and explains the railway’s background. The feedback is not perfectly uniform: some people found the commentary excellent, while one person had trouble hearing it. That means you should value the narration, but not make the entire booking decision depend on catching every sentence.

Comfort is another plus. The train provides a relaxed way to see the valley, and the ride suits a wide range of people. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is also near public transportation, which makes the station easy to reach.

There are no refreshments listed as part of the outing. One suggestion was to add them, but you should plan as if food and drinks are not included. The attraction is the railway journey, not onboard dining.

Is $74.14 a fair price?

At $74.14 per person, the Golden Train is not a cheap local train ticket. It is priced as a hosted excursion with English commentary, a planned round trip, and a short stop at Bjorli.

The value depends on how you use it. If you are in Åndalsnes for a limited time, the train removes the need to arrange your own transport and gives you a structured way to see the Rauma Railway. The station location also makes it practical for a cruise stop. One especially useful comparison is the cost against cruise-ship excursions. The Golden Train has been described as costing about half as much as the equivalent cruise-organized option.

That does not mean the price is right for everyone. If you already have access to a car, want to stop often, or prefer a longer independent visit, the fixed schedule may feel restrictive. You are paying for convenience, a host, and a scenic round trip rather than for extensive time on land.

For a short port visit, I think the price is reasonable if the railway is a priority. The value is strongest when you want a low-effort excursion with clear structure and no need to plan a complicated route.

Who should choose this train ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to you if:

• You want dramatic mountain views without a hike.
• You enjoy trains, bridges, engineering, or railway history.
• You have only a few hours in Åndalsnes.
• You want English commentary.
• You are arriving by cruise ship and prefer an independent booking.
• You want a scenic activity suitable for most levels of mobility.

I would hesitate if you need a lot of time outside the train. The Bjorli stop is brief, and the main experience takes place from your seat.

I would also hesitate if crowded boarding or uncertain seating would spoil the day. Arriving early helps, but you cannot guarantee a particular seat. If you are traveling as a pair or group, getting there before the rush is important.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Check the departure time and platform at checkout because some dates use different schedules.

Keep your mobile ticket open and confirm that you have any separate boarding document needed for the Golden Train. Do not assume that a general booking confirmation alone will answer every question at the platform.

Try for the right side on the outward journey, then consider changing sides on the return if space allows. Sit near the clearest audio point if the commentary matters to you.

Bring your own refreshments if you want them, since they are not listed as an included feature. Make sure you are back aboard promptly after the Bjorli stop.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund. Otherwise, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Golden Train?

Book it if you want an easy, scenic introduction to the Rauma Railway and the Romsdalen valley. The views, engineering stories, and short format make it a strong choice for a cruise stop or a spare morning in Åndalsnes.

Skip it if you want long walks, extensive time in Bjorli, refreshments, or guaranteed seating. For everyone else, the main advice is simple: arrive early, check the platform, aim for the right side, and treat the ride as a moving mountain viewpoint with a good story attached.

FAQ

Where does the Golden Train start?

It starts at Åndalsnes Train Station, Åndalsnes stasjon, Jernbanegata 1, 6300 Åndalsnes, Norway.

Where does the experience end?

The train returns to Åndalsnes, and the activity ends at the original meeting point.

How long does the train ride take?

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

Where does the train go?

The train travels from Åndalsnes to Bjorli and returns to Åndalsnes.

How long does the train stop at Bjorli?

The stop lasts approximately 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the departure schedule.

Is the commentary offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, including the train commentary.

What departure times are available?

Listed departures include a late-morning trip around 10:55 or 11:00 and an afternoon trip around 12:53. Exact times can vary by date, so check the schedule at checkout.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

Yes. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is also near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.