On Norway's Golden Train, Every Mountain Tells A Story

Forbes

28-04-2025

The town of Åndalsnes is the starting point of the historic and scenic 'Golden Train' charter service in Norway.
As the Golden Train winds its way through Norway's wildest landscapes, passing beneath towering peaks, beside tumbling waterfalls, and along deep glacial valleys, it offers more than just jaw-dropping views.
This is a scenic train ride, yes, but also a journey through centuries of Nordic legend and wartime drama. In 1940, as Nazi forces invaded Norway, the country's gold reserves were spirited away along this very route. That heroic escape lives on in the Golden Train's name and narrative today.
Operating between the fjord-side town of Åndalsnes and the alpine village of Dombås, the Rauma Line covers just 71 kilometres—but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in drama.
The route passes iconic landmarks such as the vertigo-inducing Kylling Bridge and the towering Trollveggen cliff, Europe's tallest vertical rock face.
But what sets this train apart is not just the scenery outside the window, it's the curated experience on board the special service aimed at both independent travelers and cruise ship visitors to Åndalsnes.
While regular passenger trains do run along the Rauma Railway, they're primarily timed to connect with the main Oslo–Trondheim line at Dombås. For international visitors hoping to enjoy a scenic roundtrip journey from Åndalsnes, these services are far from convenient.
That's where the Golden Train comes in. This dedicated charter transforms the journey into a seamless three-hour cultural experience.
The 'Golden Train' rail route provides historic commentary alongside the scenic views.
The route includes slow travel past iconic photo stops such as Kylling Bridge and Trollveggen, onboard storytelling with a focus on folklore and wartime history, and a short break at the alpine outpost of Bjorli before returning to Åndalsnes.
Tickets can be purchased independently through the Golden Train website or via selected cruise lines. The train operates most days during the summer season, with additional departures in the spring and autumn on days when cruise ships are docked in Åndalsnes.
The name 'Golden Train' is not just a poetic flourish. It pays tribute to one of the most dramatic episodes in Norway's World War II history.
In April 1940, as German forces invaded the country, Norwegian officials scrambled to evacuate the nation's gold reserves (about 50 tonnes) to prevent it from falling into Nazi hands.
The evacuation plan, codenamed The Heavy Luggage, saw the gold transported north from Oslo by road and rail under immense pressure. One of the most critical legs of this operation ran along the Rauma Railway, where a heavily guarded train carried the treasure through the very same mountains and valleys that today's train traverses.
Despite Luftwaffe bombing raids and the chaos of advancing German troops, the train made it to Åndalsnes. From there, the gold continued by truck and ship, ultimately reaching safety in Britain and later North America.
This daring mission helped finance the Norwegian government-in-exile and ensured the country retained its financial independence throughout the war.
Today, this remarkable story is part of the onboard narrative, connecting the natural beauty of the route with the resilience and resourcefulness that define modern Norwegian history.
Though the journey is short, the Rauma Railway packs in some of the most unforgettable scenery in Norway.
'Trollveggen' or 'The Troll's Wall' is an imposing sight at any time of year. Pictured here in March.
One of the first jaw-dropping moments comes as the train first enters the Romsdal Valley, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the turquoise Rauma River.
Shortly afterwards, guests are treated to the route's most iconic landmark: Trollveggen, or the Troll Wall.
Soaring more than 1,700 metres above the valley floor, it is Europe's tallest vertical rock face and a magnet for daring climbers. As the train glides beneath its shadow, the sheer scale of the cliff leaves little doubt as to where Norway's troll legends might have taken root.
Further along the route, the train slows for Kylling Bridge, an architectural marvel completed in 1924. Its elegant stone arch spans a deep gorge, offering passengers the perfect photo opportunity as the train crawls across.
Other scenic highlights include the foaming Vermafossen Waterfall and the tranquil farmlands near Bjorli, where the train pauses before beginning its return. Every twist and turn of the track reveals a new postcard-perfect view.
Book tickets for the Golden Train in advance to avoid disappointment. Arriving by cruise? Åndalsnes train station is just a few minutes walk from the cruise ship pier. Booking directly will save you the markup of a cruise ship excursion.