4 days ago
This Norway Cable Car Offers Unbeatable Views In All Directions
This valley view is just one of the many stunning sights from the top of the cable car known as the Romsdal Gondola in Åndalsnes, Norway. David Nikel
Åndalsnes is known as the mountaineering capital of Norway. So much so, that the town plays host to the Norwegian Mountaineering Museum in an iconic waterfront building that many first-time visitors assume is a modern church.
Prior to 2021, the only way for visitors to admire the outstanding aerial views offered in the area was to strap on their hiking boots or mountaineering gear.
But now, the electric cable car known as the Romsdal Gondola takes up to 470 passengers per hour from the central district of Åndalsnes to Mount Nesaksla, 708 meters (2,322 feet) above sea level for stunning panoramic views of the fjords and valleys of the region.
At approximately $55 the return journey isn't cheap, but it delivers something no amount of stamina can guarantee: a smooth, scenic ascent in just over five minutes, regardless of your hiking ability or the weather forecast.
Hiking is a national pastime in Norway, but the terrain around Åndalsnes sets it apart as one of the country's most celebrated outdoor destinations.
The mountains of Åndalsnes are now accessible to many more people thanks to the cable car. David Nikel
Nestled at the end of the Romsdalsfjord, the town is surrounded by steep-sided valleys and dramatic peaks.
This is the heart of Fjord Norway's mountain country, where jagged summits dominate the skyline in every direction. The region's reputation is cemented by landmarks like Trollveggen (the Troll Wall), Europe's tallest vertical rock face, which has long challenged climbers from around the world.
Perhaps even more famous is the serpentine Trollstigen mountain road, a feat of engineering that twists and turns its way up the mountainside, offering thrilling views at every hairpin bend.
Many international visitors travel here with the sole purpose of tackling the Romsdalseggen ridge hike, a challenging full-day trek that rewards with panoramic vistas over fjords and valleys.
Yet for others, whether due to mobility limitations, tight schedules, or a preference for less strenuous sightseeing, the area's most celebrated views were once out of reach. The Romsdal Gondola has changed that. The Cable Car Experience
Unlike many mountain cable cars that require a long drive or shuttle ride, the Romsdal Gondola begins right in the centre of Åndalsnes.
The base station sits just a short walk from the train station and cruise ship terminal, making it one of the most accessible alpine experiences in Norway.
The view from the Romsdal Gondola ride itself is spectacular in the winter. David Nikel
The ride to the top takes a little over five minutes, rising steeply from the fjord's edge to the summit of Mount Nesaksla. Most visitors stand to soak in the unfolding panorama, though a few seats are available.
The views over Åndalsnes and the surrounding fjord are impressive from the start, but the full drama of the landscape only reveals itself when you step out at the summit.
Visitors arrive directly onto a network of walkways and viewing platforms offering a 360-degree panorama. From here, the Rauma River winds like a silver ribbon through the valley, patchwork fields glow in the summer sun, and rugged peaks rise into the clouds.
Take time to wander the paths for different perspectives, and stop by the historic mountain shelter to get a glimpse into Norway's mountaineering heritage.
When it's time to refuel, the mountaintop restaurant Eggen serves hearty Norwegian favourites, freshly baked waffles and indulgent brown cheese ice cream. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase Nordic design and frame the ever-changing views, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the appetite. Practical Matters
The Åndalsnes Cable Car operates daily only during the high summer season, so it's worth checking the official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Explore all the walkways at the top of the cable car to ensure you take in all the views. David Nikel
For much of the rest of the year, it typically closes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and sometimes Wednesdays, although it always runs when a cruise ship is in port.
Whatever the season, dress for mountain conditions. Even on warm days in Åndalsnes, the summit can be windy and noticeably cooler. A waterproof, windproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Weather changes quickly here, so don't be discouraged by clouds or rain when you arrive. A short wait in the summit cafe is often enough for the skies to clear and the spectacular views to return.
If you do want to hike up or down along the Nesaksla trail, one-way tickets are available for the gondola at a slight discount. The panoramic Rampestreken viewpoint is about 15 minutes from the summit. Alternatively, some visitors choose to walk down to the viewpoint and back to the cable car, rather than making the entire trek. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Here's How To Move To Norway In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Why Oslo Is Europe's Ideal Winter City Break By David Nikel Forbes Norway Proposes 3% Tourist Tax As Visitor Numbers Soar By David Nikel
