The Rauma Railway is one of the most dramatic train journeys in Europe — a 114 km branch line that descends from the Norwegian mountain plateau at Dombås down through the spectacular Romsdalen valley to the fjordside town of Åndalsnes. It passes some of the most imposing mountain scenery on the continent, including the sheer face of Trollveggen, the tallest vertical rock wall in Europe. For anyone travelling in Norway, this is a route not to miss.
The line at a glance
The Rauma Railway (Raumabanen) runs between Dombås, on the Dovre Line, and Åndalsnes at the head of the Romsdalsfjord. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the service. There are typically two to four services a day in each direction, with more frequent operation in summer when tourist demand is higher. The line is operated by Vy, Norway's main rail operator.
The railway climbs — or rather descends — through some extraordinary engineering. Heading from Dombås towards Åndalsnes, the train drops more than 600 metres in altitude as it winds through mountain passes, over stone viaducts and through tunnels carved into the rock. The famous Verma viaduct, a stone arch bridge spanning a gorge, is one of the most photographed pieces of railway engineering in Scandinavia.
The scenery: what you will see
For much of the journey, the views are simply extraordinary. After leaving Dombås and climbing through the initial highland plateau, the train enters the Romsdalen valley — a deep glacial cleft flanked by walls of bare rock rising thousands of metres on either side. The scale can be hard to take in from a train window.
The most dramatic moment comes near Romsdalshorn and then Trollveggen — the Troll Wall. This near-vertical cliff face rises about 1,100 metres above the valley floor and is the highest vertical rock wall in Europe. The train passes close enough that, in clear weather, you can see climbers on the rock and BASE jumpers launching from the summit. In mist, the wall disappears into cloud in a way that is almost equally impressive.
Further down the valley, the landscape opens up as the Rauma river widens and the train approaches Åndalsnes, arriving beside the fjord with mountain peaks rising directly from the waterfront.
Sit on the right side: Travelling from Dombås to Åndalsnes, the best views of Trollveggen and the main valley walls are generally on the right-hand side of the train. For the return journey, they swap to the left. Either way, the scenery is all around you.
How to get to Dombås
Dombås is on the Dovre Line (Dovrebanen), the main rail route between Oslo and Trondheim. Direct trains from Oslo S reach Dombås in about 3 hours; from Trondheim it is around 2 hours 30 minutes. The Rauma Railway departs from Dombås station and the connection is straightforward — though always check that your Oslo or Trondheim train arrives in time for your intended Rauma departure. Our guide to Oslo to Trondheim covers the Dovre Line in detail.
From Åndalsnes, the return journey to Oslo is usually done the same way: Rauma Railway back to Dombås, then Dovre Line onwards. Some travellers combine it with a broader fjord tour — a bus from Åndalsnes can continue along the Romsdalen and over the Trollstigen mountain pass (in summer only) to Geiranger. For a full account of that legendary road, see our guide to the Trollstigen road.
When to go
The Rauma Railway runs year-round, but summer (June to September) is peak season for good reason: the valley is lush, the waterfalls are at full flow from snowmelt, and the days are long enough to see the scenery in full light even on morning or evening trains. In winter, the line operates but the valley can be dark and conditions severe; the views are starkly beautiful in snow, but some travellers find the short days limiting.
Spring (May to early June) is a particularly fine time: the snow is still on the high peaks, the waterfalls are dramatic with melt water, and the crowds have not yet arrived. Autumn offers golden light and less tourism.
Practical information
Tickets can be booked through Vy's website (vy.no) or via the Vy app. The Rauma Railway is covered by the Interrail and Eurail passes, which makes it a natural inclusion on a Scandinavian rail trip — no reservation fee is typically required for this regional service, though it is worth confirming when you book. See our overview of Interrail vs Eurail for pass guidance.
Norway is also well covered by the Norway by train guide if you want to understand the broader rail network before you plan your route.
Åndalsnes itself is a small, outdoors-focused town with accommodation and restaurants; book ahead in peak summer as capacity is limited. The town is a base for hiking, climbing and fjord exploration rather than a destination in its own right.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Rauma Railway journey take?
The train from Dombås to Åndalsnes takes approximately 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the service. The return is the same duration.
Do I need to book in advance for the Rauma Railway?
Advance booking is recommended in summer, particularly on the most popular morning and afternoon departures when the line is busiest with tourists. Out of season, booking on the day is usually possible. Book through Vy.
Can I use a rail pass on the Rauma Railway?
Yes. Both Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on this Vy-operated route. A reservation fee is not typically required, but always confirm when planning your trip as policies can change.
Is the Rauma Railway open in winter?
Yes, services run year-round, though less frequently than in summer. Winter scenery is striking in its own way, but daylight hours in December and January are very short in the Romsdalen valley.
Sources and further reading:
- Timetables and booking: Vy (vy.no).
- Rail-pass validity: Interrail, Eurail.
- Scenic railway overview: The Man in Seat 61.