Golden Train on Rauma Railway: The Romsdalen Travel Review

Thinking of riding the Golden Train on the Rauma Railway in Norway? The experience offers what’s like vistas of the Romsdalen valley, but is that something worth your time and investment? This review breaks down what the trip involves, what you get, and that is alongside some alternatives to help you decide if the Golden Train lives up to the hype.

What is the Golden Train, anyway?

The Rauma Railway line connects Åndalsnes to Dombås, and this line carves its way through what I mean, like some really dramatic Norwegian scenery. Now, the Golden Train itself isn’t literally a gold train, so, too bad for that. Instead, this is more like a specially fitted train on the Rauma Railway that gives a heightened scenic experience. So, that gives what’s almost bigger windows, more comfortable seating, and an audio guide in multiple languages, so that is alongside pointing out spots of interest along the route. This service runs seasonally, usually from late spring to early autumn, when the landscapes are at their most vivid.

What Makes the Golden Train Stand Out, you know?

Alright, you might ask yourself, that is other than a slightly elevated ticket price, so what do you gain by picking the Golden Train over a regular train on the Rauma line? Actually, one aspect is the enhanced viewing. The bigger windows give you an improved, less obstructed panorama of the passing scenery. This is very vital because, frankly, you are there for those sights, right? Furthermore, the audio guide offers helpful context on the history, geography, and significance of landmarks you see. So, you can learn about the mountains, the rivers, and the stories linked to them.

The Route Itself is Amazing, still!

The journey takes you past some of Norway’s most striking landscapes. You’ll see the Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the highest vertical rock face in Europe; it’s a bit breathtaking! This also crosses the Kylling Bridge, that, I believe, is an engineering marvel with great views into the river gorge under. The train winds alongside the Rauma River, that gives what I think, like, an amazing turquoise color, and passes through verdant valleys and, well, really rugged mountains. Depending on the time of year, you might see snow-capped peaks, so it depends. It really is something else.

What is the Actual Experience Like?

So, too, the comfort level is where the Golden Train sets itself apart. Seats are generally roomier and more comfortable compared to normal regional trains, so, too, if that sort of thing matters to you. The bigger windows honestly make a substantial impact, primarily during photo ops; you’ll get less reflection and better viewing angles. The audio commentary is timed to key landmarks. However, it could be a little hit-or-miss, depending on the narrator’s style and information included.

During a photo stop at the Berekvam station you’re free to leave the train and take amazing pictures of the surrounding area. This is truly, truly cool, I mean, honestly.

Ticket cost and practical stuff, you know?

Okay, so how much does this sightseeing spectacular really set you back? Actually, the tickets for the Golden Train tend to be pricier than a standard train ticket on the Rauma Railway. Rates are dependent on the season, the availability, and how far in advance you reserve, so it pays to book early, apparently.

To find accurate pricing and timetables, check the Norwegian State Railways (Vy) official website, you see, or other vendors authorized to sell train tickets in Norway.

Is it worth it?, I wonder.

Let’s get down to what really matters, honestly: is that so called, Golden Train something to bother about, right? So, it is mainly, like, do you enjoy landscape? Does comfort matter to you, honestly? So, in short, it really enhances the experience, right? This really helps someone seeking more knowledge, and comfort to have a lovely ride. Okay, there’s nothing too over the top. I mean, this isn’t Venice Simplon-Orient-Express style lavishness, is it?

If you’re on a budget, the regular train is really okay. It’ll get you from point A to B with amazing scenery. I mean, if money doesn’t really matter, why not?

Okay, So Here’s How To Make The Most of Your Trip!

To make what is almost, the absolute most out of your Golden Train experience, just a little prep could go far, seriously. Okay, get the weather figured out early, so if its cold, bring what I would call, warm stuff! Booking way, way ahead helps big time with not just prices, and available times. Plus this will really stop you from running in to problems later on.

There are, seemingly, cool stops along the way such as Åndalsnes (start) and Dombås. Try to make them longer stops, so you can do something cool, basically! This way you’re not in such a mad dash all the time.

Alternatives? (Maybe if you’re a little bit nuts)

Are you crazy, in a nice way of course? Have you considered hiking instead? The Romsdalseggen Ridge is really for experienced hikers only! This could really reward you with sights that the train could only dream of, wow! The hike runs the range along the railway route! (Bring appropriate safety and weather protection. Seriously).

There is the simple standard train trip! Sure, this won’t be luxury and you don’t get much room, but you know. Does any of that truly matter in a place like this?

Important Aspects of Note (So Remember!)

• Booking is something you need to do early! Book Golden Train well way ahead. Summer season really fills seats quick!
• Weather Conditions Norway is well known for the rapid weather change! Dress in something cozy and layers are seemingly essential!
• Bring a quality camera These scenes truly reward someone with good camera stuff. Phone is seemingly okay, but really does that make you happy?!
• Savor all! Leave any of that day to day noise behind, and basically absorb. Let nature show it’s wonder!

In the end, that, is the Golden Train on the Rauma Railway something worth spending money on? If enhanced comfort, better sight lines, and contextual background interests you, then probably yes, very! If, that, the budget is super tight, the normal train’s just as well.

The Golden Train gives a memorable way to encounter Romsdalen’s magnificence! But, weigh just a little if this extra polish suits what you’re looking for. I think you won’t get bored.

Happy travels.

#Norway #RaumaRailway #GoldenTrain #Romsdalen #TrainTravel #ScenicRailways