Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata is a climbing trail at Nesaksla mountain just outside of Åndalsnes in western Norway. Its two incredible climbing trails offer spectacular views, pumping of adrenaline and a physically challenging climb for both beginners and more experienced climbers.
The Romsdalsstigen is part of the Via Ferrata network, meaning that the entire climbing trail is secured with steel cables, ladders and aids, making it available to anyone who brings safety equipment to connect to the aids.
The great thing about Romsdalsstigen is that is has a beginner climb that is open to anyone with a guide, giving you a perfect opportunity to try something new and truly spectacular when visiting Norway!
The view when climbing up Romsdalsstigen is otherworldly, and you will get spectacular photo opportunities on your climb.
We’re going to be looking closer at the two different climbing trails in this article, as well as giving some general information about the climb, how to get to Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata, and some information about things to know before starting the climb.
Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata “Introwall” (Introveggen) – a 3 to 4 hour beginner’s climbing trail
Romsdalsstigen’s Introwall is the perfect climbing trail for beginners who want to try their first Via Ferrata climbing trail. This 3 to 4 hour long hike requires you to be in regular, decent physical shape, but is otherwise open to everyone.
You will do a good mix of hiking in steep terrain, and actual climbing with the safety equipment. Expect to spend between 90 minutes and 2 hours actually climbing, and the rest hiking.
The Introwall is designed to be climbed by anyone over the age of 12, either on your own or with a guide. The climbing trail has difficulty degree B, making it fairly easy.
Despite being suitable for first time climbers and beginners, it’s pretty physically challenging as with any climbing trail. You will need to be able to hike in steep terrain, do some basic mountain climbing moves, and have the stamina to endure this for a few hours.
Climbers will also be faced with steep drops, winds and sections that feel difficult. Don’t look down if you’re uncomfortable with heights, because it’s a long way down!
You will definitely want a guide if it’s your first ever Via Ferrata climbing trail, but experienced climbers are free to climb the trail solo.
A guided tour to Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata “Introwall” including all necessary equipment can be booked below:
Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata “West Wall” (Vestveggen) – a 5 to 6 hour challenging climbing trail
If you’re up for a much bigger challenge than the Introwall, then look towards the West Wall at Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata. This is a far more challenging climbing trail, with sections that are going to be testing your limits and physical shape.
You will need to be in good physical shape with the ability to endure climbing for up to 6 hours to sign up for the West Wall climb.
Despite being much more challenging than the Introwall, the Romsdalsstigen West Wall is open to beginners and first time climbers. However, this requires you to be in good physical shape, have no fear of heights, and are ready for a physical and mental challenge.
While the West Wall is open to anyone above the age of 16, I don’t really recommend it for first time climbers unless you are feeling up for an adrenaline filled adventure.
The difficulty degree is at D, making it somewhat challenging.
It’s possible to climb the West Wall either solo (if you’re an experienced climber), or with a climbing guide (everyone else, including beginners).
A guide to the Romsdalsstigen West Wall including all necessary equipment can be booked below:
The West Wall ends at the top of Nesaksla, and you can choose to ride the Romsdals Gondola down to save some time.
How to get to Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata
Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata is located just outside of Åndalsnes in western Norway. The climbing trail is within walking distance of Åndalsnes city center, so you won’t need any addition transportation after arriving in Åndalsnes.
But to get to Åndalsnes in the first place, you need to either have a car or be prepared for a rather long ride using public transpiration.
If you’re coming from either Trondheim or Oslo, you get to Åndalsnes by riding the train to Dombås, then change the train towards Åndalsnes from there.
There are buses that goes directly from Molde and other cities on the western coast to Åndalsnes. It’s a pretty decently sized town, so most buses stop by it when riding closer to the western coast.
Renting equipment to climb Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata on your own
If you don’t want to bring a guide, it’s entirely possible to climb the Via Ferrata on your own. There are safety measures all along the trail after all.
It’s possible to rent equipment from Tindesenteret, a climbing center located very close to the start of the climbing trail.
I do not recommend to attempt this climb on your own unless you are an experienced climber!
In addition to the equipment, you also need to pay the entrance fee to use the Via Ferrata. It’s fairly cheap at 100 NOK for the Introwall and 200 NOK for the West Wall. Most guided tours include this fee in their cost, so you won’t need to worry about it.
The fee can also be paid to Tindesenteret.