This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Åndalsnes. To help you make friends with Åndalsnes before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Åndalsnes is a small town on the west coast of Norway and has approximately two thousand five hundred inhabitants. It is a popular town for summer holiday, both for international and Norwegian tourists. Åndalsnes is also a popular harbor for cruise ships. There are not many hostels in Åndalsnes, so it is important to book ahead. Åndalsnes is a small town, so everything is in walking distance from the center. It is easy to reach the town as there is a train station with daily connections to Oslo and buses to Molde, where the closest airport is located.
Åndalsnes is famous for its outdoor activities and extreme sports. The Fjellfestivalen, a festival about outdoor life and sports, is held annually in July, with a winter version in March. All hostels in Åndalsnes are booked during this time, so make sure to check the dates and book in advance. The same goes for RaumaRock, a rock festival with usually a few big international acts. Outdoor activities you can do in the summer include hiking, canoeing, and fishing, but Åndalsnes is also a famous place for base jumping. The Romsdalseggen hike is a full-day, intensive hike, which gives amazing views over the surrounding mountains. Many of the things you can do around Åndalsnes require your own transport, as the buses are not very frequent.
Åndalsnes doesn't get a lot of tourists in wintertime, but it is a good base for skiing. The skiing area of Bjorli is just forty-five minutes away and you find several smaller areas closer to town. A lot of accommodation is closed in winter, so it might be difficult to find a hostel.
Åndalsnes doesn't really have any nightlife, but there is a small town center with a few good restaurants. The library serves as cinema and shows a few movies per week. There is a small shopping center with clothes shops, the supermarkets are located a ten-minute walk from the center.
Written by local enthusiast for Åndalsnes hostels
Paulien
