Product Manual The Rauma Railway 2014 The most beautiful train journey

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1 Booking office for agents: NSB Incoming Service Phone: Information for foreign tour operators: nsb.no/raumarailway Tourist Information nsb.no/agents Download Promotional Materials Contacts: Terje Fossum, Sales Manager for the Rauma Railway, Wenche Berger, NSB International Sales, Johanne Meyer, NSB International Sales, Information and bookings for the public: nsb.no/raumarailway NSB Call Centre: NSB stations For travel tips and more information, please visit: nsb.no/raumarailway visitandalsnes.com visitmolde.com visitalesund.com visitkristiansund.com visitgeirangerfjord.com visitmr.com fjordnorway.com fjordtours.com dovrenett.no bjorli.no Photo: Einar Engdal/ Terje Rakke/Nordic Life, Bjørn H. Stuedal, Ole Walter Jacobsen, Leif J. Olestad og Stein Lindseth Olsen/Anunatak AS. Mars Foto: Ole Walter Jacobsen Foto: Stein Lindseth Olsen/Anunatak AS Cooperative tourist offices: visitandalsnes.com visitalesund.com visitmolde.com Product Manual The Rauma Railway 2014 The most beautiful train journey Europe s most spectacular train journeys Europe s most spectacular train journeys

2 Welcome to the Rauma Railway the most beautiful train journey! Contents Welcome to the Rauma Railway 3 NSB The Norwegian train company 4 The Rauma Railway the most beautiful train journey 5 Timetables and prices 6 The Rauma Railway Location in Norway 7 The Rauma Railway trains 8-9 The Rauma Railway movie 10 Facts about the Rauma Railway 11 Visit Åndalsnes Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions Visit Ålesund/Geiranger Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions Visit Molde Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions The Rauma Railway is just 114 km long and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. The trip offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience at close hand some of the most spectacular scenery Norway has to offer. Views range from precipitous crags plunging vertically to the valley floor among majestic jagged alpine peaks to lush, curving hillsides climbing towards great rounded mountain plateaus that extend into unspoiled national parks. 2 3

3 - the Norwegian train company The Rauma Railway The most beautiful train journey The Rauma Railway is operated by NSB, the state-owned Norwegian train operator. Our goal is to be punctual, efficient and welcoming in all our contact with you as a customer. We are also keen to link our travel propositions to other experiences at locations served by our trains. NSB has 2,500 employees and operates most of the railway lines in Norway using comfortable modern trains. A number of the lines, such as the Bergen, Rauma and Nordland lines, run through Norway s most beautiful scenery and are considered to be among Europe s most spectacular train journeys. Ever-changing and majestic nature and a safe, comfortable train journey make an unbeatable combination unique in Europe and perhaps the world. For more information about our lines, please visit nsb. no. Welcome to the Rauma Railway. We hope our product manual will provide you with inspiration for your travel sales. A trip on the Rauma Railway offers passengers a unique opportunity to experience one of Norway s most spectacular natural regions - everything from mountainsides plunging vertically down to valley bottoms to beautiful, luxuriant valleys creeping up onto huge rounded plateaus and into the pristine national park. At the most stunning sites, the train runs dead-slow, to allow travellers time to photograph such attractions as the famous Trollveggen, Europe s tallest vertical rock wall. The emerald-green Rauma river is another feast for the eyes, as it follows the track right below the train window. Alternately gentle and ferocious, at one minute flowing gently down, surrounded by miniature white sandy beaches, at the next cascading down precipitous gorges, past jagged rocks and round massive boulders. The train crosses the river at Kylling Bridge, Norway s most impressive railway bridge. It is here that the Rauma river is perhaps at its most dramatic. The train snakes its way between rock peaks and steep valley sides. So steep is the valley at certain points, that both sides have had to be used, in huge loops, simply to manage the ascent or descent. The Rauma Railway s bridges and horseshoe tunnels are a tribute to the skill of the engineers who built it, and passengers will appreciate why it took a full twelve years from the start of construction to the official opening of the line in 1924 by King Haakon VII. BELOW: Kylling Bridge Deserving its epithet of a tiger s leap cast in stone, this famous railway bridge is an impressive example of the engineer s skill. Towering a full 59 metres above the Rauma river, it was constructed by the local population and navvies over a decade from 1913 to Sincerely yours, Marianne B. Einarsen NSB Europe s most spectacular train journeys Gardermoen The Rauma Railway. The most beautiful train journey. The Dovre Railway. The trail of the trolls. The Bergen Railway. The mountain track to the fjords. The Sørland Railway. An adventure of changing scenery. The Nordland Railway. The train to the midnight sun. 4 5

4 Timetable and prices from 24 th May to 24 th August 2014 The Rauma Railway and corresponding trains with the Dovre Railway. The Rauma Railway location in Norway MOLDE ÅNDALSNES VERMA BJORLI LESJA DOMBÅS LESJAVERK TROLLSTIGEN ÅLESUND GEIRANGER Dovre Railway Rauma Railway M-Su M-F M-Su M-F, Sat M-F M-Su M-F, Sat M-SU Oslo S Åndalsnes Gardermoen 0828p p 1630p Bjorli Lillehammer t Dombås t 1654t 1827t Dombås 1204t t 2006t Dovre Railway Trondheim S Dombås Dombås 1058t 1658t Rauma Railway Dombås Bjorli Åndalsnes Lillehammer 1057t Gardermoen Oslo S Dombås Trondheim S Corresponding buses: Train departures and arrivals between Åndalsnes and Dombås have corresponding buses to and from Ålesund and Molde. NORWAY Gardermoen Over-the-counter prices in Norway One way Adult NOK 230,- p Only for boarding t Train change * One child travels free when accompanied by adult paying full fare. Children 4-15 years* NOK 115,- Groups (10 or more, per person) On request For more information, please visit nsb.no/en/on-board. Senior citizen s/disabled person s discount 50%. For group luggage service, visit nsb.no/en/on-board. Subject to change without notice. 6 7

5 The Rauma Railway trains The scheduled trains The trains operating on the Rauma Railway are modern units, with high levels of comfort. They have air conditioning and panoramic windows, offering passengers a comfortable journey with superb views of the passing scenery. They are equipped with a multilingual electronic audio guide system. Each train set has 73 seats available for reservation, but two sets are connected together on busy departures and high season. The trains have toilets, wheelchair lifts and drink and snack vending machines. Charter trains We offer charter trains for cruise excursions and large groups. Period: May 14th - September 3rd 2014 Capacity: 272 seats Space and access for wheel chairs Multilingual guiding Foto: Leif J. Olestad. Foto: NSB Type 93 coach Coffee machine NSB MENY Automat (food and drink vending machine) WC including disabled and changing facilities Wheelchair lift 8 9

6 Watch the Rauma Railway movie On nsb.no/raumarailway you will find a short and informative teaser presenting the route. On our website you can always find the most updated information and facts about the Rauma Railway, and different activities and sights related to the journey. The website and the movie will stimulate your customer s desire to travel, and is easy to distribute. Sightseeing in focus on the Rauma Railway from 24 th May to 24 th August During the summer season, all trains on the Rauma Railway, in both directions and at all times of the day, are run as sightseeing trips. Passengers will enjoy the emphasis on taking it easy, fascinating information from our audio commentaries and getting close to some spectacular scenery, all making for an enriching, yet relaxing journey. On-board guides: All trains on the Rauma Railway have audio commentaries in English, Norwegian and German, to add an extra layer of interest to the visitor experience. Running times: The focus on sightseeing along the Rauma Railway means that the summer-season running time between Åndalsnes and Bjorli is approximately 50 minutes. Åndalsnes to Dombås will take 1 hour 30 minutes. At Dombås there will be connections with trains to and from Trondheim and Oslo. Leisurely pace and photostops: At the most spectacular sites, selected departures will run at reduced speeds and make photostops. A brochure with a route map is distributed to every passenger, to allow you to follow the train s thrilling progress along the line. The brochure features the following languages: Norwegian, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Japanese. Year-round running: The Rauma Railway operates throughout the year. Off-season, there are 4 daily departures in each direction, with excellent connections to Trondheim and Oslo. The Rauma Railway is an equally fantastic experience whether in autumn colours or in its winter dress. Rauma Railway facts: Change in altitude: 655 metres Length: 114 km Tunnels: 4, including the 1340 metre-long tunnel on the Stavem horseshoe Distances: Åndalsnes - Molde 50 km Åndalsnes - Ålesund 120 km Åndalsnes - Geiranger 85 km Åndalsnes - Kristiansund 120 km Dovre Railway facts: Length: 553 km Trondheim-Dombås: 210 km Oslo-Dombås: 343 km Photo: Leif J. Olestad 10 11

7 Visit Åndalsnes Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions Visit Åndalsnes - accommodation Welcome to Åndalsnes, experience Trollstigen, the Rauma line- the most beautiful train journey in Norway, hike Romsdalseggen ridge or go fishing in the Romsdal fjord. Åndalsnes can offer different types of accommodation hotels, high standard cabins in the mountains or by the fjord, bed & breakfast and holiday houses. For accommodation: Please visit visitandalsnes.com for more information Hotels Grand Hotel Bellevue Pb. 184, N-6301 Åndalsnes Tel Fax grandhotel.no Grand Hotel s central location in Åndalsnes, at the foot of the majestic Romsdal peaks, offers guests a unique panorama. Rauma Hotel Tel: raumahotel@adsl.no raumahotel.no A recently refurbished hotel in the centre of Åndalsnes, with a restaurant, bar and outdoor dining. Superb view of the fjord. Inviting menu with a cosy, welcoming ambience. 15 rooms. Bjorligard Hotel N-2669 Bjorli Tel: bjorligard.no The charming Bjorligard Hotel is a good base for travelers who wish to stay close to grand mountain ranges. The hotel has 48 rooms and 120 beds. Visit Åndalsnes - activities and tourist attractions Åndalsnes on top of Fjord Norway Åndalsnes is beautifully located between the mountains in Romsdal and the Romsdal fjord. Cruise ships are visiting the town every summer 50 cruise ships summer 2012! Åndalsnes is the gateway to several famous natural attractions. Åndalsnes hosts several festivals through the year - such as Norwegian mountain festival and Rauma rock festival. In the town centre you will find train and bus station. Åndalsnes is also the starting point for Raumabanen, the beautiful train stretch through Romsdal valley. The line is passing the impressive Trollveggen the tallest vertical rock face in Europe. Romsdal valley is a natural playground for everyone who desires outdoor experiences. You can hike in the mountains all year around, go backcountry skiing and run down untouched mountain sides at winter, or go fishing in the clean Romsdal fjord we have many great opportunities for you to explore. The mountain road Trollstigen Dramatic and thrilling a revelation of Norwegian landscape and culture! Trollstigen has been a magnet to tourists since it opened in The 11 hairpin turns wind their way nearly 3000 feet up the mountain, with the peaks Bispen, Kongen and Dronninga looming overhead. Some places the road is cut into the rock face, and other places it is built on natural foundations. In 2012 RV 63 will become Trollstigen National Tourist road and the upgrade is already visible in terms of improved and new viewpoints, better safety and beautiful architecture of the highest international quality. Trollstigen is closed during winter and usually opens at the end of May. Romsdalsfjord Romsdalsfjord one of the cleanest and richest fjords in Norway. 68 different types of fishes are registered in the Fjord. Romsdalsfjord has hundreds of kilometers of shore line with several great fishing spots around. Main part of the fjord goes along the south side of the small Island Sekken in Molde. The other fjord arm is Langfjord which ends up in Eresfjord and Eidsvåg. Rødvenfjord and Eresfjord are very popular for fishing from both boat and from shore. Facts: 88 kilometer long Maximum depth of 800 m 68 registered species Fjord fishing is free of charge For info: visitandalsnes.com 12 13

8 Trollveggen The mountain Trollveggen (The Troll Wall) is the tallest, vertical rock face in Europe. It stretches, with its many peaks, known as Trolltindene, to feet from the valley to the top of the tallest; Store Trolltind feet are Vertical, and it has a stunning 150 feet over hang. The climbing route Trollryggen is the longest route in Europe, stretching approximately feet. Trollryggen was climbed for the first time in 1958, and was the first climbing route in Norway where the climbers had to spend the night in the mountain. In 1980 a new sport appeared, when the Finnish BASE jumper, Jorma Öster, performed the first jump off Bruraskaret at Trollveggen. As a result of several accidents, and dangerous rescue missions, BASE jumping from Trollveggen was prohibited by law in 1986, and still is. Trollveggen visitor center is located at the foot of Trollveggen. In the auditorium you can see the film about the dramatic history of Trollveggen, climbing, rescue, drama and spectacular footage of base jumping and climbing in Trollveggen the last 50 years. Romsdalseggen The most accessible and spectacular hike is across Romsdalseggen. Are you into mountains and fjords, beautiful nature, summits and waterfalls, challenges and spectacular views? Try Romsdalseggen! The hike starts and ends in Åndalsnes, the peak capital of Norway. You ll experience a 360 degree view to the Romsdals fjord, Trollveggen, Trollstigen, the peaks Kongen, Dronningen, Bispen, Romsdalshorn, Vengetind and the view to Molde and the Norwegian Sea! Romsdalseggen - a unique experience - for those who love to hike the mountains. From the top you will get the greatest view of a unique landscape you will not find elsewhere in the country. The best seat in the house is yours to be had. Bus service to Vengedalen (starting point for Romsdalseggen) from 1 July to 30 September, departure from Åndalsnes bus station at 09:30. More information: visitandalsnes.com 14 15

9 Visit Ålesund/Geiranger Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions Please visit visitalesund.com for more information Visit Ålesund/Geiranger - accommodation In Geirangerfjord, Ålesund and elsewhere in Sunnmøre county, you can find accommodation in everything from unique hotels with all services and facilities to simple cabins by the sea or in the mountains. Accomodation can also be booked using the booking facility on our website. Hotels and B&Bs The region offers everything from luxurious international class hotels, to family-run establishments with a sense of tradition and personal service, as well as simpler accommodation in guest houses and motels. Camping and campervans There is no shortage of campsites and campervan parking of all kinds, whether you want to be close to town or in the wilds of nature. Many campsites also offer cabin rentals. Youth hostels Youth hostels are becoming increasingly popular for holiday accommodation, including for families. On the youth hostel web page, you will find different cate-gories of accommodation, all at reasonable prices. Cabins, holiday homes and appartments There are also charming cabins by the sea and in the mountains, and many well-equipped holiday homes and apartments. Other accomodations Spend the night on a farm, or even in a lighthouse? More information is on our home page. You can book accommodation and tourist attractions etc. direct from visitalesund.com. Visit Ålesund/Geiranger - activities and tourist attractions One of the world s great tourist destinations! Geirangerfjord is such a special site that it is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the approach to the fjord is the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, elected as Norway s most beautiful town. The combination is unbeatable and distances between the highlights are short. Highlights of Geiranger Hotel Union is a family-run hotel situated on a promontory just above the centre of the tourist town of Geiranger, and offers fabulous views. Hjørundfjord is surrounded by mountains that make up the heart of the Sunnmøre alps. It is this combination of fjord, mountain and vibrant town-life that makes Hjørundfjord and the Sunnmøre alps into a varied and exciting destination. Foto: Fred Jonny Hammerø Foto: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life 16 17

10 Visit Molde Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions Please visit visitmolde.com for more information Visit Molde - accommodation The area around Molde, Åndalsnes, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious hotels to rustic cabins by the sea and charming guest houses. All hotels have special weekend rates throughout the year, which include breakfast. Hotels Most of the hotels in the area are in the towns of Åndalsnes and Molde. But there is also hotel accommodation in Eidsvåg, Angvik, Håholmen, Finnøya, Vestnes, Aukra and at Farstad. Most of the hotels have special weekend rates throughout the year, which include breakfast. Camping There are campsites throughout the region. They offer cabins and apartments of various sizes: individual cabins without showers or toilets to fully furnished ones with everything needed for one or more nights. Youth hostels There are two inviting youth hostels in the region, at Åndalsnes and Molde, both part of the Hostelling International Norway network. Cabins, guest rooms, B&B and holiday homes There are many cabins and holidays homes for rental, as well as B&B facilities. DNT, Norwegian Trekking Association cabins Molde and Romsdal Trekking Association (MRT) is part of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). The association owns a number of self-service cabins in the Romsdal mountains, mostly between Åndalsnes and Eresfjord, ideal for daytrips or longer excursions in this spectacular mountain area. You can book accomodation, activities and round trips direct from visitmolde.com. Visit Molde - activities and tourist attractions Photo: Einar Engdal/ Natural attractions Experience the spray from the Mardalsfossen waterfall, search for a troll at Trollveggen (the Troll Wall) or paddle into the idyllic Romsdalfjord. There s no shortage of exciting things to do. Tourist routes and viewpoints There are two national tourist routes in the region: Geiranger-Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road from Bud to Kårvåg. There are also many viewpoints, including many which one can drive right up to. History and heritage Get a sense of history from the region s museums, admire dynamic post-war architecture or experience the special atmosphere of Rødven stave church. A number of places also display traces of the region s first settlers. Towns, villages and fishing hamlets There are two towns in the region, Åndalsnes and Molde. There are also many enchanting villages and island communities, from Ona, with its 30 inhabitants right out in the fjord mouth, to Eikesdalen deep in the Romsdalen valley, surrounded by high mountains. Children and families For families, there are plenty of voyages of discovery in one of the grottoes, pony trekking, waterparks, fishing trips or cycle tours on the islands. For the little ones, we recommend a trip to an amusement park or one of the region s petting farms. Art and art galleries The light and scenery of Molde and Romsdal are an inspiration for artists and there are numerous galleries in the region. Many of them have changing exhibitions. Check out the event calendar on visitmolde. com