Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rauma Rock
ROCK MUSIC
(
www.raumarock.com
,
in Norwegian)
Central Norway's largest outdoor rock gathering.
Two days in early August.
World Base Race
BASE JUMPING
(
www.worldbaserace.com
)
Organised base jumping - if that's not a paradox - as contest-
ants leap into the void in a head to head contest. Invented in Åndalsnes, it's now spreading
to other countries, and is held in mid-August.
Sleeping
Hotel Aak
HOTEL €€
( 71 22 71 71;
www.hotelaak.no
,
in Norwegian; s/d Nkr850/1100; mid-
Jun-Aug; )
This charming place, the oldest tourist hotel in Norway, lies beside the
E136,directionDombås,4kmfromtown.Mostofthe16comfortablebedroomsarenamed
after a mountain that you can see from the bedroom window (though in one or two you
may have to poke your head out a little). Its
restaurant (mains Nkr150-190; 4-10pm)
is equally impressive and offers excellent traditional cuisine. As it's so small, do reserve in
advance.
Grand Hotel Bellevue
HOTEL €€
( 71 22 75 00;
www.grandhotel.no
;
Åndalgata 5; s/d 1030/1240; )
Thislarge
whitewashed structure caps a hillock in the centre of town. Most of its 86 rooms have
fine views, particularly those facing the rear. There's a public swimming pool barely 100m
away. Its
restaurant (mains Nkr135-275; dinner only)
offers the town's most formal
dining, but you can always nibble on a lighter dish for around Nkr100. Take a look at the
vintageblack-and-whitephotosinthecorridor,includingoneofaveryyoungandsprightly
Cliff Richard. From the hotel, you can walk straight into the interconnecting town library,
cinema and auditorium.
Åndalsnes Vandrerhjem Setnes
HOSTEL €
( 71 22 13 82;
www.aandalsnesvandrerhjem.no
; dm/s/d Nkr275/480/690; Mar-
Nov)
This welcoming, HI-affiliated, sod-roofed hostel is 1.5km from the train station on
the E136, direction Ålesund. It's worth staying here for the bumper pancakes-and-pickled-
herring breakfast alone. The Ålesund bus that meets the train passes right by. Rise early
