Rauma Railway - Golden Train - Andalsnes - Bjorli

[WesternLancer]

Hi all - wonder if anyone has experienced this service or got any hints and tip or gen on my questions below.

I've looked for a trip report on here but not found anything

Context
I'm going to be in Andalsnes in July as part of a one day cruise stop. I can see there are service trains on the Rauma line to Dombaas.

However, it's always difficult as a passenger to clarify exact mooring times of cruise ships (though these must be planned) and the ability to disembark off the ship can be a time consuming experience esp if ships tenders involved - the cruise ship give priority to disembark to people who have booked on their pre paid cruise ship organised day tours.
Looking at the timetable on the line I don't think it's possible to guarantee being able to get off the ship, catch the morning train, do the whole line, return on the train and be in time to board the ship before it departs

But...

The cruise line offer a trip on the line either return by train to Bjorli, or one way by train to Bjorli and then the other way by road coach via some scenic road route. The booking blurb is always a bit scant on detail but with trips booked via the cruise line they guarantee the ship won't leave without you!

The booking info indicates this is using 'The Golden Train' - which looks like a tourist orientated service which it's possible to book on independently

The Golden Train

The Golden Train takes you on a magical journey along what Lonely Planet voted as "Europe’s most scenic train journey."

www.thegoldentrain.com

In fact seats booked via the operator direct are pretty close in price to the charge made via the cruise line (so it makes little sense to book it independently in my view) - but the fare is substantially higher than the NSB service train it goes without saying!

My questions

- The service trains run to Dombas, but the Golden Train seems to only got to Bjorli - looks like that's about half way along the route. Any thoughts on reason for this? Why not a full out and back along the line? would it be that operational reasons prevent this? An assumption that tourists have limited attention span and won't want to bash the whole line? is the other half of the line less scenic? Is Bjorli a place where trains can pass on an otherwise single track route (eg service train passes the tourist train)

- The service trains look like short DMU sets. The Golden Train looks like hauled stock. Is that correct? If so what sort of carriages are these (some ort of ex inter city carriage, any observation car type vehicles)?

- If hauled stock, what type of loco is likely to haul this train - is it push pull or do they run round at Bjorli for the return?

- any plans of interiros of the rolling stock? They look like uni directional seating but I could not find a variety of interior images

- I'm sure there are people on here who have done the whole line on service trains - any trip reports?

- But has anyone used The Golden Train? If so any hints as to what to expect eg allocated seating? how busy? any refreshment facilities on board? What might the best seats be?

A mock booking on the Golden Train's own website indicates a departure time at Andalsnes of 09.55, then a return departure from Bjorli at 11.35 (so perhaps 20 to 30 mins at Bjorli for the train to be prep'd for return journey, loco to be run round etc?

All opinions and info gratefully received and thanks in advance!

 

[rg177]

The simplest reason is that Bjorli to Andålsnes is the most scenic section. I did the line in Summer 2020 from Dombås and was initially underwhelmed until the second half of the trip - which is rather spectacular.

 

[Lxd2]

I saw the Golden Train on 23 June last year. It was a single diesel railcar. I didn't see it up close, but I took this photo of it in the distance as it passed. Service trains are more modern class 93 2-car DMUs. I'd agree that Bjorli to Andålsnes is the most scenic section of the line. One advantage of the Golden Train is that it looks like some windows open if you want to take photos. I tried to take photos through the glass on the service train but there was far too much reflection. Also perhaps worth noting that the service trains are very busy - seat reservations are compulsory and they sell out well ahead in the summer time.

 

[Gloster]

That diesel unit is a former Swedish Y1 dating from the beginning of the 1980s. It is probably either one of the former Inlandsbanan or Östgötatrafiken ones, but the vehicles moved about a lot during their lives.

 

[Snow1964]

I went on a cruise including Aldalsnes about 7 or 8 years ago. Ours was only cruise ship that day so it moored at the pier. The small town and shops and station are just couple of hundred metres away. If there is a second ship then one will be tendered as only one berth.

From memory ship arrived about 7 or 8am and departed late afternoon, about 4 or 5pm

The day we went a Norwegian diesel loco and (about 7 coaches) were operating the service, through to Bjorli, with road coaches opposite way, swapping at Bjorli, think it ran 4 or 5 times each direction during the day. Loco runs round, not push pull.

Our Fjord cruise coincided with school half term so were probably nearer 500 over double occupancy (extra upper berths busy), so needed about 3000 places on the train over the day. It was one of those cruises where everyone seemed to have some on ship cruise credit, so booking the train was easy way to use some of the credit

This link might help, not 100% complete, but does show cruise ships and times for dates in red

Andalsnes Cruise Ship Schedule | Andalsnes Cruise Port Schedule

www.cruisetimetables.com

 

[Cheshire Scot]

I saw the Golden Train on 23 June last year. It was a single diesel railcar. I didn't see it up close, but I took this photo of it in the distance as it passed. Service trains are more modern class 93 2-car DMUs. I'd agree that Bjorli to Andålsnes is the most scenic section of the line. One advantage of the Golden Train is that it looks like some windows open if you want to take photos. I tried to take photos through the glass on the service train but there was far too much reflection. Also perhaps worth noting that the service trains are very busy - seat reservations are compulsory and they sell out well ahead in the summer time.

This diesel unit version of 'The Golden Train' featured on one of Susan Calman's crusing programmes (Ch4 or Ch5) fairly recently.

Our cruise visit to Andalsnes was over 20 years ago and the Bjorli trip was offered as either out by train return by coach or vice versa, we chose the former to have the advantage of hearing the STEAM loco tackle the gradients, the coach returned by the parallel road but pulled in at a 'rest stop' where we were able to observe the returning train passing by (running tender first). The loco was a Kriegsloc, and my memeory says the four or five coach train was formed of wooden bodied stock. As far as I recall there was just the one trip each way offered although there was another ship in that day (we were tied up at the berth), and perhaps they had the benefit of a later trip or trips).

Several websites provide details of cruise ship calls which will help you establish whether your ship will be the only call on that day.
e.g. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-andalsnes-norway.html
Some cruise lines give actual arrival and departure times, others are less detailed.

One other feature of interest at Andalsnes station is the 'Train Chapel', which we visited in 2004 and the below suggests it is still there.

Åndalsnes Train Chapel

<p>This old and venerable railway carriage was a gift from the Norwegian State Railway, and which through a long life has served busy people on travel, will now serve as a small house of God to give people silence and peace in an otherwise noisy world. The chapel was consecrated by bishop Odd...

www.visitnorway.com

On one of two earlier (rail) visits to Andalsnes I returned south by Sleeper to Oslo, attaching to the Trondheim train at Dombas, one of many now long gone facilities! And the day trains were loco hauled too!

 

[WesternLancer]

I saw the Golden Train on 23 June last year. It was a single diesel railcar. I didn't see it up close, but I took this photo of it in the distance as it passed. Service trains are more modern class 93 2-car DMUs. I'd agree that Bjorli to Andålsnes is the most scenic section of the line. One advantage of the Golden Train is that it looks like some windows open if you want to take photos. I tried to take photos through the glass on the service train but there was far too much reflection. Also perhaps worth noting that the service trains are very busy - seat reservations are compulsory and they sell out well ahead in the summer time.

View attachment 177550

Many thanks to everyone for some helpful replies so far - esp ref the scenic stretch of the line and the logic around that. Thanks @rg177

Previous experiences make interesting reading too!

Picture from @Lxd2 is interesting to see - thanks very much. In itself an interesting unit to ride in as I've never experienced one. Thanks @Gloster for the identification. But very much not what the current Golden Train website is suggesting you might travel in. I wonder if those are used on non cruise ship docking days (when lighter loads are expected) or simply how the service was run before now. See below link which implies the current rolling stock was perhaps outshopped in summer 2024

I only suggest that because I located this link - and although the article is only available to subscribers, the picture of branded loco hauled stock - seemingly coming out after refurb or at least re-livery is viewable and dated July 2024. Suggesting a new rake was being assembled for the service perhaps.

See link:

[passenger] The Golden Train of Norway - first coaches released

Railcolor News informed you about SKPL, BDZ, but did you know some ex-DB coaches also went to Norway recently? Seen on 22.07.2024 - several ex-DB coaches (type Bpmz and Bpmbz) in the design of the new Norwegian 'Golden Train. They shine:Golden Train's marketing department says: "The Gold

railcolornews.com

The Golden Train of Norway – first coaches released - 24-7-2024

which match pics on The Golden Train website of their vehicles.

Or maybe the service has been cranked up to carry far more people than it historically did.

I note if you try and book it as a member of the public, on the date we are in port it's listed as 'sold out' for the morning departure - yet space available to me when booking through the cruise ship excursions programme. So I assume the cruise ship has booked out the whole train - however long it may be - for cruise passengers that day.

Thanks @Snow1964 for those recollections. Indicates the service has used loco hauled stock as required in the past then, not just single car DMUs.

 

[Gloster]

I can’t get in as there is a paywall, but newspaper dates suggest that the Y1 was new (to the line) last year; it has presumably been internally refurbished (again). If they are using loco plus coaches, I wonder what loco they have: a normal Norwegian diesel would be effectively impossible to get hold of as they don’t even have enough for the trains to Bodø, so perhaps they are using hired-in freight locos. The alternative would be preserved ones, but an irregular operation far from the main centres would be difficult.

 

[WesternLancer]

This diesel unit version of 'The Golden Train' featured on one of Susan Calman's crusing programmes (Ch4 or Ch5) fairly recently.

Our cruise visit to Andalsnes was over 20 years ago and the Bjorli trip was offered as either out by train return by coach or vice versa, we chose the former to have the advantage of hearing the STEAM loco tackle the gradients, the coach returned by the parallel road but pulled in at a 'rest stop' where we were able to observe the returning train passing by (running tender first). The loco was a Kriegsloc, and my memeory says the four or five coach train was formed of wooden bodied stock. As far as I recall there was just the one trip each way offered although there was another ship in that day (we were tied up at the berth), and perhaps they had the benefit of a later trip or trips).

Several websites provide details of cruise ship calls which will help you establish whether your ship will be the only call on that day.
e.g. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-andalsnes-norway.html
Some cruise lines give actual arrival and departure times, others are less detailed.

One other feature of interest at Andalsnes station is the 'Train Chapel', which we visited in 2004 and the below suggests it is still there.

Åndalsnes Train Chapel

<p>This old and venerable railway carriage was a gift from the Norwegian State Railway, and which through a long life has served busy people on travel, will now serve as a small house of God to give people silence and peace in an otherwise noisy world. The chapel was consecrated by bishop Odd...

www.visitnorway.com

On one of two earlier (rail) visits to Andalsnes I returned south by Sleeper to Oslo, attaching to the Trondheim train at Dombas, one of many now long gone facilities! And the day trains were loco hauled too!

Thanks for the cruise timetable link @Cheshire Scot - that will be helpful.

Interesting to wonder when the steam operation ceased, sounds like that was with older or historic carriages too.

The Train Chapel looks interesting and worth a visit - thanks for the pointer to that.

I can’t get in as there is a paywall, but newspaper dates suggest that the Y1 was new (to the line) last year; it has presumably been internally refurbished (again). If they are using loco plus coaches, I wonder what loco they have: a normal Norwegian diesel would be effectively impossible to get hold of as they don’t even have enough for the trains to Bodø, so perhaps they are using hired-in freight locos. The alternative would be preserved ones, but an irregular operation far from the main centres would be difficult.

Yes, these are good points. If they have spent a sum on some sort of refurbishment of what looks like former inter city type carriages (someone may recognise the type from the pictures but they may be German or Austrian perhaps?) then presumably you would not do that without some reliable loco traction to make the operation work....

I wonder if those carriages are effectively new to the route for the 2025 season?

 

[Gloster]

Interesting to wonder when the steam operation ceased, sounds like that was with older or historic carriages too.

Yes, these are good points. If they have spent a sum on some sort of refurbishment of what looks like former inter city type carriages (someone may recognise the type from the pictures but they may be German or Austrian perhaps?) then presumably you would not do that without some reliable loco traction to make the operation work....

The steam locos, normally hauling wooden coaches, for tourists ran from 1993 to 2007, but there have been odd ‘one-off’ workings since. Wooden coaches remained in limited use on the main network until the 1980s, including some EMU Driving Trailers.

 

[Cheshire Scot]

My 1974 Thos Cook shows just one daytime and one overnight train to/from Andalsnes, both from/to Oslo, also one bus connection from/to Dombas.
By the late 1980s at least one shuttle to/from Dombas had been added, and in 1989, having arrived in Andalsnes by bus from Alesund, I took the afternoon train (photos attached) to Dombas where I changed for Oslo. Having arrived in Oslo I then took the Sleeper to Flam!

 

[Lxd2]

Interesting. Those refurbished coaches look very smart. I see that the Golden Train (in its current incarnation) only started in April 2024, so the Y1 railcar was probably a stopgap solution that was available quickly, though they may well keep it for use on quieter days.

This article explains the origin of the loco (former Danish ME) and coaches (former DB IC coaches), and also the improvised generator van to provide train power:

#Norske tog fehlt der Wille für Lösung auf der #Nordlandsbanen

Der private Golden Train auf der Raumabanen erhält seine Energieversorgung von zwei mobilen Dieselaggregaten, die auf einem Flachwagen mitgeführt werden. Die

businessportal-norwegen.com

Further south, on the Raumabanen in the Norwegian Fjordland, this exact solution exists. There, the tourist train "The Golden Train" runs between Åndalsnes and Bjorli, now with five former Deutsche Bahn Intercity carriages instead of the previous three. It is pulled by a former Danish ME diesel locomotive without a power supply for passenger cars. Therefore, the company responsible, Taralksvik, uses an improvised solution to power the train, with two mobile diesel generators mounted on a flat car.

 

[WesternLancer]

My 1974 Thos Cook shows just one daytime and one overnight train to/from Andalsnes, both from/to Oslo, also one bus connection from/to Dombas.
By the late 1980s at least one shuttle to/from Dombas had been added, and in 1989, having arrived in Andalsnes by bus from Alesund, I took the afternoon train (photos attached) to Dombas where I changed for Oslo. Having arrived in Oslo I then took the Sleeper to Flam!

Thanks. I enjoyed seeing those pics from 1989.

So at that time was the Flam service operated by the national network? I assume that now it’s largely a tourist focussed private operator though I’m perhaps incorrect.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

The Bergen sleeper had a Flam portion (detached at Myrdal) when I travelled on it in 1982. At Flam there was a connecting steamer serving the local communities on the Sogne Fjiord - it also connected with the hydrofoil to Bergen mid-fjiord. It was quite something walking the gang plank at 0600!

Flam has been ruined today, with tourist tat for cruise liners and the 'all weather' Bergen road. The rail service has an annoying stop at the waterfall near Myrdal for the 'troll pageant'.

 

[Cheshire Scot]

So at that time was the Flam service operated by the national network? I assume that now it’s largely a tourist focussed private operator though I’m perhaps incorrect.

Yes, indeed, a single sleeping car was attached to the single coach branch train at Myrdal around 05.00 - an early rise to admire the scenery. First time I returned up the branch on a short (three coach?) formation which then ran through the day to connect with Bergen trains at Myrdal, but the second time (which was 1989):

The Bergen sleeper had a Flam portion (detached at Myrdal) when I travelled on it in 1982. At Flam there was a connecting steamer serving the local communities on the Sogne Fjiord - it also connected with the hydrofoil to Bergen mid-fjiord. It was quite something walking the gang plank at 0600!

I made this journey to reach Bergen and from there catch the overnight ferry to Newcastle. I must find and post the 'walking the plank' photo (and any of the 2004 Rauma steam trip).

Flam has been ruined today, with tourist tat for cruise liners and the 'all weather' Bergen road. The rail service has an annoying stop at the waterfall near Myrdal for the 'troll pageant'.

so true.

 

[rg177]

Thanks. I enjoyed seeing those pics from 1989.

So at that time was the Flam service operated by the national network? I assume that now it’s largely a tourist focussed private operator though I’m perhaps incorrect.

It's overseen by a private operator, though the infrastructure is owned by Bane NOR and the operator of the service is currently Vy, the successor to NSB (same as the Oslo to Bergen route).

 

[WesternLancer]

The Bergen sleeper had a Flam portion (detached at Myrdal) when I travelled on it in 1982. At Flam there was a connecting steamer serving the local communities on the Sogne Fjiord - it also connected with the hydrofoil to Bergen mid-fjiord. It was quite something walking the gang plank at 0600!

Flam has been ruined today, with tourist tat for cruise liners and the 'all weather' Bergen road. The rail service has an annoying stop at the waterfall near Myrdal for the 'troll pageant'.

Thanks - yes, I experienced that waterfall stop - I thought it very odd. I can see what you mean about Flam. When there we enjoyed a walk out of the village. You don't have to walk very far at all to get away from the majority of people disembarked from the cruise ships. People don't seem to go very far...

I made this journey to reach Bergen and from there catch the overnight ferry to Newcastle. I must find and post the 'walking the plank' photo (and any of the 2004 Rauma steam trip).

Would be good to see the pics. Your earlier posted pics do show how much the railway scene has changed over time

It's overseen by a private operator, though the infrastructure is owned by Bane NOR and the operator of the service is currently Vy, the successor to NSB (same as the Oslo to Bergen route).

Thanks for explaining

 

[Gloster]

Thanks. I enjoyed seeing those pics from 1989.

So at that time was the Flam service operated by the national network? I assume that now it’s largely a tourist focussed private operator though I’m perhaps incorrect.

Flåm is only a tiny village that is not even a local centre, but is on a main road and ferry routes. Even without those factors the line is expensive to maintain and operate, and it would never survive on local traffic. It is tourist traffic or nothing: the timetable is geared to tourists and the only opportunities offered to locals is for journeys to Oslo.

The line is operated by Vy, formerly NSB, but it is on a separate contract with dedicated locos and stock, but in practice the locos are pooled with the other locos on the Oslo-Bergen route. Flåm Utvikling (*) is owned by the local council, the state investment fund and a local bank. * - There has been a certain amount of corporate shuffling in recent years: I think that Flåm Utvikling is now, possibly in part, a subsidiary of the modestly named Norway’s Best Group.

Interesting. Those refurbished coaches look very smart. I see that the Golden Train (in its current incarnation) only started in April 2024, so the Y1 railcar was probably a stopgap solution that was available quickly, though they may well keep it for use on quieter days.

This article explains the origin of the loco (former Danish ME) and coaches (former DB IC coaches), and also the improvised generator van to provide train power:

#Norske tog fehlt der Wille für Lösung auf der #Nordlandsbanen

Der private Golden Train auf der Raumabanen erhält seine Energieversorgung von zwei mobilen Dieselaggregaten, die auf einem Flachwagen mitgeführt werden. Die

businessportal-norwegen.com

The loco seems to be one of former Danish State Railways Class ME owned by Swedish Nordic Re-Finance. The Fde train heating vehicles are three former Rps wagons from the early 1970s that were rebuilt in 1990 and 1991 for the Nordlandsbanan to Bodø by fitting container like structures on them. Whether these can be spared from the Nordlandsbanan in the long term is a question, but I (personally) feel that getting the night train to Bodø back is a better use than a tourist train. N.b. I think that the company involved is Taraldsvik, a Narvik based company that has had its fingers in various railway pies in recent years.

 

[WesternLancer]

Interesting. Those refurbished coaches look very smart. I see that the Golden Train (in its current incarnation) only started in April 2024, so the Y1 railcar was probably a stopgap solution that was available quickly, though they may well keep it for use on quieter days.

This article explains the origin of the loco (former Danish ME) and coaches (former DB IC coaches), and also the improvised generator van to provide train power:

#Norske tog fehlt der Wille für Lösung auf der #Nordlandsbanen

Der private Golden Train auf der Raumabanen erhält seine Energieversorgung von zwei mobilen Dieselaggregaten, die auf einem Flachwagen mitgeführt werden. Die

businessportal-norwegen.com

Many thanks for this link - informative indeed! I've just read the translated page in full. Given the aesthetic qualities of the loco and especially flat bed generator vehicles I can see why they don't feature on the official Golden Trian website imagery

I guess we might yet get a report from a forum member who has used the service recently, and the train in this current guise with the ex DB carriages - otherwise it will fall to me to provide a decent trip report for future travellers for the forum later in the summer!

 

[Cheshire Scot]

At Flam there was a connecting steamer serving the local communities on the Sogne Fjiord - it also connected with the hydrofoil to Bergen mid-fjiord. It was quite something walking the gang plank at 0600!

I must find and post the 'walking the plank' photo (and any of the 2004 Rauma steam trip).

Photos located - although there must be more from the 2004 trip somewhere.

 

[WesternLancer]

Flåm is only a tiny village that is not even a local centre, but is on a main road and ferry routes. Even without those factors the line is expensive to maintain and operate, and it would never survive on local traffic. It is tourist traffic or nothing: the timetable is geared to tourists and the only opportunities offered to locals is for journeys to Oslo.

The line is operated by Vy, formerly NSB, but it is on a separate contract with dedicated locos and stock, but in practice the locos are pooled with the other locos on the Oslo-Bergen route. Flåm Utvikling (*) is owned by the local council, the state investment fund and a local bank. * - There has been a certain amount of corporate shuffling in recent years: I think that Flåm Utvikling is now, possibly in part, a subsidiary of the modestly named Norway’s Best Group.



The loco seems to be one of former Danish State Railways Class ME owned by Swedish Nordic Re-Finance. The Fde train heating vehicles are three former Rps wagons from the early 1970s that were rebuilt in 1990 and 1991 for the Nordlandsbanan to Bodø by fitting container like structures on them. Whether these can be spared from the Nordlandsbanan in the long term is a question, but I (personally) feel that getting the night train to Bodø back is a better use than a tourist train. N.b. I think that the company involved is Taraldsvik, a Narvik based company that has had its fingers in various railway pies in recent years.

Thanks for this added info which is all of interest. I'm going to read up about that class of loco.

 

[Gloster]

The single-unit DMU was, I think, originally Swedish SJ 1292, built by Fiat in 1980, and was bought by Taraldsvik Maskin in 2011 for use as a crew transport on the Ofotbanen to Narvik. It is possible that it may be used on quiet trips instead of a full-blown train on the Raumabanen.

 

[WesternLancer]

The single-unit DMU was, I think, originally Swedish SJ 1292, built by Fiat in 1980, and was bought by Taraldsvik Maskin in 2011 for use as a crew transport on the Ofotbanen to Narvik. It is possible that it may be used on quiet trips instead of a full-blown train on the Raumabanen.

Thanks - I will keep an eye out for that DMU. Are there some sheds in Andalsnes where they might keep / service their stock, or is that likely elsewhere.

 

[Gloster]

Thanks - I will keep an eye out for that DMU. Are there some sheds in Andalsnes where they might keep / service their stock, or is that likely elsewhere.

There is, or at least was a few years ago, a three-road loco depot at the end of the line to the east of Åndalsnes station. However, this is possibly for the SJ Nord train sets and Banenor’s machines, and tourist trains have to sit in the yard opposite the station, or even the old goods yard a bit further back. The cruise ship pier appears to be by the station, so ask for a cabin with a view of the station!

 

[RailWonderer]

Flam has been ruined today, with tourist tat for cruise liners and the 'all weather' Bergen road. The rail service has an annoying stop at the waterfall near Myrdal for the 'troll pageant'.

so true.

What's wrong with it? It's only ten minutes and the waterfall is amazing like the rest of the route. You don't have to buy anything in the tourist shops in Flåm, in fact if you do, you'll not have a good seat, or any at all on the Næroyfjord cruise.

 

[endecotp]

Here’s the Mid-Fjord connection in 1997.

I had seen “Midfjord” on the timetable and assumed it was another village, you know, a village half-way along the fjord with an unimaginative name. Then a boat approached from the other direction. Ah, that’s what it means!