Dare to Stand on the Edge? The Thrilling Adventure of Norway’s Trolltunga
We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›
Written by Kyle Kroeger
Trolltunga, a cliff in Odda, Norway, has become a popular tourist destination because of its breathtaking and terrifying views. The cliff is 700 meters above the valley and 1,100 meters above sea level. This hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
However, due to its dangerous location and the fact that it can be difficult to reach, Trolltunga is not for the faint of heart. Visitors brave enough to climb will be rewarded with some of the most amazing views in Norway. The views from Trolltunga are breathtaking, and standing on the cliff’s edge is both exhilarating and terrifying.
About Trolltunga (“Troll’s Tongue”)
If you have a spirit of adventure, then there is one place on the map you can experience: the Trolltunga cliff in Norway. Jutting 2,300 feet above the surface of the Ringedalsvatnet Lake, below is a massive rock formation known by the locals as “Troll Tongue.” This is known for being one of the most spectacular rock formations in the entire world.
During a long-forgotten ice age, a glacier froze a massive portion of this cliff and broke it off to the valley below. Now, all that remains is a jutting cliff rock that looks like it could fall off, tumbling down the side of the mountain at any moment. Of course, this knowledge does not deter the thousands of hikers who make the 8-10-hour trek up to the cliff.
Image Gallery
How to Get There
The full Trolltunga hike takes you up the mountain with a slope of 800 meters and over 1,100 meters above sea level. The estimated hiking time is 8 to 12 hours, depending on your experience level. The Skjegtal main route begins and ends in P2 (1165m). The trip will take between eight and twelve hours for those walking three miles per hour.
The hike to Trolltunga is lengthy, and the return trip is much longer. As a result, you must arrange your journey well ahead of time and be prepared for anything. Here is a table summary of the different ways to get there:
| Starting Point | Transportation | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oslo | Train + Bus | Take a train to Voss, then transfer to a bus to Odda. | ~7-8 hours |
| Bergen | Bus | Take bus number 930 from Bergen Bus Station to Odda. | ~3 hours |
| Bergen | Car | Drive to Odda via Hardanger. Follow signs to Skjeggedal. | ~3 hours |
| Odda | Shuttle Bus | Shuttle buses available from Odda, Tyssedal, or Skjeggedal. | Varies |
| Bergen | Flight + Car/Bus | Fly to Flesland Airport, then rent a car or take a bus to Odda. | ~3 hours (drive) |
The GPS coordinates for the trailhead are as follows:
- N 60° 32′ 12.5″
- E 06° 53′ 55.3″
Drive west from the main parking lot and take a right on Skjegtalsvegen Road to reach the Trolltunga trailhead. There is a designated parking area at the trailhead.
The trip begins with a level stroll along a gravel road that quickly transforms into a zigzagging route up the mountain. After an hour of trekking, you’ll reach Ringedalsvhead car park, which beautiful Lake Ringedalsvej surrounds.
The trail then follows the lake’s edge before climbing steeply to the plateau. The views are incredible here, and you can see the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The trail then undulates before descending steeply again to Skjegtalsvatn Lake. The last section is a steep, rocky scramble to the top of Trolltunga.
Near the top, the panoramic vistas are simply breathtaking. You can see for miles in every direction, and it’s easy to understand why this spot is so popular with tourists.
Trails to Trolltunga are marked, and the hike begins from Skjeggedal’s main trailhead. A round-trip hike runs about 800 meters from P2 in Mgebakken. The trailhead is located at a separate point in Mekkelitopp (Mgelitopp).
See Related: Visiting the Ponte Vasco da Gama
Weather
As with any other adventure in nature, the mountains’ weather can change instantly. For this reason, hikers are only allowed to venture up the path from mid-June to mid-September. However, you still put yourself at risk for rainy or foggy weather.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to visit Trolltunga (Trolls’ Tongue) is during the summer when the weather is warm and the trails are dry. However, it’s important to note that even during the summer, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable and changeable, so it’s always a good idea to come prepared for all types of weather.
Typical times to visit are from mid-June until mid-September. Remember that there can be extremely bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, and fog, later in the season.
The best time to visit the amazing Trolltunga cliff is mid-August, when the weather has cooled off and changing weather conditions are not yet fully prevalent.
What to Pack
If you dare to take this trip, proper equipment, food, water, and clothing are necessary. Prepare yourself well for your 12-mile hike over 2,600 feet into the height of the mountains, and if you want to stay overnight high above the Lake Ringedalsvatnet surface, be sure to bring your tent because you won’t find any hotels or campgrounds on your journey.
This challenging hike should only be attempted if you are in good shape and have experience hiking in rough terrain. The trail is long (22 km), and there is a lot of elevation gain, so you must be prepared for a tough hike.
Bring plenty of food and water and a map and compass (or GPS). In Northern Norway, temperatures may drop considerably as you move up the mountain. Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher altitudes, so check the weather forecast before heading out.
During the winter, avalanche conditions may exist, and this time of the year is generally prohibited to the public. Here are some easy tips for your hike to Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue):
- Be prepared for extreme weather conditions; bring warm clothing and rain gear.
- Be always aware of your surroundings; the mountains have many dangers.
- This is a long and challenging hike; make sure you are prepared before heading out.
- If you can, hike Trolltunga Cliff with a group of friends; this will allow you to help each other during the demanding hike if needed.
Reaching Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)
The view from Trolltunga is truly breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The mountains and lakes below look like tiny toys, and the sheer magnitude of the cliff is an awe-inspiring sight. The view from Trolltunga will take your breath away.
Once you reach Trolltunga, scramble up to the cliff edge. Be careful not to get too close to the edge, as it is a long way down. Enjoy the views from the top, but take plenty of pictures, as this is an experience you will never forget.
See Related: Things To Do In Tromso, Norway
The view from Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)
If you dare to hike, you will be rewarded with one of the most amazing views in Norway. Just be sure to take plenty of pictures. Of course, there is a reason so many people make the long and arduous journey to Trolltunga every year, and it has to do with its breathtaking beauty.
The backdrop that sets the stage for Trolltunga includes Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and at its highest point, the cliff resides about 3,600 feet above sea level.
Once you finally arrive at Troll Tongue, you can dare take those first nail-biting few steps onto the cliff’s ledge. If you feel even more daring, you can position yourself at the end with your feet hanging over the ledge!
Some daredevils have even done cartwheels and jumping jacks on top of the ledge. Whatever you do, be aware that you are looming 2,300 feet above the ground and respect that fact.
Take a journey to Norway and become part of Troll Tongue, and we don’t mean literally. Take it from us: this is one heck of an adventure for the daring individual in all of us.
See Related: Best Tourist Destinations in the World
Guided Tours
The Trolltunga round-trip hike is long and tough, even for experienced hikers. In this respect, it is highly recommended that you take a guided hike and stay overnight in the mountain areas along the road.
If you’re looking to journey to Trolltunga but don’t feel confident in navigating the trail, consider taking a guided hike. Trolltunga Adventures offers guided hikes to Trolltunga, including transportation, food, and lodging. This is a great option for the less experienced hiker.
Another benefit is avoiding overcrowding the cliff during the peak hours of the day by hiking with Trolltonga Adventures. You’ll have more time to enjoy the Trolltonga cliff during a full night’s rest. Plus, you’ll be able to wake up early and see the cliff at sunrise if you’d like.
Book your Trolltonga guided hike in advance and lock in your spot to see one of the most spectacular rock formations in the entire world. Trolltunga Adventures offers:
- Guided tours where an experienced local guide will take you to Trolltunga and back safely
- Equipment rental so you don’t have to worry about bringing your heavy gear
- Packed lunch for the hike so you can save your energy for the journey
- Transportation to and from the starting point of the hike
- A small group size so you can get personalized attention on your tour.
FAQ
How long does it take to climb Trolltunga?
The hike to Trolltunga takes you up about 1,100 meters above sea level and ascends about 800 meters at Skjeggal’s main trailhead at P 2. A typical day excursion will take between 8 and 12 hours.
How long is the Trolltunga hike?
The hike to Trolltunga is 28 kilometers (about 17 miles) long, with 800 meters (2600 feet). The trek usually takes 8 to 12 hours. A Trolltunga excursion will take some time.
Is Trolltunga a hard hike?
Yes, this is considered a challenging hike. The Trolltunga walk is a 28-kilometer trek that takes around eight to twelve hours from start to end. The road leading up to Trolltunga is challenging, and the high mountain terrain can be challenging even for experienced hikers. There will be plenty of stunning vistas along the way.
Related Resources
Please sign in to leave a comment.