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Trollstigen Road

Trollstigen is one of Norway’s most iconic mountain roads, famous for its eleven dramatic hairpin bends climbing steep mountainsides. Part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger–Trollstigen, it is a key stop on journeys through Western Norway.
2 min readUpdated: Mar 26, 2026By: The Fjord Tours team
Person standing on metal viewing platform with arms outstretched, overlooking winding road and waterfall, with sunset lighting the sky.

About Trollstigen

The Trollstigen Road is one of Norway’s most popular National Tourist Routes – a spectacular serpentine drive between Åndalsnes and Valldal.
The road is not particularly long, but twists through 11 hairpin bends up to Stigrøra, 858 meters above sea level. At the top of Trollstigen, there is a platform offering spectacular views, with 2 viewpoints along the road. Both viewpoints were designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Reiulf Ramstad Architects to blend into the natural surroundings.
Construction of the road started in 1916, but there had been a path or bridleway between Åndalsnes and Valldal for centuries. You can actually still see parts of the original packhorse track in some places alongside the current road.
Each bend has its own name, most of them after the foremen who led the construction gangs that built the road.
Aerial view of Trollstigen with dramatic hairpin bends winding through steep mountains and a deep green valley in western Norway.

Facts about Trollstigen

  • The road was opened on 31st July 1936 by King Haakon VII. Before that, farmers on both sides of the mountain had worked hard on the construction and improvement of the cart track that existed before the road opened
  • The road is narrow with a gradient of about 9%
  • Vehicles longer than 13.1 meters are not allowed to drive on the road
  • The road is closed during the winter months, but it is a very popular tourist attraction during summer
  • There are several great viewpoints and passing pockets offering spectacular views along the road

Experience Trollstigen without driving

Driving Trollstigen is a unique experience, but the steep hairpin bends can also be challenging. Let professional drivers handle Trollstigen's most demanding hairpin bends, while you relax and enjoy the views.

The easiest way to experience Trollstigen

Day tour from Ålesund including Trollstigen
Starting from Ålesund, this day tour combines a fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord with a drive along Trollstigen’s winding mountain road. A great option if you want to experience the fjord and Trollstigen in a single day – without driving yourself.
View day tour

Combine Trollstigen on your journey through the fjords

Trollstigen lies between Åndalsnes and Geirangerfjord, and is a natural part of many fjord itineraries. If you have more time, you can include Trollstigen as part of a longer journey through Western Norway.

2 or 3-day journey including Trollstigen

Experience the Geirangerfjord, Trollstigen, and Åndalsnes on a shorter trip. Choose your own start and end points to fit your travel plans.
  • This tour includes: Trollstigen, Rauma Railway, and Geirangerfjord
  • Start from: Oslo or Bergen
View tour

5-day journey including Trollstigen

Travel through some of Norway’s most famous landscapes, including Trollstigen, the Rauma Railway, Flåm Railway, Geirangerfjord, and Nærøyfjord. This tour combines fjords, mountains, and scenic rail journeys in one complete itinerary.
  • This tour includes: Trollstigen, Rauma Railway, Flåm Railway, Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Flåm, Ålesund, and Bergen
  • Start from: Oslo or Bergen
See 5-day tour

What to expect at Trollstigen

As you make your way up the road, the Stigfossen waterfall drops 320 metres down the mountainside, flowing alongside the steep bends.
At the summit, the viewing platform extends out over the landscape, offering a clear view of the winding road below. The visitor centre includes a café, restrooms, and exhibitions about the history and construction of Trollstigen.
  • Time needed: Around 30 minutes at the top is enough to enjoy the viewpoints, take photos, and visit the café.
  • Weather tip: The temperature at the summit is often around 10°C cooler than in Åndalsnes, even in summer – so bring an extra layer.
  • Photo tip: For the classic view of the hairpin bends, head to the main platform. Walking to both ends gives you different perspectives, and the lower viewpoints are ideal for capturing the waterfall.

Activities near Trollstigen

Most Trollstigen visitors pass through Åndalsnes - the gateway town at the base of the mountain road. Here are popular activities in the region:
Climber ascends cliff above valley, town and river below.
Romsdalsstigen via ferrata - Intro wall
Åndalsnes • 4 hr
From 1195NOK
1 June - 20 October
Trollstigen Winding mountain road leads to scenic platform over deep green valley and cliffs.
Bus Geiranger – Åndalsnes – Ålesund via Trollstigen
Multiple locations
From 335NOK
1 June - 30 September
Climber smiles on cliff with valley and fjord below.
Romsdalsstigen via ferrata - West wall
Åndalsnes • 6 hr
From 1695NOK
1 June - 20 October
A cable car travels above a lush green mountain, with fields, villages, and winding roads below, and towering mountains in the distance.
The Romsdalen Gondola
Åndalsnes • 1 hr 30 min
From 460NOK
Available all year
A stone bridge spanning a river with a lush green forest and steep cliffs on either side, capturing the majesty of nature.
Golden Train
Åndalsnes • 2 hr 40 min
From 690NOK
13 May - 30 September
A modern building with a geometric facade, located near a dock with steep, snow-capped mountains in the background.
The Norwegian Mountaineering Centre in Åndalsnes
Åndalsnes • 2 hr
From 155NOK
Available all year
Two young children climb an indoor bouldering wall with colorful holds, including animal shapes, in a safe, padded play area.
Intro to climbing at the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre
Åndalsnes • 1 hr
From 495NOK
Available all year
Smiling woman sits on a cliff edge near a sign reading "Høgaksla 981 m.o.h.", cityscape below.
Romsdalseggen - Guided hike
Åndalsnes • 6 hr
From 1625NOK
1 July - 30 September
Four people paddleboarding on a crystal-clear river surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
Stand up paddling on the Istra River
Åndalsnes • 3 hr
From 1190NOK
1 July - 31 August
Person standing on metal viewing platform with arms outstretched, overlooking winding road and waterfall, with sunset lighting the sky.
Trollstigen & hike to the Bispe lake
Åndalsnes • 4 hr
From 1200NOK
15 July - 30 September
Two hikers resting on rocky outcrop above lush valley with rivers and distant town views.
Hike to Trollveggen viewpoint
Åndalsnes • 4 hr
From 890NOK
1 June - 20 October

Frequently asked questions about Trollstigen

Answers to common questions about visiting Trollstigen, including tour options, driving conditions, opening dates, and what to expect at the summit.