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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: Feb 27, 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 and there are also two viewpoints along the road. All are designed to blend into the natural surroundings by the Norwegian architect firm Reiulf Ramstad Architects.
Construction of the road started in 1916, but there had been a path or bridle way between Åndalsnes and Valldal for centuries. You can actually still see parts of the original pack horse track in some places alongside the current road.
Aerial view of Trollstigen with dramatic hairpin bends winding through steep mountains and a deep green valley in western Norway.
Each bend has its own name, most of them after the foremen who led the construction gangs that built the road. Driving on the road is fascinating, but can also be a test of the nerves! So if you are a bit uncomfortable with heights, perhaps you should let someone else take the wheel.
Want to skip the driving stress? Experience Trollstigen as a passenger instead.
Our 5-day Geirangerfjord & Norway in a Nutshell® tour includes Trollstigen along with Norway's most iconic railways and fjords.
See 5-day tour

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 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 is a very popular tourist attraction during summer
  • There are several great viewpoints and passing pockets offering spectacular views along the road

The easiest way to experience Trollstigen

Let professional drivers handle Trollstigen's most demanding hairpin bends, while you relax and enjoy the views. Travel independently with a pre-planned itinerary – we take care of the challenging road sections.
5-day complete journey: Trollstigen, Rauma Railway, Flåm Railway, Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Flåm, Ålesund, and Bergen
2-3 day shorter journey option: Trollstigen, Rauma Railway, and Geirangerfjord
Start from: Oslo, Bergen, or Ålesund
Book 5-day tourBook 2-3 day tour

What to expect at Trollstigen

The Stigfossen waterfall cascades 320 meters down the mountainside as you climb through the switchbacks - close enough to feel the spray from your window.
At the summit, the viewing platform extends out over the edge, offering a bird's-eye view of all eleven hairpin bends below. The visitor center includes a café, restrooms, and exhibits about the road's construction.
Time needed: 30 minutes at the summit gives you time to walk the viewing platform, capture photos of the hairpin bends below, and visit the café.
Weather tip: The summit is typically 10°C cooler than Åndalsnes, even in summer. Bring a warm layer.
Photo tip: The main platform offers the iconic overhead view of all eleven hairpin bends. Walk to both ends of the platform for different angles, and don't miss the lower viewpoints for waterfall shots.

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
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.