Trolltunga Hiking

What is Trolltunga?

The Trolltunga rock formation is one of the most famous cliffs in Norway. The word “Trolltunga” means “the troll’s tongue” in Norwegian. This cliff, and the valley below, were created by a Scandanavian ice cap during the ice age. Trolltunga is located 1,100 meters above sea level and 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

Where is Trolltunga?

Trolltunga is located on the western side of Norway, next to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau in Vestland county. Overlooking Lake Ringedalsvatnet on the fjord Sørfjorden, the spectacular cliff provides excellent views of the stunning scenery.

The closest town to Trolltunga is Odda, and the region of Vestland has plenty to offer travelers. If you’d like to experience the best of this incredible area with the experience of a lifetime, why not join our guided Trolltunga Via Ferrata tour which includes biking, hiking and climbing?

How to get to Trolltunga

To get to Trolltunga from Oslo, you can expect to travel 6-7 hours west by car, while the drive from Bergen would be about 3 hours. There are three places to park before hiking to Trolltunga: Tyssedal, Skjeggedal, and Mågelitopp. However, you should keep in mind that parking is limited. If you don’t want to drive, a shuttle service connects Odda and Skjeggedal, the starting point of several of our hiking trips to Trolltunga.

Trolltunga is only accessible via hiking. There are two main trailheads, Skjeggedal and Mågelitopp. From Skjeggedal, the hike is about 28 kilometers total, which will take about 10-12 hours round-trip. If you start at Mågelitopp, the round-trip hike is 20 kilometers and should take between 7-10 hours. The trails are easy to follow, and there are signs along each trail that’ll tell you the remaining distance to Trolltunga. This hike includes many narrow cliffs and no fences, so be careful as you’re hiking. The Trolltunga hike may be long and difficult, but those up for the challenge will be rewarded with amazing views at the top!

It is highly recommended that you do not embark on the trip without a guide. There are plenty of options for your trip depending on how you’d like to experience Trolltunga. A guided tour ensures you get the most out of your visit to this natural wonder, and there are several different trips available. Families and inexperienced hikers may prefer the classic hike, while adventure seekers can opt to enjoy the spectacular Via Ferrata route, combining biking, hiking and climbing on their visit to Trolltunga. Or perhaps you would like to go Glamping at Trolltunga?

When should I hike Trolltunga?

The Norwegian hiking season is from June to August, making this the best time to hike Trolltunga. Guided hikes are, as mentioned, the best option. A local guide who knows the area well will be with you and make sure you get to Trolltunga safely. They will also be able to point out the best spots for photos during the hike, and snap pictures of you posing on the world-famous troll’s tongue!

The winter season goes from October 1st to May 31st. You can do the Trolltunga hike during winter, but you’ll definitely need to have a guide with you due to heavy snow and difficult conditions. The tour guides are experienced hikers who are very familiar with the area and know how to handle weather changes.

What should I bring to Trolltunga?

It’s best to bring a large backpack for this hike. In your pack, it’s best to keep a compass, map, flashlight, and first-aid kit. Because this is such a long hike, you will also want to bring lots of water and snacks. Fruit, nuts, granola bars, and chocolate are always great options – hot tip: Norwegians like to bring the chocolate bar Kvikk Lunsj on hikes!

As you climb to a higher elevation during your hike, the weather will get colder, so make sure to bring warm clothes. You’ll be walking through mud, water, and possibly snow during this hike, so you’ll need hiking boots. When booking a hike to Trolltunga through Fjord Tours, you will get a list of the necessary equipment to pack, as well as what to wear and how to prepare. Several of our hikes also have an information meeting the day before the hike, where the guide goes through the route, latest weather conditions and so on.

Where to stay near Trolltunga?

There are a number of great accommodation options in the area. Tyssedal, Odda, or Kinsarvik are the best areas to stay near Trolltunga. Odda is the largest town near Trolltunga, and has the biggest selection of hotels. If you’re on a budget, you can stay at the Trolltunga Hotel, a hotel, and hostel located about 25 minutes from the hike. If you’re traveling in a group, you may stay at Vikinghaug, which offers larger, three-bedroom apartments equipped with washing machines.

The beautiful Hotel Ullensvang located in Lofthus is another great local accommodation. This historic hotel dates back to 1846 and has been run by the same family for 5 generations. Set within an idyllic location with a lovely view of the Hardangerfjord, the hotel welcomes visitors for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Hardanger, and it’s a great base for your trip to Trolltunga.

If you’re up for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience on your trip to this beautiful part of Norway, join our hike and glamping trip to Trolltunga! On this extra-special excursion, you’ll enjoy a truly unique and private experience – spending the night in a dome, and waking up to a beautiful sunrise and a view you’ll never forget. With a tasty dinner and breakfast included, this is a fantastic way to experience Trolltunga.

When it comes to the best Norway hiking opportunities, Trolltunga is at the top of the list. The phenomenal scenery and spectacular views waiting for them at the top will significantly reward those who want to challenge themselves with this strenuous hike!