High above the sparkling Ringedalsvatnet lake, the gravity defying Trolltunga rock feature in Norway showcases some of the most breath-taking views in Scandinavia. Located on the Western edge of the mighty Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Trolltunga overlooks the dramatic landscape of ancient glacier lakes and valleys that surround the rustic town of Odda in Vestland county.
Trolltunga, literally meaning ‘Troll Tongue’, is an iconic Norwegian landmark and attracts hikers and adventurers from all over the world. Jutting directly out into the air, more than 700 meters above the crystal clear waters of Ringedalsvatnet lake, Trolltunga is a must-visit spot for an absolutely unforgettable Instagram photoshoot! It’s also the highpoint of a spectacular hiking route that winds up through the valley, taking you past awe-inspiring vistas of the impressive northern wilderness.
The Hardangerfjord region has been a popular tourist destination since the late 19th Century, and is an amazing destination for solo travelers, families with children, outdoorsy couples, and small group tours. Carved out of the rock by vast glaciers during the last Ice Age, the entire region has a mythical quality where the legendary Norse gods would feel right at home.
If you’re looking for an action packed vacation western Norway offers unparalleled hiking and camping opportunities, as well as kayaking and year-round skiing. And for a more relaxing trip into the wilderness, you can explore the unique local culture and cuisine of Vestland county, unwind in a geothermal spa, or jump aboard a luxury fjord cruise ship to take in the dramatic scenery from the comfort of a cushion-clad hospitality suite.
How Do You Get To Trolltunga, Norway?
It’s never been easier to reach the magical kingdom of western Norway for visitors from anywhere in the world. Firstly, you need to fly into one of the nation’s major airports, such as the international Bergen Airport, sometimes referred to as Flesland Airport. After touching down in Norway, you’ll need to travel onwards to Odda, the nearest main town to Trolltunga in Vestland county. The drive from Bergen to Odda is just under 150 km and should take you no more than 3.5 hours. You can either rent a car, giving you the most freedom and flexibility, or rely on the excellent public transport that criss-crosses the nation.
Once you reach the town of Odda, the trailheads for Trolltunga are less than 30 km away. There’s also a great selection of accommodation in town, as well as lovely independent restaurants and other local attractions to explore. So you may want to rest up for the night in a cozy hotel before taking on the hike after a good night’s sleep.
There are two main places that you can start your hike up to Trolltunga, Skjeggedal and Mågelitopp. To reach the hiking trails from Odda you can drive, take a taxi, or catch a local bus. The route up to Trolltunga and back will take you between 7 and 12 hours to complete, depending on which trail you take and how fast you’re hiking. Both of the routes up to Trolltunga are fairly challenging and may not be suitable for absolute novice hikers although, due to Norway’s ‘Right to Roam’ laws, you can wild camp overnight to break up the hike over the course of 2 days.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Trolltunga, Norway?
Trolltunga is at its very best in the summer months, between mid-June and mid-September. During the summer in Norway the weather is relatively mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from about 10 to 20 Degrees Celsius in Vestland county. What’s more, the snow and ice has melted off the trail which makes it much easier to hike up to Trolltunga, and the alpine meadows are blooming with wild flowers. The summer months in Norway also have very long daylight hours, meaning you have much more time to hike and enjoy the outdoors during the evenings.
Visiting Trolltunga in the winter or early spring is not really advisable. This is because during the winter months the hiking trails freeze over with snow and thick ice, and become extremely dangerous to traverse. Furthermore, temperatures often dip to life-threateningly low levels at night and the daylight hours are very short compared to the summer. So generally speaking, any visitor to Trolltunga should plan their trip for the pleasant summer months – unless of course you’re training for an expedition to the South Pole!
Things to Do in Vestland County, Norway
Hike to Trolltunga and Wild Camp Overnight
Trolltunga is a must-see view point for anyone visiting Odda and the surrounding region. And while it’s certainly possible to complete the hike in a single day, it’s much more enjoyable to break up the hike and spend a memorable night under the stars on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. As you wake in the morning you’ll be greeted by spectacular views of the sun rising over the glacial lake below, and after a hot drink and breakfast you’ll be ready to make the climb to the summit of the plateau to Trolltunga itself.
There are 2 main routes to reach Trolltunga. The first trailhead starts from Skjeggedal and takes around 10 to 12 hours to cover the 27 km round-trip, making a total ascent of 800 meters to the summit. The second route starts at Mågelitopp and takes between 7 to 8 hours to complete the 20 km round-trip, with an overall ascent of just 320 meters from the base to the top.
Due to Norway’s ‘Right To Roam’ laws, you can wild camp anywhere you like on uncultivated land, provided you set up your tent at least 150 meters away from any private residences or cabins. You’re allowed to stay for up to 2 nights in the same place as long as you take all your rubbish away with you, leaving no sign that you were ever there. There’s lots of potential camping spots alongside the hiking trails to Trolltunga, so you can just stop and set up camp whenever you’re ready to rest and make dinner.
You can make the hike to Trolltunga and wild camp on your own if you’re a fairly experienced trekker, or, alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour with a local tour operator. Remember, weather conditions in the mountains can be very unpredictable, even in the summer, so always bring spare warm clothing and a waterproof jacket and trousers.
Stay at the Trolltunga Hotel, Odda
If you’re looking for accommodation in Odda, the Trolltunga Hotel comes highly recommended. This charming hotel is situated beside Lake Sandvevatnet, just outside the Hardangervidda National Park, and a stone’s throw from the center of Odda. There’s free WiFi available throughout, free parking, and a great team of staff who can help you make any arrangements during your time in Odda.
The hotel also boasts its own popular on-site restaurant and, if you ask the night before, you can arrange to have a packed lunch made up for the next day. Some of the rooms have private bathrooms while others have shared facilities. The hotel is perfectly located for an action packed vacation of hiking, canoeing, climbing, and exploring the awe-inspiring scenery of the area. All in all, this is an ideal place to base yourself during your adventures in Odda.
You can find out more about the Trolltunga Hotel, or reserve your rooms, here.
Cider Tour with Fjord Cruise from Bergen
Departing from Bergen, this all-inclusive day tour is led by an experienced local guide and starts out with a delightful boat cruise across the Sognefjord to the rustic town of Balestrand. Having taken in the serene beauty of the lake you’ll be dropped off on the shores of Balestrand where you’ll enjoy a fantastic lunch of authentic regional cuisine.
After lunch, you’ll get the chance to sample some of the famous local ciders at a nearby micro brewery. You’ll also visit the beautiful Hopperstad Stave Church, a hand-crafted wooden church, and have some time to explore the town with your guide. Finally, after a wonderful day, you’ll travel back across the lake to Bergen, where the tour wraps up.
You can find out more about the Cider Day and Fjord Cruise, or book your tickets on this popular tour, here.
Take a Segway Tour of Bergen
This 2 hour Segway tour of Bergen is a great way to get your bearings in the town and see all the top sites in an afternoon. Zipping from one attraction to another, you’ll weave your way through the colorful buildings of the town, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the Torget Fish Market, and lots of picturesque photo spots. After your tour concludes, you can wander into the town center, do a little shopping, and then find a nice local restaurant for dinner.
You can find out more, or book your place on the Segway Tour of Bergen, here.
Guided Glacier Fjord and Tour
Setting out across the Sognefjord on the MV Fjord Lady Boat, you’ll be treated to some magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains while your guide points out all the local points of interest. As you stop off along the way, you’ll visit hand carved wooden churches, drop by several outstanding waterfalls, and see the otherworldly glaciers emerging from the steep mountain slopes.
To top off the day, you’ll visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum to learn all about how glaciers are formed, and the ways in which they have shaped the stunning landscape around you. At the end of the tour you’ll be dropped off back in Bergen, in plenty of time for a tasty dinner or a casual evening stroll beside the lakeshore.
You can find out more about the Guided Fjord and Glacier tour, and book your seats on the tour, here.
