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Hike to Trolltunga, Norway

Odda, Norway

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Caitlin Cammarata

Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles) roundtrip. Duration: 8-11 hour hike if done in one day. Elevation gain: 900 m (2,950 ft). Located in the Hardangerfjord region. One of the most incredible hikes in Norway. Amazing fjord and glacier valley views. Dramatic landscape and multi-terrain hiking.

Odds is the nearest town to this location. From Odda, you can either drive or take a bus through Tyssedal up into Skjeggedal. The main parking lot is almost impossible to miss, located on the right hand side at the end of the road.

The first km of trail is a steep rock stair ascent. During the rainy season, it can become incredibly slippery, so holding onto set fixed ropes is necessary. After the stairs, there is a huge valley to hike through that leads up to the next big ascent. In the valley, if you are running low on water, there are a ton of streams where you can fill up, just make sure you filter it. The water tastes incredible!

The next big ascent includes a mixed terrain of slick rock and snow, depending on the season or sporadic weather. Wet shoes are inevitable! After several more kms, you will start to see the incredible lake of Ringedalsvatnet on the right hand side of the fjord, if visibility is good.

Usually, the remainder of the hike is either in mud and rock or snow, depending on conditions (we had snow in late July, so any and all hiking conditions should be expected!). When you finally reach Trolltunga, you will usually be greeted by a bunch of tourists lined up to take a photo on this famous glacier-formed rock ledge.

I recommend leaving early, around 5 or 6 am, so that you don't end up behind the afternoon crowd. The day is long and feels like it will never end, but it is so worth it! The hike back will take around 4-5 hours to complete.

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Hike to Trolltunga, Norway Reviews

In my opinion, this is one of the best hikes in the world.

This is by far a very challenging hike however very rewarding with breathtaking views and an incredible journey on the way there. By the way, the hike is not 13.6 miles as stated online, forums, websites, etc, it is actually 16.4 miles; so consider that for a full day of hiking. This hike took us a good 10 hours to complete.

Did this hike a couple years ago in September with some of my friends from the U.S. We rented a car in Oslo drove across the country to do this hike. It's pretty tough but man every step is worth it. The views are incredible and the end is one of the best places on earth. If you are ever in Norway you have to do this!

We made the mistake of going before the season, and being too stubborn to rent snowshoes, so we did this trek with snow up to our waists (at certain points). Despite being aggressively underprepared, this was one of the most memorable experiences of my Norway trip. Sitting there at the tip, looking out on to the fjord was absolutely priceless. I'd advise trying to time it (Or stay the night) to get some time there to yourself. Especially during peak season.

The first and last km of this hike was extremely challenging, but oh so worth it for the view at the end! What an amazing experience, definitely try to get out there as early as possibly to avoid a big line at the ending photo op, and to ensure a place to park. Wouldn't recommend trying this one out in the rain but on a nice day it's spectacular!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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