The scenery in Hardanger is magnificent, and hikers to Trolltunga will experience something very unique. The unique rock formation of Trolltunga hangs 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake in Skjeggedal and juts out at a right angle to the mountainside, 1,180 metres above sea level. From here, you can enjoy the dramatic fjord landscape and the view of the Folgefonna glacier. Feel your stomach do cartwheels as you stand, or perhaps sit, above the void.
When to visit and guided tours
It’s possible for experienced hikers to take the trip to Trolltunga without a guide between 1 June and 30 September, but we recommend having a guide to ensure a safe and memorable experience:
- Guided hiking tour with Trolltunga Active
- Guided overnight tour with Trolltunga Adventures
- Trolltunga Via Ferrata with Trolltunga Active
Between October and May, we only recommend visiting Trolltunga on a guided tour – it’s risky to do it alone. During winter there are guided ski and snowshoe tours – and even a tour with huskies!
- Trolltunga winter tour with Trolltunga adventures
- Trolltunga winter with Trolltunga Active
- Snowshoe tour with Trolltunga Active
- Trolltunga winter sunset tour with Trolltunga Active
- Husky tour with Trolltunga Adventures
Where in Norway is Trolltunga?
Trolltunga is close to Odda in Hardanger. It’s about 3 hours from Bergen and 4 hours from Stavanger. Trolltunga is 1180 meters above sea level. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from Odda to the starting point of the trip at P2 (parking – see below).
How far is it to Trolltunga and how difficult is the hike?
Depending on where you park (see below), a roundtrip to Trolltunga takes between 7 and 15 hours and covers between 20 and 38 km. Since the walk is over 20 km, it’s graded as black (very challenging), but the trail is good and experienced mountain hikers won’t consider the trip very challenging – just long. You still need to be in good physical shape, be well equipped with proper hiking boots (not trainers!) and a change of clothes in your bag, be prepared for the weather to change quickly (take waterproof and windproof clothes and an extra layer) and, not least, take plenty of food and drink. Start the day early! Elevation profile, route description and more information can be found at trolltunga.com.
How do I get to Trolltunga? Trolltunga parking and shuttle bus
You can use your own car or travel by bus to get to the starting point for the hike to Trolltunga. There are three parking areas:
- P1 in Tyssedal: 220 parking spaces and you pay for parking at the payment machine. From P1, the roundtrip to Trolltunga is 38 km and takes about 15 hours. There is a shuttle bus from P1 to P2 and P3.
- P2 in Skjeggedal: 180 parking spaces and you pay for parking at the payment machine. From P2, the roundtrip to Trolltunga is 27 km and takes about 8-12 hours. There is a shuttle bus to P3.
- P3 in Mågelitopp: space for 30 cars but this is a private car park so you may only park here if you have pre-booked. You must also pay a road toll to park at P2. Due to the road being very narrow, driving up to allow passengers to alight is not permitted. From P3, the roundtrip to Trolltunga is 20 km and takes about 7-10 hours.
The shuttle bus runs between Odda to P1, then on to P2 and P3. Shuttlebus timetables can be found at trolltunga.com.
More information about how to get there, parking and shuttle buses is available at trolltunga.com.
Trolltunga – Hotels and Camping
There are many accommodation options near Trolltunga. Since the trip is long and demanding, we recommend you find a place nearby to stay the night both before and after the trip. For example, driving to or from Bergen on the same day as the hike is not recommended. Take the opportunity to explore the rest of the Hardanger region! Accommodation options include Trolltunga hotel, Trolltunga camping in Odda, and the historic Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus, where you can relax in the pool after the trip.
