Ultimate Guide to Hiking Trolltunga in Norway

Located in Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland county, Norway, Trolltunga or "Troll tongue" is a rock protrusion standing 1,100m (3,600ft) above sea level, extending 700m (2,300ft) over the north end of Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

Want to experience the awe-inspiring, panoramic views from Trolltunga in Norway yourself? Let’s dive into this ultimate guide to Troll’s Tongue in Norway to discover how to get to Trolltungam and how long the hike to Trolltunga takes. We'll also discuss what to wear and top tips to make the most of your Trolltunga adventure!

What Is Trolltunga and How Was It Formed?

So, what actually is Trolltunga? Located in Vestland in Southwestern Norway, Trolltunga is a rocky precipice that hangs above the picturesque Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

Part of a mountain range, this amazing cliff is a rock formation dating back over 10,000 years to the Ice Age! Lurching out over the beautiful lake below, the iconic Trolltunga was formed by glacial erosion. When large chunks of the mountain broke off with the movement of the glacier, it left behind the unique Troll’s Tongue rock we see today.

How to Get to Trolltunga 

To get to Trolltunga, you can take a shuttle bus from Odda, Tyssedal or Skjeggedal. If you prefer to travel by car, there are three car parks near Trolltunga in Tyssedal, Skjeggedal, and Mågelitopp. Taking a taxi is another option to get to your desired starting point for the Trolltunga hike.

How Long Does the Trolltunga Hike Take?

Embarking on the Trolltunga trail, expect a 28km (about 17 miles) journey with an elevation gain of 800m (2,600ft). Originating at Skjeggedal, the trek usually requires between 8-12 hours, contingent on your pace.

The Trolltunga cliff hike requires excellent physical condition and appropriate hiking gear. The trail on the mountainside is uneven and rocky. The ground can also be potentially slippery in wet or snowy conditions.

• From Tyssedal, the 38-kilometer round hike to Trolltunga takes around 15 hours with a 2000-meter ascent.
• From Skjeggedal, the 27-kilometer round hike to Trolltunga takes 8-12 hours with 1200 meters elevation gain.
• From Magelitopp, the 20-kilometer round hike to Trolltunga takes 7-10 hours with around a 1000-meter ascent.

When Is the Best Time to Hike Trolltunga?

The summer months between June and September are the best time to hike Trolltunga for mild weather conditions in Norway and a snow-free trail.

Between the start of October and the end of May, a guide is required to do the Trolltunga hike. During the summer in Norway, you can hike Trolltunga without a guide if you’re an experienced hiker.

What to Wear When Hiking Troll’s Tongue in Norway

Take a look through our guide to what to wear when embarking on the Trolltunga hike:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket – Protect yourself from the elements with waterproof and windproof outer layers.
• Woolen layers – Wool is a great material to wear when hiking Trolltunga, as it warms when it’s cool and cools when it’s warm. A wool jumper is a brilliant item to wear for your hike.
• Breathable t-shirt and trousers – Make sure you have suitable exercise wear to keep you comfortable on your hike.
• Sturdy hiking boots – Vital for hiking Trolltunga, you’ll need good quality and sturdy hiking boots for the journey.
• Spare clothing – A change of clothing always comes in handy. You never know when you’ll need it.
• Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from the glare, no matter what time of year you’re visiting the Trolltunga cliff.

Packing List for Your Trolltunga Hike

As well as warm, suitable clothing, what else should you bring along for your hike to Trolltunga? No one wants a heavy backpack, but having a few essential items will make your trip much more enjoyable and safe. Here’s our suggested Trolltunga hike packing list to help you prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure:

• Enough water and food for the round-trip – Make sure to bring enough supplies for the way there and the way back. Fill your bag with protein-packed snacks to keep you energized and enough water to keep you hydrated.
• Fully charged mobile phone – An obvious but essential one! Make sure to bring your phone with a full battery.
• Battery pack and cable – A lifesaver when your phone is running out of juice.
• First aid kit – A just-in-case item that could come in very handy.
• Camera – If you have a professional camera, you’ll want to pack that to capture the amazing view when you reach the top of the Troll’s Tongue!
• Sun protection – Protect your skin with sunscreen when hiking to the top of the Trolltunga cliff.
• Headlamp – Bring a headlamp along to make sure the trail is always visible, especially if it starts to get dark.

Top Tips for the Hike to Trolltunga in Norway

Make your trip to Trolltunga cliff in Norway a success by reading through our top tips:

• Check the weather and trail conditions beforehand. As the weather can be famously unpredictable, we recommend checking the forecast before you set off. Also, make sure to check the trail conditions beforehand to be sure it’s an optimal day for your Trolltunga hike.
• Bring a printed map. The trail is clearly marked and well-maintained, but a map will help you stay on track and is helpful to refer to whenever needed (and will never run out of battery, unlike your phone!). 
• Be aware of rest areas and emergency huts. In case you need any assistance or a rest along your journey to Trolltunga, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the locations of the designated rest areas and emergency huts along the trail.
• Go with a guide, group or partner. We recommend hiking with a guide, in a group or with a partner to ensure your own safety and wellbeing on the Trolltunga hike. You’ll need a guide if you plan to hike during the off-season (October - May), but a guide is only recommended during the peak season (June - September).
• Let someone know you’re hiking Trolltunga. If you plan to hike Trolltunga alone, it’s a good idea to let someone know your plans before you go. That way, if any health and safety issues arise, someone knows where you are.
• Stick to the marked trail. Make sure to stick to the well-marked trail at Trolltunga to ensure you don’t lose the path.
• Book accommodation and travel in advance. As one of the most popular hiking destinations in Norway, Trolltunga can get busy in the peak season (during the summer months). We recommend reserving your accommodation and traveling early, such as your campervan in Norway, to secure your spot.

Ready for Your Trolltunga Adventure?

Overall, hiking to Trolltunga is a challenging but amazing and rewarding experience. It certainly offers some of the most stunning views in Norway!

Want to experience the Trolltunga cliff for yourself? A brilliant way to explore the magnificent sights of Norway, including Trolltunga, to your heart’s content is to rent a campervan in Norway.

Enjoy scenic road trips and discover all your bucket-list sights when traveling by campervan through Norway. This way, your home is with you wherever you go. You’ll be able to walk back down from Trolltunga knowing your home is just at the bottom of the hill waiting for you – ah, bliss!

Ready to explore? Let’s go!