Ultimate Trolltunga Hike Guide: Tips, Trails & Epic Views in Norway
Trolltunga (The Troll's Tongue) is a small rock came off the majestic Skjeggedal mountain above the fiord with awesome panorama views. Hiking Trolltunga in Norway is not easy, so you will find here hike tips and travel guide.
You probably associate Trolltunga and it's characteristic view with many travel photos from all over the internet. This is because it's really wonderful place with an awesome panorama and it's definitely worth to visit.
Hiking to Trolltunga
Hiking to the Troll's Tongue it's not easy (23 kilometers both ways through the mountains), so it's much better to start in early in the morning in case you will want to spend some time resting.
Of course, if you come from Norway, you probably have nothing to worry about, because as you will see even old Norwegian people have a really good condition (probably because of all that mountains everywhere). Remember also to take some food with you, otherwise, you will have to eat blueberries only.
The Mågelibanen Funicular
The Mågelibanen is the abandoned funicular line. By using its old wooden steps, you can get to the top of the mountains. I've heard, that the Mågelibanen Funicular is closed now, but when I was in Norway it was not.
At the beginning funicular was shallow incline, so it wasn't that hard, but after some time it turned upward and it started to be really challenging. All the way up took me about 50 minutes and my leg's muscles were really burning. There is an awesome view from the top, you can see it on the given photo.
There is also an alternative, normal way to the top, so you don't need to go by this abandoned funicular if you don't want to.
Hiking
Ok, so you hiked to the top of the mountain using abandoned funicular steps. Just 10 kilometers more to get to Trolltungaha, and I'm already tired, ha!
Let's continue our hike. In your way to the Troll's Tongue, you will have to cross many streams and creeks and climb over boulders. Including some stops, you will need another 3 - 5 hours to get to Trolltunga, depending on your condition. But I think that wonderful views will reward you that long hike - just look at the photos below.
Trolltunga
You will notice when you will get Trolltunga. First of all, the views over the Troll's Tongue and out over the lake are amazing. Another thing is that there will probably be a lot of people there.
As I was alone there I didn't wait in the queue to stand on the Trolltunga's rock, but I guess people were waiting here more than 30 minutes (or even more) to stand on the ledge and wait for other ones to make them photos. There are other rocks with nice views onto Kjeragbolten mountain.
This was the perfect place for me to sit a bit and take a rest because I was already a bit tired. The good information is that the way back is a bit faster and if you don't want to get down by funicular you can walk down a trail through the woods to the parking lot.
Travel tips
Here you can find some extra travel tips about how to get to Trolltunga, where is the best time to go there and how long the hike takes and how many kilometers it has.
How to get here?
You can find the famous Troll's Tongue just 13 kilometers from Odda, which is the small town in Hordaland country. The easiest way to get there is to drive by car. There is a car parking at the beginning of the hiking trail which costs about 200 NOK for 12 hours.
When to go?
The main hiking season in Norway is from June to September, so it's probably the best time to go to Trolltunga. Going hiking other time can be dangerous and you shouldn't do this without a guide.
How long is the hike?
To get to the Troll's Tongue you will need minimum 10 hours (maybe even 12 hours) because you will have to hike 23 kilometers (on the way back) through the mountains. If you are really fast you can do this route in 8 hours, but I wouldn't count on it because it's a hard way.
Practical tourist information
- You should take with you waterproof hiking shoes, plenty of food and water, sunscreen and of course a camera. You can also take a First Aid Kit.
- The weather can change rapidly, so you should get a rain jacket.
- Going abandoned funicular can be dangerous.
- Car park cost 200 NOK for 12 hours.
- You can camp anywhere on the track.
- I'm not sure it's a good hike for kids, but I saw a few on the track.
Conclusion
Hiking Trolltunga in Norway is not easy, but the views are worth every step. This track is one of the best ways to feel real Norway with its fiords and mountains. Just remember to pack yourself properly, as it's a long way up and down.
I hope this travel guide and a few tips helped you. If you have some questions or advice, feel free to leave me a comment in the section below.
