Trolltunga

• Highlights
• Perfect day
• Map & getting there
• Where to stay
• When to go
• Mistakes to avoid
• Quick answers

The most famous rock in Norway

Picture a flat tongue of rock sticking straight out of a cliff, with nothing below it but 700 metres of air and a long blue lake. That's Trolltunga, "the troll's tongue".

Getting there is the adventure. It's a full-day hike up steep slopes and across a wild, rocky plateau with snow patches and small lakes. There are no roads and no shortcuts.

At the end, people queue for their turn to walk out onto the ledge. On a clear day, with the lake shining below, it's one of the most unforgettable places in Europe.

Highlights of the hike

• The first climb: the steepest part, right at the start. Once you're on the plateau it's mostly rolling.
• The plateau: a wild, open landscape of rock, small lakes and snow patches, even in July.
• The ledge itself: walk out, sit down, and get the photo. The queue can take 40 minutes to over two hours, and is longest from 12:00 to 15:00.
• The view down the lake: the cliffs and Lake Ringedalsvatnet are as impressive as the ledge.
• Camping overnight: some hikers bring a tent and camp near the top, for sunset and sunrise with almost no one around.

Short on time or energy? Odda has other great hikes, like the one to the Buer Glacier.

The perfect Trolltunga day

Sleep in Odda or Tyssedal the night before, and start early. It's a long day, so pace yourself.

1. Before 7Start from the car park. Early starters get the trail and the ledge before the crowds.
2. MorningClimb up to the plateau. Take breaks, drink, and add layers when the wind picks up.
3. MiddayReach Trolltunga, join the queue for your photo, and eat lunch with the view.
4. AfternoonHead back down, slowly. The descent is hard on the knees.
5. EveningDinner in Odda, and an early night.

Where it is and how to get there

Trolltunga is in the Hardanger region of western Norway, above the town of Odda.

• By car About 3 hours from Bergen. The trailhead is at Skjeggedal, a short drive from Odda. The road up to Skjeggedal is open from 06:00 to 21:00 only, so plan to be back before it closes.
• Parking You can park all day at Skjeggedal (P2) for about 550 NOK, including the road toll. Tyssedal (P1) is cheaper, at about 330 NOK, with a shuttle on to P2. The upper car park (P3, Mågelitopp) has only 30 spaces and needs a booking in summer.
• Shuttle From early June to late September a shuttle runs from Skjeggedal up to Mågelitopp. It cuts the walk to about 20 km and saves 1 to 1.5 hours each way. A one-way ticket is about 150 NOK uphill. Only some tickets can be booked online, so arrive early.

Outside summer: from October to May there is snow and ice on the route. A local mountain guide is strongly recommended.

Where to stay: Odda or on the mountain?

When to go

• Summer June to September. Experienced hikers can go on their own. July and August are busiest.
• Shoulder Early June and late September. Snow can linger, and the weather turns fast. Check conditions first.
• Winter October to May. Snow, ice and short days. A guide is strongly recommended.

Our tips for Trolltunga

• Start at sunrise. You'll beat the queue for the photo on the edge, and have daylight to spare.
• Pack for every season. Waterproof jacket, warm layers, hat and gloves, even in July.
• Bring more food and water than you think. There's nowhere to buy anything on the trail.
• Wear real hiking boots. The trail is rocky, wet and long.
• Check the weather the night before. In fog or storms, turn back. The ledge will still be there.

Don't make these mistakes

• Starting too late. People who start after 9 often hike back in the dark.
• Hiking off-season without a guide. Snow hides the trail, and help is a long way off.
• Underestimating the distance. It's 27 km and 8 to 12 hours. Train for it.
• Showing off on the edge. There's no railing and no second chance. Be careful.
• Forgetting to plan parking and the shuttle. P3 needs a booking in summer, and shuttle seats fill up at busy times.

Quick answers

A note on prices: fees, opening hours and timetables change, and we update them every year. The details in this guide were checked in autumn 2026 and may be different by the time you travel, so please confirm them on the official website before you book.