Trolltunga is positioned amongst the gorgeous surroundings of Norway’s mountains and fjords, perched above lakes and surrounded by snowy peaks. Within the Norwegian language Trolltunga merely means the Troll’s Tongue, as a result of this large slab of rock appears precisely as we think about a Troll’s tongue would.
The hike to this pure monument is as spectacular because the rock itself, taking you thru untouched surroundings and exhibiting you the most effective out of doors scenes that Norway has to supply.
With this information to the Trolltunga Hike in Norway, you’ll discover your self ready and able to conquer the route very quickly in any respect. Stick with it studying for detailed data on location, the most effective time to go, what to take with you and importantly, what to anticipate on the hike itself.
Don’t depart house with out: Lonely Planet Norway (Journey Information)
Climbing Trolltunga in Norway
The place is the Trolltunga?
The Trolltunga is 27 kilometers spherical journey from the small Norwegian village of Skjeggedal. The rock itself is discovered protruding above the equally lovely Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
The troll’s tongue is 700 meters within the air at its highest level. Standing on the far finish of the rock above the bottom far under will depart you speechless on the finish of the lengthy hike.
The hike begins within the village of Skjeggedal, within the Odda Area of Norway. Odda is the closest giant city and is round 17 kilometers away from the Trolltunga itself.
To get to Odda, it’s greatest to journey first to Bergen the place there’s a world airport and good transportation connections with the remainder of the nation, notably the capital Oslo.
From Bergen, it’s a 3-hour drive alongside 140 kilometers of winding roads to Odda, previous mountains and alongside fjords.
If touring by public transport from Bergen there’s a each day bus in the course of the summer season months which is able to take you to Odda. Bus Route 930 takes round 3 and a half hours to achieve Odda. It’s additionally doable to achieve Odda from Oslo.
There’s a direct bus referred to as the Haukeli Ekspressen which takes round 7 hours of journey time, or it’s doable to take a prepare to Voss after which change to a bus for the final leg to Odda.
From Odda there’s a each day shuttle bus taking hikers from campsites and inns within the city to the beginning level in Skjeggedal round 15 kilometers away or there are taxi companies accessible.
How we did it: we had been cruising the Norwegian Fjords from approach up within the North at Tromso ending in Bergen. So after we disembarked the ship we went to the bus station in Bergen and purchased tickets to Odda. The bus experience took round 4 hours, there are a few totally different route choices and a few are longer. We spent 2 nights in Odda earlier than beginning our Trolltunga hike (which we did in 2 days with tenting).
Don’t overlook: Southern Sweden and Norway (Nationwide Geographic Journey Map)
The place to Keep on the Trolltunga Hike
The Trolltunga hike is just too distant from any main Norwegian metropolis and the route is just too lengthy to be accomplished as a day journey, so inevitably you will want to remain in a single day in Odda or the encompassing space. Lodging selections embody inns, guesthouses, and quite a few campsites.
We spent 2 nights on the Trolltunga Lodge, which is sort of the hiker’s headquarters. Initially of June, each single individual we met there was doing the Trolltunga hike, so it’s good dialog and environment too.
It’s additionally doable to camp out on the path itself, though not in the beginning of the hike or proper on the finish by the Trolltunga rock. If selecting to camp, you will want to convey all your individual gear and be ready for these chilly Norwegian nights.
It must also be mentioned that you just’re not allowed to camp close to the path or alongside the path to Trolltunga legally. If you wish to abide by the native legal guidelines, you possibly can rent an organization to trek with that can let you legally camp on the finish, thus making it a 2-day mountain climbing journey.
Finest Time to Go to Trolltunga
The Trolltunga hike can solely be tried in the course of the summer season months. The precise size of a mountain climbing season relies upon solely on the climate, as that is a few of Norway’s most lovely but inhospitable terrain.
The winters are lengthy, darkish and snowy and the extent of snowfall annually will decide when the mountain climbing season can start.
Basically, the mountain climbing season runs from June fifteenth to September fifteenth. Throughout these summer season months, it’s allowed to hike the path unsupported. The climate is ideal and daylight are lengthy.
Earlier and later within the yr, March to June and September to October the hike may be tried solely with the help of knowledgeable native information. Circumstances are a lot more durable outdoors of summer season, daylight are much less and extra coaching, expertise and specialist gear will likely be wanted to finish the route safely.
In winter the hike is closed utterly. It’s simply too harmful.
We did the sundown/dawn Trolltunga hike in the course of the first week of June with Trolltunga Lively.
The Trolltunga Hike
The Trolltunga hike is roughly 27 kilometers spherical journey from the beginning level at Skjeggedal. It’s a protracted day hike and takes on common 10 to 12 hours of strolling there and again. The path is marked the complete distance.
Observe the ‘T’ indicators that are positioned alongside the route, the rock cairns and the occasional distance markers which is able to let you understand how far you’ve walked and simply how far you’ve gotten left to go.
It’s extremely beneficial that you just begin early within the day. Throughout summer season, the most recent begin time allowed is 10 am, however actually it’s greatest to begin earlier when you can to make sure you don’t need to rush again earlier than the sunsets.
The hike just isn’t straightforward and the elevation is hard, however the landscapes and the surroundings will likely be well worth the battle.
The hike begins on the automotive park in Skjeggedal subsequent to an outdated, out of service funicular. The path rises sharply uphill for the primary kilometer or so.
Most hikers say the primary a part of the route is the hardest, and even worse on the way in which again when you find yourself drained and exhausted, so tread fastidiously on the preliminary, rocky begin.
The general elevation gained on the hike to Trolltunga is simply over 1000 meters. 450 meters of that’s gained within the first kilometer or two. After that, it will get so much simpler so simply persevere at first and don’t quit.
The route can get muddy in summer season because the snow melts and the tracks are trampled underfoot. Even in the midst of the summer season months, you might discover there’s nonetheless snow and ice within the mountains like we did. That’s Norway for you. At all times icy.
After the primary few kilometers, the path remains to be uphill however extra gradual and also you’ll start to benefit from the sweeping mountain views over the lake under and the glaciers within the distance.
The surroundings is unreal and after 4 or 5 hours of strolling, relying in your health and velocity, you’ll arrive on the final vacation spot, the Trolltunga.
Trolltunga Etiquette
This hike is proving ever extra in style. Because the uncommon Trolltunga started to realize fame and recognition only a few years in the past customer numbers have risen exponentially every mountain climbing season.
That implies that on the finish of the hike there’ll most likely be a queue on the Troll’s Tongue to face on the sting for that good image. You wouldn’t stroll all that approach and never take a selfie, would you?
There are not any security railings so watch out on the sting. One vacationer was tragically killed right here after falling from the rock in 2015. Trolltunga etiquette insists that hikers wait their flip to stroll out onto the slender ledge, spend a minute or so getting an image after which permit others to do the identical.
Relying on how busy the mountain climbing path is, the longer the queue could possibly be. Within the peak of summer season, it might take as much as twenty minutes to attend in your flip.
Guided vs Unguided Climbing
Throughout summer season the hike may be walked unguided, however in the course of the shoulder months, a information is required. Trolltunga Lively is a neighborhood firm based mostly within the close by city and so they supply guided excursions of the route.
As I discussed earlier than, we went with them and had a incredible time. Their guides are very knowledgable and likewise educated in backcountry first support and rescue.
The advantages of the guided journeys are native data of the route, which might probably be harmful. There’s no probability of getting misplaced and if one thing goes flawed, there are professionals readily available to assist too.
The negatives are after all further prices and lack of independence. Through the peak summer season months, a information is pointless, as situations are simpler and there are many different hikers on the path too.
Making ready for the Trolltunga Hike
The hike is hard. Don’t underestimate the extent of health and the time required to finish the hike. Put together for the hike with superior coaching, ensuring you possibly can stroll the required distance within the time given.
The climb in the beginning is strenuous. We noticed approach too many individuals mountain climbing within the flawed gear and never carrying the right provisions.
Because the hike turns into extra in style there are increasingly more accidents and rescues occurring on this route. Don’t be one in every of them, be ready to be within the backcountry earlier than you begin this hike.
Be ready by sporting stable mountain climbing boots that you just’ve worn on earlier hikes and carry sufficient meals for the day. Take water, however keep in mind it’s doable to replenish from the streams because the water within the mountains right here is pure, glacial runoff and completely protected.
Additionally, don’t forget to convey re-hydration packets with electrolytes. When it’s heat, you’ll sweat profusely and wish these to take care of your muscle well being and energy on the hike.
There are not any services on the path and the final bathroom is on the automotive park the place the hike begins. In case you are tenting out, make sure to be self-sufficient.
At all times carry further heat clothes that you may maintain dry, because the climate in Norway’s mountains may be unpredictable at greatest. You don’t wish to get caught missing provides.
Climate in Norway is infamous for altering quick. You would possibly begin the hike in sunny, heat climate, solely to come across excessive winds and chilly midway by way of the hike. Don’t undertake this hike with out heat clothes, even if you’re beginning in shorts. Deliver an additional pair of socks and a hat.
One of many largest errors folks make just isn’t bringing sufficient meals on this hike. Even the fittest individual goes to wish 10 hours for this hike. You may be expending excessive quantities of energy and you should gasoline your self proper.
Eat a giant, calorie-dense breakfast within the morning earlier than you begin and pack a high-calorie lunch to take with you on the hike.
As well as, convey high quality snacks corresponding to protein bars, chocolate or nuts to eat in the course of the hike. Bear in mind, it’s higher to complete the hike with meals nonetheless in your backpack than to be up there with none gasoline.
Our Trolltunga Packing Fast Listing:
- Effectively-worn mountain climbing boots
- Heat Layers
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Buff Headwear
- Sun shades
- Sunscreen
- Digital camera
- Climbing Poles
- 20-30L backpack
- Water bottle or bladder, minimal measurement 1 liter
- Additional Socks
- Rehydration/Electrolyte Sachets
- Blister Package
- Primary First Assist Package
- 2 Calorie Dense Meals
- A number of Calorie Dense snacks (chocolate, nuts, path combine, vitality bars)
Trolltunga Suggestions & FAQ’s
Begin early. In case you are planning to do that hike in 1 day, as most do, make sure to give your self as a lot time as doable. The sooner the higher however make certain you don’t begin strolling any later than 9 am.
Pack sufficient meals. I can’t say this sufficient, it’s important that you just pack sufficient gasoline for this hike. It’s strenuous and lengthy. Don’t set off with out sufficient meals for 2 calorie-dense meals. Snacks may also assist enhance your morale and vitality on the way in which again.
Take electrolytes with you. Or re-hydration sachets. We personally witnessed folks affected by excessive bodily exhaustion once we have been there as a result of it was heat, they weren’t taking in sufficient water and have been outdoors of their bodily consolation zone. Our information even shared tales of individuals having to be airlifted out from dehydration. That is simply preventable by ingesting at the very least 2-3 liters of water every approach and downing some electrolytes whether it is heat out.
Take mountain climbing poles. We noticed lots of people strolling with out poles who stared enviously at ours. Your legs will thanks for the additional help and stability, particularly on the way in which again.
Deliver a correct backpack. You want one thing sufficiently big to hold all your layers, meals and water bottle. Ideally, select one thing with a hip belt to distribute the load accurately. I’d suggest a 20-30 liter bag at a minimal.
Trolltunga Prices. There isn’t a payment to hike Trolltunga independently. There are a few firms based mostly in Odda that provide guided Trolltunga day hikes and in a single day journeys at a payment. Most individuals choose to hike independently and take the shuttle from city to the trailhead.
Parking. You probably have a automotive and drive your self to the path begin you’ve gotten two choices, each are paid. The principle authentic lot is the place most individuals will park and the associated fee just isn’t low-cost at NOK500. Final summer season a paved highway was completed that results in the highest of the hill, that means you may reduce out that first huge climb and save your self 1.5 hours of mountain climbing. The drive up may be very steep, with many hairpin turns to finish at a small car parking zone on the prime. It prices NOK600 to safe one of many 30 spots, which can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation. Additionally it is doable to take a shuttle to this car parking zone and begin the hike from there.
Loos. There are bathrooms on the trailhead. Be sure to use them earlier than you set off as there are not any bathrooms on the path. Whereas mountain climbing, make sure to abide by correct bush bathroom etiquette and don’t depart bathroom paper on the bottom. Perform what you carry in or bury it correctly.
The official path opening is June 15 by way of September 15. Throughout this time you aren’t required to have a information to hike to Trolltunga. You can see the path markers are extremely seen throughout this time and there will likely be loads of different hikers on the path.
Climbing the path from September 16 to June 14 requires hiring a information. The Trolltunga hike leads you thru excessive terrain with ever-changing mountain situations. You’re prone to encounter temperamental climate, snow and antagonistic situations throughout this time interval. It isn’t unusual for ill-prepared folks to require a rescue throughout this era.
Emergency Huts. After a rise in vacationer rescues alongside this hike, there was a collection of emergency shelters put in alongside the path. These huts are bare-bones however act as safety from the weather if you end up caught out in dangerous climate. If you end up in an emergency state of affairs, make your method to the closest hut and keep there. This will increase your possibilities of being retrieved shortly by the mountain rescue crew.
Rubbish on the path. Don’t depart trash on the path. Don’t depart ANYTHING on the path, for that matter. This goes for undesirable clothes and tenting gear too. It was appalling to me what number of sleeping pads, sleeping luggage and tents have been simply left on the path. When you stroll in with it, you should stroll out with it.
Our Private Ideas on Trolltunga
This hike is attractive, onerous and the phrase is out. It is likely one of the most wanted spots in Norway, for good purpose but it surely shouldn’t be underestimated. We lucked out and had a number of the most lovely climate doable in Norway.
It was sunny, vibrant and heat making for good strolling situations. We selected to interrupt the hike up over 2 days in order that we may actually take pleasure in being at Trolltunga. We took our time on the way in which there, arriving late afternoon and having time to attend till the crowds thinned.
Other than a handful of different folks, we loved a quiet sundown over the fjord and trolls tongue. Since we camped, we bought up early to observe the dawn and had the entire place to ourselves earlier than the early riser crowds began to reach.
After we set off at 10am, the road for photographs was already 20 folks deep. I actually assume there’s a satisfaction to realize in taking the time to camp within the space and benefit from the silence that comes with that.
Does it meet expectations and can we really feel it was well worth the effort? Completely! The Trolltunga hike is a Prime 100 Journey Journey for purpose and when you’re bodily able to doing it and may commit do being correctly ready it’s an incredible journey that we extremely suggest you undertake in your subsequent journey to Norway.
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