Trolltunga - all you need to know about hiking the "Troll's tongue"

Trolltunga (Troll's tongue) is a rock formation and a popular hike in Norway. The hike takes about 7 -12 hours depending on where you start from.

Tucked away between fjords, villages and towns, you will find some of the most beautiful and breathtaking rock formations in Norway, like Trolltunga (Troll's tongue). They have been here for thousands of years, shaped and battered by the Ice Ages and the elements.

Hiking in the mountains gives you a feeling of freedom, a feeling of overcoming and conquering. Each mountain and each summit has its own personality, charm and identity. Trolltunga rock in Norway has all this in abundance; there is no other rock formation quite like this one, it is without equal.

For each step you take, it is as if you are getting closer and closer to a kingdom of the trolls, carved in stone and ready to welcome you. Mythical, majestic and with a magical atmosphere – far up in the mountains.

Photo: Sveinung Klyve / www.fjordnorway.com

You do not need to travel for days to enter Western Norway's mountain country. If you are looking for bigger challenges than you will find in the mountains around Bergen, we recommend a trip to the Hardanger region, and more specifically to the Skjeggedal valley, not far from the industrial town of Odda.

It is here that you start the hike up to Trolltunga rock, one of the most spectacular rock formations in Norway. It is situated at 1,180 metres above sea level and around 700 metres above Ringedalsvannet lake in Skjeggedal.

People come here from all over the world to go on the impressive walk, a walk that has become world famous in recent years as a result of international media coverage. Roughly 80,000 people a year choose to do this hike.

Bergen to Trolltunga:

Starting from Bergen, we highly recommend that you head for Odda or Tyssedal the day before and stay overnight. It's also recommended that you stay locally the night after the tour because of how long and demanding the tour is.  

The trip from Bergen is roughly 150 km and the journey is an experience in itself. It takes you through Hardanger, Norway's orchard, and alongside the beautiful Hardangerfjord and into the Sørfjord. The drive from Bergen to Odda will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours.

If you are travelling from Bergen to Odda for the Trolltunga hike, you can take bus number 930 from Bergen Bus Station (bay O). The bus takes about 3 hours. Please note that it is not possible to take the bus from Bergen and do the hike up Trolltunga on the same day. If you have the Bergen Card, the bus journey is free. Passengers are free on the ferry crossing between Tørrvikbygd and Jonal. 

How long does the hike take?

You need to be in good shape to do this hike. You have to allow plenty of time, because it is a long and demanding walk that will take you between 7 - 12 hours there and back. (4-6 hours each direction)

Parking:

There are three different parking lots: P1, P2 and P3.

P3 Måglitopp is the shortest option at 20 km and 7-10 hours. You can reach it by shuttle bus, or drive yourself - though note that self-parking at P3 is limited to 30 spaces and requires pre-booking for most of the season.

P3 Mågelitopp is open from 8 June to 30 September 2026. Pre-booking is mandatory until 31 August - drop-ins are not accepted during this period. From 1 September, both pre-booking and drop-in are available

The height difference from P2 Skjeggedal to Trolltunga is about 800 meters and from P3 Måglitopp about 320 meters.

If both P2 and P3 are full - or you simply want the longest possible route - you can also start from P1 Tyssedal. This adds significantly to the distance and time: 38 km round trip, taking around 15 hours, with a total elevation gain of 2,000 metres.

Toilet facilities:

Please note that there are no toilets along the trail to Trolltunga. We encourage you to use the facilities at the P2 Skjeggedal or P1 Tyssedal parking areas before starting the long hike.

Shuttle bus from Odda:

Two companies run shuttle buses from Odda to P1 Tyssedal and P2 Skjeggedal: Odda Taxi and Odda Buss. They stop at different places along the route. From P2 Skjeggedal, a separate bus (the Trolltunga Road-Bus) runs up to P3 Måglitopp - taking this saves about 7 km and 1-1.5 hours each way.

Here you will find useful information about the shuttle buses and taxi as well as a useful map.

Remember to book your shuttle bus in advance.

Photo: Scott Sporleder / Matador Network / www.fjordnorway.com

The trail: what to expect along the way

From P2 Skjeggedal, the trip starts on a narrow paved road up to P3, about 400 meters above sea level. You spend about 1 hour on this stretch which is 4.3 km long. From P3 Måglitopp it is 10 km to Trolltunga.

The trip to Trolltunga is well marked and goes via Gryteskaret which is perhaps the most demanding part of the trip. Then follows a steep climb up to Trombeskar and a descent to Store Floren. Here is also the emergency hut called Floren. Here you can seek shelter in the case of an emergency.

The route is signposted where there are forks in the path. You will also pass signs telling how far you have come and how far you have left.

Then, after a long and magnificent walk lasting 4-6 hours, you have finally arrived at your destination. And what a sight it is. There it stands, a magical rock outcrop, protruding into thin air, ready to show you a view of Norwegian nature the likes of which you have never seen before.

Trolltunga juts out at right angles to the mountainside, like a huge troll's tongue carved in stone.  It has been there for thousands of years, just waiting for you to make your way to its edge, to admire the view, breath out and congratulate yourself for having climbed onto one of the most famous and unique mountain plateaus in Norway.

If you lift your gaze towards Folgefonna, one of the biggest glaciers in Norway, and if you dare to peek over the edge, you will see 700 metres straight down to Ringedalsvannet lake and the Skjeggedal valley.

If you suffer from a fear of heights, then you will probably find it more than enough just to take a few steps onto the rock and take a selfie, just to prove to your friends and acquaintances that you have been there. They are guaranteed to be impressed. Whatever you do, you have to be careful, because here it is the forces of nature that are in command.

When to hike Trolltunga: From June - end of September:

If you are doing the hike without a guide, it is only possible from beginning of June to end of September. However, we do recommend a guide for a safer and even more enjoyable experience. Outside the main season it is not possible to hike without a guide.

You need to plan well before starting, and remember to take good mountain clothing, sturdy footwear, sticking plaster, food, drink and a map and compass with you. Start the walk early in the day and check the weather forecast beforehand. Read our 10 practical tips on hiking in Norway.

There is partly no mobile phone coverage (Telenor) on the route, and if you are planning to stay overnight, then bringing your own tent is the only option. 

Depending on snow and weather conditions, the season will vary from year to year. Here is a guideline:

1 June - 30 September: Recommend with guide. (Experienced hikers can walk without guide. Start before 08:00. In June July you can start a little bit later.)

1 October - 31 May: Only with guide

Guided tours with Trolltunga Adventures and Trolltunga Active:

The hike to Trolltunga is long and challenging, even for experienced hikers. We therefore recommend going on a guided tour as well as spending the night in the mountains along the way. If you have not slept in a tent before, this is a great experience. Also knowing that the guide will take you safely there and back is a great reassurance and you can just focus on enjoying the beautiful scenery. Another bonus is that you avoid the crowds and you get plenty of time at the "tongue" itself. (Very nice, because you would want to take a lot of pictures!)

A guided tour with Trolltunga Adventures provides the guide, tents, food and all equipment required.

Read more about the hike "Trolltunga guided overnight hike" here. (Summer season)If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, then try hiking Trolltunga in winter. It can be quite magical to experience Trolltunga when everything is covered in snow. During winter and spring, Trolltunga is a unique experience with few or no tourists in the mountains, crystal clear air, and several meters of snow. Trolltunga Adventures will provide snowshoes and poles if required. Read more about Trolltunga winter hike here. 

Both Trolltunga Active and Trolltunga Adventures offers day trips. Read more about their offers below.

If you would like to book a private tour for you and your group, both companies can also provide this. You can also book the tour Private round trip from Bergen to Trolltunga with Activity Norway.

Weather and safety:

Check the weather report before you go, and be prepared for changing weather!

All nature based activities are at your own risk. You will need sturdy hiking boots, bring extra warm clothing, rainwear and be prepared for bad weather. Bring map and compass, plenty to eat and drink, a torch and a simple first aid kit. Weather in the high mountains can change quickly - check the latest weather forecast before heading out. DO NOT attempt this hike in strong wind, heavy rain or in foggy weather. It is always colder in the mountains than down by the fjord. Respect the nature.

Photo: Trolltunga Adventures 

Every year there are search and rescue operations for hikers in serious trouble. Prepare well and be a responsible and safe hiker. Start early in the morning. Norway is far north, meaning daylight is short from September and nights are very cold. We recommend starting at latest 8:00 in the morning. Read more about weather in the fjords of Norway.

During the summer season you can find daily reports on the conditions of the track as well as timings for the shuttle bus at trolltunga.com

Closest Airport to Trolltunga:

The closest airport to Trolltunga is Bergen Airport Flesland. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from the airport to the startpoint of the hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Trolltunga hike take?
The full hike takes 7-12 hours round trip, depending on where you start. From P2 Skjeggedal it's 8-12 hours (27 km); from P3 Måglitopp it's 7-10 hours (20 km); from P1 Tyssedal it's around 15 hours (38 km).

Do I need to book parking or the shuttle bus in advance?
Yes, especially for P3 Måglitopp, where self-parking is limited to 30 spaces and pre-booking is mandatory until 31 August. We also recommend booking your shuttle bus in advance.

Do I need a guide to hike Trolltunga?
From 1 June to 30 September, experienced hikers can do it without a guide. (However, a guide is strongly recommended)

How do I get to Trolltunga from Bergen?
The drive from Bergen to Odda takes about 2.5-3 hours. Bus number 930 also runs from Bergen Bus Station, taking about 3 hours - note that it's not possible to bus from Bergen and complete the hike on the same day.

Are there toilets along the trail?
No, there are no toilets along the trail itself. Use the facilities at P1 Tyssedal or P2 Skjeggedal before you start.

Is Trolltunga dangerous?
The hike is long and demanding, with search and rescue operations occurring every year for hikers in trouble. Start early, check the weather forecast, and avoid the hike in strong wind, heavy rain, or fog.

For planning your attractions and activities in Bergen before or after your hike, check out things to do in Bergen here.