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- Region
- Norway
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Fjord (400–1,100 m)
- Best season
- May – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Fjord (400–1,100 m)
- Best season: May – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Trolltunga (Norway)
Topic summary
The 1,100-m Troll's Tongue rock projection over Ringedalsvatnet — 28-km round-trip.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: May – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Fjord (400–1,100 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Trolltunga (Norway) trip tools
How to get there
Skjeggedal is the village identified as the starting point for the 27-kilometre round-trip hike to Trolltunga, in Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland county. Confirm transport and trailhead arrangements before travelling.
- Skjeggedal
Village starting point for the documented hike to Trolltunga. Set out fully supplied; there are no places to buy supplies along the hiking route.
- Trolltunga
The on-foot destination of the hike from Skjeggedal, not a separate road-access trailhead. The formation projects above the north side of Ringedalsvatnet at 1,126 metres above sea level.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Trolltunga (Norway)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Animals around Trolltunga (Norway)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Trolltunga (Norway)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Trolltunga (Norway)
Planning to fish Trolltunga (Norway)? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Norway are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Trolltunga (Norway)?
- A Norway fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Norway fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Trolltunga (Norway)
Thinking about hunting Trolltunga (Norway)? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Norway are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Trolltunga (Norway)?
- Confirm the land around Trolltunga (Norway) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Norway?
- A Norway hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A cliff above Ringedalsvatnet
Trolltunga is a horizontal rock formation in Ullensvang Municipality, in Norway’s Vestland county. Its name means “the troll tongue,” a direct description of the narrow-looking projection jutting out from the mountain. The formation stands at 1,126 metres above sea level, about 700 metres above the north side of Ringedalsvatnet. That setting defines the visit: a mountain hike ending at a cliff with a substantial drop, rather than a roadside viewpoint. The lake below gives the formation its striking sense of height, but the exposed edge demands care. Keep movement deliberate near the cliff and do not let taking a photograph dictate where to stand. Plan around the full walk back, not just reaching the rock.
A demanding walk from Skjeggedal
The documented hike starts at the village of Skjeggedal and covers 27 kilometres round-trip. Allow at least 10 hours on rough terrain; this is a very challenging outing, not a short walk to a viewpoint. Distance alone does not capture the commitment, because uneven ground adds effort and can slow the return when legs are tired. Choose this hike only with the fitness, footwear and supplies needed for a long mountain day. Carry food, water and clothing suitable for changing mountain weather, and leave enough time and energy to retrace the route. A turnaround decision should reflect the group’s pace and remaining daylight rather than the desire to reach the formation at any cost.
Self-sufficiency and visitor pressure
There are no places to buy supplies along the hiking route, so everything needed for the day should leave Skjeggedal with the group. Two emergency cabins are identified along the trail, but those are not a substitute for carrying appropriate equipment or planning a self-sufficient outing. Do not build an itinerary around a staffed lodge, routine shelter stops or resupply. Trolltunga’s popularity has grown sharply: annual hiking numbers rose from fewer than 800 before 2010 to an estimated more than 80,000 in 2016. Those historical figures explain its transition into a major attraction, but do not establish current crowd levels. Give other walkers room on rough ground and remain patient near the destination, where the cliff setting makes careful movement especially important.
Route options
- Skjeggedal–Trolltunga round-trip27 kilometres round-tripVery challenging
The complete hike from Skjeggedal to the rock formation and back. Allow at least 10 hours on rough terrain and carry all supplies needed for the outing.
- Skjeggedal to Trolltunga outward legRough mountain terrain
The outward portion of the same round-trip hike, ending at the cliff above Ringedalsvatnet. This is not a separate shorter route or a through-hike; reaching the formation still leaves the return to Skjeggedal.
Sample itineraries
- Skjeggedal to Trolltunga day hike · 1 day
Take the 27-kilometre round-trip hike from Skjeggedal to Trolltunga. Allow at least 10 hours for this very challenging route over rough terrain. Carry all supplies and make the return journey part of the plan, not an afterthought.
- Preparation day and Trolltunga hike · 2 days
Use the first day to prepare supplies, check local conditions and assess readiness. On the second day, complete the 27-kilometre round trip from Skjeggedal, allowing at least 10 hours. This is a preparation-and-hike schedule, not an overnight trail itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
When winter conditions begin to ease
Do not assume the mountain route is ready simply because lower ground is clear. Check current footing and weather before committing to a long hike over rough terrain.
Summer
During locally confirmed hiking conditions
The route remains very challenging even in favorable weather. Budget at least 10 hours, carry all supplies and check the forecast for the mountain rather than relying on conditions at the start.
Fall
As daylight decreases
Compare available daylight with a hike lasting at least 10 hours. Carry lighting and insulating layers, and reconsider the outing if weather or footing would slow the return.
Winter
During winter mountain conditions
Do not treat the summer-style hiking plan as automatically suitable. Norway's mountain travel can shift to skiing in winter, but that does not establish a winter route to Trolltunga. Confirm local conditions and appropriate skills before planning an outing.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | When winter conditions begin to ease | Do not assume the mountain route is ready simply because lower ground is clear. Check current footing and weather before committing to a long hike over rough terrain. |
| Summer | During locally confirmed hiking conditions | The route remains very challenging even in favorable weather. Budget at least 10 hours, carry all supplies and check the forecast for the mountain rather than relying on conditions at the start. |
| Fall | As daylight decreases | Compare available daylight with a hike lasting at least 10 hours. Carry lighting and insulating layers, and reconsider the outing if weather or footing would slow the return. |
| Winter | During winter mountain conditions | Do not treat the summer-style hiking plan as automatically suitable. Norway's mountain travel can shift to skiing in winter, but that does not establish a winter route to Trolltunga. Confirm local conditions and appropriate skills before planning an outing. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access requirements and any permit arrangements with the managing agency.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Trolltunga projects about 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet. Keep well back from unprotected edges and avoid risky positioning for photographs.
- The 27-kilometre round trip takes at least 10 hours over rough terrain; fatigue can make the return more difficult.
- There are no places to buy supplies along the route. Carry enough food, water and essential equipment for the whole outing.
- Two emergency cabins are identified along the trail, but ordinary shelter is not available. Do not plan around emergency cabins as routine accommodation.
- At 1,126 metres above sea level, weather exposure deserves careful planning. Carry protection against cold, wind and rain.
What to pack for Trolltunga (Norway)
- Sturdy footwear suited to rough terrain
- Waterproof outer layers
- Insulating layer
- Warm hat and gloves
- Food for a full hiking day
- Extra food for delays
- Enough drinking water for the outing
- Map and navigation tools
- Headlamp and spare power
- First-aid kit
- Emergency weather protection
- Charged phone
Trolltunga (Norway) FAQ
- Where is Trolltunga?
- Trolltunga is in Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland county, Norway. The rock formation sits at 1,126 metres above sea level and projects above the north side of Ringedalsvatnet.
- How long is the hike from Skjeggedal?
- The round trip is 27 kilometres and takes at least 10 hours. Rough terrain makes this a very challenging hike, not a short walk to a viewpoint.
- Can supplies be bought along the trail?
- No. Carry everything needed for the hike; there are no places to buy supplies along the route.
- Is there shelter along the route?
- There are two emergency cabins, but no ordinary shelters for routine use. Plan to be self-sufficient rather than depending on a cabin stop.
- Is Trolltunga suitable for a casual outing?
- The distance, rough terrain and minimum 10-hour duration demand substantial stamina and preparation. Choose the hike only if everyone in the group can manage the full return journey.
- What should determine the hiking day?
- Current mountain conditions, the weather forecast, available daylight and the group's fitness should guide the decision. Leave enough time and energy for the return to Skjeggedal.