Odda

Norway Travel Tips – Things To Know Before Visiting

July 15, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Have you always dreamed of seeing the fjords? But don’t you have any desire to take part in a cruise that forces you on board for days? You can organize the trip, it’s quite simple, you can book everything you need online.

The first thing to say about Norway is that is very big. You certainly can’t visit it all in a week. Having to make a selection, we recommend that you opt for a classic itinerary that is affordable for everyone, even for families with children. You will have to evaluate your budget because Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world.

If you are considering a trip to Norway, the following Norway travel tips should come in handy and form as part of things to consider when planning a trip to Norway. Norway is an amazing country for nature and adventure lovers.

If you love a city break there are plenty of amazing cities to visit in Norway too. From the beautiful city of Bergen, surrounding by 7 stunning mountains, many of which have cool viewpoints like Mount Ulriken.

Book As Early As Possible

This way you will have much more possibilities to secure the most convenient tickets for public transport such as airplanes, trains and buses – and also the least expensive overnight stays.

Norway as we said is a really expensive country, so it is good to book everything including air and overnight stays as soon as possible. If you are looking to hike the Trolltunga trail, I cannot stress enough how important it is to book hotels near Trolltunga is because there aren’t many and once they are sold out you will have no option but camping in Odda or nearby towns.

This is not that pleasant when the weather is bad. Another thing to mention is that with Norway being a popular destination for nature holidays majority of which require a road trip so you will have to make sure you book your rental car in advance otherwise you will be left with even more expensive options.

Travel out of season

When it comes to things to know before travelling to Norway booking out of season is up there among top things to know when planning a trip to Norway. It’s a smart way to find cheaper overnight stays and transportation, plus, you won’t have to see the most popular attractions with so many other people.

You can save even if you travel like the locals, with public transport. Cities like Oslo is a lot calmer and a little cheaper to during and towards the end of busy seasons.

Inexpensive nights

Norway has around 1000 campsites with pitches for tents, caravans and campers. It is a good idea to book your seat in advance if you travel in the high season. Most of the campsites offer bungalows for rent, from very simple to more luxurious ones.

In hostels, pensions, guest houses and bed & breakfasts you can often find accommodation at even more advantageous prices. Or could you stay overnight on a farm? You can also rent a holiday home or chalet through specific sites.

Travel with others

Plan your trip to Norway with your family or a group of friends. This way you can rent a larger chalet, apartment or house and use it as a base. It is a solution that can significantly reduce costs. Check out Booking.com for the latest deals on hotels and accommodation in Norway.

Buy local foods

Having the ability to cook, at least for some parts of the trip, works wonders for your budget. You can prepare yourself an unforgettable picnic or a dinner with local delicacies without emptying your wallet. Stop at the direct sale of a farm or a deli, or simply a normal grocery store.

Especially in rural areas there are shelves reserved for local foods. Buy local cheeses – many of which are among the best in the world – creamy butter, meat toppings, cold cuts and fresh bread.

In Oslo you can find trendy and affordable street food in Vippa or from Oslo Street Food in Torggata. We found this invaluable during our road trip in Norway. We could so by local shops and buy groceries to cut costs from restaurants around towns.

Also if you are planning on renting an apartment of using Airbnb this works great too as you have access to a kitchen and can make breakfast and lunches too.

Fresh drinks

A nice water bottle, which keeps its contents cold, is a good investment, so you can fill it with pure and free water directly from the tap. But choose to treat yourself well at breakfast with an incredibly fresh Eplemost (Norwegian apple juice).

And yes, we like to have a beer outside in the sun, but not necessarily in the most expensive bar in the city.

In most places in Norway, you can buy beer from local producers and microbreweries at the farmer’s market or in grocery stores. You can also drop by Vinmonopolet, to get some fresh and trendy Norwegian cider. Check out my guide on Norweigen beers not to miss out on when visiting Norway.

Restaurants accessible

Most Norwegian cities have restaurants for all price ranges. You can often take the dish of the day, based on fresh ingredients, in modest numbers. Try to taste local dishes such as cod, fish soup, or maybe a moose burger – delicious foods and within your spending limit.

And why not try Norwegian delicacies such as waffles, cinnamon rolls and svele? They are cheap but full of energy and taste.

Stop longer

One way to cut expenses is to stay in one place for a longer period of time and rather spend your money on on-site adventures. Many travellers want to be able to do everything when planning a vacation to Norway, where distances can be incredibly long, which means you miss out on many beautiful local attractions. If you are staying longer or planning to explore Norway for a longer period it helps to also learn a couple of Norwegian phrases too.

Natural attractions

Norway is like a large natural park where you can go hiking, cycling, skiing, kayaking and climbing, or simply enjoy the spectacular landscapes and the enchanting villages and towns. However, it can be a good investment to participate in one of the many guided activities offered across the country.

A guide often adds something more to the experience. In many locations we rent equipment such as bicycles, skis, canoes, kayaks, climbing equipment and more. I shared additional tips on the best-guided hiking tours in Norway taking you out on some of Norway’s famous hike trails.

Explore the national parks

The numerous Norwegian national parks are our most beautiful and important natural areas. You are more than welcome to explore them, if you do it respectfully.

This means leaving nothing but your footprints and staying on the marked paths. Always bring your waste back and use the toilets where possible. If nature calls along the way, move away from the path and cover well when you’re done.

Enjoy the outdoors

Some of the best things in life are free and do you good. “Friluftsliv” is the Norwegian term for “outdoor life” and is an integral part of our DNA. Remember though that we are all custodians of this natural treasure. Don’t leave garbage lying around and show respect for people, animals and nature.

You can pitch a tent or sleep under the stars in the countryside, in the forests or in the mountains, if you are at least 150 meters away from the nearest inhabited house or chalet. However, locations with many travellers may have more stringent camping restrictions, so check with your local tourist office before deciding to spend a night in the outdoors.

Take a cycling holiday

An inexpensive way to experience Norway up close is by bicycle. The period between April and October is the best, but in very popular places, such as the Lofoten Islands, it is better to avoid the high season from mid-June to mid-August. If you come in the low season there will also be less traffic and you will find budget nights more easily.

See which are the ideal destinations for cycling, where you can rent road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes and even find accommodation for cyclists. You can also purchase pre-arranged bicycle tours, some of which offer luggage transportation.

Is it convenient to travel to Norway in winter?

Preparing an itinerary for Norway in January is not difficult, but there can be some challenges to consider:

There are many things to see but you have to deal with different difficulties:

The few hours of light (the sun remains above the horizon for one hour in early January !!!)
The cold, but if you stay on the west coast it is tolerable
Oversized prices
The distances that seem enormous
Means of transport that undergo significant seasonal changes!

But in winter there is also the Northern Lights. To answer to this question, we asked ourselves before: no, it is not convenient to go to Norway in winter. It really depends on your budget and what you expect. Certainly, if you want to see the Northern Lights it is the right time but be careful of the price.

Sample Itineraries – Norway Travel Itinerary Options

In addition to the above travel trips for Norway, below samples of ready-made itineraries. They are short itineraries, which make the most of the time and the means and which you can fit as you wish. Below are 8 possible travel itineraries perfect for those in need of Norway holiday ideas. For additional inspiration you can check out these Southern Norway road trip itineraries.

ITINERARY 1

Day 1: Train from Oslo to Bergen. Boarding in the evening on Hurtigruten.
Day 2: On board Hurtigruten
Day 3: On board Hurtigruten
Day 4: Arrival in Bodo: possibility to continue to the Lofoten islands by ferry or to return to Oslo by train or plane.

ITINERARY 2

Day 1: Day in Oslo, night train to Trondheim.
Day 2: Arrival in Trondheim, Train to Bodo, night in Bodo.
Day 3: Ship from Bodo to Moskenes, in the Lofoten islands.
Day 4: … stay in Lofoten. Check out this site for Loften tours.
Return via Bodo (reachable by ferry) or Evenes (reachable by car) at the end of your stay

ITINERARY 3

Day 1: Flight Oslo / Evenes (Narvic), from here a rental car to visit Vesteralen and Lofoten.
Day n: Evening Hurtigruten from Svolvær (Lofoten islands) to Tromsø
Day n + 1: Arrival in Tromsø in the middle of the day.
Day n + 2: Stay in Tromsø
Day n + n: Return by plane from Tromsø to Oslo

ITINERARY 4

Day 1: Train from Oslo to Bergen. Night in Bergen.
Day 2: Flight Bergen / Tromsø and stay in Tromsø
Day 4: Return by flight Tromsø / Oslo or Hurtigruten to the Lofoten islands … and start again!

ITINERARY 5

Day 1: Flight Oslo / Tromsø
Day 2: Stay in Tromsø
Day 3: Stay in Tromsø
Day 4: Flight Tromsø / Bergen
Day 5: Stay in Bergen
Day 6: Return to Oslo by train from Bergen

ITINERARY 6

Day 1: Flight Oslo / Evenes, from here a rental car to visit Vesteralen and Lofoten.
… .. Stay in Lofoten
Day n: Evenes / Bergen flight
Day 5: Stay in Bergen
Day 6: Return to Oslo by train from Bergen

Overall, Norway is absolutely STUNNING!! When it comes to when the best time to visit Norway I would say that any time other than winter unless you are coming for a short stay for Northern lights. You will explore more and further during summer and springtime in Norway.

You will have better weather, you will explore on foot for longer, you will have far more nature trails you can explore without a guide when the weather is better than during the winter.

However, planning a trip to Norway one cannot ignore the costs to as I have said about booking early means you have wider access to hostel, hotels, and other forms of accommodation. Traveling in Norway is not easy, as you will have seen, there are really many variables to consider. You may travel alone, with family, with friends.

You have to consider how much money you have and how many days of holiday you can take. I hope our little travel tricks shade some light on what to expect when traveling to Norway. For more specific Norway tips for traveling around the country check out my posts my Norway blog posts.

Also Read:

Things To Bring When Visiting Europe
The Best Luggage To Use In Europe
What To Pack For Norway
How To Get To Trolltunga
What To Pack For A Month In Europe
Best Day Trips From Bergen
How To Plan A Trip To Europe
Best Books About Norway
Top Europe Hashtags For Instagram

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Do It For The Culture! Norwegian Beers You Need To Check Out

January 18, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

As you have seen in my other post on Greek Beers, whenever I travel, checking out the local food and beer is all part of experiencing the culture. Our visit to Norway was no direct and neither was the Icelandic trip too. Below is a short history of Norwegian beer, culture, rules and beers you should try when you are exploring the many cities in Norway.

What To Know About Norwegian Beers

About a decade ago, it was a rather complicated life for beer lovers in Norway. The only type of beer on tap was lager. Didn’t like it? Too bad. So, most Norwegians drank whatever lager was on tap. But the times have changed. Now, hundreds of new breweries have popped up, gaining attention for their delicious craft beers. You can experience many of these Norwegian beers on many of the beer tours offered in Oslo, Bergen and other cites across Norway.

In ten years, the market share for craft brewers has grown from zero to four percent. There are breweries in all 20 counties plus the Arctic settlement of Spitsbergen. Craft brewers now employ 25 percent of the workforce in Norwegian breweries.

Beer Quality

Big or small, all Norwegian microbreweries share a common passion to brew “real beer,” unfiltered, unpasteurized and made from the world’s finest malts and hops, then “bottle-conditioned” or left to ferment naturally in the bottle. It is fair to say that for many Norwegian producers, quality comes first.

Take a sip of these brews and you’ll be hooked by a complexity, smoothness and aroma usually associated with fine wine. Though borrowing from the brewing traditions of Germany, Belgium, England and the U.S., Norwegian microbrewers also share a love of experimentation.

Beer History In Norway

Beer has been brewed in Norway since before the age of the Vikings. In fact, sources indicate that brewing was carried out as early as 330BC. They have been perfecting the craft for over two thousand years!

As you can imagine, Norwegian beer went through many different stages throughout its long history, with many ups and downs. Always changing, always developing into something new and creative. There were also times when the future of beer in Norway seemed rather bleak. During the Second World War, the resources were scarce and so beer was barely even brewed, and when it was, it generally became weaker and thinner. The situation began improving in 1956, when Christmas beer was brewed again.

The beer renaissance started later in Norway than elsewhere, but beer is an important part of Norwegian cuisine and was brewed by almost every farmer in the past. In fact, they were at risk of even losing their farm and be kicked out of the country for not brewing, as it was a rule that you had to comply with. Nowadays, the rule has been reversed, because beer taxes are now very high and advertising is prohibited. Such high taxation that is the government’s attempt to curb alcoholism is a serious threat to the growth of beer industry in Norway. Whether the plan works or not, is debatable.

Drinking culture In Norway

Generally labeled as being slightly reserved and cautious, many Norwegians tend to turn that around when drinking. It often appears to be without limits, sometimes leading to excess and culminates into situations often associated with binge-drinking. Of course, this is not only a Norwegian problem but an apparent global one. In Norway, however, the high alcohol prices force young adults to get wasted with cheap alcohol during the vorspiel, or pre-party, and eventually end up turning into jumping jolly bouncing balls on Oslo’s dance floors on the weekends.

Long tradition of brewing Christmas beer

A tradition that originated during pre-Christian times survives to this day and is an important part of Norwegian culture. Brewing winter and Christmas beer is one of the oldest Norwegian traditions, Pottøl (“pot beer”) and søttøl (sweet beer) were the two main kinds of Christmas beer invented towards the end of the 1800s. Their noticeably sweet, rich flavour was designed to pair well with most Christmas foods. Nowadays, thanks to Norway’s recent microbrewery revolution, Christmas beers are some of the most important drinks a Norwegian brewery can produce. One such beer is known as juleøl, a strong, dark, malty ale exclusively available during Christmas.

The typical Christmas beer is darker, fuller and with a higher alcohol percentage than that consumed during the preceding months. In the past, all Norwegians, rich and poor, were required by law to brew their own beer, and gathering to indulge in this beverage was considered sacred.

Along with the intensely flavourful beer, Norwegians also drink aquavit, a typical liqueur from the Nordic countries made with potatoes and spices. Aquavit, which in Norway is matured in oak barrels, helps digest the typical empachos which is a common Christmas dish.

Pineapple Oceans IPA (6.6%) – from the brewery in Oslo, Norway with their fantastic artwork, always accompanied by and epic brew within! Appearance: Hazy, golden orange with a minimal head. Aroma: Sweet and quite malty with a cracking mix of pineapple, toffee apple and honey.

Sippin’ Into Darkness Bourbon Barrel Aged (12.0%) – barrel aged version of Sippin’ Into Darkness, a new dimension of great beer! A sweet imperial stout straight from the creative minds of 2 of the world’s best head brewers right now. They’ve taken a rich malty imperial stout and added in Candi syrup, Lactose, Cocoa nibs and vanilla to give this quite dry stout a fresh lick of paint in a sweet facelift. The cocoa added to the roasted dark chocolate flavours and comes out on the body whilst the candi sugar and vanilla dominate the finish of this excellent beer

There’s A Beer In My Fridge, And I Need A Drink IPA (7.2%) – a collab between Norwegian Lervig, and one of the most sought after breweries in Europe Mancs Cloudwater. Lervig introduced rye to the IPA mix, with its spicy, smooth character complemented by Golden Promise Pale malt and hazy-making effects. They juiced it twice with hops though their new HopGun, and tripled-down on dankness with Chinook, Mosaic and Simcoe, finishing with Citra blast.

Eternal Rest 2017 (14.0%) – carefully selected barrels of stout from Nøgne ø’s cellar, blended together to capture a singular moment in time. Eternal Rest is a combination of Russian Imperial Stout aged for 19 months in Armagnac Barrels and Imperial Stout aged 25 months in Bourbon Barrels. The blend was then conditioned on top of fresh vanilla beans and toasted coconut.

Alcohol rules

In Norway, you cannot buy beer after 8pm Monday to Friday, or after 6pm Saturdays. Not at all on Sundays, any public holidays, and limited hours only on Christmas Eve, Pentecost Eve and New Year’s Eve. Basically, you should learn to be very organized with your alcohol shopping in Norway – but at 7.57 pm on a Wednesday, just before that Champions League match starts, you’re likely to find several stressed out people queuing in your local shop to get that 6-pack scanned before 8.

Drinking in public is illegal in Norway and subject to fines. In many cities, the police will primarily react if the use of alcohol is causing trouble and drinking in parks is quite common. Most officers will ask the drinker to empty the bottle without further reactions.

Norwegian Beer Brands To Note

Nogne
Hansa
Ringnes
Mack
Dahls

Beer-Related Events In Norway To Bookmark For Your Trip

Bergen Craft Beer Fest

Taking place on March 28^th, 2020, Norway’s largest international beer festival will present a line-up of 20 exciting breweries from around the world, including from Finland, England, Iceland and Serbia. This year will be the 4^th year of the event. The beer will flow at Grand Bergen in the city centre and visitors can choose between the Blue Session from 12 noon to 4pm or the Magenta Session from 6pm to 10pm. Alternatively, there will be ALL DAY passes available. For detailed check out their official website for the Bergen Beer Festival. For tips on things to do in Bergen check out my post.

Top rated beers, top rated breweries, a bunch of lovely people, what else could one wish for??

Norwegian Breweries

Below are just a few of the many Norwegian breweries in Norway. Many of which you can also find featuring at the beer festivals in Norway, like that held in Bergen.

Geiranger Brewery
Hand Brewery
Hansa Borg Breweries
Hammerhead Brewing Company
Ego Brewery
EC Dahl’s Brewery
Ekangermuget
The Twenty Microbrewery
Central City Brewery
Qvart Beer Company
Egg Brewery
Voss Brewery
Reins Kloster

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Top Things To Do In Odda Norway – The Valley Of Waterfalls

December 2, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

Oddadalen is a wonderful segment in the untouched countryside alongside Route 13, untouched doesn’t mean there arent things to do in Odda, Norway. It is known to be “The Valley of Waterfalls” because the distinct valley includes several waterfalls, lined-up similar to pearls added to the string with the radius of few kilometers. Some of the magnificent waterfalls include Latefoss, Espelandsfossen, Vidfossm Strandfossen, Tjornadalsfossen, etc. Furthermore, Oddadalen offers excellent hiking in the magnificent terrain.

The Odda Tourist Office in the town center will provide more details about the tips and guides regarding different places. The tourist office also has an equipment rental shop for hiking equipment too. From shoes to harness and clothing. If you are hiking in Norway make sure you have packed accordingly as the weather in Norway can sometimes make the trails even more difficult because of mud, as we found out when hiking Trolltunga after a rainy couple of days in the towns close to Trolltunga.

Top Things To Do In Odda Norway

Below are some of the cool things to do in Odda, from cool churches, waterfalls, museums, and with many options for activities in nearby towns too included. This is particularly great if you are looking for things to do near Trolltunga.

Reasons to Visit:

Valley of Waterfalls

With regards to what to do in Odda, one of the important scenic attractions in Odda Norway is Valley of Waterfalls. It provides wonderful hiking activity in the magnificent terrain. The waterfall is very close to Route 13 to have easy access from Norway. Moreover, you can take photos in the midst of natural scenery. We passed small stunning waterfalls on our drive from Bergen to Odda.

Cool Churches to Visit

The important churches to visit in Odda are Odda Church and Roldal Stava Church. Odda Church is closed Saturday to Monday. Its open from 9am to 2pm on Tuesday to Fridays.

Odda Church

One of the must-see churches is Odda Church, built in the year 1870. The architecture seems to be common in 1860 and 70s. It is located on the foundation of the previous church. It is a longship type of church, split into ship, choir, and weapon house with a tower on the top. After demolishing the old church, a new one was constructed. The foundation wall of a new church was built using the stones of the old church.

Røldal Stave Church

The elegant church was constructed between 1200 and 1250 and is popular for its mesmerizing healing crucifix still at the church. As per the legend, the church sweats for about once in a year at “Olsok,” and the sweat has good healing power. The church is decorated beautifully and is considered a town church for the Roldal. Many pilgrim trails are found in connection with the Roldal Stave Church.

what to do in Odda | things to do in odda | things to do near trolltunga

Røldal Stave Church – Kommune Odda in the Province of Hordaland, Norway

Skare Church

Another famous sacred church is Skare, constructed in the year 1926. This specific church can accommodate about 230 people. It is situated in the village of Skare.

Take A Guided Hiking Trip

Though there are several things to do in Odda Norway, one of the significant activities to take part in is hiking. Enjoy a guided hike to Trolltunga, and many others like Rossnos, Strand-Sandvin, and Havrenas.

Also Read: The best hiking tours in Norway for adventure and outdoor lovers.

Tyssedal Church

This magnificent church is considered a parish church, found in the Odda municipality of Hordaland country. The famous architect named Axel Fronth constructed this modern looking elegant church in 1965. It is must-see place in the Tyssedal village which is not too far from Odda.

Hike Trolltunga

A willowy spur of rock projected towards the void place above the Lake Ringedalsvatnet is Trolltunga, which is the best-photographed feature of Norway. It is most the most popular hiking trails in Norway and one that had us take this journey through Odda too. It’s fairly easy to get from Odda to Trolltunga. This is one of the closest towns to Trolltunga so very much the perfect base.

Also Read: Tops tips on all you need to know to hike Trolltunga safely plus what to pack for Trolltunga.

Rossnos

Rossnos is the important and highest mountaintop, surrounding Odda city, and its cairn seems to be 1401 meters above the sea level. This hike is 6 hours return journey. To reach this location, you need to follow the main road from the center of Odda to route 13 via Kinsarvik. You need to pass over 2 gas stations on either side of the road to get to the starting area. I would strongly recommend passing through the Odda tourist office for more local information before taking on hiking trails, particular when the weather is bad or hasn’t been great over the last week before your visit. They will have some tips on safety too in addition to tips on things to look out for and what to avoid.

Strand-Sandvin and Havrenas

The hiking trip towards Strand-Sandvin and Havrenas is exciting and challenging. Though the snow covers up the trail, you can get guided tours on skis and snowshoes. These two places ensure to offer an enjoyable hiking trip in the best possible manner. When heading to Odda Norway, do not miss out on these two places.

Other Important Places to Visit in Odda And Nearby

Apart from the above activities, you can also visit other places and fabulously indulge in cool Odda activities.

Knud Knudsen Outdoor Exhibition

Knud Knudsen was born in 1832 and known to be a pioneer of the Norwegian photography of the 1800s. He developed the earlier photo series of daily life and working life in Norway. He had taken plenty of landscape photos all over the city. Being a stylish innovator of photography, he received many awards and is known to be a well-known photographer of abroad and Norway. The outdoor exhibition has a huge collection of Knud Knudsen photographs.

Norwegian Museum of Hydropower – Museum, and Café

A trip on the hydroelectric power station may sound less enjoyable, but it is regarded as the number one industrial landmark, which is worth a detour. This wonderful museum and cafe can be explored during the tour and is considered as a famous monument constructed with industrial ambition. Thorvald Astrup built the Tysso 1 power plant between 1906 and 1918. He mixed classical European architecture and Austere, which is a functionalist line.

Latefoss Waterfalls

It is a famous twin-waterfall situated near Route 13. This waterfall is an internationally famous and attractive place. It is 165 meters tall and comprises of two distinct streams, gushing downwards from the Lake Lotevatnet. The volume of water flowing downward seems to be the highest. You can also visit other waterfalls like Tjørnadalsfoss, Strandfoss, Vidfoss, and Espelandsfoss in this region.

Latefoss Waterfalls – Oddaland Norway

Folgefonna National Park

One of the topmost attractions at Folgefonna National Park is Buardalen and Buar Glacier. The park was established in the year 2005, with 545 square kilometers. This national park has mainland Norway’s 3^rd largest icefield. It is known to be a magnificent place with glaciers snaking the height of the nearest valleys downwards. Do not miss to visit this glacier while visiting Odda Norway.

Tjodnadelen Farm

You can check out Tjodnadelen Farm and grab a bite to eat your desired food. This farm looks like a fairytale castle at the Odda Valley, and it is 10 kilometer from the center of the town. It serves many traditional dishes for the people in their beautiful surroundings. Plenty of food is produced and made in this specific farm. Some of the specialties include lamb ribs, hardanger sausage, and other meat types.

Hike Eidesnuten

If you want to hike Eidesnuten, you can get rid of your boredom and have fantastic enjoyment. You can also enjoy the wonderful views of Sandvinsvatnet and Sorfjorden. This place is must-see in Odda Norway. From Rodna, the trail path runs via wooden area through the waterfall and then continues alongside Eidesnuten.

The Oddmund Stone

This huge boulder is considered a fabulous attraction. The Oddmund stone is named after Oddmund Hildal, who is a famous landowner. You can do plenty of things, get wonderful memories and cherishing moments at this location so do not hesitate to visit here.

Tyssedal Via Ferrata

Experience a fantastic day in the footsteps of rallar by quickly climbing up the Tyssedal via Ferrata in Odda. It is an exciting and interesting activity, and the fabulous views and beautiful nature will surround you.

Sitting pretty on Trolltunga rock formation.

Places To Eat in Odda

Travelers can get tempted with the delicious food served at the top-notch restaurants in Odda. These restaurants ensure to satisfy the taste buds of the visitors in mind blowing way. If you are trying to do this trip on a budget, we did spot and use a small supermarket in the middle of town too. Some of the significant restaurants to eat in Odda Norway are:

Vertshuset

Vertshuset is one of the best restaurants to enjoy a good atmosphere, value, service, and quality food. It has a good rating, so do not miss this restaurant. The hotel premise is situated in a calm environment to make your stay wonderful and sit with your family or friends for scrumptious food.

Smeltehuset

Another place to have mouth-watering food is Smeltehuset. This restaurant has popular chefs who are highly experienced in preparing delicious food. If you head to Odda Norway, this is one place not to miss out as its quite a popular restaurant. You can taste fresh cuisine using vegetarian ingredients. Smelthuset also popular among locals too.

Trolltunga Hotel Restaurant

Trolltunga Restaurant is considered the best place, famous for its great food. It has a personal and great service for visitors from various parts of the world. You are sure to enjoy Norwegian cuisine after taking part in the hiking at mountains, traveling a long distance, and enjoying adventurous spots of the region. Apart from the tasteful food, you can also enjoy having a wide range of local beverages.

Tyssedal Hotel Restaurant

Tyssedal Hotel is situated at the seashore of Sorfjord, which is about 6 kilometers from the town of Odda. The famous hotel is situated among the charming environ with a valley found between the mountains and fjord on the west. It is well surrounded by natural beauty, so the taste buds are sure to enjoy spectacular scenic cliffs in this hotel. During your stay, you can enjoy free sauna, private parking, wifi, and many others facilitate. Get local and international cuisines prepared by professional chefs.

How To Get To Odda

I will share a detailed post on how to get to Odda shortly. With regards to our journey to Odda, our main reason for the visit was to hike Trolltunga and Odda is one of the closest towns to get to Trolltunga. There are a few things to do in the small town as I have mentioned above. During my research, I found buses and trains but with us coming from Bergen to Odda we wanted an easy and independent way to get around at our own leisure so we opted to rent a car from Bergen. We then drove from Bergen to Odda passing through edge of the coastline roads with stunning waterfalls before getting on a ferry or two to reach Odda.

If you are driving at to Odda I would strongly recommend not driving at night as there are no lights on many of the country roads and with them being right on the edge with ocean roads to your side, in the dark freaked me out a little bit as that’s not what I am used too. The scenery in the day time is absolutely magical though. Also in one of the posts, I mentioned to make sure you do not miss the last ferry like we did on one occasion, so you end up taking a much longer route through long tunnels, again freaking scenery for someone with claustrophobia to be driving the tunnels for what seemed like a lifetime. When it was my turn to drive I had to get my husband to keep talking to me so that my brain concentrate on the driving and the conversation and leave less room for the fact that the long arse tunnel was never-ending. The longest we passed through was 11KM! That is one big ass mountain! I survived and I am sure most of you will be just fine.

Where To Stay In Odda

If you are going to hike Trolltunga you are most likely to base yourself in Odda. My advice to you is to book as early as possible for your hotel. I had left it a little too late and ended up with camping on Odda as many of the hotels had sold out. Some of the restaurants mentioned above are part of hotels too. I will link to a more details post of where to stay in Odda and near Trolltunga shortly but for hotels in Odda, also consider; Trolltunga Hotel, Vikinghaug, Hardanger Hotel and The Blue House Hotel. With not so many options in the small town, especially during the busy summer hiking seasons, these places will book up months in advance.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Odda

Hopefully, after reading this post you will be booking flights to Norway‘s cute little town for some adventure and r&r. Odda is charming and if you looking for a beautiful place to regroup and reconnect with nature this place will be just what the doctor Odda-ed – See what I did there :). Of course, there are plenty of things to do as well if you want to combine your r &r with mountain treks or glacier hiking or just sitting by and admiring amazing waterfalls. There is that too. The places here and surrounding towns are interesting with fun-filled activities you can enjoy with family, friends and even involve your kids too.

My one piece of important advice:

Please arrive with the right equipment for the walk or hike you are doing. This is from clothing to shoes. We saw people hiking in Converse, flip flops and it had been raining too. Much of the first 3-6km were muddy and slippery. It is dangerous and puts anyone on the trail and those that would be coming to help you should you hurt yourself at unnecessary danger. Visit the tourist office for rental equipment and advice if you are a newbie.
Make sure you have told someone about where you are going, make sure your devices are charged up in case of emergency. You have no idea how many times people have to be rescued when they could have take simple precautions. You are using up emergency resources when this can be easily avoided.
Please consider nature and the damage you are causing – Please take all the litter back down to the bins with yours. The trail to Trolltunga, especially the last 2km has so much garbage from people leaving bottles and plastic instead of taking it back down to the bottom of the trail at the end of their hike.
Be responsible and leave nothing but footprints. Norwegian cities are mostly clean and with popularity of some trails, it seems to be attracting a lot of inconsiderate and immature travellers. Please don’t be a douche bag when nature is already providing you with stunning and location to explore, relax and seek adventure.
End of PSA.

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Where To Stay Near Trolltunga – Best Places To Stay In Odda Hordaland

November 22, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Trolltunga or Troll Tongue, as its name in English means, is a scenic mountainous hike route in Norway. Do not miss the Lake Ringedalsvatnet and soak in the magnificence with ease then heading to this region.

While this post focuses on where to stay near Trolltunga, I have also covered in other posts things to know before your hike Trolltunga. In addition, I have also shared tips on things to do near Trolltunga in the town of Odda and surrounding villages. Trolltunga is such an amazing trail to hike.

The total route is 23 to 27 kilometers long, and the ascent is up to 900 meters. You will most likely need to arrive at least the day before you hike Trolltunga. For that, I strongly recommend booking your accommodation for Trolltunga as early as possible. This is because there aren’t that many hotels here. Most will book up months in advance for the short hiking season.

If you leave it too late, you will find that the hotels are sold out and you will most likely end up having to camp. I have also shared the closest camping site near Trolltunga which also has room for motor homes, campervans and tent camping too. For more on where to stay for staying at Trolltunga, below are a few cabins, campsites and hotels near Trolltunga for you to pick from.

Hotels Near Trolltunga And Odda

The nearest and best town to base yourself is Odda. So when looking for where to stay when hiking Trolltunga, as I have mentioned its best to book in advance. Odda also offers the easiest and quickest route to the starting point for the hike to Trolltunga.

I shared a post with tips on how to get to Trolltunga from Odda which also has a bus time table and pick up times from each of the hotels below. I have shared this time table below as well but for more tips on how to get from Bergen or Oslo to Trolltunga or Odda make sure you read that post.

Places to stay in Odda Norway are limited in number, they are booked up for the very short hiking season on this trail. Below are guesthouses, hotels, camping and other options for places to stay in Trolltunga.

Hardanger Hotel

It is one of the prime hotels in Trolltunga, having ski storage and free public parking. Guests will find Wi-Fi from all areas free of charge. There are standard single and twin rooms. The guests can enjoy buffet breakfast at different times of the day. The rooms are spacious, and guests can expect clean bed linens and washrooms.

The hotel offers local guide service and more. This is one of the best Odda accommodation services for those looking for exciting activities on the go. You can avail of some activities like hiking, skiing, fishing, golfing, and many more as you enjoy the peace of this place. Click here to check availability.

Hardangerfjord Hotel

Located at the shore of Hardangerfjord, in the Oystese village, is Hardangerfjord hotel. It has stylish contemporary décor and comfortable rooms with balcony and luxurious shower areas. The guests can enjoy sitting out at the hotel lounge and get views of Folgefonna Glacier.

The hotel offers free parking and other amenities like a bar. Being close to the beach, it offers splendid views all time of the day. Click here to check availability.

Trolltunga Hotel

This is an iconic hotel with mountains on one side and a pristine lake flowing on the other side. Accessible by road, the hotel rooms offer some of the gorgeous views from any room. They also offer late checkouts. The hotel has its restaurant open at specific times for brunch and a la carte cuisine. You can get the best and the most traditional Norwegian cuisines with authentic ingredients here.

There are rooms and suites along with dormitory and family rooms on offer. The hotel provides ironing and gear drying service for the enthusiastic trekkers coming here in cold months. The guests can expect breakfast and lunch bag service if they need it. There are other such amenities to look out for on the trip. Click here to check availability.

Tyssedal Hotel

The boutique hotel is a great property with breathtaking views from the rooms. This is, choice for the hotels near Trolltunga, and it is a great heritage property with an amazing collection of artwork on display. The hotel has comfortable rooms with plush beds and attached baths.

The rooms can accommodate couples, groups, and families with ease. The restaurant offers authentic Norwegian dishes and international cuisines, along with special business dinner favorites. The hotel is near Trolltunga, Lilletopp, and other such magnificent destinations. Click here to check availability.

Hostels, Guest Houses and Cabins Near Trolltunga

Odda Camping Campsite

If you are looking for some Trolltunga camping to do on your trek up the majestic cliffs, check this site. It is open 24 hours and fetching rave reviews from those who have stayed here. Get mesmerized by the view of the glacier, waterfalls, and the cliffs of Trolltunga while you stay at the campsite.

It is close to Hardangervidda National Park and Folgefonna National Park. You can stay in one of the 16 rooms, 3 apartments, or 6 cabins to stay comfortably. You can get the best of the local sights by going on activities like fishing or walks.

There are rental bicycles for you to explore the neighborhoods at your own pace. Take a canoe on the placid waters of Odda vales, and if you are inclined towards more adventure sports, do not forget to go for the zipline. Click here to check availability.

Trolltunga Guesthouse

If you are looking for accommodation in Odda Norway, Trolltunga Guesthouse is a great place to pick. The artistic looking hotel has apartments and offers free parking. Just 6 km from Odda, the guesthouse has rooms with TV, a fully equipped kitchen and toasters, coffee machines in each apartment.

You will get free Wi-Fi from everywhere. The property is abuzz with activities all year round due to its accessibility. The guesthouse is located at such a great spot, that you will find peace dawning at you while you also get ready to explore the neighborhoods or trek up to Trolltunga cliffs from there. Click here to check availability.

Trolltunga Studios

The simple but exquisite hostel in Odda, Norway, is just what you would love for its scenic views. The rooms get their kitchenette and refrigerator along with private bathroom and shower areas.

The dorms also get a shared kitchen and bathroom. Guests can go for the grill in the garden area to enjoy a leisurely time in the backdrop of rising cliffs. Whether you go for the dorms or private rooms, cleanliness will be visible everywhere. Click here to check availability.

Roldalsterrassen

This is a pretty hotel offering cabins near Trolltunga. The hotel has apartment-style accommodation and offers amenities of free parking, hot bath, hiking, internet, fitness center, bar lounge, and ski rentals.

They offer regular programs for hiking and key activities from the hotel itself. In short, it is logical to stay here and avail of these services since they take care of all the comforts during the trip. The hotel is accessible from all the main roads. The balcony from the room opens up to snow-capped peaks and the untouched countryside views.

Talking more about the rooms, you will find the kitchenette equipped with a coffee maker and other essential things. The décor of the rooms is stylish in its minimalist ways.

Oddland Camping

Trekking enthusiasts looking for cabins near Trolltunga will find the Oddland camping site interesting. The location is magical, and you can experience nature at its best. From captivating views of the cliffs and high walls of mountains to the cozy arrangement of the amenities, you get it all here.

There are single-room and multiple room cabins for accommodating a couple to a family. Each cabin has a TV, wireless internet service, car parking, and private kitchen to allow you to cook and enjoy a peaceful time.

Odda Mobile Home Parking

Those who believe in camping on the way can find Hardanger as the best spot for staying overnight. It is a great spot for those looking for a slightly offbeat way to travel through these awe-inspiring fjords of Norway.

Exploring Trolltunga, you may stay in one of these spots as you cook and eat out overlooking this view. Ensure to follow the parking and traffic rules properly. Likewise, there are camping sites with ready-to-use cabins and tents on offer.

There are campsites with free parking and offers bikes on rent for you to explore. There are campsites in Odda, close to Trolltunga, where you can pitch in before heading further up or down the fjords.

Hildal Camping

Closeness to Trolltunga and other scenic spots worth spending time in Norway is what makes this site famous. You will find this camping site close to the bustling village of Odda. Explore the Norwegian neighborhoods and Storelva River.

The camping site provides clean cabins for those traveling and yet, seeking a warm bed at the end of the day. There is a large ground space for you to pitch in your tents and set up outdoor cooking arrangements. This may be very different from Airbnb near Trolltunga, but the experience will be one of a lifetime.

Drawing scores of hikers every year, this gorgeous rock formation in Odda in Hordaland county is a beautiful destination you must not miss. There is a great diversity in the types of accommodation in Odda Norway for you to pick as per your budget and tour type.

Pick Up Times For The Trolltunga Shuttle From Hotels

Below is the bus time table for the bus that passes through the hotels in Odda and drops people off at the Trolltunga start point.

Pick Up Times For The Trolltunga Shuttle From Hotels

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Tips On How To Get To Trolltunga

November 21, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

How to get to Trolltunga from Bergen | How to get to Trolltunga from Odda

Sitting on the edge of Trolltunga

Trolltunga is situated in the region of Hardangerfjord in Norway. The Hardangerfjord is very close to Haugesund and Bergen and is known to be the most astonishing area in Norway. Waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, two national parks, and two national tourist routes waiting for you. Odda city is well surrounded by lush valleys, silvery peaks, blue glaciers, emerald fjords, and rushing waterfalls. It is the biggest city in the region and takes 20 minutes to drive to Trolltunga. Hence why I am going to be sharing tips on how to get to Trolltunga from Odda, Bergen and Olso. Odda is the perfect base and offers a lot for those looking for things to do near Trolltunga.

To get to Trolltunga, you can rent a car in Norway like we did or use the train, boat, and bus to get the start of the hike. Here is a detailed explanation of how to reach Trolltunga.

How To Get To Trolltunga

Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most iconic and spectacular places to visit. The hike itself takes around 10 -12 hours to complete but you can also camp on the trail. For tips on what to expect and everything you need to know about hiking Trolltunga, check out my comprehensive guide with many of the popular questions answered.

As far as buses are concerned, between July 1st and August 31st there are daily bus services connecting Hardanger and Ryfylke to Trolltunga and Preikestolen, another one of the cool Norway hiking trails to check out.

The Trolltunga Shuttle

Hikers can take a Trolltunga shuttle bus from Magelitopp and many of the hotels in Odda to Skeggedal. With the bus, only takes you as far as Skeggedal, about 4.3 kilometers and 400 meters of ascent. The first point is where the first car park is and the 400 meter to ascent is the last car park which can fill up. By taking the bus down, you can save 1.5 hours of hiking. The price of NOK 100 per individual includes a one-way bus ticket from Magelitopp to Skeggedal.

I would highly recommend parking your car on the first car park and then taking the bus to the starting point at the top. The road after the first car park is to be narrow, steep and incorporates 17 scary hairpin turns with a picturesque view above the Skeggedal Valley. I was definitely glad we left the car down and we let someone else take on the cray turns. Note that this is also one lane.

Trolltunga shuttle bus time table and pick-up points.

How To Get To Trolltunga From Bergen

By starting your journey from the city of Bergen, you will need to take the bus or train to Odda or Tyssedal before at least a day your hike so a stay overnight in Odda is a must. We chose to drive. It is easy to start from Bergen’s early morning and drive towards Odda or Skeggedal. Thus, your travel from the Bergen city to the starting point of Odda will take only 3 hours, and hence, it is recommended to stay overnight anywhere close to Odda. It can be a little longer if you use the tunnels or miss the ferry crossing.

The Bergen trip generally about 150 kilometers and the roads are beautiful and scenic with waterfalls along the way. It takes you via Hardanger, Norway Orchard, along the astonishing city of Hardangerfjord, as well as into the city of Sorfjord. As you arrive into Odda you will be in awe of the beautiful mountains vista thrusting straight down to the fjord waiting for you, so get ready to conquer.

The nearest airport to Trolltunga is the Bergen Airport Flesland – hence why we chose to fly to Bergen. The city itself is also beautiful and with many options too for getting to Trolltunga from Bergen too.

Getting to Trolltunga

Trolltunga is a massively large, flat rock, placed above the Ringedalsvatnet Lake. It can be easily reached by taking a car from Norway’s main cities such as Stavanger, Oslo, and Bergen. Depending on the city that you depart from, you can also have good access to public transportation options.

By use of public transportation, most will take you as far as Odda before you have to change from a train or coach. From Odda you then take a bus, private transfer, or a shuttle bus, which takes an hour’s duration to reach Trolltunga. While making plans, keep in mind that the shuttle buses usually operate from June to September. Also note, you cannot do the journey from Bergen to Trolltunga and do the hike in one day as well. You will have to stay in Odda overnight considering the length of time it takes to hike.

Bergen to Trolltunga By Bus Or Train

The duration involved in traveling from Bergen to Trolltunga is 4 hours by car and 4.5 to 5 hours by taking public transit.

Driving is considered the most efficient and easiest way to reach Trolltunga’s from Bergen with an exact travel time of about 4 hours. This route covers a distance of about 99 miles or 159 km and then passes through the North Sea and Hardangerfjord.

You will also go through troll roads and ferry crossing along the journey. The ferry tends to cross through Hardangerfjord, and so, it is your responsibility to keep the cameras ready to take great shots. 🙂

You can also take up a train to Voss for an hour and a 15-minute voyage and then board for a 2-hour bus ride towards Odda. However, the trains frequently operate from the morning session until nighttime.

Furthermore, you can also take the bus directly from the city of Bergen to Odda, which takes around 3 hours duration. Skyss provide buses with many departures through the day, and the most direct route on a bus is 9.30am.

Overall, Odda to Trolltunga will take one hour by a private transfer or bus.

Bergen to Odda bus – The duration of the bus takes around 3 hours and 56 minutes. Tickets cost around 2100 to 2600 NOK.
Bergen to Trolltunga bus – The bus traveling from Bergen to Trolltunga, costs around 5329 to 6496 approximately. The time duration involved might be around 4 hours and 18 minutes.
Bergen to Odda train – You can travel from Bergen city to Odda through train anytime. There are possibilities for frequent trains for travelers. The exact duration is 191 kilometers and costs around 41.59. The time needed to travel from Bergen to Odda is 3 hours and 19 minutes, so that you can get rid of tiredness and boredom. The train journey is extremely helpful and purposeful when compared to other modes of transportation. You can book your train ticket in advance to avoid the last-minute hassles.

How To Get To Trolltunga From Odda

There is quick access to the shuttle bus from the city of Odda to Trolltunga(NOK 150) as well as from the Tyssedal by taking (NOK 100). Parking at Trolltunga car parks is NOK 500/day with about 250 spaces. The road has sharp turns with the vertical and narrow path having a 400 meters slope and 17% maximum incline. There is a vehicle height is just 2 meters. Motorcycles and mobile phones are prohibited from usage on this route. It is 4 kilometers from Skeggedal towards Trolltunga.

Oslo to Trolltunga

Duration from Oslo to Trolltunga by a car or private transfer is only 6.5 hours and takes 8.5 to 9 hours using public transportation.

The road-tripping from Oslo to Trolltunga can take around 7 hours without undergoing any traffic delays or stops. This specific route involves a scenic and two-lane highway, E134 and RV13, a toll road. In addition to this route, you can also pass through numerous lakes like Heddalsvatnet connecting the ocean through the Telemark canal.

You can also take a trail from Oslo train station directly towards the town of Voss, and then you will require a transfer to a bus, taking you immediately to the town of Odda. However, the trains run 3 to 5 times per day, with the first departing from the morning until the afternoon with the traveling time of about 5 and a half hours.

There is also an availability of night trains taking around 6 hours duration, so you have to get prepared to arrive early in the morning. It is also recommended to book your train ticket in advance at the station.

Tyssedal to Trolltunga

Tyssedal is another town close to Trolltunga. Its a little over an hour away so bear that in mind if you stay here during tour hike to Trolltunga. Recommendations are to start hiking by 8am if you are doing the same day hike. The time duration to travel from Tyssedal to Trolltunga takes only 1 hour 13 minutes if you have your own car. The distance is only 25.4 kilometers.

Bergen to Skeggedal

There are many ways to get to Skeggedal from Bergen. The distance between Bergen and Skeggedal is only 78 km. The best transport to get from Bergen to Skeggedal other than the car is by taking a bus, which takes around 3 hours and 19 minutes, and costs around 4300 to 5500 NOK. When you travel by car, it takes around 2 hours 50 minutes.

Travel by bus
- Take a bus from Bergen bus stop to Askane and then from Askane change for another bus to Skeggedal.
Travel by car
- You can drive from Bergen to Torvikbygd Kai
- Take a car ferry from Torvikbygd Ferjekai to the Jondal Ferjekai
- Then continue driving from Jondal Kai to Skeggedal.
Traveling through Trengereid Station
- Take a drive from Trengereid station to Torvikbygd Ferjekai
- Take up the line 1006 car ferry from Torvikbygd Ferjekai to Jondal Ferjekai
- Then drive from Jondal Ferjekai to Skeggedal

Trolltunga Hiking Season

The start days vary every year depending on snow and weather conditions but an estimate of these is usually provided as:

15 June – 15 September – The recommended Trolltunga hiking season
16 September – 28 October – Hiking is only allowed with a guide
29 October – 16 February – Not recommended for hiking as the trail is extremely dangerous
17 February – 14 June – Hiking with snowshoes and skis only allow with guide

Hopefully, that wasn’t too much information overload. The journey to Trolltunga is fairly easy. At least if you have your own car. You can make as many stops as you want and just overall comfort of the journey. There are options for buses and trains if you don’t want to rain a car for this trip to Trolltunga. You can also get more information about how to reach Trolltunga from various when you arrive in Bergen, Tyssedal, Skeggadal, Odda, and Osla.

So, have you been to Trolltunga, or Norway before? Is this your first time planning a trip to Norway?

Hiking Trolltunga? Also See:

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10 Ways Adventure Seekers Are Catching Thrills On Norway’s Trolltunga Hike

September 9, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Ok, so you have sat down and planned your hike, what you need to pack for Trolltunga hike and whether you can actually handle the hike so now you are thinking what else is there to do when I get to the top? What kind of fun do people have on a Trolltunga hike, anyway? Well, since you asked nicely I will let you in on a little secret on how adventure seekers are catching thrills on Trolltunga. If you haven’t been to Trolltunga yet and are dying to visit this beautiful landscape, I have a post with all the questions you might want answers to before heading to Trolltunga. I have answered all those questions on the Ultimate Guide to Hiking Trolltunga.

1. Catch Group Thrills

You have walked miles and miles up and down the Norwegian valleys with friends so what better way to end the hike that catching thrills in true thrill seeker style and gather on the edge.

2. Be At One With Nature

This was so funny to watch and I managed to see many a butt crack while editing these shots. As I shoot in RAW there was plenty of detail to zoom in on. I sound like a freak, don’t I? The guys walked across the tongue and everyone thought they were going to just pose like everybody else but they started getting naked while everyone looked on. Of course then the applause all across the area…

3. Fly Solo and Get on the Edge

After hiking for miles and miles, we finally made it to the very edge of the Trolltunga hike and there was no way I wasn’t going to sit on the edge of Trolltunga. It was just the two of us on the trip, so unless we left all our things with someone we would have to split up for pictures. I queued up for a couple of minutes but still wasn’t sure if I was capable of doing pulling this stunt until it was my turn in the queue.

4. Spend A Penny On A Mountain

There are no toilets on the Trolltunga hike trail its just you and mother nature. So much easier for men, don’t think I would recommend this method for women unless you have found an easy method you would like to enlighten me with. Yes, this is another one that I wasn’t expecting but after missing out on capturing a proposal on Trolltunga, I had my camera armed and ready for capturing the next shenanigans from adventure seekers on Trolltunga.

5. Take A Selfie

You queue for a while and when it’s your turn to take a few pictures on the Troll’s tongue, you cannot miss the opportunity to take a selfie when the views are this beautiful.

6. Catch Feelings and Propose

We slept on the mountain with views of the glaciers surrounding us and it was one of the beautiful views I have seen yet. For number 6 on adventure seekers catching thrills on Trolltunga, what I wish I had captured was a proposal. I was so caught up in the celebrations and waiting for the ‘yes’ that I forgot to capture, it so instead you will get this beautiful view we caught while camping on the trail to Trolltunga. Perhaps the beauty of this place has inspired many a proposal. A few months after this trip I had my very on… 🙂

7. Explore Surroundings

The views at the top are just amazing. You might also find that in some areas you are actually above the clouds which is just the prettiest sight. So while you are here take the time to explore before hiking back down.

8. Don’t Forget To Look Down

This one is not for the faint hearted. Time while sitting on the edge of Trolltunga goes by so quickly, so having been courageous enough to sit on the edge while not take a look at the earth below you and check out the views below you while perched on the edge.

9. Go To The Beach

Who knew you could head to the beach this high up in the mountains. Small waves created from the winds on that manage to sneak between the shielding of peaks in these Norwegian mountains meet with melted glacier water. Had it been a little warmer I might have been tempted to dive in for a swim.

However you catch your thrills, be sure to do it safely. So have you been to Trolltunga? Have I missed any of your thrill-seeking tricks on the mountains?

Also See:

The Best Adventure Quotes For Thrill Seekers

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Trolltunga Hike Guide – Everything You Need To Know

May 2, 2017 by admin 36 Comments

Trolltunga Hike Guide - Your Questions Answered! || trolltunga hike guide, camping trolltunga, trolltunga parking, trolltunga blog post,

Recently I shared a post with shots from hiking Trolltunga. Here, I provide a detailed Trolltunga hike guide with everything from Trolltunga camping, car park and parking in Trolltunga, a Trolltunga packing list with what to pack, what to expect and when the best to hike Trolltunga and everything in between about the hike in Norway.

Many have this trail on their sights so I wanted to address many of the questions I had before doing the hike and answer them for those that want to know about camping on top of Trolltunga, what to pack for Norway and Trolltunga, where to park and all that good stuff.

Also See:

Norway Trolltunga Hike Guide Q&A

Norway has so many beautiful landscapes and so many amazing hikes in Norway to add to your list, that it is hard to imagine how a country could have such amazing scenery all to itself. Our drive to Trolltunga from Bergen involved a stop in Odda, which is the starting point from most on the little expedition that is the Trolltunga hike.

All along the way, the road trip from Bergen to Trolltunga had us oohing and ahhing at waterfalls, lakes and beautiful mountains that you drive past. A lot of people want to do this hike so I thought a to Trolltunga blog post answering as many of the questions I get in addition to those I had myself. So my second post on a Guide to Hiking to Trolltunga a Q&A aims to answer as many of the answers you might want to know when planning a trip for a Trolltunga hike.

Hiking Trolltunga In Norway

What is Trolltunga Hike (Norway)?

Trolltonga is a miracle of nature that literally means the ‘Trolls Tongue’. Hopefully, my previous post answered this one but if still unsure, read on. Trolltunga is one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in Norway. Trolltunga is situated about 1100 meters above sea level, hovering 700 meters above lake Ringedalsvatnet. The view is breathtaking. The hike starts in Skjeggedal and goes through the high mountains, takes 10-12 hours (23 km in total to Trolltunga and return) and the ascent is about 900 meters.

Which city is Trolltunga located in?

Trolltunga (Troll tongue) rock formation is situated about 1,100 meters above sea level in the municipality of Odda in Hordaland county, Norway.

Trolltunga Hike Guide - Your Questions Answered!

Trolltunga Hike Difficulty, Duration And When To Hike Trolltunga

What’s the Trolltunga hike like?

What can I expect? Is Trolltunga hard or How hard is Trolltunga – Trolltunga Hike Difficulty

To address all questions asking questions around Trolltunga hike difficulty like; is Trolltunga a hard hike, how hard is Trolltunga, is Trolltunga easy hike?, or how hard is Trolltunga? The Trolltunga hike is 11km up and 11km down so a total of 22km for the whole trail. They used to have the funicular that made the first and last 1km a lot easier – alas it has been shut down a long time ago and the trail the cable car went on is now blocked off and it is too unsafe to use.

This means that you now have to climb up the 1km with your own two feet. Let me tell you this: the first 1 km is the hardest part of the trial especially if you are carrying a heavy backpack! Your feet will be swearing at you all the way through the 1km BUT when you do see the 1km sign at the top you will be surprised where that little burst of energy comes from for the little happy dance that you will no doubt be doing. The trail between the 1km sign and the 2km sign is fairly flat.

As far as the first 1km is concerned it is a mix of stone steps and steep inclines with a rope to support you. The last 1km down is also a lot harder to do on the way down than it is going up. Having done 21km your legs will be a bit wobbly for the big stone steps down in that last 1km. Saying that you will be on such a high with encouragement from other walkers that it won’t seem as bad as I am making it out to be. As a rule of thumb if I did it so can you!

trolltunga hike guide, camping trolltunga, trolltunga parking, trolltunga blog post,

Can you hike Trolltunga in the rain | How do Trolltunga hike?

The answer is yes, you can you hike Trolltunga in the rain. When we hiked it had rain heavily the days before so the trail was covered in so much mud from the tail. This is one of the reasons I insist that you have really comfortable and suitable shoes. Don’t be one of those people that turns up on this trail with flip-flops.

How long is the hike to Trolltunga? – (Trolltunga Hike Duration)

For hiking Trolltunga how many hours it takes depends on your fitness levels. You will see some breezing through the trail as if it is a walk in the park and some that are taking each step as it comes. I was not the fittest one out there, I found it hard at times. I slowed down at some spots and picked up the paces on the flat areas. The part that takes the longest is the starting point as it’s a very steep 1km but starts to level out as you get higher. You have spots that incline but this is a lot more gradual than the start. The next 3km took us about 2 hours if I remember correctly. We set off around 4 or 5 pm.

When we reached the 4km it was around 7 pm. We set off late in the day because we knew we were going to be camping overnight. We camped at the 4.5km mark and woke up at 6 am to restart our hike. Weather, fitness and Equipment play a role. Also, bear in mind that how long it takes you will also be determined not just by your fitness level but by weather as well.

It had rained heavily during the day hence part of the first 1km was covered in mud with some of the trail somewhat challenging as you had to pick and choose where to place your foot on almost every step. Make sure you bring hiking shoes with you. This is also one of the reasons by you need a spare set of socks. You need to be careful and ensure to take easier alternatives during challenging parts of the trail.

I imagine such a hike would be just as difficult after or around the time of snowfall. There were some muddy patches in other parts of the trail but it was fairly simple to navigate those as the incline was not a concern. Just make sure you check the weather update leading to your trip. This will help you figure out what sort of weather patterns to expect as well as what to pack. For day hike it can range from 10-15 hours on the trail. This all depends on your fitness and the time you hike as I said. For the day hike you also need to make sure you set off early enough for the start of the hike.

Also, note that the time it takes to climb down is almost the same as the climb up so factor that in if you are using public transport. Also I get questions around how many steps to Trolltunga, considering how many hours I mentioned above you can just imagine how many steps are involved.

trolltunga hike info - The Best Time To Hike Trolltunga - Do you need a guide for Trolltunga?

When Is the best time to hike Trolltunga? Can you hike Trolltunga in Winter?

Whatever time you visit be sure you are equipped for the hike. You can read my post tips on what to pack for Trolltunga Hike. Whatever you do, do not attempt the Trolltunga hike in winter time (unless of course, you have Everest under your belt – Trolltunga should be a breeze). Also from Mid March, it is still covered in snow and the only people taking on the trail are those on a guided tour with Trolltunga Active guides. It was hard enough doing the trail when it’s covered in mud in August. I wouldn’t dare an attempt it the winter.

The best time to hike Trolltunga is between June and mid-September. We hiked towards the tail end of the hiking season. We were there the last weekend of August as it was part of an adventure weekend birthday present to my boyfriend, now fiancé.

Trolltunga Hike Info: When Does Trolltunga Open?

Can you hike Trolltunga in September: From mid-September you need a guide to hike Trolltunga.
Can you hike Trolltunga in October: You need a guide to hike Trolltunga up until October 15. After that no hiking is allowed in October due to weather.
Can you hike Trolltunga in November: No hiking is allowed in November due to weather.
Can you hike Trolltunga in December: No hiking is allowed in December due to weather.
Can you hike Trolltunga in January: No hiking is allowed in January due to weather.
Can you hike Trolltunga in February: No hiking is allowed in February due to weather.
Can you hike Trolltunga in March: No hiking up until end of March when the trail starts to thaw and open season starts. You need to hike with a guide in March when the trail opens.
Can you hike Trolltunga in April: Hiking Trolltunga allowed but only with a guide.
Can you hike Trolltunga in May: Hiking Trolltunga allowed but only with a guide.
Can you hike Trolltunga in June: Trolltunga early June can only be hiked with a guide. After June 15 You can hike on your own.
Can you hike Trolltunga in July: You can hike Trolltunga without a guide.
Can you hike Trolltunga in August: You can hike Trolltunga without a guide.

Is Trolltunga Hike Dangerous

Can you hike Trolltunga without a guide?

Can you hike Trolltunga alone? Do you need a guide? Is there a Trolltunga hike tour?

Can you hike Trolltunga without a guide, the answer is providing you are hiking Trolltunga early June to September. So, no, you don’t need a guide, especially if you are hiking to Trolltunga within the safe seasons when there is hardly any snow. We hiked as a pair but did spot solo hikers. Both male and female solo walkers. You will still have plenty of people along the way to talk to.

On the way to hike Trolltunga from Odda, we did camping in Odda before our hike and recognised quite a few faces from the camping site in Odda who were finishing the trail as we were starting. These guys started off around 6 am and were heading down by 7.30pm when we were reaching the 4.5km mark. So, to answer that question. No, I don’t think you need a guide nor do I think you need to go on a Trolltunga hike tour as the trail is very well marked and maintained. We didn’t have a guide. I did, however, do an incredible amount of reading before planning the hike. I would happily do Trolltunga alone but bear in mind that it’s a difficult hike and needs not just physical strength but mental strength too which is a lot easier if you have a hiking partner with you to cheer each other on.

Make sure you plan your trip well and that you have all the equipment needed and that you have the latest weather forecast. Once you are up on the trail it is an amazing slice of wilderness to raise your soul to new heights. The entry ticket is being prepared.

trolltunga hike guide, camping trolltunga, trolltunga parking, trolltunga norway images

What happens when you get to the top of Trolltunga?

What happens when you get on the Troll’s tongue itself? Is Trolltunga worth it?

Once you arrive a the top of Trolltunga you have to go down via a few metal steps and this is where the queue to Trolltunga starts. The rest of the crowd are scattered around the area taking pictures and congratulating each other for making it that far. The majority stay there for an hour or 2 before heading back down.

Note that there is a queue to get on the tongue itself. When I climbed down to queue the queue was about 30 minutes long but during the peak periods, I have heard it can go up to 2 hours. It does go quickly though as you have people doing all sorts of stuff on the tongue that will keep you entertained as time goes by. From people stripping naked to marriage proposals, it all happens in Trolltunga! It Trolltunga worth it? Hell Yes! If for the views alone!

Is Trolltunga dangerous? Who do I call in an emergency – Mountain rescue?

Even when you have no reception for normal calls, you should still be able to great through to emergency services. A majority of countries use 112. For Norway and UK, you can dial 112 for mountain rescue. For other countries refer to this table. Just make sure you do your research before your hike to make sure these numbers are still the same.

Do I have to sit on the edge of Trolltunga cliff, is it scary?

No, you don’t have to sit on the edge Trolltunga cliff or Norway tongue as some call Trolltunga. Plenty of people don’t. It’s really up to you and how well you deal with heights. I had every intention of sitting on the edge but didn’t know if I was going to actually do it. I was going to sit there on my own and my boyfriend was way on the other side with instructions to take as many pictures as possible.

Only until it was my turn to walk on Trolltunga did I just press the ‘fuck it’ button and say it’s now or never so put you big girl panties on and let’s fucking do this. That is usually my pep talk when I am doing something that freaks me out, whether it’s a scary meeting at work or rock climbing somewhere. So I sat down first and inched myself to the edge and then stuck my legs out. It’s as easy as that! I wasn’t going to leave without taking a selfie!!

Recently I shared a post with shots from hiking Trolltunga. Here, I provide a detailed Trolltunga hike guide with everything from Trolltunga camping, car park and parking in Trolltunga, what to pack, what to expect and when the best to hike Trolltunga and everything in between about the hike in Norway. Many have this trail on their sights so I wanted to address many of the questions I had before doing the hike and answer them for those that want to know about camping on top of Trolltunga, what to pack, where to park and all that good stuff.

Celebration at the summit?

Hell yeah! You have just done 11km on your own two feet, why not celebrate. Shortly after the celebration it soon sinks in that you have to do another 11km back down. Although, its not as bad as most of the uphill battle is over and done with.

Trolltunga Hike Parking, Toilets And Facilities

What facilities (toilets and bathrooms) can I find at the base of the Trolltunga Hike?

Both cars parks have toilets. The first one has a toilet and a little shop. The second car park at the Skjedggedal where the hike begins has the car park, toilet, and a cafe. Note that the cafe doesn’t open early so don’t bank on getting food here for the hike. Bring snacks with you.

Are there any toilets along the trail to Trolltunga?

No sweetheart, it’s just you and mother nature!

Is there parking at Trolltunga?

Wondering about where to park in Trolltunga? Yes, there are two car parks in Trolltunga.

There are two parking sites when you arrive at Skejeggdal, one is the information site. The second is elevated high up the mountain just where the actual trail starts. If parking at the top has run out you will be asked to park at the first parking lot and then take the free bus to the second car park. We parked our car in the first car park and took the bus up. Boy, was I glad we got the bus!

The road up to the second car park is one lane in most parts, the bus had to manoeuvre in tricky parts and guess what, you only have a bit of a barrier between the bus and meters and meters of a deadly drop! So yeah, I was glad it wasn’t us in the driver’s seat! There were points where the bus had to reverse back to make room for another car to pass in what is already a narrow and dodgy cliff edge road. I am a lover of heights but this road had me on high alert that I actually forgot to record the journey.

So, yeah there is parking in Trolltunga! We were also parked overnight in the first car park. If you are hiking and leave your car in the first car park just make sure you know when the last bus is so that plan to get off in the right time. Otherwise, if you are parked on the top level car park next to the trail then you only have to worry about the drive back on the crazy cliff road in the dark.

– Coins for parking – Parking in Skjeggedal is 200 NOK/day or 100 NOK in Tyssedal. The machines don’t take notes so take coins or a bank card. We paid cash to the car park attendant on site when we arrived and parked in a different spot to the day hikers car park.

Travel & Transport | Trolltunga Hike From Bergen Or Oslo

How to get to Trolltunga hike?

For how to get to get to Trolltunga via public transport, there are buses from Bergen that take above 3 hours to Odda and from Odda you can either take a shuttle bus to Skjeggedal. If you are staying in Odda check with your place of accommodation if the shuttle bus picks up from your hotel or campsite. I have also provided extensive detail in this post on how to get to Trolltunga.

What is the closest/nearest airport to Trolltunga?

Trolltunga is located in the town of Skjeggeda, about 7km from Odda. Hikers and visitors typically stay in Odda or use this larger town as a base before embarking on the 8-12 hour hike to Trolltunga. The nearest airport you likely would fly into is Bergen, a 3-hour drive from Odda. I have shared a post on our stay and exploration of Bergen in addition to our overnight camping in Odda.

Oslo to Trolltunga and Bergen To Trolltunga Travel

You can search for flight deals on Kayak, Momundo or Expedia. Our flights arrived in Norway via Bergen. I shared a post recently on what to see and do in Bergen if you have a bit of time to kill before starting off for your hike. From Bergen we rented a car, actually, we rented the car from the airport. I also shared some tips on car rentals in that post. We drove from Bergen to Odda. By the time we arrived in Odda is was early evening.

We had pre-booked at the campsite in Odda. There are local hotels and guest houses too. We camped overnight in beautiful Odda. I will share a post soon on this beautiful little town soon. In the morning made our way to Skejeggdal, the starting point of the hike. For more details on buses, travel by shuttle or if you are arriving via Voss, Geilo, Bergen or Oslo check out Trolltunga Active.

Are there hotels near the Trolltunga hike? (Accommodation near Trolltunga)

If you are looking for accommodation near Trolltunga, I would highly recommend booking early! I have shared and additional post on where to stay when hiking Trolltunga. We stayed at a campsite before we set off for our hike. If you want to stay at a hotel, guest house or rent an apartment you need to do that well in advance as there aren’t a lot of places nearby.

When we tried to book, a lot of places had already sold out that were nearby. Also bear in mind that there only about 5 places within 10mins of the starting point. The list hotels and guesthouse can be found here. Book early! Otherwise, your second option would be camping in Odda.

Where can you camping before your Trolltunga hike?

When heading to Norway for a hike to Trolltunga, you will most likely have to stop by Odda before heading to your Trolltunga hike. Odda is a beautiful little town and actually quite a few walking trails to ease you into the mother of trails in the region that is Trolltunga. In Norway, you can camp anywhere on public land but on this trip, I wasn’t about to start hunting out which spots I can and cannot camp on. I sought out to research on camping sites in Odda and we found one. Odda has ridiculously beautiful views that we decided to camp right on the edge of the lake. We camped at Odda Camping and left later on in the day to head to Skegjjedgal, the starting point of Trolltunga.

Trolltunga Camping – Is camping on the top of Trolltunga allowed?

Where can you camp on the Trolltunga hike trail? Is camping allowed on Trolltunga? If so, where? (Many of the questions I receive)

To address the above any more around, Trolltunga where to sleep, Trolltunga where to camp are just some of the questions most people want to know about. I searched and scoured the internet for the answer to this questions but could not find any details Trolltunga camping. Yes, you can camp anywhere on the trail, that is, apart from the last 3kms. People being people, they disobeyed the rule from what I could see with a few tents in the last 3km of the trail to Trolltunga hike. I don’t know the reasons why you are not allowed to camp in the last 3km of the trail, all I know is that there is no way I was going to be hiking all the way up to the top with all my camping gear on my back! Camping anywhere else one the trail is fine.

There isn’t a lot of shielding from the mountain winds as most parts on the Trolltunga trail are flat. It gets really windy and cold at night so layers and thermals are your BFF!(see what to pack here.) Pack accordingly. Apparently, they tend to have quite a few rescues on the trail and we had quite a few helicopters fly past at night in what we hoped would be a quiet and serene place to chill. I put that down to helicopters flying in for rescues. You don’t want that to be you, so pay attention to the warnings and pack all or some of the items above if you are planning to spend the night.

As far as camping is concerned on our hike to the Troll’s tongue, we found a spot to pitch our tent on the Trolltunga trail. Once we pitched our tent, got some food going and chilled out with a little wine and a view – it was a birthday celebration after all- we had a great time! The views were breathtaking.

It was the first time I spent such quality time up a mountain. It was after we chilled out that we decided that in the morning we would leave our tent as-is and continue the hike with just food, camera, first aid, torch and all the smaller necessities. Once we finished our hike, on the way down, at the 4KM point we found our tent and took it down to finish the last leg of the hike. We weren’t the only ones with this idea, a few people left their tents on the trail.

If you want to camp at the top of Trolltunga just bear in mind that you will have to lag all your equipment 11km up the trail and back down again. If you are hoping to do an overnight stay I would highly recommend at least pitching your tent maybe half way up. the trail.

What To Pack For Trolltunga Hike And Norway

Trolltunga day hike Vs Trolltunga overnight hike

For the Trolltunga day hike, you have to be on the trail nice and early. The latest time recommended to start is 8 am, in the summer months when it gets dark later in the day I think you can push this until 9 or 10 am. Just bear in mind that you definitely do not want to do the last 1km in the dark. Some spots are steep and challenging even in daytime. When you pack your equipment be sure to pack a torch regardless whether you are a day or overnight hiker. For the overnight hike, we started off late in the afternoon.

Again, make sure you don’t set off when it’s dark as you need decent visibility for the 1km up the start of Trolltunga trail. If the car park is full at the top then you need to factor in the bus ride up to the start of the trail. If you start off after the bus running times end then you will either have to face adding 2-4km of walking to the starting point of Trolltunga trail or face canceling your hike for the next day.

If I had to do it over again I would still go for the Overnight hike as I like the camping in nature side of it and the views were out of this world amazing without a whole host of people on the trail. One thing to add is that if you are going for the overnight hike then that is an addition of camping equipment you have to carry with you on an already hard hike.

What to pack for Trolltunga hike: Trolltunga packing list

Tent
Water bottle
Thermals
Spare clothes
First aid kit
Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
You can check out my detailed post with tips on what to pack for Norway as well as what to pack for the Trolltunga Hike. Everything around Trolltunga what to bring, Trolltunga what to wear, are all questions I answer in more detail in that post. The post details packing for a day hike and one for camping Trolltunga.

Tips on hiking and more equipment:

More can tips and equipment can be found in my previous post on hiking in Snowdonia or my post on what to pack for Trolltunga and Norway.

Trolltunga Hike Guide - What to pack - From Bergen trolltunga hike guide, camping trolltunga, trolltunga parking, trolltunga blog post,

Trolltunga Hike Guide - Your Questions Answered! - From Bergen / Oslo | trolltunga hike guide, camping trolltunga, trolltunga parking, trolltunga blog post,

Trolltunga Hike Guide - Trolltunga Camping - trolltunga norway images

Travel Essentials: Travel Insurance

If you are setting off on Trolltunga adventures consider Travel insurance!

Never skimp on Travel insurance. So many times in facebook groups I read about people thinking they don’t need it. Unless you are psychic just don’t travel without it. Especially when doing activities like this. Be sure to check the insurance includes outdoor activities like this.

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Our Experience Hiking Norway’s Famous Trolltunga Trail

April 26, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Bergen to Odda - how to get to trolltunga from bergen

Having done the drive from Bergen to Trolltunga I thought I would provide a couple of sights for anyone wishing to hike Trolltunga. A hike to Trolltunga in Norway should be on every outdoor lover’s list. Last week I shared with you a post on a weekend in Bergen,a beautiful city in Norway that is surrounded by 7 mountains. Our trip to Norway late last year was a trip to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. It was not going to be an easy trip by a long shot.

This was going to be an adventure-filled weekend that included hiking to Trolltunga in Norway’s Hordaland region. The previous year we had spent his birthday hiking in Snowdonia so I was determined to top the next one. I researched and toiled over how I was going to plan this trip as a surprise. In fact, he only knew we were going to be heading to Norway and hiking to Trolltunga about 2 weeks before our trip. What he also didn’t know that I had Trolltunga on my bucket list for a while now, as he is into the outdoors as well it was a win-win.

We didn’t really need to buy much equipment for this trip as we have done similar trips before. The only difficulty was finding out how we were going to get to Trolltunga having arrived in Norway Via Bergen. I had down tonnes of research and decided car rental gave us the freedom to move as and when we wanted. I have had quite a few road trips around the world now that I am starting to prefer this mode of transportation when I travel. For more on road trips, you can check out posts on Namibia, Zambia, Spain, Wales, Iceland and many parts of England via the destinations page.

Also See:

From Bergen To Trolltunga | Hiking Norway's Famous Trolltunga Trail

Bergen to Odda - how to get to trolltunga from Bergen / Oslo

HOW TO GET TO FROM BERGEN TO TROLLTUNGA

We rented a car in Bergen and drove out to Odda, which is about 3 hours away by road and ferry rides across Norwegian fjords. Passing beautiful waterfalls, lakes and mountain vistas. Norway is truly beautiful! I had heard so much about how expensive it is but actually, didn’t seem any different from London. It wasn’t any more expensive than London in my opinion.

Our hike to Trolltunga was done in two parts. When we arrived in Odda we booked a camping spot in advance at a campsite in Odda and then set off to drive to Skjeggedal the following day, where the hike to Trolltunga starts. There are two car parks there. One right at the start of the trail and the other about a mile or two down the winding roads. We parked in the first car park as the spaces on the top car park had run out. We left the car there overnight and got the bus to the top car park where the 11km Trolltunga hiking trail begins. From here it is an arduous and steep 1km up the trail before the trail began to stabilize.

It was as challenging as I had imagined and then some! As we chose to do the hike in 2 parts we hiked about 4.5km before deciding to stop and pitch our tent. I should also state that we started our hike around 4pm. By the time we stopped to pitch a tent on the trail to Trolltunga, it was about 7.30pm. On the way up a lot of people who were hiking for the day were now heading back down. The trail up was muddy as the heavy rain days before made some parts almost unpassable. This is one of the reasons why you have to be well equipped when hiking such a trail. I did see people in trainers and flip-flops at some point.

They were slipping and sliding all over the place risking injury. Going down was almost as challenging as the hike up. People on the trail are friendly and cheer you own as you walk the trail. As hard as the hike was the views more than made up for it. We didn’t have a guide or anything. The trail is easily marked. I was actually worried about this before we hiked but there were plenty of people on the trail and signage was clearly visible.

Adventures in Norway | Hiking To Trolltunga

CAMPING ON TROLLTUNGA TRAIL

We camped overnight and then in the morning started our hike to complete the trail. The rest of the tail wasn’t so bad. It was a gradual include in most places. The first 1km is as bad as most people have said in posts I read. They used to have a funicular for this part but that was shut down a long time ago. They still have the tracks which people used to walk on but for safety reasons that is now sealed off and the first few steps removed to deter people from using it. You will pass beautiful lakes and will be above clouds in some spots. You will have nothing but beautiful mountains to look at. Social media will be far from your media. It is such a good feeling to be outdoors and be surrounded by such beauty. Truly breathtaking!

With each signpost marker with a ‘T’ you would get a sense of relief that you were walking in the right direction. With each marker sign showing how many KM you had down, you had a little mental countdown to how many more KM you still had to do. It took a couple of hours to get get to the summit. It was such a relief to be able to get to the end after all the walking we did. The crowds gathered around the edge of the cliffs. Some brought out their drones, there were a whole lot of selfies being taken. I then spotted the queue to walk on Trolltunga. You have to climb down a few metal bars. The queue was about 30 minutes long to get to the front. After all that walking I was not going to leave without getting to sit on the edge of Trolltunga or the tongue as its sometimes referred to.

The Trolltunga hike is challenging but all so exhilarating, so I thought I would split the post on Trolltunga into a couple of posts where I share tips and answer some of the questions I had when I was researching. I will be sharing another post this weekend with tips and a guild to hiking to Trolltunga. I will also be answering questions that you might have if you are thinking of hiking to Trolltunga. Until then I hope you enjoy the views below.

TROLLTUNGA – WHERE TO STAY IN

As I mentioned above that we stayed at a campsite before we set off for our hike. If you want to stay at a hotel, guest house or rent an apartment you need to do that well in advance as there aren’t a lot of places nearby. When we tried to book, a lot of places had already sold out that was nearby. Also, bear in mind that there only about 5 places within 10mins of the starting point. The list hotels and guesthouse can be found here.Book early! Otherwise, your second option would be camping in Odda.

For more information on what to expect on the hike before, during and after and help with planning on what to pack I answer a lot of questions on a guide to hiking Trolltunga. As always you are more than welcome to email me or leave your questions in the comments below.

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