Overview
Trollstigen, the Troll's Ladder, is a mountain road in Møre og Romsdal with eleven hairpin bends, a gradient of up to 10 percent and steep rock walls. It opened in 1936 and forms part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger–Trollstigen, among the best-known drives in Norway.
At the top, a modern visitor centre and steel platforms stretch out over the valley, with views of the Stigfossen waterfall, which pours beside the road. The road is closed in winter by snow, usually from October to May. Nearby are the Romsdalen valley, the Troll Wall, the tallest vertical rock wall in Europe, and the town of Åndalsnes.
Highlights
- The eleven hairpin bends and viewing platforms
- The Stigfossen waterfall beside the road
- The Troll Wall in Romsdalen
- The Norwegian Scenic Route towards Geiranger
Best time to visit
The road is usually open from late May or June to October, depending on snow. July and August are the busiest. September has clear light and fewer visitors. Weather can change quickly, with fog and rain.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Not ideal
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Ålesund (AES), about 2 hours by road, or Molde (MOL). The nearest town is Åndalsnes, 17 km away, with a railway from Dombås. Buses run in summer, and a car gives more flexibility. Vehicles over a certain length are not allowed.
What to expect
Easy. Viewpoints are short walks from parking. The road is narrow and steep, so drivers should be careful. Cyclists need to be experienced.
Practical tips
- Check the opening dates and any restrictions for long vehicles.
- Go early or late to avoid peak traffic.
- Take a rain jacket: fog and rain are common.
- Drive slowly and use passing places on the hairpins.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Trollstigen road open?
Usually in late May or June, closing in October. Dates vary.
How long is the road?
The main climb is about 10 km, with eleven bends.
Can I drive it in a caravan?
There are length limits. Check current restrictions.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: W. Bulach (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
