Overview
Trolltunga, the 'troll's tongue', is a horizontal slab of rock that juts out from a cliff above Lake Ringedalsvatnet near Odda, in the Hardanger region of western Norway. The ledge lies at about 1,100 m above sea level and around 700 m above the lake.
The hike is the draw. Visit Norway describes a round trip of about 27 km from the Skjeggedal trailhead, with roughly 800 m of climbing, taking 10 to 12 hours including breaks. A shorter route starts higher up, at Mågelitopp, with a round trip of about 20 km and 7 to 10 hours.
Highlights
- The Trolltunga rock ledge, with views over Lake Ringedalsvatnet
- The Mågelitopp start, a shorter way up that skips the first steep climb
- Låtefoss, a twin waterfall beside the road near Odda
- The wider Hardangerfjord region, famed for its fruit blossom in spring
Best time to visit
Visit Norway lists 1 June to 31 August as the main hiking season, when the trail is usually free of snow, and advises going with a guide from 1 October to 31 May, when snow and ice are likely. September can be possible in good conditions, but check local advice first. Weather changes quickly on the plateau, and early starts matter.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Not ideal
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Good
- 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 Bergen (BGO), then take a bus or drive for roughly three hours to Odda. In season, shuttles run from Odda to the Skjeggedal trailhead, and the road up to it is narrow with limited, paid parking, so book ahead. Many visitors stay in or near Odda and start early.
What to expect
A long, strenuous day on rocky, exposed trail with steep sections. You need sturdy footwear, food, water and warm and waterproof layers, and you should be able to walk for ten hours or more. There can be a queue at the ledge on busy days, and there are no safety railings.
Practical tips
- Start before 8 am, as Visit Norway recommends, so that you are back before dark.
- Check the weather and trail conditions with local sources before you go; if in doubt, turn back.
- Take a headlamp, extra layers and a charged phone, and tell someone your plan.
- Stay back from the drop, and never go out on the ledge in wet or windy conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Trolltunga hike take?
Visit Norway gives 10 to 12 hours for the roughly 27 km return from Skjeggedal, including breaks, and 7 to 10 hours from the shorter Mågelitopp start.
Can I hike Trolltunga in winter?
Only with a guide and the right equipment. The route is snow-covered and hazardous outside the summer season.
Is the hike safe?
It is safe for well-prepared walkers in good conditions, but the trail is long, exposed and unforgiving, and there are no safety rails at the ledge. Weather changes quickly.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Visit Norway: Hiking to Trolltunga
- Fjord Norway
- Yr, the Norwegian weather service
- UK government travel advice: Norway
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: Dong Zhang on Unsplash.
