| Starting point | : Odda (usually), or Tyssedal |
| Difficulty | : Intermediate/Expert |
| Type | : Day hike |
| Hiking distance | : 28 km / 17.4 mi |
| Hiking time | : 10-12 hours |
| Season | : 1 June – 30 September (winter season only with guide, 1 October – 31 May) |
| Elevation gain | : 330 meters / 1083 feet |
Unless you been living under a rock for the last decade, I am sure you have seen a picture of Trolltunga.
The mountain plateau was carved by an icecap that covered most of Norway during the ice age.
It is no doubt that Trolltunga is one of the most awe-inspiring cliffs in Norway.
Every year, thousands of people from Norway and abroad flock to challenge this mountain.
Hiking Trolltunga is on a lot of hikers’ bucket lists!
We get it! (*smile*)
Who does not want a picture trophy of this amazing rock formation?
A rock sticking out like a tongue of a Troll from 700 m / 2297 feet above the Lake Ringedalsvatnet is truly magnificent.
This article is a part of The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Norway if you want to find out more about crazy amazing hikes in Norway.
How to get to the starting point of the Trolltunga hike
As with many of the amazing and hikes, they are not readily available without some effort.
The closest towns from the starting point of the hike to Trolltunga is the small town of Odda (population of about 7000 people).
Alternatively, you can also start from the village of Tyssedal (about 600 people).
Some are more ambitious and travel from Bergen, Stavanger or Haugesund, some 3h+ drive away.
It is a 10 to 12 hours long hike to Trolltunga.
Adding another 6 hours in a car is not something I would recommend.
However, I would strongly advise you to spend a night of two in Odda or the surrounding areas (Tyssedal, Kinsarvik, Eidfjord)!
It is recommended to start hiking no later than 8 AM to have time on your side.
A shorter hike to Trolltunga
You can now cut about 3h in total off the hike from Skjeggedal, by parking at the new parking lot Mågelitopp (P3). It will save you 1,5 h of hiking one way, up some of the steepest parts of the hike to Trolltunga.
Mind you, there are only 30 spots, and the parking needs to be pre-booked in advance at this website: https://www.trolltunganorway.com/en_GB/activity/267450/trolltunga-parking-p3-at-maagelitopp-upper-starting-point
The cost of parking is NOK 600 / $55 / €57 per day.
You will still have a minimum for 4h to hike up to Trolltunga from here. But you do save around 4,3 km of hiking / 2.7 mi of hiking, and about 400 meters / 1312 feet of the ascent. For many, this is the difference between go or no-go!
Hiking Trolltunga
This hike is not easy!
Let’s get that fact out of the way.
It is a long hike with steep climbs and varied terrain, but the reward is worth it! Scenic landscapes out of this world, and of course, the Trolltunga itself.
You need to have a reasonable fitness level to do this hike. And that goes no matter if you hike the shorter or the longer (original) route.
The trailhead for Trolltunga is at the Skjeggedal carpark.
And the first part, as mentioned above, is the most strenuous one.
Basically, you will hike upwards for a good 2 km / 1.2 mi or more on gravel, stone steps, before it levels out. The elevation is about 400 m / 1312 feet.
This part can be eliminated if you buy parking at the private part at Mågelitopp (P3).
There is also a shuttle bus from Skjeggedal to Mågelitopp, which cost from NOK 130 / $13.5 / €12.
![Hiking in Norway: The Ultimate Guide [2022]](https://leisurehiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hiking-in-norway-the-ultimate-guide.jpg)
