🏔️ Which route to choose to visit the famous Trolltunga
Trolltunga is one of Norway's most spectacular viewpoints: a rocky ledge hangs over the turquoise Ringedalsvatnet. The classic hike starts at the P2 Skjeggedal car park near Odda on Hardangerfjord. It is a linear round trip route, ~27–28 km and ~1200 m elevation gain. On average, it takes 8–10 hours (with photo breaks and queuing on the ‘tongue’ it may take longer). An alternative is to start from P3 Mågelitopp (limited places, advance booking required) — then it is ~20 km and less elevation gain.
🧭 Where to start and how the route goes
- Base: Odda/Tyssedal — hotels/campsites, shops, buses/shuttles to Skjeggedal.
- Trail start: P2 Skjeggedal (classic) or P3 Mågelitopp (reduces distance and elevation gain).
- Surface: mountain trail, stone steps, slabs, sections with long stone ‘steps’.
- Markings: red ‘T’s, posts and pyramid-shaped stones.
- Season: late spring to early autumn; off-season — only with excellent training and/or a guide.
📏 Key facts and landmarks
- Distance: ~27–28 km from P2 Skjeggedal; ~20 km from P3 Mågelitopp.
- Elevation gain: approximately ~1200 m in total.
- Travel time: usually 8–10 hours (with photo stops and breaks), longer for beginners/in unfavourable weather.
- Start: early morning (6:00–8:00) — cooler, fewer people, allowance for weather/queues.
- Season: late spring — early autumn; in the off-season and winter, only with serious preparation/a guide.
- Parking options: P2 Skjeggedal (main), P3 Mågelitopp (limited spaces), P1 Tyssedal (pick-up + shuttle).
🎒 Equipment and preparation
- Footwear: trekking boots with protective soles and ankle support.
- Clothing: layers all year round (thermal, fleece, membrane), hat/buff and gloves even in summer.
- Poles: relieve pressure on the knees when descending.
- Navigation: offline map on your phone + external battery; paper map as a backup.
- Water and food: at least 2–3 litres of water per person (more in summer), energy sandwiches and snacks.
- Safety: first aid kit, whistle, headlamp. Mobile phone reception is patchy in some places.
⏱️ Pace and turnaround time: don't be late coming back
- Estimate your average pace (including breaks): for most hikers, this is 2.5–3.5 km/h over a long mountain distance.
- Allow for waiting in line for photos (10–40 minutes at peak times).
- Set yourself a ‘turnaround time’: if you haven't reached your destination by then, turn back so you can return before dark.
🛡️ Safety on the route
- The weather changes quickly. Fog/wind/rain can turn the trail into an ‘ice rink’. Keep an eye on the clouds and don't hesitate to turn back.
- Edge of the cliff. Do not go close to the edge, especially in windy conditions. You can always take a photo from a moderate distance and zoom in with a telephoto lens.
- Queue for the ‘tongue’. Be patient, prepare your shot in advance. Do not disturb others, do not run to the very edge.
- Communication and emergencies. Communication is lost in some places; in an emergency, use a whistle/headlamp. The single emergency number is 112.
- Camping by the rules. Tents are pitched on the plateau away from the edge, following the ‘leave no trace’ principle. Do not set up camp on the “tongue” itself.
🛏️ Where to stay and how to plan your day
- The night before the hike: Odda or Tyssedal — so you can start early without a long journey.
- Hiking day: early breakfast → departure to the car park → on the trail — steady pace and short breaks every 60–90 minutes.
- After the hike: return to Odda, warm meal, hydration, light stretching.
📸 Photo tips in ‘language’
- Shoot from a side angle so that the shelf “jumps” into the frame and doesn't get lost in the background.
- A 50–85 mm telephoto lens ‘compresses’ the perspective and makes the frame more dramatic; a wide-angle lens is needed for a general shot.
- The wind is stronger at the edge — secure caps/hoods, do not lean over the barriers.
- Respect the queue: 1–2 quick poses, think of the shot in advance.
- Backup idea: a shot without going to the edge, where the ‘tongue’ is the background and you are on a safe platform.
Conclusion: start from Odda, choose P2 Skjeggedal for the classic route or P3 Mågelitopp for the shortened version, set off early in the morning, walk at a steady pace and save your strength for the return journey. With the right equipment and plenty of time, Trolltunga will give you the very views and emotions that people come here for from all over the world.
❓FAQ
If you want the classic ‘full’ route and are confident in your abilities — P2 Skjeggedal (~27–28 km). If you are short on time or need a ‘light’ version — P3 Mågelitopp (~20 km), but there are few places there and they run out quickly. In both cases, start early to pass the key sections in the cool and have a reserve of light.
For prepared hikers — 8–10 hours including breaks and photos. At a gentle pace, on a wet trail, in windy conditions or with queues at the ‘tongue’ — longer. Always keep the ‘turnaround time’ in mind so you don't have to return in the dark.
Mountain clothing: thermal underwear + fleece + membrane jacket. A hat/buff and gloves are useful at any time of year — it is very windy at the top. Footwear — trekking boots with treads; city trail trainers often slip here.
In spring and after rain, there are enough streams, but take care of your stomach: a filter/tablets/boiling is a good idea. In summer, the streams become shallower — count on 2–3 litres per person and add more depending on the situation.
Dogs must be kept on a leash. Be aware of sharp rocks and slippery slabs; bring paw protection if necessary. Children should be accompanied by older children and weather conditions should be taken into account: the distance is long, the elevation gain is significant, and the weather is changeable. If in doubt, choose shorter trails in the region.
Yes, people pitch tents on the plateau, observing the ‘leave no trace’ principle and keeping a safe distance from the edge. Do not set up camp on the ‘tongue’ itself. At night, the wind and temperature drop — you will need a full set of warm clothing.
Mobile coverage is not available everywhere. An offline map on your phone is a must, plus a backup in the form of a paper map and a power bank. In fog and snowfall, it is easy to lose sight of the markings.
Wind and crowds are a bad combination. Respect local rules and the people around you; do not fly near the edge or above the queue. In windy weather, drones are dangerous for both equipment and those around you.
Try to use the facilities at the car park before you set off. There may not be any permanent toilets on the trail; follow the Leave No Trace principles and take bags/paper with you so you don't leave anything behind.
In the off-season and winter, the trail is snowy/icy, and the days are short. You can hike only if you are fully prepared, with winter gear and experience, preferably with a local guide. If in doubt, postpone your hike until the warmer season.
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