Hiking In Norway – Trolltunga Hiking Park
The Trolltunga mountain trek is among the more popular hikes in Norway, where the ultimate destination is spectacular, but also the trek itself is as rewarding and extraordinary. This 28-kilometer long trail takes you through the untouched Scandinavian wilderness, heading up to the stunning Trolltunga mountain. It is a breathtaking experience that comes at a cost, too, with the price of a day’s travel ticket ranging from six to ten Euros, depending on the travel agency. But don’t worry; adventure tourism in Norway isn’t all about budget overruns; here are some more reasonably priced adventures to keep you happy, and fit!
The first half of the Trolltunga trek is a lovely, easy stroll up a valley towards the mountain. But as the landscape changes from grassland to forest and back again, the grade changes and the difficulty increases. Start the hike in the late spring or early summer, and keep a sharp lookout for wildlife on your way.
For the second part of your Trolltunga trip, prepare yourself for some amazing scenery, as well as some challenging hiking. The route rises and falls dramatically, with many spur paths and rock formations to get over. Trolltunga is the perfect location for a photography excursion, as the view from the top of the Moderate Pass is astounding. A photography enthusiast would do well to start his/her trip in the Trolltunga valley, and continue their exploration of the countryside further south to the Dolomites in Norway. The landscapes here are similarly spectacular, and have been photographed by such artists as Jim Sharp, Hiroji Kubota and Yutaka Takahashi.
A Trolltunga trip without an ice cream! The highest peaks of Trolltunga can be reached by a flat route on the south side of the mountain, which passes through beautiful rolling valleys and views of spectacular rock formations. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a moose or two on your way up! The route starts out gentle, then climbs significantly, with about 500 metres of hiking over the next few kilometres.
Trolltunga offers a diverse variety of routes for hikers, and one of the most popular is the southern route, which takes 12 hours and includes three overnight stays at accommodation. This route starts from the village of Ulle, and heads up the road towards the high peaks. Most people start their Trolltunga trip by walking the famous Mount Skokkloster trek, which starts out following the contour of the Butt’nose Range and covers more than 11 kilometres of rugged terrain before arriving at its spectacular rock formations at the base of the mountain.
If you want to shorten your journey, an easier alternative is the “short trolltunga”. This route is about twice as long as the northern route and is therefore ideal if you’re just looking for a quick hike, and is also suitable for hikers looking for a relaxing break during their vacation in Trolltunga. The route starts out from the village of Odda, and is due south of Odda in about six hours. The landscape is flat and grassy, perfect for a peaceful stay overnight, and many companies offer accommodation in rooms, with private pools, or gourmet restaurants and cafe. Trolltunga is also home to many world famous attractions, including the Odda Canyon, the world famous Trolltunga Falls and Lake Maitre, which draw thousands of visitors every year.
Hiking in Norway means hiking in some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable: rolling hills, vast glaciers and dramatic cliffs. One of the best things about Trolltunga is the multitude of routes available to experienced and novice hikers. A diverse landscape, trolltunga ranges from flat beaches to steep gradients, offering a range of routes for both walking and cycling. Hiking in Norway offers the chance to see many glaciers and lakes, including the world’s highest known glacier, Fjordveland, and the Folgefonna Icefall – one of the four major glaciers that contribute to the Vatns fjord.
Trolltunga is also popular for its summer climate, which makes it ideal for many months of the year. There is a great selection of accommodation in Trolltunga ranging from backpackers hostels, cottages in the countryside, to luxurious hotels. It is possible to get a rental car in case you want to explore further north, and there are also many shops and cafes in the vicinity. Many companies offer car hire at their Trolltunga parking lot, or for a more personal experience, hire your own car.