Trolltunga — Local services in Ullensvang

Trolltunga, translating to "Troll's Tongue," is one of Norway's most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks.

Located in the Hardanger region, it is a spectacular rock formation that juts out horizontally from the mountain, hovering about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fjord landscape.

Physical Preparation Fitness Level: The hike to Trolltunga is demanding, covering a round trip of approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) with an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). Ensure you are in good physical condition and have experience with long-distance hiking. Training: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and practice hikes with similar elevation gains.

Gear and Supplies Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and a solid grip are essential. Clothing: Dress in layers. Bring waterproof and windproof outer layers, a warm mid-layer, and moisture-wicking base layers. Backpack: A comfortable, weather-resistant backpack to carry your gear. Navigation: A map, compass, and/or GPS device. Food and Water: High-energy snacks and sufficient water (minimum of 2-3 liters). A portable water filter is advisable for refilling along the way. Safety Equipment: First aid kit, emergency shelter (like a bivy sack), headlamp with extra batteries, and a whistle.

Trail Details Starting Point: The hike usually starts at Skjeggedal, where there is a parking area. Terrain: The trail is a mix of rocky paths, steep ascents, and some relatively flat sections. Parts of the trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Weather: Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Prepare for rain, wind, and sudden temperature changes, even in summer.

Key Points Along the Trail Trail Markers: The trail is well-marked with red "T"s painted on rocks and signposts. Follow these markers to stay on track. Rest Areas: There are several places along the trail to rest and take in the views. Be sure to pace yourself and take breaks as needed. Photo Spots: Besides Trolltunga itself, the trail offers numerous spots for breathtaking photos of the fjords and surrounding landscape.

Duration Hike Duration: The round trip takes approximately 10-12 hours depending on your pace and the weather conditions. Start Early: To ensure you have enough daylight, start the hike early in the morning, especially during the shorter daylight hours of early spring or late autumn.

Safety Tips Check Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before setting out. If bad weather is expected, consider postponing your hike. Hiking Season: The best time to hike Trolltunga is between June and September when the trail is most accessible and the weather conditions are more favorable. Communication: Inform someone about your hiking plans, and if possible, carry a fully charged mobile phone or a satellite communication device. Guided Tours: If you're unsure about navigating the trail on your own, consider joining a guided tour.

Environmental Considerations Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Toilet Facilities: There are no toilet facilities along the trail, so be prepared to practice Leave No...

Absolutely worth it, but very much hard work.

We're reasonably fit people, but not seasoned hikers, so we booked a tour with Trolltunga Active for UK May half term which counts as the 'shoulder season' here. This means there was snow on the trails, in a big way, but in a way which meant it was considered 'walkable' rather than needing snow shoes. This meant a bit of slip-sliding and we were definitely feeling greatful for booking an expedition with a guide rather than attempting this alone. I am sure in the summer it is doable solo, but in the conditions it was worth it for us to have experience on our team.

The right clothing matters when you're not in the summer season here. We had good gear and still got soaked through, having walked through rain, hail, sleet, and (on the way back) thick falling snow for hours and hours. Having layers and dry jumpers and good waterproofs really helped. We were amazed later, on the way back down, at seeing people going up the road P2 to P3 in trainers and light tops without kit, genuinely don't think they'd make it to the viewpoint without more gear.

Our adventure was with TROLLTUNGA ACTIVE and we did the Sunset/Sunrise tour which meant we got to sleep over in one of their arctic domes on the Sunday night. This was superb as it meant we could sit out the worst of the heavy weather (driving rain and 17mph winds) in a solid structure, with gas heating and warm blankets, eating hot deer stew and drinking hot drinks. This also meant when the weather eventually calmed a bit, and was briefly more still later on, we got to enjoy some of the long Norwegian daylight hours taking in the sounds of the mountain peace 🏔️

Because of staying over, we were able to take advantage of the weather forecasted 2 hour break in the downpours to visit the tongue, arriving at 6am for a dry, calm and private experience with just the 4 of us (3 guests + 1 guide). We all got the photos we wanted, with no queues and no rushing. No problem. Then headed back for hot coffee and breakfast in the domes before hiking back. We were even able to do the 45min hike to the Tongue and back without our packs which felt like a treat.

Hiked back in thick snow fall, and only encountered a few people not with guided tours walking up, going the other way. This seems sensible as conditions up there this time of year are no joke. It might be "nearly summer" at the end of May in the UK but it was not giving summer at the top of Trolltunga mountain when we were there on 25-05-2025. 🌨️ It wasn't all snow, all the time, but there are big sections of thick snow on the trails. You need proper, waterproof, grippy shoes/boots. Standard trainers won't cut it and you'll get wet, cold feet.

If you're going outside of the main summer season then I'd recommend a guide, and if you're able to then staying overnight and visiting the tongue how we did was great. I'd recommend it, as timing our visit for the weather made it feel like an enjoyable, private thing, and gave it a little bit of magic ✨ rather than it feeling like a big tourist attraction, or a long walk for a long queue. Thank you to Trolltunga Active and Rebeka (our guide) for a great Trolltunga...

Trolltunga, Norway

Trolltunga, meaning “The Troll’s Tongue,” is a dramatic rock formation located in Vestland County, western Norway, about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. It extends horizontally about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, creating one of the most iconic and photographed natural viewpoints in Scandinavia.

Geological Formation Trolltunga was formed during the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago. Advancing and retreating glaciers eroded the hard Precambrian bedrock (mainly gneiss and granite), carving deep valleys and fjords. The pressure and movement of the ice sheets fractured the rock, leaving behind sheer cliffs and isolated projections such as Trolltunga. Its flat, tongue-like shape results from glacial plucking and freeze-thaw weathering, where water seeped into cracks, froze, and expanded, breaking off chunks of rock.

Environmental Characteristics

Altitude: ~1,100 m above sea level.

Surroundings: Part of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Norway’s largest highland plateau and a national park.

Climate: Alpine conditions, with cold, snowy winters and short, mild summers. Snow cover often persists into late spring.

Ecosystem: Typical subalpine vegetation with mosses, lichens, and sparse shrubs.

Tourism and Safety Today, Trolltunga is a famous hiking destination, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. The hike to Trolltunga is demanding: a 27–28 km round trip, taking 8–12 hours, with steep ascents and variable weather. The cliff itself has no safety barriers, making it both breathtaking and hazardous. Falls from the ledge would be fatal, so extreme caution is necessary when approaching the edge.

Scientific and Cultural Significance

From a geomorphological perspective, Trolltunga is an outstanding example of glacial landform development.

It provides evidence of the powerful erosional processes of the Ice Age that shaped Norway’s fjords and valleys.

Culturally, it has become a symbol of Norway’s rugged natural beauty and is frequently featured in tourism campaigns,...