Hiking Heaven Cliffs in Norway
Hiking Heaven Cliffs in Norway. Norway’s rocky coastlines is home to some of the very spectacular rock formation that draws thousands of rock climbers and adventurous tourists world over each year. Apart from the thrill of climbing, these places offer a view that words cannot describe. We’ve seen a lot of scary spots in Norway, but this is the hands-down scariest. It’s called Trolltunga, and it’s the edge of a cliff.
Trolltunga
Trolltunga — translating to ‘The Troll’s Tongue‘ — is a massive horizontal cliff towering 2,300 ft above Lake Ringedalsvatnet outside Odda, in Hordaland county. Along with The Pulpit Rock and Kjerag, it’s probably the most spectacular place to hike to in Norway. If you’re brave enough, imagine how much fun you could have taking all sorts of edgy (literally) photos! It’s sure to get your adrenaline running, both at the time, and when you show others your holiday souvenir snaps later.
This particular cliff was formed during the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. At that time, the surrounding ice reached all the way to the top of the cliff. Melting water from the ice ran into the crevices in the mountain, froze, and eventually broke off large boulders, giving the cliff it’s distinct shape.
There are both stairs and a path that leads up to the first 950 meters, and from there marked hiking trails lead visitors the rest of the way. Previously a trolley car starting at the base of the mountain used to take visitors to a height of 950 meters. They are not functional now.
Hiking Heaven Cliffs in Norway
Trolltunga is an excellent starting off point for other trails in the area. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) owns several cabins in area that can be rented for a night. Once at Trolltunga, take extra caution if you plan on walking out on the ledge. This is not like Preikestolen where there are hoards of tourists blocking the wind and providing safety in numbers.
Trolltunga is much more secluded and you will likely have the spot to yourself for a while until the next hikers arrive. It is windy and uneven compared to Preikestolen. As tempting as it may be, do yourself a favor and do not try to recreate the Rafiki-Simba scene from The Lion King with a small toddler!
Getting Trolltunga
Getting to Skjeggedal, where most people start the hike is easy; it’s only about 17 km outside of Odda. If you are comming from Bergen, it’s about 190 km away, along good highways (the drive itself is also a nice experience).
Driving on national road #13, turn east towards Tyssedalen up towards Hardangervidda (away from the fjord). From there you just follow the road to Skjeggedal (about 7 km). The road is narrow, like most mountain roads in Norway, but in good condition. Parking is available by Ringedalsvatnet for 100 NOK per day.
Shining at Trolltunga in Odda, Norway
You can also get to Skjeggedal by public transport: take bus #995 from Odda. Guided tours are also available.
Hiking Heaven Cliffs in Norway
Trolltunga hike:
You can hike to Trolltunga all summer, from mid June to mid September — give or take, depending on the amount of snow, and when it melts.
The hike is longer and harder than the Pulpit Rock and some of the other famous hikes, but still manageable for most. You are looking at about 8–10 hours of hiking to get there and back, so it’s advisable to start early in the morning. Keep in mind that there is no cell phone reception in the area. Bring good hiking boots, extra clothes, a map and compass or a GPS. In the middle of the summer, when it’s dry, you can hike in regular running shoes (it will save some weight).
Be aware that weather can change quickly up in the mountains, and that fog can make navigation hard. Always check the weather forecast.
