Trolltunga ('the Troll's Tongue') is a horizontal slab of gneiss jutting out from a cliff about 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, near Odda (Ullensvang) in Vestland county, Norway. Carved during the last Ice Age some 10,000 years ago, it became a global icon through social media: fewer than 800 people hiked here yearly before 2010, versus over 80,000 by 2016. It is one of Norway's signature long-distance day hikes, roughly 27 km round trip and 8-12 hours, and during the 2026 summer season (about June to September) experienced hikers may go without a guide. Because the trail is demanding, fitness and readiness for fast-changing weather are what make or break the visit.
The tongue-shaped rock cantilevering over the fjord landscape, with Lake Ringedalsvatnet roughly 700 m below
The iconic photo spot at the ledge (expect a 30-90 minute queue in peak season)
Glacier-carved gneiss terrain of Precambrian bedrock across the wild Hardanger plateau
Near-midnight-sun daylight in summer paired with rapidly shifting high-mountain weather
World-class trail management, with emergency shelters along the route and mountain wardens in summer
Good to know
SafetyThe cliff has no railings or fences, and fog brings a real risk of disorientation or a fatal fall (around 40 rescues a year, mostly exhaustion and fog-related, not falls). Carry a headlamp, a charged phone and a map, start before 8 a.m., and call 112 in an emergency.
SeasonUnguided hiking is only realistic in the summer season (roughly June-September); outside that, snow and ice make a guided snowshoe or ski tour effectively mandatory. Even in July there can be lingering snow and sudden weather, so bring waterproof/windproof layers, spare clothing and proper hiking boots.
SeasonSummer offers near-white-night daylight that gives you schedule margin, but no northern lights are visible now (aurora season is late autumn through winter). Do not let the long daylight tempt a late start, or you may be descending after dark.
RulesParking at P2 Skjeggedal (about 550 NOK per day in 2026, including the Tyssedal-Skjeggedal toll road) and the Odda-trailhead shuttle bus (running roughly 8 June-27 Sept 2026) are safest to book or confirm in advance, and wardens may turn back hikers who start too late. Always verify current prices and dates.
MannersUnder Norway's right to roam (allemannsretten) you may wild-camp in the mountains, but camping is not allowed at the car parks. Follow leave-no-trace habits: pack out all rubbish, stay on the trail, and take turns for the photo.
CautionNorway is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in Bergen/Oslo tourist areas and on public transport. Book guides and tours only through official operators such as Trolltunga Active, and avoid unofficial parking touts or exaggerated tour ads. Payment is almost entirely by card and there is no tipping pressure.
Practical info
Reach Odda from Bergen on bus 930 (about 3 hours, a few departures daily) or from Voss on Skyss route 990; from Odda a shuttle bus reaches P2 Skjeggedal in about 30 minutes. You cannot take the bus from Bergen and complete the hike the same day, so plan an overnight in Odda or Tyssedal, and check tickets, fares and shuttle timetables on the official site for the latest information.
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