Norway | Trolltunga Solo Hiking Guide
Planning Trolltunga
All information and details on hiking Trolltunga can be found on the official website linked below. Keep reading for a recap of my experience and personalized advice.
To note, solo hikes are only permitted from June 1 to September 30. Hikes from October 1 through May 31 require a guide.
Getting to Trolltunga
Travel from Bergen to Odda
If you are traveling from Bergen, public transport can be easily booked via the Skyss app. Use Skyss Reise to plan and Skyss Billett to book your ticket. Bus 930 goes directly from Bergen to Odda. The travel time is about three hours.
Travel from Odda to Trolltunga
If you start your hike from P2 Skjeggedal, you should allow 8–12 hours (including breaks) for the 27-km round-trip hike to Trolltunga (13.5 km each way).
However, I’d recommend starting from the upper lot, P3 Mågelitopp. From here, the hike is shortened to 20-km round-trip, which can typically be completed in 7-10 hours. I completed the hike in 7 hours — 5.5 hours hiking, plus 1.5 hours at Trolltunga for lunch and photos.
I also ended up hiking an additional hour down from P3 to P2, and you’re not missing anything skipping that portion.
If you are driving, be sure to reserve one of the few parking spots at P3 Mågelitopp. Alternatively, you can take the convenient shuttle bus from Odda to P2 Skjeggedal and a separate shuttle bus to P3 Mågelitopp. Definitely book both shuttles in advance because they do sell out.
Here is recommended timetable if you plan on taking the first shuttle up to P3:
• Odda Bus Terminal (town centre) to P2: 5:55-6:15am
• Shuttle bus from P2 to P3: 6:30-6:45am
If you’re planning to travel back to Bergen directly after the hike, you’ll want to catch the following shuttles in order to make the last bus back to Bergen.
• P3 Mågelitopp to P2 Skjeggedal: 4-4:15pm
• (Odda Bus Return) from P2 Skjeggedal to Odda Bus Station / Taxi Station: 4:30-5pm
• Odda busstasjon to Bergen: 5:30pm
You can book everything through the link below.
Hiking Trolltunga
For the first couple miles be prepared for a lot of steps and hills. This is the longest uphil climb of the hike, so take it at your own pace!
Don’t forget to soak in the views behind you. Plus, I definitely recommend hiking boots to protect your ankles as the trail is quite rocky.
From there the path guides you up and down through more spectacular views, allowing opportunities to catch your breath.
I was blessed with perfect weather, though definitely check the forecast ahead of time to ensure you’re dressed appropriately and bring the right kit. I hiked in leggings and a long sleeve top, with a fleece and waterproof jacket in my daypack (both of which I only needed at the start and at the top).
Personally, I have no regrets hiking this solo and it was one of the most rewarding experiences. I encountered a few others hiking solo as well who were kindly eager to swap photo ops. So you’ll have plenty of chances to capture an iconic snapshot out on the “troll’s tongue.”
Guided Tour Option
I was short on time so could not do a guided hike (and preferred the solo experience), though this is a great option if you’d like to experience the hike with others and a trusted guide!
More Guides
Check out my other guides throughout Norway, including Bergen and Oslo.
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