Trolltunga
A tongue-shaped rock that juts out 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It is the hardest of Norway's three famous rock formations to reach, and the round trip takes 10 to 12 hours.
Trolltunga sits near Odda at the southern end of the Hardangerfjord. A horizontal slab of rock juts out over a cliff edge at about 1,180 metres above sea level, rising roughly 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet below. It is one of Norway's three famous rock formations, alongside Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Kjerag Boulder (Kjeragbolten). The hike starts from Skjeggedal. Depending on the car park you choose (P1, P2 or P3), the round trip is about 20 to 28 kilometres, with a total ascent of 800 to 1,300 metres, taking 8 to 12 hours. It is a demanding long-distance hike. Choosing the highest car park, P3 (booking required, about NOK 600), shortens the route to about 20 kilometres. The route passes mountain lakes, snowfields and bare rock. In summer, photographing yourself on the 'tongue' often means queuing for more than an hour around midday. Season: the self-guided hiking season runs from mid-June to mid-September. At other times, snow is deep and the weather is harsh, so you must go with a certified guide. Transport: it is about 3 hours' drive from Bergen to Odda, and buses run in summer. Tips: start before 7 am, and bring a headlamp, a waterproof jacket, warm layers and 3 litres of water. The weather changes quickly, so do not set out in fog or strong wind. If your fitness is limited, consider Pulpit Rock instead.
Opening hours
All day (trails); self-guided hiking season approx. mid-June–mid-September
Nearby sights
- Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry
- Lofthus Orchards & Monk's Steps
- Agatunet
- Låtefossen
- Husedalen Valley
- Røldal Stave Church
- Fonna Glacier Ski Resort
- Buerbreen