Trolltunga

Trolltunga, the troll’s tongue, juts out over the abyss at 1.180 metres, high above the lake Ringedalsvatnet near Odda – a certified Norwegian Scenic Hike and one of Norway’s toughest classic day hikes. Depending on where you start, it is 20 to 38 km return and 7 to 15 hours of walking. The pin marks P1 Tyssedal, the car park campers have to use.

Car parks (2026 prices): P1 Tyssedal (144 m above sea level): 38 km return, about 15 hours; NOK 330 a day. P2 Skjeggedal (415 m): 27 km return, 8–12 hours; NOK 550 a day – but the private road up from P1 is too narrow for campervans, minibuses and buses: vehicles longer than 5,2 metres must park at P1. P3 Mågelitopp (860 m): 20 km return, 7–10 hours; only 30 spaces, pre-booked, for cars no higher than 2 metres. In summer, shuttle buses run from Odda and P1 to P2 and from P2 to P3. The road to P2 is closed at night (21:00–06:00) because of rockfall.

Tips for campers: no overnight stays, camping, barbecues or fires at the car parks – Trolltunga Camping at Sandvinsvatnet is 2 km from Odda. Hike on your own only from 1 June to 30 September; outside that period, and with snow on the path that often lies until June, go with a guide. There are no toilets on the mountain, so take all your rubbish back down. Start before 8 to avoid the queue for photos on the tongue (busiest between 12 and 15). The rock is often wet: wear hiking boots, bring a rain shell and an extra layer, and download your map – there is no signal in places. Combine it with the Hardangerfjord and Låtefossen.