The climb up to Norway’s Trolltunga is one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Europe. And while it’s far from one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world, there are still a few things that everyone should know before attempting to climb it. Keep reading to find out what you should be aware of before going to Trolltunga.

How To Get There (And When To Go)

Trolltunga is one of the best reasons to visit Norway. This iconic rock formation is located in the south of the country near Hardangerfjord. It’s three hours away from Bergen, between five and six hours from Oslo and around three and a half hours from Stavanger. Most people base themselves in the village of Tyssedal to hike Trolltunga. The best way to get around this region of Norway is by hiring a car and driving since this allows you to slow down and enjoy some incredible views. Otherwise, you can take a private or public bus from one of the nearby cities.

The best time to visit Trolltunga is in the summer months and September. If you’d like to visit at any time outside of the period between June 1 and September 30, you will need to hike with an experienced guide, since the conditions can be slippery and hazardous.

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The Length Of The Hike

All in all, the total distance of the hike out and back is 17.4 miles. It’s quite strenuous and can take anywhere from eight to 10 hours to complete. One of the things to know in order to have the best hike to Trolltunga is that there’s a small parking lot that will cut your hiking time in half. If you manage to score one of the 30 spots in the car park, the hike could take as little as seven hours and only stretches for 12.4 miles out and back.

It should be noted that not all of that time will actually be spent hiking. It can take anywhere from an hour to two hours to line up for a photo on the actual rock formation, which contributes to the overall time that it takes to get there and back.

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Fitness And Experience Levels

You certainly don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to hike Trolltunga. That said, it is considered a strenuous hike. While you can be a beginner, those who attempt the hike should be fit as the first half a mile is incredibly steep and involves stone steps and gravel trails. There are parts of the journey that can dangerous and will require all hikers to be vigilant and practice common sense.

In 2015, an exchange student from Australia tragically fell to her death off Trolltunga after trying to walk around a group of tourists posing for a photo on the rock. Although this is the only recorded death, search and rescue operations are a regular occurrence so safety is definitely something to be mindful of. The safest time to go is in summer due to the large crowds and dry conditions.

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How To Prepare In Advance

The best way to prepare for Trolltunga is to make sure you’re in shape. The fitter you are, the easier it will be to reach the summit, and the more enjoyment you’ll get out of it. It’s also important to make sure that you pack the essential items that you’ll need.

This includes snacks that give you energy, plenty of drinking water, sunscreen if you’re traveling in summer, a raincoat and warm clothing since the weather can change all of a sudden, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof hiking shoes to reduce any chances of slipping or getting your feet wet.

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