Hiking to Trolltunga: A Detailed Guide full of Logistics

Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most famous and challenging hikes (in length, not so much strength), offering incredible views. However, it’s essential to plan your trip carefully, including parking options, fees, and shuttle services. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about hiking to trolltunga.

1. Parking Options & Fees

There are three main parking lots (P1, P2, and P3) along the Trolltunga hiking route. Where you park significantly impacts the length of your hike, so it’s important to choose wisely:

P1 (Tyssedal Parking):

  • Located 14 km from the trailhead at Mågelitopp.
  • Parking Fee: Around 300 NOK per day.
  • Distance from the trailhead: Parking here adds a 14 km round-trip walk along a steep, paved road before even reaching the start of the hike. If you have a campervan, you MUST park here. Your vehicle is too big to go up to P3 – but don’t worry, there is a shuttle bus for a fee and I HIGHLY recommend taking it to avoid this extremely long walk along the road! You can take the shuttle bus up to P2 and once you arrive, you can choose the option to pay for another, but smaller, shuttle bus from P2 to P3.

P2 (Skjeggedal Parking):

  • Location: 7 km from P1 and closer to the trailhead.
  • Parking Fee: 500 NOK per day.
  • Distance from the trailhead: Parking here adds a 4.5 km round trip (2.25 km each way) to the hike, making the total hike to Trolltunga approximately 25-26 km.
  • Recommendation: This is the second best option if P3 is full. You can pay to take the small shuttle bus from P2 to P3

P3 (Mågelitopp Parking):

  • Location: Located at the upper trailhead and closest to Trolltunga.
  • Parking Fee: 800 NOK per day, very limited spots available (about 30 spaces) and MUST be PRE-BOOKED well in advance!
  • Distance from Trolltunga: Parking here reduces the total hiking distance to 20 km round trip. Starting from P3 allows you to skip the first 4.5 km (9 km round-trip) of the hike, which is the steepest section, cutting the total from 28-29 km to 20 km.
  • Recommendation: If you can secure a spot, this is the most convenient parking option for a shorter and more manageable hike.
Hiking to Trolltunga

2. Shuttle Bus Services – you can pay ON the buses with card. No need to pre-book.

If you’re unable to park at P3 or want to avoid the long walk from P1, shuttle buses are available to transport hikers between the parking lots:

Shuttle from P1 (Tyssedal) to P2 (Skjeggedal):

  • Operates daily during the hiking season (June to September).
  • Cost: Approximately 150 NOK one way.
  • Time Saved: This shuttle takes you from P1 to P2, skipping the 7 km uphill walk and saving energy for the actual hike.

Shuttle from P2 (Skjeggedal) to P3 (Mågelitopp):

  • Runs frequently during the hiking season.
  • Cost: Approximately 150 NOK one way.
  • Time and Distance Saved: Taking this shuttle allows you to skip the 4.5 km (9 km round trip) from P2 to P3, significantly reducing the hiking distance and time.

3. Hike Overview from Each Parking Lot

From P1 (Tyssedal):

  • Total Distance: ~38 km round trip.
  • Hiking Time: 10-14 hours

From P2 (Skjeggedal):

  • Total Distance: 28-29 km round trip.
  • Hiking Time: 10-12 hours.

From P3 (Mågelitopp):

  • Total Distance: 20 km round trip.
  • Hiking Time: 7-10 hours.
Trolltunga

4. Toll Road Fee

  • Location: To access P2 or P3, you must drive up a private toll road after leaving Tyssedal.
  • Cost: Approximately 200 NOK.
  • Important Note: This fee is separate from the parking fee and is paid at a toll station near Skjeggedal.
  • If you park at P1, you essentially pay this toll fee by getting on the bus.

5. Essential Tips for the Hike

  • Hiking Season: The main hiking season for Trolltunga is from June to September, when the trail is accessible without snow.
  • Fitness Level: This hike is considered strenuous, with a few steep inclines and uneven terrain. However, I genuinely didn’t find it that tough, after the initial 45-60 minutes. You definitely need a good fitness level to get up the first part, but the hike is relatively ‘easy’ most of the time. I think due to the fact it is a long hike (20km), it has been classed as strenous, just in case.
  • Weather: Norway’s weather is unpredictable, so check the forecast and pack accordingly. Good hiking shoes, layers, and a rain jacket are a must. Also take suncream and sunglasses in case you get a good day like we did!
  • Start Early: Whether you’re hiking from P2 or P3, it’s best to start early in the morning to ensure you have enough daylight. The first shuttle bus starts at 7am and runs approximately every half an hour.
  • Food & Water: Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no facilities along the trail! There are 2 waterfalls along the route where you can fill up your water bottle with fresh water!
  • Look out: There are poles marking the trails. Make sure to look out for them to ensure you’re going the right way! They look like this;
Hiking to Trolltunga

By carefully choosing your parking location and understanding the shuttle options, you can significantly reduce the hiking distance to Trolltunga and enjoy a more comfortable adventure. Starting from P3 is ideal if you want to save time and energy while still experiencing one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks!

P.S. Do not expect to be alone – this is one of the most popular spots to visit in Norway! The good thing is, everyone respectfully forms a queue at the troll’s tongue to take their photos! You could be waiting anywhere between 20 minutes and 2 hours for a photo depending on the time of year.