Driving up the western coast of Norway, there is certainly no shortage of beautiful scenery to enjoy. In fact, I don’t recall many instances at all during our whole trip, where there weren’t stunning natural vistas everywhere you looked.
However, there is one section of highway situated slightly inland that is famous as an engineering feat and driving challenge amidst a majestic natural landscape. I am referring to ‘Trollstigen’.
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What is Trollstigen Norway?
Trollstigen translates as ‘ladder for a troll’ or ‘Troll’s ladder’. It is a steep, narrow mountainside road that is regarded as one of the more dangerous drives you can take.
This is also Norway’s most visited tourist road. It contains many steep inclines (more than 10% in some places) and 11 hairpin turns (each turn having its own name).
Definitely not for the faint of heart or inexperienced drivers the dangers include rock falls, narrow lanes, steep inclines and unpredictable weather. The route is even more problematic in the dark and wet which make it incredibly challenging to navigate. Usually open between mid-May to October, the road remains closed during autumn and winter.
Originally completed in the 1930’s, the road received major repairs and an upgrade in 2005.
Where is it?
Trollstigen Norway is located along national route/road 63 located between the towns of Valldal and Åndalsnes (a distance of 89 Kilometres or 55 miles) Rauma Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county, in the Western Fjords region.
We drove to Trollstigen from Geiranger a distance by road of some 104 kilometres or 64 miles after we had just experienced the wonderful Geirangerfjord.
The drive heading toward Trollstigen involved going through some amazing and stunning scenery. Although this was during the month of May, let me say that it was still freezing while driving up these mountainous areas. Below are a couple of the photos we took on the way there.
Trollstigen Norway Visitor Centre and Lookout
This is somewhere you simply must stop to appreciate the amazing views. If you are travelling north along route/road 63, the visitor centre comes up on your right-hand side and there is plenty of parking.
Built at the top of Trollstigen, the centre was opened in 2012 and contains a restaurant, toilets, souvenir shop and a number of walkways and scenic viewing platforms. From here you can look down on Trollstigen and the surrounding mountains, valleys and waterfalls that are everywhere in this region.
Below you can see how lovely the centre and walkways are, built in the midst of the river Istra which is fed by the melted snow and ice from the imposing mountain Meiadalen.
The largest platform juts out over the edge of the mountain and looks down to the top part of the road some 200 metres below. Although the raised pathways are not that long to walk to the various platforms, it can seem that way when the temperature is low and you are freezing. On the day we were there, we also needed to watch our footing so as not to slip on the continual wet surface.
Nevertheless, there is just no doubting the wonderful scenery as we captured this magnificent vista with our cameras.
Stigfossen
You just can’t visit this amazing area and not notice the massive waterfall called Stigfossen. There is also another waterfall named Trollfossen which is slightly taller but considerably less voluminous.
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Stigfossen is a natural waterfall of some 240 metres in height with the largest single drop being 180 metres. The waterfall passes through bridges and beside the road as it snakes up and down the side of the mountain. The spray produced by the thundering falls as you drive will completely saturate the outside of your vehicle.
Trollfossen is not as predominate as you traverse Trollstigen Norway as it is not as close, but it is still a lovely sight as 280 metres in height nearby.
The Stigfossen comes from the river Istra and is photographed most often nearby the stone bridge as you head up or down Trollstigen.
Activities
If you have time to spend here, hiking is something that many enjoy doing, being surrounded by such an epic backdrop.
Rated as a challenging hike along the old Kløvstien path connecting Romsdalen and Sunnmøre, this path has been used by traders for centuries. It runs alongside the Istra river and has stone steps and chains to make the more challenging parts more accessible and safer.
Another sport done here (for those who are very fit!) is cycling. The gradient and narrow nature of the road is not something to be underestimated. It reminded me very much of seeing cyclists take on the Andes mountain roads in Chile.
Driving down Trollstigen
James had the task of driving us both down Trollstigen. We had already read up on this particular road in advance and so exercised considerable caution as we began our descent. No one on the road that we saw, took this road lightly or for granted as a fun, sporty ride. Everyone seemed to be very aware of the reputation of Trollstigen and watched their speed and space on the road, especially as you neared each of the 11 hairpin turns.
We were very lucky as we drove because there just wasn’t very much in the way of traffic at the time. This was just fabulous as it allowed us to take our time and enjoy the experience in addition to stopping briefly to take photos along the way.
Just past the stone bridge at the closest point to Stigfossen, there was a stopping area which was completely empty so we were able to get out and take some shots of the waterfall from the road.
From this vantage point, we were able to look back up to see the top of the falls, the main viewing platform as well as look down to the rest of the Trollstigen winding road and the mountains and valley to the north.
As we completed the descent, the road widened out and we were able to get back to highway speed as we reached the level of rivers heading out to the North Sea. We were bound for the famous and scenic Atlantic Road and beyond that the town of Kristiansund, where we had reservations to stay the night.
What are your impressions of Trollstigen? Would you include this on your Norwegian itinerary? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. And before you ask… no, we did not see any trolls on the way! (aside from what was in the gift shops) …
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
I’ve never been to Trollstigen Norway before but that definitely looks like a great place to visit someday. I love snow/cold weather and the view there is absolutely beautiful.
I totally agree about the view Lyanna, but I’m probably not so keen on the cold as you. Nonetheless, being in the cold to experience Trollstigen was so worth it. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
That countryside is so beautiful. I love the way the mountains drop off into steep valleys. It’s quite dramatic.
Dramatic indeed Claudia! It is such a beautiful and impressive landscape that stays with you long after you leave. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your impressions.
Norway looks so beautiful. It is definitely a place I would love to visit
Thanks for reading Steven and I hope you will visit in the future.
Beautiful landscape. I would love to be in nature like this!
Thanks Lily. Yes, it is indeed very special.
I would go in the blink of an eye! I’d love to visit Norway despite the sky-high prices. Actually, I had a ticket to Oslo for Easter. Last Easter. Corona Easter. So you can imagine how that went. So Norway is still on top of my bucket list.
Hang in there Renata, you are bound to get there once the COVID 19 restrictions are lifted. In the meanwhile, look on the bright side. You have more time to save for the trip! All kidding aside, I hope you have a great trip when you can go and thank you for reading and sharing your comment.
I loved Norway so much. A whole new world…opposite end of the earth for me as an Aussie. It truly is magnificent and I remember being impressed by the outdoor culture of Norway even though it gets so cold. I never tired of the scenery and will be back one day to discover the area of Trollstigen.
There’s no doubting that is a long way to travel, Justine! But I’m so pleased to hear you regard it as worth it for all the natural beauty that covers Norway. Safe travels for your return.
I haven’t been but Norway is so beautiful from the pictures I have seen. I like that Trollstigen has walkways and viewing platforms for safe viewing of the majestic scenery. I look forward to visiting Norway once the world opens up again.
Thanks so much Georgina. I think so many of us look forward to that time when this virus gets under control and it will be safe to travel once more. Hope you have a great trip to Norway and enjoy it as much as I did.
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and love this type of drives! In fact, I have already put it in my itinerary for my next Norway visit. This drive reminds me of the hairy drive to Stegastein view point in Aurland Norway (near Flam) where we had to drive on a very narrow mountain road with sheer drop on one side without any barriers. The views of this Trollstigen drive look stunning! That walkway near the visitor centre also looks amazing. 🙂
Thanks so much, Jan. I think you will enjoy this area and there are quite a few hairy drives that I am aware of in this region. Best wishes for a fabulous trip once we are able to travel again.
What incredible landscape! I imagine it would be cold there, especially with so many water features in the area. I think it would be a great area to spend some time outdoors – I’d love to hike here!
There are definitely many that do hike here Jenn. The top of Trollstigen was definitely colder than the bottom for obvious reasons and we were rugged up, especially when outside the car. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
I wonder whether this road has ever been part of a road racing event. I would make an interesting alternative to the Tour de France .. a punishing route and workout but surrounded by stunning landscape. I’ve only ever been to Sweden before, but I’d love to go back to this part of the world and explore Denmark and Norway too.
I’m not aware of if this road has ever been used for racing Jay, but I would imagine it really only could be done for cycling. It certainly would make a very interesting alternative to the Tour de France and would no doubt get television coverage. Hope you get to visit Norway in the future and thank you for reading and that great thought.
I love the description of Trolls Ladder. So raw and beautiful, I’d love to visit.
Thanks so much, Fiona. The Norwegians pride themselves on keeping their natural environment pristine and I think you would agree they do an outstanding job of ensuring that. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
I have been to Norway (in Oslo). I have yet to visit Trollstigen! It looks amazing. What a view! I really hope I can try camping on this place.
Thanks, Emman. To see the true beauty of Norway, I would certainly recommend getting well away from Oslo on your next trip. While Oslo is a nice city, it obviously doesn’t compare to what the rest of the country has to offer. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Norway is on my travel bucket list because the place just looks so, so beautiful!
That is exactly what made me excited about doing a road trip in Norway, Debs. Norway is simply one of the most beautiful countries there is. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
Wow! These spots sure do look incredible! The photos look amazing!
Thanks very much, Hayley. So pleased you liked it.
Trollstigen Norway is so beautiful. I love the rolling hills and the landscape seems to be out of a fairytale. I think the roads would make me sick tho. I plan on going to Norway soon maybe I will stop by. Thank you for your tips!!!!
You’re very welcome, Nicholas. The roads are not that bad at all for the most part – it’s just that way at Trollstigen and a few other spots. The condition of the roads in Norway is otherwise excellent. Perhaps with this in mind, you might include Trollstigen on your itinerary when you go.
This does look so beautiful, but so cold! I would love to visit sometime.
It is definitely colder at the top with all the snow and ice, but much warmer at the bottom as you start to drive through the valley, Marie. There is also a change in scenery but it is just as beautiful, just in a different way.
It’s always interesting how the most dangerous attractions are often the most popular, isn’t it? That being said, the views in your photos here look incredible. I can DEFINITELY see why someone would want to make a trip to see this first hand. In fact, I think I’m adding it to our ‘must-visit’ list.
I do get what you mean about the dangerous aspect here, Britt, but it just means going during the day and being very careful in the way you drive. The beauty all around there is worth the effort in my opinion. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Norway is one country that I always wanted to visit. The scenic beauty here is absolutely mesmerizing. I have this trip in my bucket list and will definitely visit one day.
That’s lovely to hear, Stacy. I’m sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did.
Trollstigen looks and sounds amazing! Those pictures are totally worth a visit. I can only imagine the being surrounded by such beauty. With that road though, I would want to take a tour or some form of transportation where I’m not the one driving. As I get older, I dislike treacherous drives. Are tours an option when visiting?
Tours are definitely an option here, Erica. Can you believe that tour buses actually go up and down Trollstigen each day? Those drivers are very practised at this and obviously know the roads extremely well. They also pull over at certain places so you can get out, stretch your legs and take in the magnificent scenery. Thank you for reading and your question. I hope you will visit soon.
This is just epic, as are most things about Norway. I loved the beauty of Norway when I visited although I didn’t actually see the Trollstigen area.
There’s no denying the natural beauty that Norway has to offer and perhaps missing out on Trollstigen last time will be an excuse to return and discover more! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
It would take me about six hours by train to get to Norway from where I live in sweden, but i have NEVER been to Norway. Or Denmark for that matter 😛
I really should look into that, shouldnt I?
I certainly would if I were you, Ann. You are in a great location to reach these locations in Norway, relatively easily. Thank you for reading, sharing your thoughts – and I hope you will be able to book and visit for yourself soon.
So beautiful! it is in my list to visit and I hope i will visit it soon enough
Thanks very much, Lyosha, and I hope you will as well.
I love learning about new places! Thanks for showcasing this amazing location.
You’re most welcome Nkem, I’m so pleased you enjoyed this and thank you for reading and commenting.
I’ve heard that Norway is so beautiful! I would love to go there one day and experience it for myself.
That’s definitely the best way, Heather. There is just nothing that beats experiencing it first hand. Hope you will get to visit here, as well as many other places in Norway, soon.
Very amazing landscape, would be a nice place to visit, travelling adds to wealth of knowledge and diversity.
No doubt about that, Adebimpe. There are indeed so many lovely places to travel to, Trollstigen being one of them. Thank you for reading and commenting.
how stunning!!!! I would love to check out those waterfalls and rivers in the winter.
Unfortunately, this road is deemed too dangerous and quite inaccessible during winter, Joy. However, there are definitely many other beautiful places to visit across Norway in winter.
Wow–such beautiful sights and a wonderful place to visit. I’ll bookmark this and add it to my list. I can’t wait to travel again soon!
Me too, Christine! There are so many wonderful places to see and experience. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
I can’t believe how beautiful the country is there! I love all the snow on the mountains. It’s just gorgeous. I would love to see the area with my family.
That’s for sure Brianne! We saw so many families driving through this area in cars, motorhomes and caravans and they all looked to be having the time of their lives. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Trollstigen looks amazing. It’s strange that I have never been to any of the Nordic countries despite living in Europe all my life. Definitely something on my bucket list, and if it can be combined with hiking, that would be even better!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kat. You most certainly can combine hiking here, as you can all over Norway to enjoy some spectacular views of stunning nature on a grand scale. Living in Europe really does afford you this wonderful opportunity to visit much easier than many others and I do hope you love it as much as I did.
LOVE all of your fab photos. Now this is my kind of thing in the great outdoors with so much natural beauty to look at x
Thanks so much, Melanie. Norway as a whole certainly is such a beautiful country and they look after the environment so well.
This looks beautiful! My husband’s family is from Norway but we have both never been there. I would love to travel there someday 🙂
It would be a wonderful thing to meet up with his family, who could also give you local advice on all the beautiful places to visit, Kale. There is just so much to see and experience there.
I would LOVE to go visit. These are amazing pictures.
Thank you, Loren. Hopefully, you will visit someday as well, once the COVID restrictions are lifted.
Stunning! Mother Nature does not disappoint with the views at Trollstigen. Would love to see it in person. Will definitely put on the bucket list!
I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed to see this in person, Carol. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Wow! Those switchbacks! My husband would hate to drive those–we’d have to find a tour. The scenery is worth the drive though. I’d love to see the waterfalls in person.
Thanks very much, Tracy. I know that there are tours that operate through there and that they pull over to the side of the road next to the stone bridge (where you can see where we stopped above) to get a close view of the Stigfossen waterfall. You can also see so much of the scenery from this point as well as what you would see on the bus, not having to worry about the driving.
I didn’t know trollstigen is Norway’s most visited tourist road! Would love to visit here someday, hopefully once we’re all able to travel again. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, Mick. I’m looking forward to that time where we can all travel again as well. Hopefully, treatment and vaccine will be discovered soon to end this terrible virus. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
This is absolutely beautiful. I’d love to visit and see in person.
Thanks Sarah. Hopefully, you will get the opportunity soon once COVID restrictions lift. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Wow!! Gorgeous. I would love to visit and enjoy the beauty and freshness here. This would be a great trip for me… I can’t wait to travel again once the situation gets better. I have plans to go hiking.
That’s great Pooja. Trollstigen, as well as many other places in Norway, offer such fabulous hiking trails.
I knew about the narrow mountainside road with hairpins but never knew that it is called Trollstigen in Norway. It looks how dangerous drive it must be and also it must be bumpy too. As this is Norway’s most visited tourist road with many steep inclines, then it must be truly an adventurous drive and I would like to take it. The gushy water of Stigfossen Waterfall looks wild and photogenic too. Loved your adventurous road trip and also the natural beauty of this place.
Thank you very much Yukti. It is a bit of an adventure and the road is narrow, but not actually bumpy. The roads overall in Norway are extremely smooth and well maintained. Just can’t beat the landscape with so much to see and thank you for reading and commenting.
This is so unbelievably stunning! I would LOVE to visit Norway and see some of these places!
Thanks so much, Shayla. It is undoubtedly such a beautiful country. I hope you will read more articles yet to be published here on Norway that will share even more of this beauty.
I like to think that I am not the worst driver, but I do not think I could handle the 11 hairpin turns of Trollstigen. Scanning through this I was wondering how on earth anyone would travel this during the winter months. Now actually reading this I’m glad to see this is shut down after October! It makes sense to me! But I could not imagine travelling this on any sort of basis. It was originally completed in the 1930s and not being repaired or upgrade until 2005- wow! Yikes!
I can relate to what you are saying Kaitlin but also bear in mind that many people, including tourists, drive there each and every day when the road is not closed. So long as you are careful, you will be OK. It is an unforgettable experience. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sounds like a very scary, but beautiful drive. I would love to see all of the waterfalls.
The waterfalls do look quite stunning set against the backdrop of the mountains, Cyndi. So long as you are careful driving, I’m sure you would be just fine and blown away by what you see all around you.
That road looks so scary yet so amazing at the same time. My daughter is quite obsessed with her Norwegian trolls and heritage. We really want to visit Norway.
Once the COVID restrictions are eased Monica, I do hope you and your daughter are able to plan a trip. I would be happy to assist answer any questions about Trollstigen and other beautiful places where you might like to visit there.
What an adventure you had. The views are breathtaking. Norway is definitely a place to visit.
You bet Cristina! Thoroughly recommend it.
That is so beautiful! I mean, it looks absolutely freezing, but the switchbacks are so gorgeous.
Yes, the beautiful views at the top are something you do need to rug up for, that’s for sure, Liz. However, even if you are not a fan of the cold, it is worth it to experience this place.
I’ve always heard that Norway was beautiful and these pictures prove that. Ive never heard of Trollstigen but would love to visit one day.
Thanks so much Ashley. Do stay tuned for more yet to come in this series on Norway.
Some stunning views across Norway, i’ve never been but want to make a journey to see the fjords at some point.
I don’t blame you Chris. Do have a look at the articles in this serious on two of the more well-known fjords of Norway, namely Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord. Both are just stunning.
What incredible scenery and the falls are amazing! I want to visit Norway since I have relatives in Finland.
That would be a great idea Lori, as Finland is not that far away at all from Norway and does share a border with Norway as well as both countries sharing a border with Sweden as well. It would be a great opportunity to see quite a bit of Scandanavia on your trip.
I have seen images of Trollstigen before did not know it means ladder of the troll, I love that! I think the 11 hairpin turns would give me major car sickness. That viewing platform and amazing waterfall make it worth it
Totally agree Sherianne, however it is just not possible for vehicles to travel at fast speeds through those turns. You do have to slow right down, especially when making each turn, so perhaps you might not experience too bad a case of car sickness. Stopping and getting out of the car, of course, has its rewards for the beauty that surrounds you.
I have got to say-Trollstigen would almost definitely give me some anxiety, but based on your photos it looks well worth it! Stigfossen falls and the stone bridge would be a highlight for me, waterfalls are one of my favorite things to see. The location looks perfect for getting some great photos. I think another highlight for me would be looking back at Trollstigen after driving through, it would feel like such an accomplishment for me (I can be a nervous driver at times). It does look like a very chilly experience, so I would definitely have to dress warm (not a huge fan of the cold).
I was lucky in that I wasn’t driving in this area, Melissa as James had that task and I do have confidence in his driving safely. It was definitely cold at the top but the temperature dropped as we continued down toward sea level, to where there were still lovely views. It is such a lovely area though and I’m so glad you think so as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
What a beautiful paradise in Norway I love the cold weather hopefully I have a chance to visit that place someday 🙂 Awesome view
Thanks so much, Maysz. It certainly is a bit like paradise and I hope you will also visit someday.
I’ve been to Norway once but unfortunately didn’t make it to Trollstigen. I can see why you love it so much, it looks absolutely stunning. Love the idea of some of those challenging drives to – great to bring out your sense of adventure.
I couldn’t agree more with you, Paul. Who wouldn’t love a great adventure on a dangerous road surrounded by beautiful scenery? Sign me up is what I said! Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
Trollstigen and the surrounding area is absolutely incredible. I love the views from the viewing platform and Stigfossen Falls are spectacular. Norway is still somewhere I’ve yet to visit. Hoping to visit when it’s safe to do so.
Norway current has a number of travel and other restrictions still in place due to COVID 19, Lisa, but hopefully travel may be possible again before too long. I’m sure you would love Norway.
Such an interesting place and name too. I like some of the photos have amazing beauty spots. Those narrow roads really looks like only expert driver can drive there. Definitely, seems like we need lots of energy to travel in this location but it is worth it.
Well, you do certainly have to keep your wits about you while driving, Anagha, but we certainly found it all really worthwhile.
Wow, the Trollstigen area of Norway looks so beautiful. If it was warmer I would love to backpack that area. The River Ishta looks remarkable! I bet driving the valley down is crazy but how beautiful! Definitely adding this to the Bucket List Project when we get over to Norway!
There are quite a few backpackers, and should I say hikers as well, in this area, Eric. It is indeed a beautiful drive but one where you do have to watch the road more carefully than usual!
This place looks beautiful! I’m surprised that there is still so much snow in May! I wonder if the snow ever melts or if it’s there year round?
Trollstigen looks amazing! I’ve been wanting to visit this part of the world for a while now. Love the view of the North Sea in your pics.
Thanks, Shelley. It’s not really the North Sea you can see in these photos but rather the rivers leading out to the North Sea. In any case, it is all lovely and I’m so pleased you liked what I was able to share here.
Depending on the altitude and the proximity to some of the glaciers Jackie, there are places where snow and ice are there all the time in Norway. Naturally, it really builds up more in winter and the contrast as you travel through various regions is just gorgeous. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I can see why you would love Trollstigen in Norway. We saw so many beautiful spots we wanted to spend more time at when we visited the Norway fjords. We do love twisty mountain roads. So would definitely be up for driving the “Troll’s Ladder”. The views from the top look stunning. I love that you can see the twisty road that you drove. We would definitely want to stop and see Stigfossen. Good to know that the road goes close at one point. We certainly want to head back to Norway again!
Thanks so much, Linda. I’m sure a return visit to see this and much more would certainly be worthwhile. Do look out for future articles in this series on Norway.
Oh I am not a fan of cold weather but these landscapes are gorgeous! Maybe I need to put Norway on my travel list afterall!
I would if I were you, Di. It is always so much better in person and I’m sure that if you liked the photos shared here, then you would definitely love actually being there.