The Reality of Hiking Troll Tongue
Here’s my guide to hiking Troll Tongue, including links and resources to help you make the right decision about hiking there.
North European travel guide
Located close to the Hardanger region, Odda is a small industrial town that has become very popular for hikes in the summer – most famously, the Trolltongue hike.ย
Latitude: 60 degrees north
Population: 7,000
Hottest month:ย July
Coldest month:ย February
Wettest month:ย October
Windiest month:ย January
Annual precipitation:ย 555mm
Odda Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Odda
This museum is in an old hydroelectric power station and is about the industrial boom in Odda.ย
The church is located just outside Odda and is one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches.ย
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
Troll Tongue is one of the most famous hikes in Norway, but keep in mind it is a very difficult hike that is not suited to everyone!
Read my guide to Troll Tongue below.ย
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Odda
The Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in Norway and is often voted the most beautiful. Known as an important area during the Viking Age, this is where English monks introduced the apple to the country in medieval times. Today Hardanger produces 80% of Norwayโs apples and they are famous, especially when put in cider form! The tourist road winds around the Hardangerfjord, and there are a number of farms you can visit along the way.
Ryfylke is a traditional district and part of the Rogaland County in south-west Norway. The name comes from the Old Norse word meaning โperson who eats ryeโ and refers to the Rugiere, a Germanic tribe that emigrated from southwestern Norway to Pomerania around 100AD. The landscape in Ryfylke is characterised by high mountains though the outer islands are much flatter. Narrow fjords cut into the mountain areas throughout the entire area. The oldest settlement in the county took place in the mountains at least 7,000 years ago. The region today is protected and a tourist road because of the industrial growth that emerged here in the 19th century, especially with regards to mining and power production. The drive is short but is a scenic alternative to the Rv13.
The road from Stavanger to Sogndal is one of the regional highways of Western Norway, but it could easily be classified as a national tourist road. Passing fjords, crossing mountains, and providing stops by waterfalls, glaciers and historic farms, the Rv13 is an incredibly stunning drive. You have the opportunity to cross historic roads or cut through modern tunnels. The Vikafjellet mountain crossing is one of the most impressive in the country. There are a number of stave churches along the way, too
No self-guided walks are currently available for Odda
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Odda
Here are some things that you must do and try in Odda
Odda’s unique industrial history has put it on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the towns of Rjukan, Notodden, and Tyssedal.ย
I have a dedicated page for the history of Odda, which you can read below.
Odda has a local hospital and also a secondary school. Odda is primarily an industrial location.ย
Fly: No airport.ย
Drive: The E134 highway runs through the municipality as well as the Rv13, connecting Odda to the rest of Western Norway.ย
Train: No train access
Ferry:ย No ferry access.ย
You’ll need a car to get to the various hikes and other activities.ย
Cafes & Bakeries
ย
Quick Bites
ย
Reasonable Restaurants
ย
High End & Unique Eats
ย
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.ย
Cabins & B&Bs
Trolltunga Hotel is a guesthouse with basic rooms and a restaurant.ย
Chains & Mid-Range
ย
High End & Unique Properties
Tyssdeal Hotel is a historic building from 1913 in the art deco style.ย
Here’s my guide to hiking Troll Tongue, including links and resources to help you make the right decision about hiking there.
Utne is one of the most picturesque places in Hardanger.
The historic 13th century church with one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Noway.
My overview of Lรฅtefossen in Western Norway, including its history, present-day and what you can do when you are there.
Here’s an overview of the history of Odda, from humble beginnings to industrial powerhouse, decline, and rebirth.
Here are some interesting facts about Odda, a small town in the Hardanger region.