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.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 7,000 / 60 degrees north
Odda, Norway
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.
About Odda
Latitude: 60 degrees north
Population: 7,000
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: October
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 555mm
Odda Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Odda
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Odda
Museum
Norwegian Museum for Hydroelectric Power and Industry
This museum is in an old hydroelectric power station and is about the industrial boom in Odda.
Stave Church
Røldal Stave Church
The church is located just outside Odda and is one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
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!
Hiking
Troll Tongue
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.
Hiking
Rossnos
Rossnos is the highest mountain that you can hike to from Odda. At the top, there are excellent views over the Folgefonna glacier. The trip is approximately 10km round-trip and can take up to 8 hours. it is considered a demanding hike.
Hiking
Jordalsnuten
Jordalsnuten is accessed from the Rv13 highway just outside Odda. The trip is 9km round-trip and is a medium-grade hike.
Glacier Hiking
Folgefonni Breførerlag
Folgefonni Breførerlag are specisalists when it comes to glacier hiking. Their tour starts at the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort and takes you across Juklavassbreen. The tour takes 5-6 hours total and includes lunch.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Odda
Hardanger Tourist Road
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 Norway’s 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 Tourist Road
Ryfylke is a traditional district and part of the Rogaland County in south-west Norway. The name comes from the Old Norse word meaning ‘person who eats rye’ 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.
Stavanger to Sogndal on 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
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Odda
Odda on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Odda
Uniquely Odda
Here are some things that you must do and try in Odda
Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage
Odda’s unique industrial history has put it on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the towns of Rjukan, Notodden, and Tyssedal.
History of Odda
I have a dedicated page for the history of Odda, which you can read below.
Odda Today
Odda has a local hospital and also a secondary school. Odda is primarily an industrial location.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport.
Drive: The E134 highway runs through the municipality as well as the Rv13, connecting Odda to the rest of Western Norway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
You’ll need a car to get to the various hikes and other activities.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
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.
Cabins & B&Bs
Trolltunga Hotel is a guesthouse with basic rooms and a restaurant.
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Tyssdeal Hotel is a historic building from 1913 in the art deco style.
All Posts About Odda
Add Utne to Your Hardanger Road-Trip
Utne is one of the most picturesque places in Hardanger.
Røldal Stave Church
The historic 13th century church with one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Noway.
Why Låtefossen is One of Norway’s Best Waterfalls
My overview of Låtefossen in Western Norway, including its history, present-day and what you can do when you are there.
The History of Odda
Here’s an overview of the history of Odda, from humble beginnings to industrial powerhouse, decline, and rebirth.
Interesting Facts about Odda
Here are some interesting facts about Odda, a small town in the Hardanger region.