Trolltunga

{{short description|Rock formation in Norway}} {{Infobox mountain |name = Trolltunga |other_name = |image = Trolltunga 2017.jpg |image_size = |image_caption = The view of Trolltunga and Ringedalsvatnet with glimpses of the Folgefonna glacier in the background. |mapframe = yes |mapframe-zoom = 9 |coordinates = {{coord|60.13318|6.75472|region:NO_type:mountain|display=inline,title|format=dms}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trolltunga, Ullensvang |url=https://www.yr.no/nb/v%C3%A6rvarsel/daglig-tabell/1-80533/Norge/Vestland/Ullensvang/Trolltunga |accessdate=2026-01-17 |publisher=yr.no |language=no}}</ref> |location = Vestland, Norway |elevation_m = 1126 |prominence_m = |isolation_km = |elevation_ref = <ref name="pv">{{Cite web |title=Trolltunga |url=https://peakvisor.com/peak/trolltunga.html |accessdate=2026-01-17 |website=PeakVisor.com}}</ref> |prominence_ref = |isolation_ref = |range = |parent_peak = |topo = {{M711|Hardangervidda Vest (2010)}} |type = Granite penetrated by glacial erosion |age = |first_ascent = |easiest_route = Challenging |listing = }}

'''Trolltunga'''<ref name="name">{{Cite web |title=Informasjon om stadnamn |url=https://stadnamn.kartverket.no/fakta/429403 |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=Norgeskart |publisher=Kartverket |language=no}}</ref> ({{lit|the troll tongue}}) is a rock formation situated at an elevaton of {{convert|1126|m}} above sea level in Ullensvang Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. The cliff juts horizontally out from the mountain, about {{convert|700|m}} above the north side of the lake Ringedalsvatnet.<ref name="dagbladet">{{cite news |last=Faltin |first=Tine |date=2013-09-14 |title=Jeg har møtt turister som reiser hit på helgetur fra New York og Korea. Stor kåring: To av verdens ti beste fotturer ligger i Norge |url=https://www.dagbladet.no/2013/09/14/tema/reise/ferie/fjellvandring/norgesferie/29221756 |access-date=2013-10-12 |publisher=Dagbladet |language=no}}</ref>

Popularity of the hike to Trolltunga and rock formation itself has exploded in recent years. The increased popularity has turned Trolltunga into a national icon and a major tourist attraction for the region. Until 2010, fewer than 800 people hiked to Trolltunga each year. In 2016, more than an estimated 80,000 people hiked<ref>{{Cite news |last=NRK |title=Her reddes turistene ned etter 14 timer på fjellet |url=https://www.nrk.no/dokumentar/xl/her-reddes-turistene-ned-etter-14-timer-pa-fjellet-1.13576892 |access-date=2017-06-27 |work=NRK |language=no}}</ref> the {{convert|27|km|adj=on}} round-trip from the village of Skjeggedal, making it one of Norway's most popular hikes.<ref>{{Cite news |title=How to hike Norway's most famous mountains in three days |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/norway/articles/How-to-hike-Norways-best-mountains-in-just-three-days/ |access-date=2017-06-27 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB}}</ref>

This is a very challenging hike, at least 10 hours on rough terrain. There are no shelters on the hike route and no places to buy supplies.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Iversen |first=Nicklas |date=2023-07-21 |title=Trolltunga Hiking Guide: Detailed 2023 Guide (+Tips & Photos) - The Norway Guide |url=https://thenorwayguide.com/trolltunga/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=thenorwayguide.com |language=en-US}}</ref> However, there is a plan to build a lodge roughly halfway where hikers can rest. There are two emergency cabins along the trail.<ref name=":0" />

==Geology== The cliff is part of the Precambrian bedrock and was formed during the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago, when the edges of the glacier reached the cliff. The water from the glacier froze in the crevices of the mountain and eventually broke off large, angular blocks, which were later carried away with the glacier. Along the cliff itself, a gneiss, there continues to be deep cracks. The trail to Trolltunga also passes through the bedrock and washed slippery hillsides in the background also containing gneiss.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023|reason=No source given. Be aware: Parts of this section have been copied verbatim into an ASCENT-project report. The ASCENT-project report is NOT the original source.}}

==Access== Trolltunga is located {{convert|17|km}} from the town of Odda. The city of Bergen, is about {{convert|190|km}} from the site via main roads.

The trailhead is located by a small parking area with toilet facilities at Skjeggedal, about {{convert|7|km}} from Norwegian National Road 13 in Tyssedalen, near the dam at the end of Ringedalsvatnet. Parking at Skjeggedal costs {{NOK|500|link=yes}} per day for the lower car park (approximately {{USD|62|link=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=XE: Convert NOK/USD. Norway Krone to United States Dollar |url=http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=500&From=NOK&To=USD |access-date=2018-06-25 |website=www.xe.com |language=en}}</ref> or {{euro|52|link=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=XE: Convert NOK/EUR. Norway Krone to Euro Member Countries |url=http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=500&From=NOK&To=EUR |access-date=2018-06-25 |website=www.xe.com |language=en}}</ref>).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Hvordan komme til Trolltunga {{!}} Transport med bil, tog og buss {{!}} Trolltunga.com |url=https://no.trolltunga.com/parkering-og-transport/parkering/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=Trolltunga: Den offisielle nettsida |language=nn-NO}}</ref>

The hike from the parking area to Trolltunga and back again is a {{convert|27|km|adj=on}} round-trip distance with a {{convert|1100|m|adj=on}} gain in elevation, and it takes approximately 10–12 hours, including breaks.

=== Hiking trail === thumb|Trolltunga cliff Near the parking area at Skjeggedal there is a funicular called ''Mågelibanen'' (it is not in operation). The trail to Trolltunga begins here, on the left side of the funicular. It is marked with red Ts painted in the terrain, and signs along the route that marks the distance left to Trolltunga and to the starting point at Skjeggedal.

For the first {{convert|1.5|km}}, up to the Måglitopp, the trail rises about {{convert|450|m}}. From here the track surfaces slightly out before it gets steep again, rising another {{convert|330|m}} up from Gryteskaret to Trombåskåret. This section is the steepest part on this hike. But in recent years this section has been improved by Nepalese sherpas, making it easier to traverse.

After this {{convert|4|km|adj=on}} steep climb from the parking area, the next section slopes down towards Store Floren. The trail continues over Hesteflåene and the dried out river Endåno, before it gets steeper up to Endanuten and crosses the dried river to Tyssestrengene. From here the trail goes on past glacial potholes, then continues past Tysshøl, and finally approaches Trolltunga, about {{convert|13.5|km}} from the starting point at Skjeggedal.

=== Alternative starting point === In 2017, a new toll road up the steep hillside to Mågelitopp opened to the public. It allows vehicles to access the plateau at Måglitopp. It does not require a 4x4 vehicle. Due to limited parking the maximum capacity here is 30 cars per day. The road opens each day during the season at 6:00 AM, and closes when the first 30 cars have entered the gate. Online reservations are possible and parking here costs {{NOK|600|link=yes}}.<ref name=":1" /> The road is also open to hikers, as an alternative to the regular starting point at Skjeggedal.

There is a shuttle bus that carries hikers from Skjeggedal to Målelitopp.<ref name=":0" /> The price is {{NOK|130|link=yes}} for adults.

== Terrain== [[File:275. Hardanger, Tyssestrengene - NB bldsa AL0275 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Trolltunga sits at the edge to right of Tyssestrengene waterfall (as seen from the lake below). Photo by Axel Lindahl around 1890 before the waterfall was diverted to power production.]] The route to Trolltunga goes through high mountain terrain with creeks, streams, boulders, mud puddles, marshes, and water at several spots on the hike.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

From late-September to June the terrain is normally covered with ice and snow. After a hard winter it can be snow at Trolltunga even during the summer season.

== Seasons and climate == Trolltunga is accessible for experienced hikers and guided groups from mid-June to mid-September, depending on when the snow melts in the Spring. The season for guided trips with snowshoes or skis starts in March.

Trolltunga is located in a region with a mild and humid coastal climate. During summer and autumn the weather conditions often change quickly – from blue sky to wind, rain and dense fog. Check the weather forecast and ask locals about what kind of weather to expect before you go hiking.

Due to the long distance, hikers to Trolltunga need to start before 10:00 AM in the summer season to get home before it gets dark and cold. In September it is recommended to start 8:00 AM at latest, since it gets darker earlier in the evening.

== Degree of difficulty == The Norwegian Trekking Association classify the hike as "challenging", requiring good endurance as well as proper hiking boots and equipment.

==Safety== Thousands of tourists visit Trolltunga during the four summer months, a number which has greatly increased from 500 per year to 80,000 between 2009 and 2016. No safety railing has been constructed on the edge of the cliff so as not to harm the natural beauty of the cliff, although a few small metal hooks have been installed as footholds to climb down to the rock.

On 5 September 2015, a 24-year-old Australian woman fell to her death off Trolltunga. It is believed to be the first recorded death from a fall there.<ref name="stuff-nz-fall">{{cite web |date=2015-09-14 |title=Trolltunga photos removed after fatal fall |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/72011152/Trolltunga-photos-removed-after-fatal-fall |access-date=2015-09-27 |publisher=Stuff.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2014-01-31 |title=Kvinne i 20-årene døde etter fall fra Trolltunga - Aftenposten |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/Kvinne-i-20-arene-dode-etter-fall-fra-Trolltunga-8153043.html |access-date=2015-09-27 |publisher=Aftenposten.no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 September 2015 |title=Mother of Kristi Kafcaloudis mourns loss of 'beautiful soul' who died in 300-metre cliff fall in Norway |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-08/monash-student-kristi-kafcaloudis-killed-after-norway-cliff-fall/6757530 |access-date=8 September 2015 |website=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

There are widely publicised photos of people hanging off the cliff or doing a hand stand on it. Most often they are manipulated. The elite climber Magnus Midtbø suspended himself from Trolltunga wearing a safety harness, but a version where the rope was erased has been spread in media.<ref>[http://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Magnus-27-henger-fra-Trolltunga-311427b.html Magnus (27) henger fra Trolltunga]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterlei |first=Simen Sundfjord |date=2016-08-11 |title=– Mange mente jeg var gal og dum |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestland/trolltunga-stuntet_-_-mange-mente-jeg-var-gal-og-dum-1.13083147 |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=NRK |language=nb-NO}}</ref>

The approach to and retreat from Trolltunga is a demanding hike, and 10–12 hours are needed for the round trip. In later years there have been up to 40 rescue actions annually. Surprisingly not because of the dangerous cliff, but due to the demanding hike back to Tyssedal. People get lost in fog or get injured during the hike or do not have the endurance for such a demanding hike.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Norwegians are teaching travellers to travel |url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20171015-why-norway-is-teaching-travellers-to-travel |newspaper=bbc.com}}</ref>

There are mountain guards that offer guidance to tourists on how to prepare and dress for the hike at Skjeggedal.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hauso |first=Tale |date=2023-07-20 |title=Anna stoppar dårleg kledde turistar på veg opp Trolltunga: Har ført til færre redningsoppdrag |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestland/anna-stoppar-darleg-kledde-turistar-pa-veg-opp-trolltunga_-har-fort-til-faerre-redningsoppdrag-1.16486868 |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=NRK |language=nn-NO}}</ref> They give advice and information, but are not able to actually prevent anyone from starting the hike.<ref name=":2" /> However, the number of rescue missions have drastically decreased after the addition of these mountain guards.<ref name=":2" />

It is planned to build a lodge halfway between Trolltunga and Tyssedal, which will provide accommodation for hikers en route from Trolltunga.

== Surrounding landscape == The cliff overlooks the valleys of the Hardanger region. The mountains surrounding the cliff reach heights of up to 1500 meters. Some of the hilltops have plains which are interspersed with lakes. Patches of snow are present in some areas, even in the summer months. Due to heavy use by tourists, the trail to Trolltunga quickly turns to mud after a rain in the summer.

== In popular culture == *A movie song called "Amali thumali" from the 2011 film Tamil language movie ''Ko (film)'' features the lead couples dancing on the top of the ''troll tongue rock formation'' at Trolltunga.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 November 2014 |title=KO 2011 Amali Thumali Song Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IQXqcdhlLA |website=YouTube}}</ref> *A music video was filmed for Kygo's 2024 album named Kygo. The video features a grand piano helilifted to the top of the troll tongue rock formation, the Norwegian DJ controlling a digital mixer, electronic keyboard, and several featured artists singing atop the ''tongue''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUNbhYcY9Ik&list=PLLsHq1KCUqZkEPNtlkPKfC3eWJV__Cl44 |title=Kygo (The Album) - Live From The Troll's Tongue |date=2024-06-21 |last=Kygo |access-date=2024-06-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref> *In 2025, an online webseries called Presidential Wars uses the cliff of Trolltunga for its 3rd part, where Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy fights and gets pushed of a cliff by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed"> File:Trolltunga.jpg|'Trolltunga' in Odda File:Istidenes månelandskap.JPG|Lunar landscape of 'Jettegryter', Glacial potholes, nearby 'Trolltunga' File:The Troll's Tongue.jpg|Trolltunga cliff File:View of trolltunga.jpg|View of Trolltunga File:View_of_Trolltunga_from_the_air_in_early_October.jpg|View of Trolltunga from the air in early October </gallery>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [https://trolltunga.com/ Trolltunga.com] Official site * [http://www.hardangerfjord.com/odda/trolltunga Hiking Trolltunga] from Odda Tourist Office * [https://www.fjordnorway.com/things-to-do/trolltunga-p958013 About Trolltunga] from Fjord Norway, the official tourist board of Western Norway * [https://www.trolltunga-road.com/en/ Trolltunga Road] Information about the toll road from Skjeggedal to Mågelitopp

Category:Ullensvang Municipality Category:Landforms of Vestland Category:Cliffs of Norway Category:Rock formations of Norway