Go To Videos

How to Explore Trollstigen – Norway’s Most Epic Mountain Road

How to Explore Trollstigen – Norway’s Most Epic Mountain Road

Trollstigen (The Troll’s Path) is one of Norway’s most breathtaking scenic routes, featuring steep hairpin bends, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic mountain peaks. This legendary road, part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen, attracts thousands of visitors every year, offering thrilling drives, epic viewpoints, and hiking opportunities.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to visit Trollstigen, the best viewpoints, hiking trails, and travel tips for an unforgettable experience.

1. Where is Trollstigen?

📍 Location: Møre og Romsdal County, Western Norway
🌍 Coordinates: 62.4575° N, 7.6630° E
🛣️ Part of: Norwegian Scenic Route 63
🗺 Nearest towns: Åndalsnes (16 km) & Geiranger (90 km)

Trollstigen is a winding mountain road with 11 sharp hairpin bends, leading up to a spectacular viewpoint at 850 meters (2,790 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by majestic mountains, including Bispen (The Bishop), Kongen (The King), and Dronninga (The Queen).

🚗 How to Get There:

  • From Åndalsnes: 25-minute drive (16 km) via Route 63.
  • From Geiranger: 2.5-hour drive (90 km) via Eagle Road & Valldal.
  • From Ålesund: 2.5-hour drive (130 km) via E136 & Route 63.

2. Best Ways to Explore Trollstigen

A. Drive the Famous Trollstigen Road 🚗

The most popular way to explore Trollstigen is to drive the legendary road yourself!

🥾 What to Expect:
✅ 11 steep hairpin turns with dramatic drops.
✅ A 10% incline as you climb the mountainside.
✅ The Stigfossen Waterfall – Cascades down beside the road.
✅ Multiple viewpoints along the way.

🚘 Best Car for the Drive?

  • Any car can handle the road, but manual transmission is best for control.
  • If you’re renting a car, choose a compact vehicle for easy maneuvering.

🚨 Driving Tips:
✔️ Take it slow & stop at pullouts for photos.
✔️ Be cautious of buses & cyclists – The road is narrow!
✔️ Best time to drive? Morning or late afternoon (fewer cars).

B. Visit the Trollstigen Viewpoint (Trollstigplatået) 🏔️

Once you reach the top of Trollstigen, don’t miss the main viewpoint!

📍 Location: At the summit of the road.
🚶 Short walk: 10 minutes from the parking area.
👀 What You’ll See:
✅ A panoramic view of the Trollstigen road below.
✅ The Stigfossen Waterfall plunging 320m.
✅ Dramatic peaks & deep valleys.

💡 Tip: Visit in the evening for stunning golden-hour lighting over the fjord landscape!

C. Hike to Trollstigen’s Hidden Viewpoints 🥾

If you want even better views and fewer crowds, check out these hikes:

1. Bispevatnet Lake Hike (Easy – 1.5 hrs)

📍 Start: Trollstigen Parking Lot
🥾 Distance: 4 km round trip
⏳ Time: 1.5–2 hours
🔥 Why Go? A crystal-clear blue lake with mountain reflections.

2. Stabbeskaret Viewpoint Hike (Moderate – 2 hrs)

📍 Start: Near Trollstigen Café
🥾 Distance: 5 km round trip
⏳ Time: 2–3 hours
🔥 Why Go? A secret viewpoint overlooking the valley – fewer tourists!

3. The Troll Wall (Trollveggen) Hike (Challenging – 5-6 hrs)

📍 Start: Romsdalen Valley, near Åndalsnes
🥾 Distance: 10 km round trip
⏳ Time: 5–6 hours
🔥 Why Go? The highest vertical rock face in Europe (1,100m).

3. When is the Best Time to Visit Trollstigen?

✅ Best Months: June – September (road is open)
❌ Closed in Winter: Trollstigen is closed from October to May due to heavy snow.

🌅 Best Time of Day:

  • Morning (8–10 AM) for fewer cars.
  • Evening (after 6 PM) for golden-hour photography.

4. Where to Stay Near Trollstigen? 🏡

Luxury Stays:

  • Hotel Aak (Åndalsnes) – Cozy mountain lodge with great food.
  • Valldal Fjordhotell – Stunning fjord views near Trollstigen.

Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:

  • Trollstigen Gjestegård – Stay near the mountain pass!
  • Trollveggen Camping – Cabins & camping with amazing mountain views.

5. Fun Facts About Trollstigen ✨

🔥 Trollstigen means “The Troll’s Path” – Named after Norwegian folklore.
🔥 Opened in 1936 after 8 years of construction.
🔥 Norwegian Scenic Route 63 also includes Geiranger, Eagle Road, and Gudbrandsjuvet.
🔥 One of Norway’s most Instagrammed roads!

6. Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Trollstigen

Trollstigen is a must-visit in Norway, offering one of the world’s most scenic mountain roads. Whether you drive the epic switchbacks, visit the viewpoint, or hike the nearby trails, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable landscapes.

🚀 Quick Summary:
✔️ Best Way to See It? Drive up & stop at the viewpoint.
✔️ Best Time to Visit? June–September (when the road is open).
✔️ Must-See? The Trollstigen Viewpoint & Stigfossen Waterfall.