Trolltunga is one of the most beautiful and dangerous places in Norway. Once you see this rocky ledge above Ringedalsvatnet Lake, you will certainly want to take a photo on it. It is located at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level.
2009 was a turning point for this place: an overview article in a famous travel magazine saw the light of day, which attracted crowds of curious tourists from all over the world. "Skjeggedal" - this is the original name of the rock, but the locals are used to calling it "Troll's Tongue", since the cliff is very reminiscent of the elongated tongue of this mythical creature.
Trolltongue Legend
Why do the Norwegians associate the rock with the troll? It all comes down to the long-standing Scandinavian belief that Norway is so rich in. In time immemorial, there lived a huge troll, whose size was commensurate only with his own stupidity. He risked all the time, tempting fate: he jumped over steep chasms, dived into deep waters and tried to reach the moon from the cliff.
The troll is a creature of the twilight world, and he did not go out during the day, because there were rumors that it could kill him. But he decided to risk it again, and with the first rays of the sun stuck his tongue out of the cave. As soon as the sun touched its tongue, the troll was completely petrified.
Since then, the rock of an unusual shape above the Ringedalsvatnet lake has attracted travelers from all over the world like a magnet. For the sake of a successful shot, they, like a troll covered with legends, risk their lives.
How to get to the iconic place?
Odda is the nearest town on the way to the ascent. It is located in a picturesque area between two bays and is a fjord with beautiful colorful houses in the middle of virgin nature. The easiest way to get here is from Bergen, which has an airport.
Buses run regularly. Traveling 150 kilometers through the Hordallan region, you can admire the Norwegian forests and the many waterfalls stretching here. Due to the popularity of the mountain, Odda is not a cheap place to stay, and it is very difficult to find a free room. You have to book accommodation at least three months in advance!
The further way to the Troll's Tongue will have to be covered on foot, it takes 11 kilometers. It is best to come here from June to October, as this is the warmest and driest time of the year. You will have to walk along narrow paths and slopes, but the delightful surrounding landscapes and clean mountain air will imperceptibly brighten the time. In general, the hike takes about 9-10 hours, so you need to take care of heat-protective clothing, comfortable shoes, a thermos with warm tea and a snack.
The road is marked by various signs and runs along the old rails of the funicular, which once ran here. The rails have long been rotten, so walking on them is strictly prohibited. A twenty-minute queue at the top of the mountain, and you can add to your collection a breathtaking photo against the backdrop of an abyss, snowy peaks and a blue lake.
We advise you to look at the Himalayas.
Caution does not hurt
Rising hundreds of meters above sea level, the ledge is very dangerous, which is sometimes forgotten by courageous travelers. In this age of social media, thoughts are more concerned with how to post a spectacular shot than with their own safety.
The first and so far the only negative case happened in 2015. An Australian tourist tried to take a beautiful photo and came too close to the cliff. Losing her balance, she fell into the abyss. The Norwegian travel portal immediately removed a lot of extreme photographs from its site, so as not to lure new tourists into risky behavior. Physical fitness, the right footwear, slowness and caution are the main rules of a successful ascent to the legendary "Troll's Tongue".
