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The Trollstigen Mountain Road, or “Troll’s Path” (literally “The road of the Trolls” in Norwegian), is a spectacular serpentine road consisting of 18 hairpin bends located in the municipality of Rauma, in the province of Møre og Romsdal, in southwestern Norway.
| Country | Norway |
| County | Møre og Romsdal |
| Average gradient | 4,4 % |
| Distance | 11,2 Miles (18 km) |
| Elevation | 2788 Feet (850 m) |
| Elevation gain | 2624 Feet (800 m) |
Trollstigen Aerial View
Trollstigen rises within a dramatic pass between the deep fjords that characterize the region and is a major attraction for tourism in Norway. During the months of June, July, and August, around 130,000 vehicles pass through here in total, making it the third most visited tourist attraction in Norway and becoming an iconic landmark in Norway, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its unique and dramatic location, surrounded by the fjords, adds to its allure and makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
In 2012, a large platform was built atop the road, and since then, it has been used as a tourist center for visitors. It includes a museum, a mountain lodge, a restaurant, and a spectacular viewpoint to admire the scenery. The entire construction is meticulously maintained and blends seamlessly with the wild surroundings in which it is located. All elements are shaped to blend into the landscape, creating an authentic experience for visitors.
When Is Trollstigen Open?
It is possible to ascend Trollstigen from mid-May to late November. The road and tourist center remain closed during the rest of the year due to the severe weather conditions in the area. During the summer months, Trollstigen is at its peak, with vibrant greenery, blooming wildflowers, and enhanced accessibility. However, the winter months bring a different kind of beauty, with snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Trollstigen History
The Trollstigen road was inaugurated on July 31, 1936, by King Haakon VII after 8 years of construction. Several centuries ago, and for many generations, the road was an important transportation artery between Valldal and Åndalsnes until the construction of the Trollstigvegen road began in 1924. Parts of the original trail where packhorses used to pass before the road was built are still visible and used as hiking trails. It is an exciting alternative for those who want to experience the road as it was in ancient days without the need for motorized vehicles.
Trollstigen, Visitor Center
Scenic Beauty
The Trollstigen road offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Norwegian landscape. The combination of steep mountains, deep fjords, and cascading waterfalls creates a truly awe-inspiring experience for visitors.
Driving to the top is exquisite, demanding, and dangerous, due to the 18 hairpin bends, limited visibility, slippery asphalt, and narrowness of the road. Therefore, if you decide to travel to Norway and have a vehicle, traversing this road will be an unforgettable experience.
Despite vehicles over 12 meters being prohibited from using this road, it is common to see two trucks or buses crossing paths at one of its 18 hairpin bends. In this video, you can observe the precise driving skills of the two drivers. With great patience, they manage to navigate the situation without any issues.
Hiking Opportunities
In addition to driving, Trollstigen offers excellent hiking opportunities for those who prefer a more immersive experience. Several trails, including those following the old packhorse paths, allow visitors to explore the area on foot and admire the natural beauty up close.
Construction
The construction of Trollstigen is considered an engineering marvel, as it involved overcoming numerous challenges presented by the rugged terrain. The road’s design incorporates innovative engineering techniques, such as multiple hairpin bends and strategically placed retaining walls, to ensure stability and safety.
Impressive downhill skateboarding on Trollstigen
This video of two daring young individuals downhill skateboarding on Trollstigen is spectacular. It’s impressive to see the complete mastery and control they demonstrate during the descent.
