Norway Troll’s Tongue Hike: Fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls

WHY GO?

Do you think trolls only exist in storybooks? Think again! As per Norse mythology, trolls roam these Nordic lands and turn to stone come daylight. And that’s when we’ll grab our packs and hike over a troll’s tongue, before he comes back to life!

Tucked away between fjords, villages and towns, you will find one of the most beautiful and breathtaking rock formations in Norway, if not the world “Trolltunga (Troll's tongue)”. This majestic rock formation has been there for thousands of years, shaped and battered by the Ice Ages and the elements.

Walking in the mountains gives you a feeling of freedom, a feeling of overcoming and conquering. Each mountain and each summit has its own personality, charm and identity. Trolltunga rock in Norway has all this in abundance; there is no other rock formation quite like this one, it is without equal.

For each step you take during this amazing hike to get to Trolltunga, it is as if you are getting closer and closer to a kingdom of the trolls, carved in stone and ready to welcome you. Mythical, majestic and with a magical atmosphere – far up in the mountains.

Trolltunga is located in the Hardangerfjord region in Norway. Hardangerfjord is close to Bergen and Haugesund and is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in Norway. Two national parks, two national tourist routes, fjords, waterfalls and glaciers await.

B ergen at night

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Trolltunga: One of the most awe-inspiring cliffs in Norway, situated about 1,100 meters above sea level and hovering some 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Trolltunga juts out at right angles to the mountainside, like a huge troll's tongue carved in stone. It has been there for thousands of years, just waiting for you to make your way to its edge and to admire the fantastic views.

• Hiking to Trolltunga: This hike has now been certified as a “Norwegian Scenic Hike” and rightly so as the hike is incredibly scenic with phenomenal views of lakes & snow-capped mountains. The hike goes through high-mountain terrain up to Trolltunga (1,180 metres above sea level) with the trail to Trolltunga being part of an ancient thoroughfare between western and eastern Norway, across the Hardangervidda plateau.

• Buarbreen Glacier Hike: One of the most popular hikes in the Hardangerfjord region. The views of the glacier itself are spectacular, but just as beautiful are the views along the way. The bluish shimmering glacier tongue and right next to it a rushing waterfall makes this hike a very special experience.

• Discovering Odda: Considered the secret capital of Hardanger. A place framed by two national parks, namely the Hardangerviddas, a unique plateau in Norway and the Folgefonna National Park with the 3rd largest glacier in Norway, at the inner end of the Sørfjord a branch of the Hardangerfjord.

• Tjørnadalsfossen: Mammoth stepped waterfall dropping a total of 515 meters (1,690 feet) in 6-7 distinct but marginally separated steps.

• Låtefossen: This 165-metre tall “double waterfall” is unique in that it consists of two separate streams gushing down from Lake Lotevatnet. These streams dramatically converge just before flowing under the old, stone, six-arched bridge into the river Grønsdalslona.

• Discover Bergen (Optional & time permitting): Known as the “The Fjord capital of the world”, Bergen is surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Bryggen (UNESCO World Heritage site) features colorful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League's trading empire. The Fløibanen Funicular goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails.

• RIB Boat Fjord Safari (Optional): Historical fjord safari in the Hardangerfjord - a fjord filled with living cultural heritage, surrounded by massive mountains clad in glacier ice. Along the route, you will see different attractions, spots of wildlife, and the professional guide will tell fascinating natural- and cultural stories from the area. There is also a chance of seeing the porpoise or a soaring eagle.

• Norwegian Sauna (Optional): Finish your epic hiking trip with a fresh fjord bath and a steaming sauna while enjoying the views of the fjord and the mountains.

• Norwegian Fjord Experience (Norway in a Nutshell - If selecting Option b while purchasing ticket): This legendary tour takes you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, as well as a trip on Europe’s top scenic rail journey. On the trip, you get to enjoy magnificent nature from the train window on some of Europe's most beautiful train rides. You get to feel the fresh fjord air of the Nærøyfjord on the deck of an electric boat as you cruise through UNESCO-protected scenery. The tour gives you the best of what Western Norway has to offer in terms of fjords and mountains, and you travel through the landscape in an easy and sustainable way. The journey has several highlights, such as the Flåmsbana - one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, a fjord cruise on Nærøyfjorden and Aurlandsfjorden, and the Nærøydalen valley, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Note: This option will include an extra 1 x night accommodation in Oslo, Fjord cruise, Scenic bus journey and 2 x Scenic train journeys.

Odda waterfalls

WHAT IS THE PLAN?

• Day 0 - Meet & Greet: We get to Bergen- the fjord capital of the world also known as the “The heart of the fjords” where you would be meeting the guide and the rest of the participants directly at our accommodation.
• Day 1 - Discover Odda: Post checkout & a quick breakfast, we head for Odda - Gateway to Trolltunga on a scenic journey that captures everything from waterfalls to fjords to mountains & more. Once at Odda, we head for the RIB Boat Fjord Safari (Optional) and then lunch / early dinner and a trip to the supermarket to get some supplies for the hike.
• Day 2 - Hiking Trolltunga: We start early to catch the Shuttle bus to get to the start of the hiking point for the impressive “once in a lifetime” Trolltunga hike (assuming weather wise it is best to do the Trolltunga hike today) . We will have about 25 kms to hike over the course of the day with an ascent & descent of around 350 metres. After completing this we head to our accommodation, followed by dinner before calling it a night. Note: Refer to safety tips video for Hiking Trolltunga along with additional info about this hike.
• Day 3 - Hike close to Buarbreen Glacier: For those that are interested in hiking today, we have the optional Buarbreen Glacier hike that would take about 3 - 4 hours to complete. Post the Glacier hike we regroup with the rest for an Optional Norwegian Sauna followed by dinner and reminisce about our wonderful trip.
• Day 4 (Sunday) - Head back home (via Bergen): Checkout of our accommodation in Odda and then catch the bus back to Bergen bus station and then onward to Bergen airport for those participants heading home.
• Day 4 (Sunday) - Norway Fjord Experience (Optional): For those continuing the trip with the amazing once in a life time opportunity on the Norway Fjord experience, we leave early on Sunday to catch a bus to take us to the starting point for this amazing experience that involves Scenic bus journey, Scenic Fjord cruise (2 hours), Legendary Flam Railway that is considered as one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe and followed by the train journey to Oslo which is also full of amazing sights to behold!.
• Day 6 - Head back home from Oslo: Check out of accommodation and head to Oslo airport where we say our goodbye's.

Hiking to Buerbeen glacier

TRIP DETAILS

Start & End Date:

• Option A: Wed night, 10 July - Sun afternoon, 14 July.
• Option B: Wed night, 10 July - Monday morning, 15 July

Starting location & time:

• Meet guide in Bergen accommodation on Wednesday night @ 10pm.
• Note: Exact accommodation details to be advised to confirmed participants in a separate trip briefing document and also please let us know, if you are arriving earlier or later, so that we can make relevant arrangements on our end.

Finishing location & time:

• Option A: Odda Bus Station at 7am on Sunday.
• Option B (Norway Fjord experience participants): Oslo accommodation on Monday morning based on your respective flight time.

Note:

• For Option B participants, you can leave anytime on Monday, based on your flight timings from Oslo.

Price:

• Starting from €745 (before any discounts).

Hiking Distance:

• Day 0 (Wednesday): Travel to Bergen
• Day 1: <5km - Discovering Odda including various waterfalls
• Day 2: 25km - Trolltunga Hike (7 - 9 hours) with ascent & descent of 500m.
• Day 3: 10 km - Buarbreen Glacier Hike
• Day 4 (Sunday): <5km - Head back home (via Bergen) or Norway Fjord experience (optional)
• Day 5 (Monday - only applies to option b): <3km - Head back home from Oslo

Hiking Difficulty: :Intermediate to Hard – Hiking long distance but at moderate pace with multiple break times on steep paths and stairs, moderate elevation for most parts but some parts have steep elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness is required.

What is included ?

• Community Guide & leader for the entire trip (Speaks English & German).
• 1 x night shared accommodation (twin-share) with shared bathroom in Bergen. Note: Refer to add-on's Refer to add-on's for accommodation upgrade options possible with private bathroom.
• 3 x nights shared accommodation (twin-share) with shared bathroom in Odda. Note: Refer to add-on's for accommodation upgrade options possible.
• 1 x additional night (Sunday night) shared accommodation (mix of twin-share & triple share) with private bathroom in Oslo. Note: This only applies for participants that select ticket type - Option B that includes the Norway Fjord experience.
• All transportation from the meeting location to the finishing location.
• Organizing breakfast, lunch & dinner places (payment to be made by participants).
• Shuttle bus to drop off & pick up for Trolltunga hike.
• Private Taxi / Shuttle bus to drop off & pick up for Glacier hike.
• Private Taxi to discover waterfalls around Odda and other amazing sights.
• Access to a dedicated whatsapp group for this event to connect with other trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to whatsapp group in the ticket).
• Access to a google photos album dedicated to this trip, where you can share all your amazing pics & videos.

Other Things of Note:

• We also have another Norway hiking trip for a different location - Kjeragbolten (More details of this trip here) from Thu, 4 July - Sun, 7 July. If you wish to combine both of these trips, do reach out to us directly and we can create a customized package for you that combines both of these hiking trips along with Norway Fjord experience as well.
• You will need hiking shoes for this event, so please remember to carry these with you.

Optional Add-On's:

• Norway Fjord Experience: This legendary tour takes you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, as well as a trip on Europe’s top scenic rail journey. For more details on this trip, click here and also you can check out the video from this trip here or you can also find it below.
• RIB Boat Fjord Safari (will be made available closer to the trip date)
• Norwegian Sauna Experience (will be made available closer to the trip date)

Buerbeen Glacier

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

• Google Reviews
• Facebook reviews

WHAT IS NEXT ?

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
• Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
• FACEBOOK: Message our facebook page @urbanaturetravel
• INSTAGRAM: Message our Instagram page @urbanaturetravel
• SMS: You can text / sms us on +49 152 2150 6123.

W HO IS THE COMMUNITY GUIDE FOR THIS TRIP?

Marija Petrovic here and I will be your community guide for this amazing trip. I am from Serbia, but have lived in different countries in Europe, the Middle East and North America. Currently I live in the north of Germany, in the second biggest city - Hamburg. Although I have lived mostly in cities, I have always preferred to be in nature, close to mountains and the sea. I try to escape out of the city for a weekend trip or a longer hike any chance I get. My passion for hiking started in high school in my home country of Serbia, where I joined a hiking club and regularly toured mountains in the region. Since then, I have hiked mostly in western Europe, in Germany, France, Switzerland and Spain. Next on the list for me are the Himalayas. I look forward to meeting you on this trip and showing you around the Baltics.

OTHER ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
• UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
• UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.