SUBREGION GUIDE

Trollstigen

Norway's dramatic serpentine road with hairpin turns and waterfalls

Look, you've seen mountain roads before. But Trollstigen — the Troll's Path — is something else entirely. This isn't just a drive from point A to point B. It's 11 hairpin turns carved into a mountainside so steep it closes half the year, with waterfalls crashing down beside your car windows and drops that'll make your passenger grip the door handle.

The road climbs 850 meters in just 20 kilometers, switchbacking through the Romsdalen valley like a giant's staircase. And here's the thing — it's not just about the drive. The viewing platform at the top gives you a bird's eye view of your own tire tracks snaking down the mountain face. But don't expect to have it to yourself during peak summer. This road made every "world's most beautiful drives" list for a reason.

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The Trollstigen drive starts in Åndalsnes and climbs to Geiranger, though most people tackle just the main section between Åndalsnes and the summit plateau. The real action happens in those 20 kilometers of switchbacks — 11 hairpin turns with names like 'The Devil's Elbow' and gradients hitting 10 percent. Stop at Stigfossen waterfall halfway up. The water crashes 320 meters down the rock face, and you can pull over at the designated viewpoint. At the top, the visitor center has that famous viewing platform jutting out over the road you just climbed. On clear days, you'll see all the way to the Romsdalen peaks. The full route to Geiranger adds another hour through the Trollstigen plateau — rolling hills, reindeer crossings, and mountain lakes. But honestly? The main attraction is those 11 turns.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Fill up with gas in Åndalsnes or Valldal — no stations on the mountain and prices drop significantly in larger towns
  • 2.Pack your own snacks and drinks — the visitor center café charges premium prices for basic items
  • 3.Visit in shoulder season (June or September) for lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds
  • 4.Parking at the summit costs 50 NOK, but it's worth it — don't try to find free spots on the narrow mountain road
  • 5.Stay in Åndalsnes rather than Geiranger — accommodation prices are typically 30-40% lower on the Åndalsnes side

Travel Tips

  • •Drive early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid tour buses and get the best light for photos
  • •Check the visitor center webcam before starting your climb — mountain weather changes rapidly
  • •Use engine braking on the descent to save your brakes — those 11 hairpin turns add up
  • •Download offline maps as backup — GPS works but mountain terrain can create dead zones
  • •Bring layers and rain gear — temperature drops 6°C per 1000m elevation and waterfalls create microclimates
  • •The viewing platform can be crowded — visit the less obvious viewpoints along the drive for better photos
  • •Fuel up before the climb — nearest gas stations are in valley towns, not on the mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

Trollstigen typically opens mid-May and closes in October, but exact dates depend on snow conditions. The road is completely closed November through April. Check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website for current status before traveling.

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