Norway: The Long Hike to Trolltunga
Some trips leave you with the photos you meant to take. Norway left me with the ones that survived.
The Long Hike to Trolltunga
Getting out to Trolltunga is no small feat — it’s a full day on the trail, through terrain that shifts on you by the hour, climbing from forest into open, rocky highlands before that famous cliff finally comes into view over the fjord. I’d heard how demanding the hike was going in, but nothing quite prepares you for doing a full day of it in a downpour.
When the Weather Won
One day on this trip, it rained on my hiking pack from start to finish, and I learned the hard way what happens when you skip a rain cover. My Canon 5D Mark III didn’t make it through the day. Every stamp in my passport washed clean away. And a big chunk of the photos from this trip went with it — gone before I even got home to edit them.
What Made It Home
What you’re looking at here is what survived: the whole trek out to Trolltunga’s iconic ledge, plus some of the smaller towns we passed through on the way there. It’s not everything I shot on this trip, but it’s enough to tell the story of a country that’s as unforgiving as it is beautiful — misty highlands, quiet fjord towns, and a view at the end of the trail that makes every soaked mile worth it.
If you’re the kind of traveler who’d hike all day in the rain for one view, Norway will not disappoint — just bring a rain cover for your camera pack.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Trolltunga?
It’s a demanding full-day hike, typically 8-10 hours round trip, climbing from forest trails into exposed rocky highlands before reaching the cliff over the fjord.
What should I pack for hiking in Norway?
Pack for sudden weather changes, including a proper rain cover for your bag and camera gear — Norwegian mountain weather can turn from clear to a downpour with little warning.
Is Trolltunga worth the hike?
Yes — despite the long trail and unpredictable weather, the view from the cliff over the fjord below is one of the most striking in Norway.
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