The Troll Wall (Trollveggen) near Åndalsnes in Norway is the tallest vertical rock face in Europe.
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Towering over the dramatic Romsdal Valley in Fjord Norway, Trollveggen, or “The Troll Wall,” is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. As Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, it rises an astonishing 1,000 metres into the sky, evoking awe and wonder in equal measure.
This iconic destination is steeped in both folklore and adventure. The name itself conjures images of mythical trolls turned to stone, a theme deeply rooted in Norwegian folklore.
Locals tell tales of trolls frozen by sunlight, their colossal forms now part of the landscape. Standing at the base of Trollveggen, it’s easy to imagine these mythical beings peering down from the jagged peaks.
Trollveggen is part of the Trolltindane mountain range, also home to Trollstigen, another famous destination in the region.
Adventure Travel At Trollveggen
Adventure enthusiasts will also find Trollveggen irresistible. Its towering cliffs have long been a magnet for climbers, earning a reputation as one of the most challenging climbing destinations in the world.
In July 1965, Trollveggen was conquered for the first time, marking a milestone in Norwegian climbing history as Trollveggen—known as the ‘Vertical Mile’—had long been considered unclimbable.
The ascent was made by a team of climbers: Leif Norman Patterson, Jon Teigland, Odd Eliassen, and Ole Daniel Enersen.
The story began when Leif, a Norwegian-American climber, unexpectedly met Jon and Ole near Oslo. Inspired by their shared ambition, they decided to tackle the formidable mountain face. A few days later, they enlisted Odd Eliassen, completing their team.
The peaks of Trollveggen shrouded in clouds.
David Nikel
The climb, which spanned eight grueling days, was a test of endurance and ingenuity due to treacherous weather, loose rocks, and the challenge of hoisting heavy equipment up the cliff.
At the same time, a British team was also attempting the wall, sparking media frenzy. However, what could have been a rivalry became a moment of mutual respect, as both teams cheered each other on.
The Norwegian team reached the summit on July 23, with the British team following the next day. Their respective routes were later named Norskeruta (The Norwegian Route) and Rimmonruta after the British climbing club.
In the 1980s, the wall became a haven for BASE jumpers, though jumping is now prohibited due to safety concerns.
The monument at the base commemorating those who have lost their lives to Trollstigen— half of them BASE jumpers—is a sobering reminder of the dangers of nature.
Trollveggen Visitor Center
For those less inclined to such adrenaline-pumping activities, the sheer grandeur of the wall is reason enough to visit.
The modern Trollveggen Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point. Watch the engaging short film that chronicles the wall’s history, including its legendary climbs and the once-thriving BASE jumping scene.
From the center’s viewing platform, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the wall’s sheer face and the valley below, while enjoying a coffee and something sweet from the cafe.
Trollveggen is part of a region filled with natural beauty. Take a hike along one of the many trails nearby to immerse yourself in the landscape.
A Drive Up Trollstigen
One of Norway’s most famous mountain roads, Trollstigen is a serpentine road with a steep incline, eleven hairpin bends, and incredible views from the summit. It’s less than 20 km from Trollveggen.
The serpentine mountain road ‘Trollstigen’ is a popular road trip destination in Norway.
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Opened in 1936 to replace a dangerous trail, it took eight years to build and has gone on to become a major tourist attraction. Today it’s part of route 63 between Åndalsnes and Geiranger, a designated National Scenic Route.
One word of warning. Due to several rockfalls, Trollstigen was closed for much of 2024, and the 2025 opening season is as yet uncertain. Check in advance if planning a special trip, and bear in mind that Trollstigen, together with many other mountain roads in Norway, can be closed at short notice.
How To Get To Trollveggen
Åndalsnes is the ideal base for a visit to Trollveggen and the surrounding fjord and mountain landscape. Not only are there varied accommodation options, the small town offers attractions of its own including the spectacular views from the Romsdalen Gondola.
With roundtrip tickets starting from $40, it’s a pricey yet thoroughly enjoyable experience. The panoramic views are some of the very best in Scandinavia. The more adventurous can tackle the 1.5-hour hike up to Rampestrekken—a striking viewpoint—before continuing on another 15 minutes to tackle the cable car back down.
Åndalsnes is accessible by train, bus, or car. The Rauma Railway offers a scenic journey from Dombås, connecting with mainline trains from Oslo or Trondheim.
Alternatively, drive via the E136 through breathtaking fjord landscapes. This is the best option if you plan to drive to nearby attractions, including Trollveggen and Trollstigen.
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Publish date : 2024-12-17 07:54:00
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