Trollstigen norway

Trollstigen, the famous mountain road in Norway, winds through 11 hairpin bends in a stunning landscape of fjords and mountains.

About this subject

Trollstigen is a spectacular mountain road located in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is part of the National Tourist Route 63 and connects the village of Åndalsnes with the Valldal valley. Built between 1916 and 1936, the road was a challenging engineering feat, featuring 11 hairpin bends and a maximum gradient of 9%.

The road's name derives from troll (a Nordic mythological creature) and stigen (ladder), suggesting that only trolls could build something so steep. It reaches its highest point at about 850 meters above sea level on the Stigrøra plateau. During summer, it is one of Norway's most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors who stop at viewpoints to admire the Stigfossen waterfall, which plunges 320 meters.

The construction of Trollstigen involved manual labor and dynamite, with workers often suspended by ropes on the cliffs. Today, the road is a symbol of Norwegian national pride and a landmark of Scandinavian engineering. At the top, there is a visitor center with observation platforms that jut out over the precipice, offering panoramic views of the valley and the winding road. The road is usually open from May to October, depending on weather conditions, and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the fjord region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Trollstigen built?

Trollstigen was built between 1916 and 1936, taking 20 years to complete due to difficult terrain and weather conditions.

How many hairpin bends does the road have?

The road has 11 hairpin bends that wind up the mountain, with a maximum gradient of 9%.

Is Trollstigen open all year?

No, the road is usually open from May to October, depending on snow and ice conditions. It remains closed in winter.