Hiking the Trolltunga was high on my bucket list, so having 5 days off, I took the opportunity to finally do it! And here is how I did it:
I flew form Copenhagen to Bergen on June 15th .1hr 20min Price around 1500 DKK return. (back on June 19th)
Rented a car from Herz for 3 days, Toyota Hybrid automatic, very nice and comfortable small car, for around 1000 DKK. There are tolls here and there in the area, I did encounter a few. A camera will scan the licence plate and the total amount is deducted at the end of the rental. Price varies depending on where you are, but I noticed fares were between 32 and 45 NOK (24-34 DKK)
I got the car at around noon, and drove to Tyssdal in around 3.30 hr, including the ferry ride. Ferry is 109 NOK (83 DKK). Check the ferry schedule at www.norled.no - Tørvikbygd to Jondal. Ride Is less then 30 min long.
I stopped for photos along the way so got to Tyssdal around 4 pm.
I spent 3 nights at the Trolltunga guest house.
This is one of the best guesthouses I have ever been too. Super clean, spacious, free fast wifi, free parking, duvet, pillows and towels included, 2 balconies in the room, lockers, snack shop, fully equipped kitchen and free washing. The owners too, were the sweetest people.
All in all excellent and very organized. I spent 1500 DKK for the 3 nights.
The shuttle bus that goes to the start of the hike is less then 1 min up the street.
It's a good idea to stop at the Rema1000 in Odda to buy groceries . I stopped once and paid around 200 DKK for food for the next 3 days. A bit unhealthy, but whatever....
There are a few restaurants in Odda, but I was not there for the culinary experience so I went with my cheap food.
THE HIKE!
I had done a lot of research before embarking on this hike, I wanted to be prepared and not be stuck somewhere up there in need of rescue.
I met some people at the hostel and hiked together, that was really nice. We took the shuttle bus from the guesthouse, 150 NOK return (115 DKK). There are 2 companies that operates, so the return ticket must be used on the same company at the right hours. I was considering driving myself, but parking is 600 NOK!!!! (458 DKK). Also, there is an additional shuttle that drives up the mountain a bit more, that shortens the hike of about 1 hr. That needs to be rebooked online. I wanted the whole pain experience so walked up that part too.
Weather was not good, it was raining as we started the hike and kept raining on and off the whole trip. This was a blessing in disguise , because the temperature was not as hot as the day before, and lots of people got discouraged because to the rain, so the trail was not busy at all.
I was fully prepared for rain and cold and had plenty of food and water.
Weather changes as fast as a bipolar's mood, so you gotta be prepared. I ended up not needing a lot of what I brought but here are the top essentials :
proper hiking shoes or boots , I use Salomon hiking shoes non gorotex.
Proper socks.
hiking pants. My pants got soaked with rain and dried in less then 5 min when it stopped. I had waterproof pants, but it would have gotten too sweaty.
I wore a long sleeve under armour workout shirt and fleece. The key here is to wear clothes that dry fast.
Fjellraven hiking jaket , which is very comfortable and stretchy, but not waterproof, so had a waterproof jacket on top of that.
I wore my bluejays baseball hat, I find it better then the hood of the jacket.
Essential also a raincover for the backpack .
I brought sandwiches, some fruit, snickers and protein bars. I started with 1 water bottle, it is fine to drink water from the stream.
The hike is demanding and difficult at parts, but at no point did I wish to just turn back. I think the difficulty of the hike has been hyped a bit, making it sound harder than it is, but I am sure it is to discourage people to come unprepared. We so people walking up with jeans and tennis shoes, with plastic bag in them!! That is crazy....
The thing is that the terrain is very uneven, there are loose rocks, small streams, slippery and muddy trails and snow.
Also, there was a clear temperature change on top. Add that to the swath, and you will get cold.
So it must still not be underestimated.
I reccomand to start the hike early. It is a popular hike and it gets crowded. It is no fun to walk with hundreds of other people and it is no fun to have to wait over 3 hours to get your photo taken.
We took the first shuttle at 6.12 AM and started at 6.40. Not a lot of people, and only about 15 min in line for the photo.
We met a bunch of people that started the hike at midnight, and were walking down at 9 am when we were on the way up, and people that slept in tents overnight. I'd love to do that one day.
Again, it gets busy so don't start too late!
My newfound friends
Steep and uneven terrain
T that marks the path
It will get busy at the top
Weather changes super fast
Quite foggy on the way back
Tents you can pay to sleep in
Next day, as it was still raining and our legs too sore, we drove up the fjord and saw waterfalls.
Norway is easily one of my favourite destinations, the beauty of it is second to none.
On the fourth day I drive back to Bergen, and return the car.
I stayed at the Comfort hotel just by the airport. I booked it with bonuspoints, so I don't know what the actual cost is.
From Bergen airport it's 40min with the train to the city, 38 NOK (29DKK)
Comfort hotel
Fish market
I would never eat Whale. That is just wrong.
Bryggen
I took the fløjbanen, to the top of the mountain, to enjoy the view. And the view sure is nice.
The price is 125 NOK (95 DKK) return. It takes 7 min to get on top.
Again, come early. I waited in line for about 5 minutes, but when I got down, line was waaaay down the street. Bergen is very touristy and as such, everything takes a long time if you arrive at peak hours.
Crazy line!
Guy from the IT Crowd
I had an absolute blast in Norway , made new friends, got to enjoy nature and the city and now I can't wait to tick off another box on my bucket list!
