Duy Phu, a photographer based in Finland, embarked on a journey to conquer Trolltunga, the iconic tourist attraction in Norway, in early June. While he had previously visited Norway multiple times during winter to chase the Northern Lights, this was his first summer trip to the country.
The name “Troll’s Tongue” derives from its resemblance to a giant tongue protruding from the cliff, licking the blue sky amidst a majestic landscape. Trolltunga sits at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level, seemingly floating 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet lake.
Phu started his journey from the capital, Oslo, in the morning and headed towards the town of Odda for a good night’s rest before beginning his climb. The seven-hour drive started with sunny skies, but as he entered the mountainous region, he encountered a hailstorm with strong winds.
Odda, located about 17 kilometers from Trolltunga, is a popular choice for travelers to rest before the challenging trek. The town sits in a narrow valley, surrounded by towering mountains.
“The small town gave me a sense of peace after the long drive,” Phu said.
A bird’s-eye view of Odda, with the distant snow-capped mountains.
The trek began at 10 am under clear blue skies and gentle sunshine. The first two kilometers offered a flat, meandering path through lush green forests. However, the real challenge started in the next three kilometers, with steep zig-zagging paths that demanded utmost concentration.
“I was faced with sheer cliff faces that loomed like an impenetrable fortress,” he said.
The best time to conquer Troll’s Tongue is from June to September. In early June, there might still be snow, making the trek more challenging. From January to May, trekking is possible “with a guide,” advises the tourism management.
During the trek, Phu’s group encountered a sudden storm with strong winds and heavy snow, forcing them to take a break for over 30 minutes. It was in this moment that he realized the harshness of nature in this region and became even more determined to conquer the Troll’s Tongue.
As the storm subsided, the group continued with heightened caution. The higher they climbed, the stronger the winds became, and the snow from the previous winter still lingered. The thick snow layer made the journey more difficult. However, Phu felt reassured by the presence of rescue personnel along the way.
The group’s resting spot for lunch, about three kilometers away from Trolltunga. Sipping coffee and enjoying a sweet treat amidst the majestic nature filled Phu with a sense of refreshment and energy for the remainder of the climb.
A glimpse of Ringedalsvatnet lake, a popular spot for trekkers to admire the scenery. According to the official website of Trolltunga tourism, it is advisable to refill water bottles from the pristine streams along the way.
After approximately seven hours of trekking, Phu finally reached the famous rock formation. The breathtaking surroundings made him feel that all his efforts had been worthwhile.
“The joy and excitement were overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but shout out loud in the vast wilderness,” he exclaimed.
According to Amazing Places On Earth, the Troll’s Tongue was formed during the Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, when the edges of a glacier cracked. Ice filled the cracks in the mountain crevices and later melted, causing the mountain to split into peculiar shapes.
Phu spent the night on the mountain to ensure his safety before returning to Odda the next morning. According to him, the weather that night was unpredictable and frigid, dropping to as low as 2°C.
The Trolltunga trek is considered “challenging” by the Norwegian Trekking Association. Therefore, those who embark on this journey should possess good endurance and be equipped with appropriate gear for long-distance walking.
Thomas Ruud, who operates Trolltunga Adventures and guides trekkers in the area, emphasizes the difficulty of reaching the rock formation. He notes that there have been several accidents in recent years, including the first fatality in 2015 when an Australian tourist fell to her death while taking a photo. In 2017, a Lithuanian tourist also lost her life in a similar incident.
Each year, about 80,000 hikers are drawn to the Troll’s Tongue. This number decreased by over 50% during the Covid-19 pandemic but rebounded strongly in 2023, with approximately 79,000 visitors.
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