The curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road
Norway, europe
15 km
857 m
extreme
Year-round
# Trollstigen: Norway's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning scenery, Trollstigen Mountain Road is calling your name. Located in Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 kilometers south of Åndalsnes on Norway's western coast, this legendary stretch of National Road 63 is basically the country's ultimate scenic drive—and yeah, it lives up to the hype.
The fully paved route spans 49.9 kilometers (31 miles) from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. Block out around two hours for the drive, though honestly? You'll want to linger longer. The name says it all—Trollstigen means "Troll's Ladder"—and legend has it that trolls roam these mountains at night before turning to stone at sunrise. When you see the dramatic cliffs and misty peaks, you'll totally get it.
What makes this road legendary are those 11 iconic hairpin turns snaking up a steep 9-10% gradient. Each bend has its own personality and name, often honoring the construction workers who built that particular section. You'll twist through tunnels, past frozen lakes, alongside cascading waterfalls, and over deep fjords with lush valleys sprawling below you. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level.
At the summit, there's a parking area where a ten-minute walk takes you to a viewing balcony overlooking those famous hairpin bends and the stunning Stigfossen Waterfall. During peak season, about 2,500 vehicles tackle this road daily—making it Norway's most-visited tourist route. Pro tip: bring your camera. The photo ops are absolutely insane.
Fair warning though: this road demands respect. Rain and fog can slash visibility, narrow lanes leave little room for error, and unpredictable mountain weather can turn things gnarly fast. Rock falls and tight turns mean it's not suitable for buses longer than 12.4 meters. The road's only open from mid-May through October (depending on snow conditions), and winter closures are real.
Built between 1916 and 1936 (and officially opened by King Haakon VII), this engineering marvel replaced an ancient pack horse trail that had connected the valleys for centuries. You can still spot remnants of the original track in places. The road's been featured in James Bond's "No Time to Die" and countless car commercials—proof that Trollstigen isn't just beautiful, it's iconic.
Where is it?
The curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.6485, 11.8712
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 857 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 65.6485, 11.8712
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