Where in Norway is Trollstigen road?
Norway, europe
15 km
857 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Trollstigen – the Troll's Ladder – in Norway is about to blow your mind! This isn't just a road; it's an experience. You'll find it nestled in the mountains of Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 km south of Åndalsnes.
This fully paved beauty stretches for about 50 kilometers, connecting Sylte (Valldal) to Åndalsnes, and you'll want to set aside at least two hours to soak it all in (though you'll probably want more!). Seriously, this is Norway's "golden route" for a reason!
Expect some serious thrills on this ride. Trollstigen throws eleven hairpin turns at you with a relentless 9% gradient as it claws its way up the mountainside. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at a lofty 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level! The views? Unbelievable. Think waterfalls, fjords, and lush valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.
Keep your eyes peeled for rock falls, and be prepared for some narrow sections. Weather can change in a heartbeat up here, so always be prepared.
At the top, you can park and take a short walk to an observation deck. The viewpoint overlooks the winding road and the magnificent Stigfossen Waterfall.
FYI, the road's usually closed late autumn and winter (typically November to May), so plan your trip accordingly. And if you're rolling in a larger bus or RV, note that vehicles over 12.4 meters long aren't recommended due to those tight hairpin turns.
Locals say that trolls roam these mountains at night. Some say that the mist in the air and rock formations are actually trolls frozen in stone. Whether you believe the legend, the place is magical. Don't forget your camera because the photo ops are endless!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 857 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is Klippitztörl Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, adventure awaits in Carinthia, Austria! Let me tell you about the Klippitztörl Pass, a sweet mountain road that climbs to a cool 1,642 meters (5,387 feet). We're talking about the L91, a completely paved beauty stretching for nearly 29 kilometers (around 18 miles) from Mösel to Bad Sankt Leonhard im Lavanttal. Now, this isn't just any scenic drive. Get ready for some seriously steep sections, especially as you approach from the west, with gradients hitting a maximum of 12.3%! Don't worry, the eastern side chills out a bit towards the end. Keep your eyes peeled, because there are plenty of hotels and chalets dotted along the route if you want to make a proper trip of it. Mostly, just drink in the views as you conquer this beast of a road!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the Pas de Bellecombe
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're on Réunion Island, ready for an epic adventure to Pas de Bellecombe, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,361m. The road you'll be cruising is Route Forestière 5 du Volcan, aka Volcano Road. It's paved, but hold on tight – it's a steep climb! Pro-tip: sun protection is a must. The lava reflects like crazy, so you'll want sunscreen and a hat, even if it seems clear. And be prepared for the weather to change on a dime; fog can roll in fast. Give yourself plenty of time to be safe! The road stretches for 22.6 km, climbing 743m. That’s an average gradient of 3.28%. When you get to the top, there's a parking lot and even a snack bar! The view over the northeast part of the caldera is incredible. Just a heads up, the final stretch is on a decent gravel road, so be ready for that.
hardHow to get to Genova-Figari Refuge in Cuneo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Genova-Figari: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a stunning 2,015 meters (6,610 feet) in Italy's Piedmont region, Rifugio Genova-Figari sits in the shadow of Mount Argentera—the crown jewel of the Alpi Marittime at 3,297 meters. This is seriously high-altitude territory. The refuge has quite a story. The original shelter, built way back in 1898, was a modest stone building that served as a base for alpine guides and climbers. Unfortunately, it met its fate when the Chiotas and Colle Laura dams were constructed in the 1970s, flooding the entire basin. ENEL, the hydroelectric company behind the project, stepped up and rebuilt the refuge at its current location in 1981. Today, you'll find a proper mountain lodge with a restaurant, bar, and cozy accommodation—though it only operates mid-June through mid-September. Getting here is an adventure itself. The 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) route from Entracque is completely unpaved and ridiculously steep—4x4 vehicles only, and even then, it's off-limits to private cars. Don't underestimate this drive. The reward? You're surrounded by the Maritime Alps Natural Park, nestled between two spectacular lakes. Brocan Lake has glacial origins, while the stunning Chiotàs Lake powers one of Europe's largest pumped-storage hydroelectric stations. Pure alpine magic.
hardWhere is Casielles?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Asturian council of Ponga in Spain, especially to the ghost town of Casielles nestled high in the Picos de Europa National Park, you're in for a treat… and a challenge! Casielles itself is a gem, a step back in time with its old stone houses and a charming church. The views? Epic! But first, you gotta get there. This road? It's not for the faint of heart. Think narrow paths carved straight into the rock, mostly paved, but definitely a white-knuckle ride. Locals probably curse this road every day, but for us road trip warriors, it's an experience! We're talking about a twisty, turny beast starting from the Desfiladero de los Beyos, about 6.5 km of pure driving adrenaline. Get ready for 23 hairpin turns that will test your skills. And the elevation? You'll be climbing, climbing, climbing from the gorge to the town which sits at 809 meters (2,654ft). The average incline is already noticeable, but prepare yourself for some corners where you'll be battling a 21% gradient! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!