10 Places To Go Troll Hunting In Norway

Step into a living fairy tale and discover landscapes embalmed in mystery, mythology, and folklore.

Norwegian landscapes form the backdrop of many famous myths, legends, and fairy tales – and it’s not hard to see why. With a coast cut-through with jagged fjords, a terrain scooped with dramatic valleys, and a countryside blanketed in thick forests, the scenery is nothing short of enchanting.

But Norway’s nature has yet another layer of magic to it. For centuries, trolls have been an integral part of Norwegian folklore, and the mythology is still proudly embraced today.

As Norse legend tells it, the first rays of sunlight can turn trolls into stone (if they don’t hide in time!). That’s why you’ll find curious rock formations and landmarks across Norway named after trolls. Regardless of if you believe in mythical creatures or not, these landmarks connected with trolls and folklore are sure to capture your imagination. Here are 10 incredible places not to miss when you go troll hunting in Norway. (Just be careful not to wake them!)

1. Trollstigen

Trollstigen, which roughly translates to ‘The Troll Path’, is a striking serpentine road that snakes its way up and over the mountain pass on Norway’s West Coast. With dramatic hairpin bends that zigzag over the mountain face, driving this road is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. However, you’re sure to be rewarded with excellent views from the top, where a viewing platform looks out over the tumultuous route and the dramatic valleys that lie beyond.

Trollstigen the troll wall viewpoint in Norway — Trollstigen is a striking serpentine road that snakes its way up and over the mountain pass on Norway’s West Coast. (Image: Øyvind Heen)

2. Trollveggen

Experience the brutal beauty of Scandinavia’s rocky mountain-scapes at Trollveggen, ‘The Troll Wall’. With its jagged, toothed peaks, it’s not difficult to imagine this rock face as the home of a vicious mountain troll or some supernatural creature.

Trollveggen is a popular destination for professional climbers who come from all over the world seeking the ultimate challenge. The climb is extremely difficult and risky, so it’s best to marvel from a distance or head to Trollveggen Visitor Center.

The Visitor’s Centre has been named one of the world’s most beautiful buildings by Architectural Digest and is a great place to learn more about the landmark or admire Trollveggen from the viewing platform.

The troll wall at Trollveggan landscape — Experience the brutal beauty of Scandinavia’s rocky mountain-scapes at Trollveggen. (Image: Vidar Moløkken)

3. Trolltunga

If there’s one image that comes to mind when you think of Norway’s landscapes, it’s probably Trolltunga. This postcard-perfect rock formation commands otherworldly views over lake Ringedalsvatne and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Legend has it that Trolltunga (which translates to troll tongue) was named for a troll that was confident he wouldn’t turn into a rock after being exposed to the sun. In the past few years, the popularity of Trolltunga has exploded, transforming it into a national icon. The hike up to it is a very challenging 10-hour trek over rough terrain, but the breathtaking scenery is well worth it.

Looking out over Trolltunga — Trolltunga was named for a troll that was confident he wouldn’t turn into a rock after being exposed to the sun.

4. Trollpikken

Perhaps it’s best not to imagine what this troll was doing when he was turned to stone. The phallic Trollpikken rock formation is reachable by a short 2.3-kilometre walk that gently meanders through beautiful green scenery on a serene, quiet track. The landscape that surrounds Trollpikken feels otherworldly — unsurprising, considering the landscape was formed in an ice age 10,000 years ago.

Looking up at Trollpikken in Norway — The landscape that surrounds Trollpikken feels otherworldly. (Image: Christie Baglo)

5. Trollfjorden

Norway is famed for its enchanting labyrinth of fjords on the West Coast. One of the most narrow fjords is Trollfjorden, ‘The Troll Fjord’, in Vesterålen in Northern Norway. On a cruise, you’ll squeeze between the cliffs as you wind your way past the 1,000-metre-high Trolltinden peak.

The nature here seems as if it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale, and you’ll get to marvel at it all from the water. The area is also a hotspot for local wildlife, so keep an eye out for the many white-tailed eagles that call the area home.

Ship sailing through the fjords at Trollfjord — Norway is famed for its enchanting labyrinth of fjords on the West Coast. (Image: Tofoto)

6. Trollkyrkja

The enigmatic marble caves of Trollkyrkja feel as if they’re steeped in magic. This is due to a series of breathtaking underground rivers and waterfalls which reveal themselves as you hike through the caves.

Trollkyrkja, which translates to ‘The Troll church’, earns its name ostensibly from the sunlight that floods in like a skylight, lending an eerie air of mystique to the grotto. Further on, the path climbs up the beautiful Trolltindan mountains, which rises behind the caves for excellent views.

Couple stand inside the marble caves of Trollkyrkja — The marble caves of Trollkyrkja feel as if they’re steeped in magic. (Image: Karlsdatter Fladseth)

7. Trollheimen

Trollheimen, which translates to ‘The home of the trolls’, is a nature lover’s paradise. The region is full of spectacular mountains and dramatic scenery, where traces of our stone age past still linger.

Here, it’s just as easy to imagine mythical creatures inhabiting the landscape as it is our early human ancestors. Trollheimen is a haven for hiking and other outdoor sports like bicycling, fishing, and skiing, so it’s perfect if you’re after an active weekend.

Woman sits watching sunset in trollheiman Mountain, Todalen, Norway — Trollheiman is full of spectacular mountains and dramatic scenery. (Image: Oda Halle)

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8. Trollfoss

Trollfoss, ‘The Troll Waterfall’ lies two hours outside of Oslo, accessible by a 30-minute walk. Standing 12 metres high, the waterfall is flanked by towering tree-lined cliffs. Especially when the weather is a bit moody, it’s not difficult to imagine a troll roaming nearby.

9. Troll Museum, Tromsø

Get acquainted with all things troll at the first and only troll museum in Norway. The museum combines handmade art displays with augmented reality to provide visitors with an immersive experience of Norway’s rich folklore history.

Take a step back in time and learn the fairy tales Norwegian parents have been telling their children for generations and discover enchanting art displays and captivating augmented reality experiences.

10. Troll adventures

Trolls are big in Norway, and there are myriad destinations that celebrate them. Embrace the magic at Hunderfossen Fairytale Park, which is packed with rides, family-friendly activities, and lots of trolls.

Hunderfossen Fairytale Park troll in Norway — Hunderfossen Fairytale Park is packed with rides, family-friendly activities, and lots of trolls. (Image: Esben Haakenstad)

The delightful Villa Fridheim is a Swiss chalet-style house transformed into a fairy tale museum, with spellbinding paintings that capture Norwegian folklore.

Wander through the enchanted Eventyrskogen (the fairytale forest), where you’ll discover sculptures of mythical creatures great and small. You’ll pass a ‘Troll swamp’ where lots of little stone hand-made trolls reside. You’re welcome to bring and leave your own!

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

10 incredible places to go troll hunting in Norway