Trollstigen

Trollstigen is one of Norway’s most recognisable mountain roads, carved into the steep landscape of Romsdalen and known for its dramatic sequence of 11 hairpins. The road climbs from the Isterdalen valley towards the mountain plateau, surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls, including the famous Stigfossen. Its combination of engineering, elevation and scenery has made it one of Norway’s defining roads for adventurous riders.

The riding experience changes quickly as the road begins to climb. Long sections through the valley gradually give way to tighter corners and increasingly steep gradients, culminating in the famous hairpin section of Trollstigen itself. Each bend reveals another part of the mountain landscape, while the narrow road and exposed surroundings demand concentration rather than speed.

For riders, Trollstigen offers a different kind of challenge from the high Alpine passes. The route is relatively short, but the concentration of corners and the dramatic terrain make every kilometre count. The road combines technical riding with an extraordinary sense of scale, while the transition from the valley towards the high plateau gives the journey a natural sense of progression.

Trollstigen is as much about the road itself as the landscape surrounding it. Follow the bends, look beyond the next corner and let the mountain do the talking.

Trollstigen is a seasonal mountain road and can be closed during winter and periods of severe weather. The road is narrow in places and extremely popular during the summer months, with motorcycles, cars, coaches, cyclists and pedestrians sharing the area around the main viewpoints. Traffic can therefore be considerably heavier than the remote setting suggests. Check current road conditions and opening status before riding, and allow extra time during peak periods.

The Ride Beyond route begins in Åndalsnes and follows the road south through the Romsdal valley towards Isterdalen. The opening section is relatively open and flowing, with the surrounding mountains gradually becoming more imposing as the route approaches the foot of Trollstigen.

The defining section begins as the road enters the Trollstigen climb. Eleven numbered hairpins wind tightly up the mountainside, with steep rock walls on one side and open views across the valley on the other. Stigfossen provides a dramatic landmark alongside the upper section of the climb, while the road’s carefully engineered curves make the ascent one of Norway’s most recognisable driving experiences.

At the top, the route reaches the Trollstigen plateau before continuing north towards Valldal. The character changes from the concentrated hairpins of the climb to a more open mountain road, with the landscape gradually becoming greener and more expansive as the route descends towards the fjord.

Trollstigen is short enough to ride slowly and appreciate every section. Don’t rush the hairpins. Let the road unfold.