# The Trollstigen Road: All the Best Stops Between Åndalsnes and Geiranger

Ever since we started telling you about our [road trip in Norway](https://www.novo-monde.com/en/backpacking-norway/), we’ve mostly written articles about hiking trails (and believe me, there’s no shortage of spectacular hikes in Norway)! But today, we’re going to give our legs a rest and focus on a scenic drive you won’t want to miss and the stops along the way: **Trollstingen**.

![visitor center trollstingen](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen-visitor-center-1024x655.jpg)![trollstingen road](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/route-trollstingen-1024x789.jpg)

The **Trollstigen Road** is one of those places you hear about long before you set foot in Norway. With its eleven hairpin turns, its road clinging to the mountainside, and its panoramic views of the Romsdal Valley, it’s on many travelers’ list of must-see routes. But once you’re there, you quickly realize that **Trollstigen is actually just a small part of a much larger scenic route**.

Between **Åndalsnes** and **Geiranger**, the scenery is simply incredible, and we were surprised by just how varied it was! At every turn, we felt like stopping for a few minutes... which often ended up turning into a good half-hour because the views were so beautiful!

During our road trip in Norway, we drove this entire route, taking the time to stop at the most beautiful viewpoints, go on a few short hikes, and explore several spots that are much less well-known than the famous winding road. In this article, we’ll take you on **one of Norway’s most beautiful routes**, featuring all the stops between Åndalsnes and Geiranger that are truly worth visiting, along with our practical tips and a map to help you easily plan your trip.

Table of contents

1. [Our map of must-see spots along the road to Trollstigen](#our-map-of-must-see-spots-along-the-road-to-trollstigen)
2. [Must-See Attractions Between Åndalsnes and Trollstigen](#must-see-attractions-between-andalsnes-and-trollstigen)
    1. [Rampestreken](#rampestreken)
    2. [Trollveggen](#trollveggen)
    3. [The Trollstingen Road](#the-trollstingen-road)
    4. [Stigfossen](#stigfossen)
    5. [The Viewpoints of Trollstigen](#the-viewpoints-of-trollstigen)
3. [Must-See Spots Between Trollstigen and Geiranger](#must-see-spots-between-trollstigen-and-geiranger)
    1. [Gudbrandsjuvet](#gudbrandsjuvet)
    2. [The ferry from Linge to Eidsdal and Eidsvatnet](#the-ferry-from-linge-to-eidsdal-and-eidsvatnet)
    3. [Ørnesvingen](#ornesvingen)
4. [Practical Tips (road openings, best time of year, etc.)](#practical-tips-road-openings-best-time-of-year-etc)

![fjord in Norway](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/fjord-norway-1024x672.jpg)

## Our map of must-see spots along the road to Trollstigen

To help you find your way around, we've put together a map showing the various viewpoints and stops mentioned in this article.

## Must-See Attractions Between Åndalsnes and Trollstigen

For this article, we've divided the route into two separate sections: the first covers the stretch between Andalsnes and Trollstingen, and the second focuses on the section between the Trollstingen viewpoint and Geiranger.

### Rampestreken

We’re still officially in Andalsnes here, but if you’re coming to see Trollstingen, I think it would be a real shame to miss this! We did this hike the day before we drove the Trollstingen Road, but if you start your day in the morning, it’s definitely possible to combine both in one (long) day.

![plateforme rampestreken](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/07/rampestrek-passerelle-1024x655.jpg)![selfie point de vue rampestreken](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/07/point-vue-rampestreken-768x1024.jpeg)![panorama Nesaksla](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/07/panorama-Nesaksla-1024x712.jpg)

**Rampestreken** is a lookout point overlooking the town of Andalnes that offers a truly breathtaking view. There are two ways to get there:

- Spend a little money on the cable car, then walk for 15 minutes
- Burn some calories and walk up the stairs. ;)

Not surprisingly, we chose the hiking option, but you can find details on both alternatives in our in-depth article [here](https://www.novo-monde.com/en/rampestreken-hike-incredible-view-andalsnes/).

[Read the article on Rampestreken](https://www.novo-monde.com/en/rampestreken-hike-incredible-view-andalsnes/)

### Trollveggen

For this second stop, we’ll take a very slight detour from the “logical” route connecting Andalsnes to Geiranger, but I promise it’s very quick—and, above all, it’s definitely worth it. That said, I should warn you: Trollveggen is stunning, but the most impressive viewpoint is located at a rest area along the E136. A highway rest area isn’t exactly the most glamorous spot, but that’s really where you’ll get the best view of this incredible cliff!

![Trollvegen, Norway](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/falaise-trollvegen-1024x681.jpg)

**Trollveggen** (which literally translates to *“Troll* *Wall*”) is one of Norway’s most impressive natural sites. It is actually a massive cliff with **a vertical drop** of nearly **1,000 meters** and is often considered the tallest vertical cliff face in Europe. Even if you’re not a climber, it’s hard not to be impressed by this gigantic rock face overlooking the Romsdalen Valley.

On a clear day, you can make out the various climbing routes that have made Trollveggen famous among climbers around the world. And here’s a fun fact: the spot was also very popular with base jumpers. The first jumps took place in the early 1980s, and several pioneers of the sport came to **Trollveggen** to jump. The site has clearly left its mark on the history of base jumping, and many of the feats filmed here have helped raise the sport’s profile around the world.

![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollvegen-1024x681.jpg)

But this practice was not without consequences. After several fatal accidents and particularly complex rescue operations on this immense rock face, **base jumping was banned at Trollveggen in 1986**. On YouTube, you can still find videos of people who have attempted jumps more recently, but the practice is strictly prohibited, and the police are clearly on high alert to stop anyone who might try it.

Below is a video of the famous base jumper Chris "Douggs," who made a jump in 2006—on the 20th anniversary of the ban—and was fined (and had his jumping equipment confiscated).

### The Trollstingen Road

![Trollstingen](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen-en-dessous-768x1024.jpeg)

On the way back toward Andlasnes from Trollvegen, Route 63 (Trollstingen) branches off from the E136 at the **Sogge Bru** bridge. The first few kilometers run along the Rauma River, and you’ll pass near the Trollstingen campground before reaching the start of the winding road. There’s actually a great viewpoint just before the switchbacks begin, where it’s worth stopping to take a photo of the road “from below.” The view from the top is obviously more impressive, but this one’s still worth it!

Originally, the Trollstingen Road was not built for tourism, but rather to facilitate travel between the **Romsdal Valley** and the **Valldal Valley**. Starting in the 16th century, one of the largest markets in central Norway was held annually in the Romsdal Valley (at Devold). A wide variety of goods were traded and sold there, such as livestock, fish, grain, wooden items, metal objects, hides, jewelry, furs, tar, and clothing. But the most important trade was that of horses.

![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/road-trollstingen-1024x681.jpg)

At that time, the residents of the Valldal Valley used a mule trail connecting the two valleys to reach this market, but in 1916, plans to build a “real” road began to take shape. It took nearly 20 years of construction (carried out largely with pickaxes and dynamite) before this road was officially opened in 1936 by King Haakon VII.

![scenic road in Norway](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen-scenic-789x1024.jpg)

Today, this road is best known for being one of the most scenic in the world, with its 11 hairpin turns.

It's funny because online you sometimes read stories from people who are anxious about driving on it (the road's width, the drop-off). So I don’t know if it’s because we live in a mountain village that’s only accessible via a “mountain” road, but I personally found this road really fun to drive on—and not at all dangerous or narrow. Then again, we have a relatively compact van, and most importantly, one with plenty of power. I imagine that with a 10-meter-long motorhome, you might break out in a cold sweat when passing tour buses… But with a “normal” car or a van, there’s really no need to worry about that at all!

### Stigfossen

After the sixth hairpin turn, you come to a bridge spanning the river and are treated to a breathtaking view of Stigfoossen, a 239-meter waterfall divided into seven tiers. Since this is a river fed by glacial meltwater, its flow is truly most impressive during the snowmelt season (May through July). I’ll let you judge for yourself.

![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Stigfossen-trollstringen-681x1024.jpg)![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Stigfossen-681x1024.jpg)

Note: There aren't many places to stop and take a picture of the waterfall. When we passed through, we were able to stop briefly at a passing lane that was empty, but it’s important not to park there because passing lanes must be kept clear for buses to pass each other (otherwise, it can quickly cause traffic jams on this very busy stretch of road!)

![stop near Stigfossen](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/parking-Stigfossen-1024x712.jpg)

### The Viewpoints of Trollstigen

When you reach the top of the winding road, you’ll almost immediately come to the visitor center located here. The place is impressive, and there are plenty of reasons why—I’d like to tell you about them...

![Trollstingen Visitor Center](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen-architecture-1024x681.jpg)

First impression: the architecture! It’s a constant feature in Norway, but the architecture of the buildings—both private and public—is simply incredible. You can tell the area has really been designed to accommodate large numbers of tourists: two huge parking lots, a dedicated parking area for tour buses and coaches, and large walkways leading to the various viewpoints. That said, it’s far from a quiet and peaceful spot—the place is a real hive of activity! After a tour of the lookouts, we decided to settle into our van to make some coffee, so we stayed in the parking lot for about thirty minutes. We were clearly impressed by the steady stream of tour buses. Once parked, everyone gets off, rushes at a breakneck pace to the lookouts, makes a quick stop at the restrooms and the souvenir shop, and—poof—20 minutes later, the bus is on its way again.

![passerelle trollstingen](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/passerelle-trollstingen-1024x707.jpg)![belvédère trollstingen](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen-belvedere-1024x681.jpg)

It's hard to get exact statistics since we're talking about a single viewpoint and a single road, but we read online that the site attracts about 800,000 to 1 million visitors per year... That’s absolutely enormous when you consider that the road is open “only” 4.5 months a year... A few quick calculations show us an average of nearly 10,000 people per day! In short, expect to be amazed by the viewpoints—but also expect to be in good company. ;)

## Must-See Spots Between Trollstigen and Geiranger

When you leave the Trollstingen viewpoint, you might be tempted to think you've "seen what you came to see," but believe me, the appeal of this road isn't limited to just one viewpoint—far from it!

Shortly after the official viewpoint, you find yourself on a sort of large plateau where lakes and streams follow one after another, each more beautiful than the last. When we came here in May, it felt as if we’d stepped back into winter. Up here there isn’t any one specific sight to see, but driving through these landscapes is truly exceptional, and we recommend without hesitation that you drive the entire route (and not just a round trip to the Trollstingen viewpoint, as you might sometimes read on certain websites).

![lac en norvège](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/lac-montagne-norvege-1024x681.jpg)![andalsnes to geiranger road](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/route-andalsnes-geiranger-1024x610.jpg)

### Gudbrandsjuvet

![Norway Gorges](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/gorges-norway-768x1024.jpeg)

About 20 km past the Trollstingen viewpoint and after a short descent, you’ll arrive at **Gudbrandsjuvet**. The place doesn’t look like much from the road (in fact, you can’t see much from the road except for the parking lot, which is usually pretty crowded). But it’s definitely worth stopping here to take a look!

These are gorges about 25 meters deep where the **Valldøla** River has carved its way through, creating this truly magnificent natural site! When the glaciers retreated about **10,000 years** ago, the meltwater was channeled into this natural fissure, accelerating erosion until the canyon was formed. The site is also known for its facilities, which, although very modern, blend in beautifully with the landscape. Admission is 100% free, and the stop takes just a few minutes.

![Gudbrandsjuvet](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Gudbrandsjuvet-gorge-708x1024.jpg)![Gudbrandsjuvet gorge](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Gudbrandsjuvet-658x1024.jpg)

Note: There's also a beautiful café with large picture windows overlooking the canyon.

Just a few minutes further on, you can also stop at **Holsbrua**, an old stone bridge that’s also very photogenic. :) Fun fact: Valldal is nicknamed the **Strawberry Valley** (*Jordbærdalen*). Thanks to its relatively mild microclimate (influenced by the fjord and long summer days), it produces some of Norway’s most renowned strawberries. There’s actually a restaurant just past it (**Jordbærstova Restaurant**) that’s very famous for its strawberry tarts (but since it wasn’t strawberry season yet, we didn’t stop).

![holsbrua](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/holsbrua-716x1024.jpg)![valdall](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/valdall-river-1024x681.jpg)

### The ferry from Linge to Eidsdal and Eidsvatnet

After the gorge, you’ll quickly reach the port of Linge, where a ferry takes you across to Eidsdal. As is usual in Norway, ferry crossings are just a minor formality. It’s extremely well organized, and the ferries run very frequently (every 20 minutes during peak season). The crossing takes less than 15 minutes, and you can enjoy the scenery while waiting to arrive on the other side. The price of the crossing depends on your vehicle (its size) and whether or not you have an electronic toll tag (we’ll come back to this in a future article dedicated to Norwegian ferries). But roughly speaking, for a vehicle less than 6 meters long, the price is 140 NOK (about 13 €) regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle.

![ferry norvégien](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/ferry-norvege-1024x681.jpg)![Ferry Linge Geiranger](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Linge-ferry-port-1024x665.jpg)![car ferry norvège](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/car-ferry-norway-1024x768.jpg)![car ferry norway](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/car-ferry-768x1024.jpeg)

After the drive, we took a break by Lake **Eidsvatnet** to grab a bite to eat and let the dog stretch his legs a bit. Well, yeah—on road trips like this, we actually don’t walk that much. ;)

### Ørnesvingen

Just before reaching Geiranger, you come to another mountain pass, from which you take an impressive winding road (also with 11 sharp hairpin turns) that plunges down toward the fjord. At the top of the road is the **Ørnesvingen** viewpoint. Unlike Trollstingen, you don’t really have a bird’s-eye view of the road, but the view of the Geirangerfjord is truly spectacular!

![7 sisters waterfall](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/7-sisters-geiranger-fjord-681x1024.jpg)![Ørnesvingen mirador](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Ornesvingen-1024x716.jpg)

## Practical Tips (road openings, best time of year, etc.)

The **Trollstigen** Road is a mountain road that passes through a high-altitude pass. In winter, the road is completely closed to traffic due to the risk of avalanches and rockfalls.

![Trollstingen Road](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen-road-1024x650.jpg)

Generally speaking, the road is **open from late April or mid-May through late October, or even early November**. In some years, an early spring allows the road to open as early as late April, while heavy snowfall can delay the opening until early June.

**Good to know:** Even during peak season, the road may be **temporarily closed** due to heavy rain, the risk of falling rocks, or roadwork. Before setting out, we therefore recommend that you check the road conditions [on the official Roads website](https://www.vegvesen.no/trafikk/fjelloverganger/1014868548?lng=7.65998&lat=62.44022&zoom=11).

As for travel time, it will depend heavily on how long you stop at the various scenic overlooks—and believe me, you’re bound to want to stop often. In total, the route is 87 km, and you should allow 2 hours and 10 minutes for the trip. For our part, with all the stops along the way, it took us about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

If you'd like to stay in the area, there are relatively few options along the way (just a few near the ferry), but there's no shortage of options in Andalsnes and Geiranger. You can take a look at the map below to compare the different options.

Well, that’s it—I think we’ve told you everything there is to know about this magnificent scenic route that connects Andalsnes to Geiranger via the famous Trollstigen hairpin turns. We’ll see you very soon for a series of articles on the most beautiful walks and hikes in the Geiranger area.

See you soon!

#### Pin this article

![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/Stigfossen-pin-683x1024.jpg)![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen.pin_-683x1024.jpg)![](https://www.novo-monde.com/app/uploads/2026/08/trollstingen2-pin-683x1024.jpg)