Trollstigen: The Troll’s Road
Trollstigen, or ‘Troll’s Road’ as it’s usually known in English, is one of the most visited tourist roads in Norway. It is a steep, narrow road with 11 sharp bends which connects the villages of Valldal and Adalsnes in Western Norway. This spectacular mountain road attracts plenty of tourists from all over the world, so let’s take a look at what makes it so special.
Where is Trollstigen?
Trollstigen is a serpentine mountain road in the area of Rauma in Romsdal, and it’s perfect for driving, hiking, cycling, camping and more. Each of the road’s 11 bends has its own name and unique features to it. Trollstigen is known internationally as a feat of engineering, with some areas featuring the road carved into stone, or into the mountain itself.
It’s said that mountain trolls live in the stony structures of the road and can be seen from time to time. These myths are what make places like Trollstigen so fascinating to travellers from all over the world. In addition to the interesting folklore, it’s no doubt that Trollstigen boasts scenery that is unlike anything else you will see in Norway. Lush green areas, sheltered strawberry patches, deep precipices and breathtaking view points await all those who will take the journey on this winding road climbing its way up the mountain.
Troll mythology in Norway
In Norway, there is a long-standing tradition of troll mythology. Trolls are mythical creatures that are often portrayed as being short with wild hair or larger creatures that dwell in mountains, forests and caves. In Norse mythology, they were seen as evil giants associated with magic. In written and oral accounts of Norse mythology, trolls are portrayed as mischievous creatures who like to cause trouble to humans. They are said to use their connections with nature to baffle, confuse and deceive humans.
One of the popular trolls in Norwegian folklore is Nøkken - a water spirit that is said to live by the water’s edge and lures people into the water to their death, particularly after sunset. He would often use melodious music, or appear as a floating wooden object in the water. These stories were told to keep young children and others away from large bodies of water, wild animals and strangers, and also to explain tragic drowning accidents that may occur.
The mythology of trolls remains strong today, and they are often shown in popular culture, for example in Dora the Explorer where a grumpy old troll guards bridges. Trolls are also shown helping Queen Elsa in Frozen and trying to cook Hobbits in Lord of the Rings.
More info:
www.fjordnorway.com/en/destinations/trollstigen