With 24 degrees outside there are numerous things you could do outside these days. However, earlier this week, Wednesday the 24th to be precise, the trolls have been let out again!
By BENJAMIN MOEYERSONS (text & photo)
Statens vegvesen has been working hard the last month to clear the world famous Trollstigen again from meters and meters of snow (see video). Trollstigen, or the Trolls’ Path, is a mountain road close to Geirangerfjord which was used in the early days as a transport connection between Valldal and Åndalsnes. First, it was just a path, and it further developed into a bridleway onto the road as we can see it today. Road construction started in 1916, and Trollstigen opened for car traffic in 1936.
This 20 km road with 11 hairpin turns is not only a marvelous piece of nature combined with dramatic roads as you’ve never seen before, it also opens doors to several outdoor activities.
After seeing the last bits and pieces of snow being melted away in most of the ski resorts and lower toppturs, you could already notice that you’re a newbie in Norway when you say that the season is over.
Most of the people would look at you and respond: “What are you saying, the most fun part has yet to come!”
Well, now we all understand why. Trollstigen does not only open up for numerous tourists to take the whole 83 steps all the way to the viewpoint, it also provides you with the opportunity to go spring shredding! Following once again the Touring book of Romsdal of professor Kai A. Olsen there are about four toppturs you can do in the surroundings of Trollstigen. Our goal of the day was Alnestind.
The way to get there is really easy: drive up Trollstigen, continue the drive a bit further than the tourist center and there you can park your car alongside the road to go up. The only challenge at the moment is getting off of the street, since the snow can still be more than two meters high at some points.
The tour itself takes about 2.5 hours to get up, and provides you with a panorama view all over the area. The odd phenomenon of “what a small world this is” also applies here. Talking to some fellow tour people can always surprise you with unknown connections!
Going down was almost the perfect descent, you have to bear in mind that it is the end of May and you’re still able to do such descents. As my colleague would say: “It was like a knife through butter.” So good are the snow conditions now.
With the days becoming longer and longer, there is of course the possibility of enjoying the marvelous view over the valley after your tour to fulfill the day completely.
Topptur at Trollstigen is the perfect spring activity. You can just wear shorts and a t-shirt, bring your dog, or go with a bunch of friends, it is all possible and gives you, or at least us, a wonderful day!