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Trolltunga Active · Skjeggedal (P2)

Climb to Trolltunga by via ferrata

Instead of the shuttle and the main trail, you walk along Ringedalsvatnet and clip into steel cables for a climb up the cliff, with a 50 m Sky Ladder midway if you want it. Pick it if you're fit, calm about exposure, and would rather spend the morning on rock than in a line of hikers.

Trolltunga Via Ferrata & Sky Ladder Day

About this experience

Trolltunga Active runs the via ferrata on the cliffs above Ringedalsvatnet, and this day uses it as a back door to the rock. From the base in Skjeggedal you walk about 4 km of gravel road along the lake, which takes about an hour, then climb a steep kilometre of trail to the foot of the route. There's a safety briefing, a gear check and time for a snack. Then you clip in.

The operator's page grades the route C and compares it to climbing a ladder: solid steel rungs all the way, and you're attached to a cable the whole time. There are three walls, the tallest about 250 m, and around 400 m of height gained on the climbing section. Midway comes the Himmelstigen, the Sky Ladder, about 50 m of ladder strung across open air. It's optional. From the top you hike the last 3 km or so to Trolltunga, take your photos, and walk home on the main trail. The ride from P3 down to P2 is included from 1 June to 18 September.

This isn't the easy option. It's the same long day as the hike with a climb added, and the operator rates it Advanced. Climbing is slower than walking, so hands get cold fast in wet weather: bring gloves with grip. You need to be 15 or older and between 40 and 120 kg, with no troublesome knees or strong fear of heights. With 142 reviews it is the most-reviewed Trolltunga trip on GetYourGuide, and free cancellation runs up to 24 hours before.

  • A 250 m cabled wall above Ringedalsvatnet, graded C
  • The optional 50 m Himmelstigen Sky Ladder
  • No shuttle queue and none of the busy first climb from P3
  • Harness, helmet and via ferrata set fitted for you
  • Professional photos from the climb, sent afterwards
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the day runs

  1. 07:30Meet at the base

    Trolltunga Active Base, Skjeggedal 20, next to P2. Harness, helmet and lanyards are fitted here.

  2. About 1 hourAlong Ringedalsvatnet

    About 4 km of gravel road beside the lake, then a steep 1 km path up to the start of the route.

  3. Late morningBriefing at the wall

    A short break, a snack and the safety talk before you clip in.

  4. About 2 hoursThe via ferrata

    Three walls of steel rungs and cable, with the Sky Ladder midway for those who want it.

  5. AfternoonThe last 3 km to the rock

    From the top of the climb it's a short hike to Trolltunga for photos, including the needle view when the guide can abseil.

  6. Late afternoonHome on the main trail

    Down to P3 and a ride to P2. The operator puts the full day at 8 to 12 hours.

A climber on steel cables on a granite wall above a lakeTurquoise Ringedalsvatnet seen from high above

What's included

Included

  • Professional guide with safety and first-aid equipment
  • Harness, helmet and via ferrata set, adjusted for you
  • Himmelstigen Sky Ladder
  • Professional photos from the via ferrata
  • Needle-view photos at Trolltunga (weather permitting)
  • Hiking poles on request, micro spikes or snowshoes when needed
  • Transport from P3 to P2 on the way back

Not included

  • Lunch, snacks and 2 litres of water
  • Gloves (recommended, bring your own)
  • Transport to the meeting point at P2
  • A ride up to P3: you walk the lower route

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You're fit and comfortable with heights
  • You'd rather climb than queue on the busy first section
  • You've done the hike before and want a new way up
  • You want photos of yourself on a cliff, not only on the rock

Skip it if

  • Heights make you freeze
  • You weigh under 40 kg or over 120 kg, or you're under 15
  • You have troublesome knees
  • You'd like a night up there too: the via ferrata dome trip adds one

What guests say

★★★★★

Everything was very well organized.

Bernd · Guest review

Tips before you book

  • Bring gloves with a good grip. The operator recommends them, and wet cable is cold.
  • Pack a 35 litre bag and leave room in it for the harness after the climb.
  • Carry 2 litres of water. The operator mentions a few refill points along the way.
  • The Sky Ladder is optional. You can decide at the bottom of it.
  • Tours run in rain and only stop for dangerous weather such as strong wind, thunder or ice.

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Trolltunga via ferrata?

The climbing is graded C, which the operator compares to a long ladder with steel steps and a cable all the way. The hard part is the length of the day: 24 to 28 km with about 800 m of ascent, rated Advanced. See our difficulty guide.

Do you have to climb the Sky Ladder?

No. The Himmelstigen is about 50 m long, comes midway through the climb and is optional. The rest of the via ferrata is the route to the top, so you can't skip that.

What are the age and weight limits?

Ages 15 and up, weight 40 to 120 kg, according to Trolltunga Active. You also need good fitness, healthy knees and no strong fear of heights.

Is the ride back to P2 included?

Yes. Transport from P3 down to P2 is included from 1 June to 18 September, within the shuttle hours. You don't use the shuttle in the morning because the climb starts from the lake.

Ready to book

Book Via ferrata & Sky Ladder day

Climb the cabled route up the cliff above Ringedalsvatnet, skip the crowded first climb, and finish at the rock.

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Climb the cabled route up the cliff above Ringedalsvatnet, skip the crowded first climb, and finish at the rock.

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