Why this road
This is the classic mountain and fjord drive in Norway, and it really is two highlights in one: the eleven hairpins of Trollstigen, squeezed against a sheer rock wall with a waterfall running through, and the Eagle Road with its view straight down the Geirangerfjord. In between are wild mountain plateaus, the Gudbrandsjuvet gorge and a fjord crossing. Note that the route is not ferry-free: a short car ferry runs between Linge and Eidsdal.
The route
- AÅndalsnes
Start at the head of the Romsdalsfjord. The road follows the Isterdalen valley south, with steep walls on both sides.
- 1Trollstigen
Eleven hairpins up a sheer wall, crossing the Stigfossen waterfall. At the top there are viewing platforms right over the edge.
- 2Valldal
After the bare plateau and the Gudbrandsjuvet gorge you drop into a green valley known for its strawberries. Just past it is the ferry at Linge.
- 3Eidsdal
Off the ferry, the road climbs again over a high, open valley towards Geiranger.
- 4Ørnesvingen
The top bend of the Eagle Road, with the whole Geirangerfjord below you. Stop here before the last hairpins.
- BGeiranger
The village at the end of the fjord. In summer cruise ships often lie in front of it.
Stops worth it
Walk out onto the platforms at the top and look down the hairpins. In the morning, before the buses, you have them almost to yourself.
A narrow gorge between the plateau and Valldal, with walkways over the rushing water. Ten minutes is enough.
The big fjord view. The car park is small, so you may have to wait a moment for a space.
Light and the best time
The Trollstigen wall faces north, so at midday much of the climb lies in its own shadow; early morning and late afternoon in summer give more light on the rock, and the viewing platforms look north down the valley with the sun behind you. At Ørnesvingen you look down the fjord to the west: late morning to early afternoon is best, when the sun is high enough to reach the water but not yet straight in front of you. In the evening the fjord is backlit and hazy. A start in Åndalsnes at about 8 am fits both.
Trollstigen usually opens in late May or June and closes in October or November, depending on snow: check before you go. June to September is the reliable season, with snow on the plateau well into June. July and August are very busy, with tour buses on Trollstigen and cruise ships in Geiranger, so early mornings and September are much nicer.
By vehicle
Two famous hairpin roads in one day. Ride carefully: tight bends, buses on the climb and wet rock from the waterfalls.
Roof down on Trollstigen is unforgettable, but it is often cold and wet up on the plateau. Pack warm layers.
No problem for any car. Use a low gear on the descents, both into Valldal and down the Eagle Road.
Allowed and very common, but Trollstigen has a length limit for long vehicles (check the current rule). Expect slow passing in the hairpins, and plan your parking in Geiranger.
Good to know
There is no toll on Trollstigen or the Eagle Road, but the Linge to Eidsdal ferry is paid (current fares on the operator's website, payment is often automatic by number plate). Trollstigen is closed in winter and can close for rockfall or bad weather. There are fuel stations in Åndalsnes, Valldal and Geiranger, none on the plateau. Use the marked car parks, never stop in the hairpins.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is Trollstigen open?
Usually from about late May or June to October or November, depending on snow. Check the current status with the Norwegian road authority before you go.
Do I need a ferry from Trollstigen to Geiranger?
Yes, on the direct route. A short car ferry crosses between Linge and Eidsdal. It runs frequently in summer, but you may have to wait at busy times.
How long does the drive take?
About 1 h 45 driving time from Åndalsnes to Geiranger including the ferry crossing, plus any wait for the ferry. With stops, plan most of a day.
Can I drive Trollstigen with a camper?
Yes, campers drive it every day. There is a length limit for very long vehicles, so check the current rule if yours is long.
Is the Eagle Road open all year?
Usually yes, it is Geiranger's road link in winter, but it can close in heavy snow. Check before you go.