Trolltunga wedding guide for adventurous couples

Trolltunga, traduced as The Troll’s Tongue in English, stands as one of the most famous hike in Norway. Known for its breathtaking vistas, this iconic rocky formation extends daringly about 2,300 feet above Ringedalsvatnet Lake. While Norway offers numerous picturesque natural settings for intimate weddings, if you’re an adventurous couple envisioning exchanging vows in an extraordinary location, Trolltunga might just fulfill your expectations.

Where is Trolltunga in Norway?

Trolltunga is situated in the southwest of Norway, in the Vestland county. The site is approximately 17 km from Odda and around 200 km from Bergen, one of Norway’s largest cities.

How to get to Trolltunga for your elopement day ?

While Trolltunga is accessible by train and bus, it is more convenient to reach by car. Norway boasts diverse and untamed landscapes, and you’ll likely want to make stops along the way to enjoy the scenery.

1-Trolltunga from Oslo:

It takes approximately 6 hours by car to reach Trolltunga from Oslo. If you prefer bus transportation, options include Haukeliekspressen or Bus route 990. For train access, there’s Voss by train.

2- Trolltunga from Bergen:

Trolltunga is more easily accessible from Bergen, requiring only 2 to 3 hours, making it convenient as it is one of Norway’s major cities with accessible flights. Bus options include Bus route 930 and buses departing from Odda.

When to elope in Trolltunga?

The optimal period for a Trolltunga wedding is likely from June to September, even though this remains the busiest season. It’s not impossible to experience Trolltunga during the winter, and, in fact, it’s the best way to enjoy this site with almost no one around. However, it is highly recommended to hire a guide during the winter season, which runs from October to the end of May. Keep in mind that sunlight is limited in winter, with a minimum of 5 hours of daylight in December. Specialized guides can be found with Trolltunga Active or Trolltunga Adventures.

Do I need a permit for my Trolltunga wedding?

No permission is required for your wedding ceremony at Trolltunga. However, as the site is highly frequented and is among the most famous hikes in Norway, achieving complete privacy for your ceremony may be a bit challenging.

How to get married in Trolltunga?

1 – Civil intimate wedding at Trolltunga

You can legally get married at Trolltunga. Once a year, the municipality of Ullensvang organizes a dedicated day for weddings at Trolltunga. Mayor Roald Aga Haug officiates the marriages on this special day. Over the last three years, the Trolltunga wedding day has taken place in August, with several weddings conducted on the same day.

To have an official marriage in front of the mayor, you’ll need to obtain a certificate of no impediment to marriage, valid for 4 months. This certificate is obtained from the Norwegian tax administration (Skatteetaten) and may take up to 6 weeks to process. Once received on your end, you must provide this document to the municipality of Ullensvang. It is crucial to plan these steps well in advance.

Also, you don’t need to be a Norwegian citizen to marry, but you must have a valid permit to stay. For more information on obtaining the marriage certificate (for both foreign and non-foreign citizens), you can check this article.

2 – Symbolic elopement at Trolltunga

For foreign citizens, it’s often simpler to have a symbolic ceremony, meaning the couple will handle the legal aspect in their home country. This option provides more flexibility. However, considering the site’s high traffic and the substantial increase in visits in recent years (82,500 hiked to Trolltunga in 2022), it may be worthwhile to consider staying overnight to avoid the crowds and enjoy the location peacefully.

Where to stay for you Trolltunga wedding ?

I recommend arriving the day before your Trolltunga hike departure. Keep in mind that accommodation options are not abundant, so it’s essential to book your stay as early as possible.

1- Stay near Trolltunga (at the bottom)

a- Trolltunga Guesthouses

There are numerous guesthouses in Odda and Tyssedal. If you want to be closest to the starting point, guesthouses near parking lot 2 are available. However, be aware that spaces are limited, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.

b- Camping Near Trolltunga

Camping in the valleys around Odda and Tyssedal is also an option. Due to the limited number of spots, I recommend making reservations as soon as you decide to embark on this unique Trolltunga experience for your adventurous wedding.

2- Stay at Trolltunga (at the top)

You can have a unique adventure by exploring Trolltunga with almost no one around. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset and sunrise in this remarkable environment. Wouldn’t these be unforgettable memories for your wedding in Norway? I highly recommend considering an overnight stay at the site to give yourself a chance to read your vows without hundreds of eyes around you. You’ll likely be less stressed without a long line of people waiting behind you for their souvenir photo on Trolltunga. Let’s explore the options for staying at Trolltunga together:

a- Trolltunga camping areas

For the adventurous souls who love a challenge, camping at Trolltunga is possible. You need to be aware of designated camping zones, and if you’re outside the recommended areas, you may receive a fine. This option is a great alternative if you want to intimately exchange vows in this beautiful location. You can find all essential information about camping at Trolltunga on the official site.

b- Trolltunga camper site

There are other alternatives to carrying all your camping gear. Several companies offer the opportunity to stay overnight at Trolltunga. This can be a great way to eliminate the stress of carrying your equipment and meals. Generally, you can stay on-site from mid-May to mid-September before the snow arrives. The locations are situated away from the main trail to offer tranquility. They also provide meals and breakfast. Additionally, you can access locations that are frequented only by locals. Note that these options are realized with a guide and are open to other individuals. Some companies may not offer individual tents. Here are the companies to explore:

1. Trolltunga Adventures: It’s possible to stay on-site from May 25 to September 15. Their camping location is 700-800 meters from Trolltunga, and your tent will be away from the main trail. They offer a traditional local dinner and breakfast (reindeer stew or vegetarian dish). If this possibility interests you but you want more privacy, you should check out the Trolltunga private camp offer, which provides a private tent. For more information about this offer, you can click here Trolltunga Classic.
2. Glamping at Trolltunga: The dome is shared and has a maximum capacity of 6 people. The location is away from the main trail. They offer dinner, breakfast, and local snacks. To learn more about the offer, check this link Glamping at Trolltunga.
3. Trolltunga Active: The experience is quite similar to the two previous ones. Their prices vary depending on whether you choose the beginning, middle, or end of the season. Accommodation is in their beautiful geodesic dome. Breakfast and dinner are included, and their campsite has toilets. An informative meeting is scheduled at 9 a.m. at the Trolltunga Hotel on the day before departure. It’s possible to rent certain equipment like rain pants, hiking shoes, etc. Trolltunga Sunset/Sunrise.

Tips to know about Trolltunga

1- Hiking details in a few figures:

• Duration: 8 to 12 hours (depending on your starting point)
• Distance: 20 kilometers (from Mågelitopp)
• Elevation Gain: about 900 meters
• Visitors: approximately 82,500 in 2022

2- Useful information to know:

• The hike is classified as “expert,” requiring a good level of mountain walking expertise. It is also categorized as such due to its length of 22 kilometers.
• You have the option to hike with a local guide.
• The trail is well-marked and heavily frequented.
• Most parts of the route have cellphone reception.
• There are no toilets along the trail, but facilities are available at the Skjeggedal or Tyssedal parking lots.
• There are three parking areas: P1, P2, and P3. Starting from P3 is recommended as P1 and P2 involve sections on a steep paved road. The challenge might be more physical than scenic. For more information on the hike, transportation, and parking, you can check the official Trolltunga website.

4 Steps to plan your Trolltunga wedding

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding at Trolltunga, consider following these 4 steps:

1. Pick a date: Choose a date that suits your preferences and aligns with the conditions you desire for your special day.
2. Book your photographer: Secure the services of a photographer early in your planning process. Your photographer is likely to assist you in finding the best ways to organize your wedding at Trolltunga.
3. Choose your accommodation: Given the limited options, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. Consider staying near Trolltunga the night before your hike for a smoother experience.
4. Enjoy and relax in this wonderful nature: Once everything is set, take the time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Trolltunga.

Planning your Norway elopement, feel free to check out my guide “How to elope to Norway in 2024: everything you need to know”.