Adventure
This is how Norwegians get married
Norway offers many unique nature experiences. Mighty mountains, deep fjords and green lakes. Now, you can also tie the knot on one of the world's most iconic places, Trolltunga.
Gita Simonsen
The rock outcrop that hangs 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in Skjeggedal has long been a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Now, you can even say “I do” in these airy surroundings.
In short: getting married on Trolltunga
In 2022 the first couples were married on Trolltunga, 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Ullensvang municipality has offered ceremonies there on set dates, so check the municipality’s website for the next one. The hike is around 27 kilometres return and takes 8 to 12 hours. Without a guide, you can only go from mid-June to mid-September.
If you book through the links in this article, Picolo earns a commission based on a percentage of the price. The views in this article are nonetheless entirely our own.
Our first choice: Tyssedal Hotell, the historic hotel closest to the trailhead. See rooms at Tyssedal Hotell (Paid link)
Planning the hike? Read our guide to Trolltunga.
The world's first wedding on Trolltunga
In summer 2021, four couples hiked the long trail to the top and made history on Trolltunga. In 2017, The mayor of Ullensvang municipality, Roald Aga Haug, came up with the idea of marrying couples on Trolltunga. In 2021, the municipality finally held the first ceremony.
It was a real Scandinavian party. Two Norwegian, one Danish and one Swedish couple said, “I do” at ceremonies officiated by the local mayor. Musician Sarah Melkeraaen sang and played the fiddle and saxophone.
If you book through the links in this article, Picolo earns a commission based on a percentage of the price. The views in this article are nonetheless entirely our own.
If you book through the links in this article, Picolo earns a commission based on a percentage of the price. The views in this article are nonetheless entirely our own.
Planning the hike yourself?
Trolltunga is a long hike of 20 to 38 kilometres return. Read everything about parking, the season and preparation in our guide to Trolltunga. If you want to marry at the top, contact Ullensvang municipality for the current rules.
Stay near the trail: Trolltunga Hotel in Odda. See rooms at Trolltunga Hotel (Paid link)
A wedding night by the fjord: Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus. See rooms at Hotel Ullensvang (Paid link)
WEDDING IN THIN AIR
The spectacular rock outcrop that hangs 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in Skjeggedal has long been a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Mayor Haug thought the whole thing was magical and describes the atmosphere as "enchanted". Fortunately, the forecast rain never arrived, and the bride and groom were able to complete the wedding ceremony in beautiful conditions.
"It was unreal. Getting to marry couples up here at Trolltunga, while Sara played the saxophone, was a very special experience," says Haug.
The couples had to work for the experience. They had to hike the long trail up themselves, while their outfits were flown up by helicopter. The couples enjoyed the 8-hour hike up, and everyone managed to put on their finery at the top. The weddings were such a success that Ullensvang municipality arranged a marriage ceremony the following year, and everything indicates that this will be an annual tradition.
A wedding night in airy surroundings
If you want to make the big day even more special, you can sign up for a guided tour with Trolltunga Active. The experience includes overnight accommodation in an amazing dome, with windows affording spectacular views of the beautiful nature. In the camp, good food and drinks from local producers are served, and bonfires are lit, weather permitting. A good breakfast awaits along with an unforgettable sunrise. Trolltunga Active also strives to cater to any special requests you may have.
Anyone can get married on Trolltunga
If you are tempted get married on Trolltunga, you must contact the local municipality to register. The wedding ceremony is free, but there are a limited number of ceremonies. Check Ullensvang municipality's website to see which dates are available. You must also remember to apply for a certificate from the Norwegian Tax Administration. If you or your partner are a foreign citizen, it is advisable to take care of the formalities well in advance - it can take up to 5-6 weeks to get a certificate.
A hike with a season
Hiking to Trolltunga is a real experience, even if you aren’t headed towards your own wedding ceremony at the top. The hike is mostly through high mountain terrain, but starts along a gravel road. This first section is steep, and can be a difficult start to the hike, but as soon as you get up on the mountain and start hiking across the plateau, your mood lightens, and you forget the exertion. The trip across the Hardangerfjord is long. If you start at the bottom, it is a 27-kilometre walk, and has an 800-metre elevation. The trip takes between 8-12 hours both ways, including breaks. The effort is always worth it. The view that awaits at the top is one of the most beautiful and powerful things you can witness.
Remember to bring plenty of food and drink
In principle, you can hike up Trolltunga all year round, but during the winter months from 1 October to 31 May you have to go with a guide. It is also important to remember that the hike is classified as a demanding trip. There are many hikers who underestimate the mountain, and overestimate their own abilities. Every year, the rescue teams help hikers down from the mountain. You must always bring along enough food and drink, as well as good hiking boots and warm clothes. Always remember to check the weather forecast. If there is a lot of fog and rain, you should postpone the trip.
Staying overnight
If you don't want to sleep in your own tent, there are several options for accommodation. Fjordtours offers, among other things, glamping accommodation in a dome on Trolltunga, surrounded by incredible views of the Hardangerfjord.
There are several hotels to choose from near Trolltunga, each with its own charm. One excellent local option is Tyssedal Hotel, a historic boutique hotel with roots dating back to 1912. The hotel is also the closest one to Trolltunga and is near several other attractions.
Find your hotel during your stay in Norway. Click here
Hotels in Hardanger: Tyssedal Hotel by the lowest car park. See rooms at Tyssedal Hotel (Paid link)
See more hotels and tips in our guide to Hardanger.
Frequently asked questions about weddings at Trolltunga
Can you get married at Trolltunga?
Yes. Ullensvang municipality has held weddings at Trolltunga since summer 2021, when four couples from Norway, Denmark and Sweden were married by the mayor. The event was a success and was repeated the following year.
How long is the hike to Trolltunga?
The couples hiked up themselves, and the trip took around eight hours. Their outfits were flown up by helicopter. Trolltunga juts out about 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in Skjeggedal.
Can you stay overnight near Trolltunga?
Yes. Trolltunga Active offers guided trips with overnight stays in a dome with windows facing the landscape. Food and drink from local producers are served at the camp, and a campfire is lit when the weather allows.
Read more
Enjoy your trip to Trolltunga and the Hardangerfjord
Gita Simonsen