The Romsdal region of Norway contains Trollstigen (Troll’s ladder) mountain pass (850 meter elevation) which has 11 hairpin bends and two waterfalls (Stigfossen and Trollfossen). The mountain pass is the starting point of the Geiranger-Trollstigen national scenic route.
Best time to visit Trollstigen-Geiranger
Trollstigen mountain pass is only open from mid-May until the first snowfall in autumn. Rental cars are a must when exploring Norway and car-ferries are very reasonably priced. Most Norwegian rental cars come with a toll tag and can be directly charged by the ferry auto-pass (you have to pay the final price in the end).
Award booking flights to Oslo
It is easy to find business class flights to Oslo with Star Alliance partner flights and pay low taxes (see image below).
Nearest Airports to Trollstigen-Geiranger
Molde Airport (MOL), Orsta–Volda Airport (HOV) and Ålesund Vigra Airport (AES) are the nearest airports to Trollstigen-Geiranger with daily nonstop flights from Oslo (OSL).
SAS only flies to AES and can be booked with very few Etihad Guest points (SAS is soon leaving the Star Alliance).
Accommodation near Trollstigen-Geiranger
I highly recommend Valldal Fjordhotell to use as a base for exploring Trollstigen-Geiranger route. We also stayed at Fjords View in Sjoholt which had a breathtaking view of the fjord and it can accommodate several people. You can decide on staying at either place based on the size of your travel group.
We traveled from Valldal to Trollstigen and Ramsdal Gondola ride one day and went to Geiranger the next day (see the link to maps & images below).
I highly recommend driving to Dalsnibba mountain plateau after the last destination listed on the map above (Google Maps doesn’t have directions listed at this time due to the toll booth).
Dalsnibba has an entry fee of 250 NOK ($25 US) per car and you will enjoy driving on the road to Europe’s highest fjord view.
Dalsnibba Scenery
Geiranger Fjord Scenery
Trollstigen View Points
Trollstigen Scenery
Romsdalen Gondola
Romsdalen Gondola is expensive ($52 for round trip), but it offers the best views from the top with a few short hikes.
Best Trails in Trollstigen-Geiranger region
There are several beautiful hikes listed on AllTrails.com (AllTrails) for all fitness levels.
Summary
We visited Romsdal region of Norway in June and it was not as crowded compared to the peak summer months. Words can’t describe the beauty of this region and I am planning to return next year to explore the nearby Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks.