About this place
Troll Wall (Norwegian: Trollveggen) is one of the best-known rock faces in Europe, rising above the Romsdalen valley in Rauma Municipality, in Norway's Møre og Romsdal county. It forms part of the Trolltindene massif and lies inside Reinheimen National Park, south of the towns of Åndalsnes and Molde.
Why is Troll Wall so famous?
The wall is regarded as the tallest vertical rock face in Europe. Commonly cited figures put the height from base to highest point at about 1,100 metres, with the summit at roughly 1,700 metres above sea level. Some sources give slightly different numbers because the measurement starting point varies, but all describe an exceptionally steep and tall face. Parts of it overhang, which is striking when seen from the valley floor.
What is its climbing history?
The first ascent took place in 1965 by a Norwegian team, while a British team was active on the wall at the same time and established the popular Rimmon Route. Since then Troll Wall has been a major objective for climbers seeking big, demanding routes. One of them, the Arch Wall, is cited at around 1,200 metres. Climbing here is a serious undertaking for experienced teams, often taking several days and dependent on the weather.
What about BASE jumping?
Troll Wall played a part in the early days of European BASE jumping. In 1980 Finnish jumper Jorma Öster made the first parachute jump here. In 1984 Carl Boenish, a pioneer of the sport, died on the wall. After further fatalities, Norwegian authorities banned jumping from the wall on 25 July 1986. The ban remains in place, although illegal jumps are reported to still happen.
How can a visitor see Troll Wall?
You do not need to climb to appreciate it. The easiest way is to view it from the Romsdalen valley near Åndalsnes, where its rock face towers above the road. Clear weather without low cloud is best, since mist can hide the summits completely. The surrounding Reinheimen National Park region offers many other routes and views, so the wall pairs well with a longer stay.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Troll Wall? In the Romsdalen valley, Rauma Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway, within Reinheimen National Park.
How tall is it? About 1,100 metres from base to highest point. Some sources give other values depending on how it is measured.
Who first climbed Troll Wall? A Norwegian team made the first ascent in 1965. A British team was active at the same time and opened the Rimmon Route.
Can you BASE jump here? No. BASE jumping has been banned since 1986.
Is the climbing hard? Yes, the routes are long and demanding, intended for experienced teams.
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