Norway has countless world-class hikes, such as Pulpit Rock and another troll-related walk Trolltunga, but the Trollkirka Caves hike feels like one of Norway’s best hidden gems.
We completed this hike on a very rainy day in September, being the only people in the car park and the only ones taking on the hike, made Trollkirka a highlight of our 2 month Norway road trip and makes it one of the Best Hikes In Southern Norway. Trollkirka aka Trollkyrkja translates to The Troll’s Church, this name is given due to the spectacular marble cave which you can explore at the top of the walk. There is a cascading waterfall inside the cave system which is marble-lined – it really feels as though you’re in a fairy-tale.
Oh and if you only get one thing from this blog post, take a torch, the caves are pitch black!
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Where Is The Trollkirka (Trollkyrkja) Caves Hike?
The Trollkira Caves are located in the mountains between Moen in Fræna and Eide near the main town of Molde on the road “64”. Situated in the fjord region which is one of the most beautiful areas of Norway, not far from the famous Atlantic Road.
Trollkirka Map
How To Get To The Trollkirka Caves Hike?
There is a trail head carpark for the Trollkirka Hike. You can park for free and when we arrived we were the only people there. It is quite a large car park, with multiple large spaces for campervans but I’m sure it gets filled up in summer with people wanting to explore the marble caves of Norway.
The car park is off the Norwegian County Road 64 that runs between Kristiansund and Åndalsnes, the parking is easy to find and well signposted. We would recommend spending the night in the main town of Molde before and after doing the Trollkirka Caves, a small city and a good base for adventures in the area.
Trollkirka (Trollkyrkja) Norway Hike
Once at the carpark head towards the main road where you will be able to join onto the Trollkirka signposted path. The path starts quite muddy and good hiking shoes are a must. The path takes you over a small Norwegian stream then it’s uphill through a stunning forest trail. Once you emerge from the forest you still have quite a bit of the mountain to climb which is loosely marked with red Ts. We recommend you take a map or follow the route on AllTrails to stay on track.
At the top of the hike you will find a signpost explaining the three different cave systems you can explore, the entrance to the first cave is directly opposite the sign. The first cave is the largest and the one with the waterfall known as Trolls Church. You will need a torch as it’s pitch black.
We didn’t attempt the second and third caves due to poor weather but from recent reviews these seem to be harder and more dangerous to navigate.
Trollkirka Hike Difficulity & Length
The walk from the carpark to the first cave takes about 90 minutes, and it is all uphill. I would say you need a good level of fitness for this walk, but there are a few benches on the way up for breaks if needed.
The trail is rocky and at times boggy so you will need good waterproof hiking shoes. There is also water in the cave system meaning you need waterproof shoes. My shoes however decided this was a great hike to break and the front of the sole fell off. I managed to complete the hike but I did have very wet feet.
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The Marble Caves of Norway & How To Navigate Them
The real star of this hike is the Trolls Church, the waterfall at the end of the first cave surrounded by marble. Cave 1 is found opposite a singpost near the peak, as we were the only ones on the hike we were pretty unsure if we should enter the cave (it looks ominous). You will need to clamber into the first cave, for me, this was the hardest part of the cave system and once past the entrance it was a little easier albeit dark.
Once in the cave it is about a 10 minute walk in an “S-curve” pattern in the pitch black to the Trolls Church waterfall, cascading 14 metres into a marble lined cave. The pool of water at the bottom is crystal clear and it makes an epic place for a photo!
You will need to return the way you came to exit the cave. Once out, continue walking up the mountain and you will come to a ladder leaning over the waterfall that leads you to the second cave. Here you can explore the second cave system by climbing down the ladder which hangs over the Trolls Church entrance, however be very careful with your steps as its quite sketchy.
Due to bad weather we didn’t make it to the third cave, we also read online it was difficult to find and small. We would love to hear if you made it to cave 3, as we are a little bit sad the adventure ended for us, as this walk is a Norway road trip highlight.
Tips and Tricks for the Trollkirka (Trollkyrkja) Cave Hike
- Take a torch – The caves are pitch black and each person needs their own torch
- Wear waterproof hiking boots – Some of the path is through a river bed and inside the cave systems there is water
- Come early to beat the crowds or go in Autumn which is out of peak season
- The first cave (Trolls Church) is well worth the cave bouldering to get to
- The hike is all uphill so be prepared
- Before you head out on the trail be sure to head over to KÜHL’s Ultimate Hiking Checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Norway Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Norway. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Top Bucket List Things Norway
Norway, the land of giants and trolls, meandering roads, epic fjords and much more is a prime destination for a road trip, holiday or cruise. After spending 2 months exploring this Nordic country, we share our top picks from our time on the Scandinavian road.
Top Hike: Pulpit Rock
An outcrop extends over a deep fjord, as you stand on the edge of Preikestolen you’re above the clouds and high on life. A 3 hour trek that is worth every minute.
Epic Viewpoint: Rampestreken
Rampestreken is a 20m extended platform looking out over mountains and fjords, one section is even mesh so you can see the drop right below you. You can hike or catch a cable car here.
Top Waterfall: Trollkirka or Låtefossen
It was too hard to choose just one, so I’ve gone for two. Trollkirka is a waterfall inside a marble cave which involves hiking to a Trolls Church, and Låtefossen which is right on the road but just as spectacular.
Off The Beaten Track: Sleep in a Cabin In The Woods
Norway is a country of adventure, and what better way to experience this than sleeping in a traditional hiking or hunting cabin.
Essential Items for Norway
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
Norway is a hiker’s destination and with challenging hikes such as Pulpit Rock, we were glad to have our poles. We would also recommend reliable Hiking Boots.
If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or winter a head torch is a must. The days are short and if you’re camping this is essential.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Norway
If you’re visiting the Norway here are our top travel tips:
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute. Also don’t forget Apple Airtags to track your luggage
- Norway is vast, take it slow – don’t feel the need to see everything if you only have a short time. Instead spend the time you have discovering the beauty and culture of the area you’re in… plus then you have an excuse to come back.
- Hire a car or motorhome – in our opinion this is the best way to really see Norway. You get to drive down hairpin roads such as Trollstigen and explore the lesser known nooks of the country.
- Be prepared for changing weather – it can be sunny one minute and snowing the next so pack for a range of temperatures and remember “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
