The latest video from The Col Collective sees Mike Cotty take on the climb of Trollstigen in Norway.
Trollstigen is part of Norwegian County Road 63 in Rauma Municipality, Møre og Romsdal county that connects the town of Åndalsnes in Rauma and the village of Valldal in Norddal Municipality. The road is closed during late autumn and winter and a normal operating season stretches from mid-May to October
Trollstigen was opened on 31 July 1936, by King Haakon VII after eight years of construction and has become a popular tourist attraction due to its steep incline of up to 10% and eleven hairpin bends.
Below is Mike’s description of the climb:
“Deep in the mountains on the western coastline of Norway, legend has it that trolls roam the Trollstigen by night turning to rock if hit by sunlight. I’d experienced this climb once before, on a dark wintry day, continually watching my back with senses on high alert for every unknown rustle at the side of the road.”
“Today was a different story, the early cloud burning through to reveal the road in all its splendour. I’ve been fortunate enough to ride many mountains over the years but there were moments during this climb that took me to a completely different world, where the tiniest touch of water on your skin makes you feel so alive, reminding you how the power of nature and the great outdoors is the answer to every question.”
“I still get that same feeling when I watch these moments, I hope you do too, and one day you can experience the pure beauty of the Stigfossen waterfall and Trollstigen as I was lucky enough to do so.”
Start: Sogge
Length: 19km
Summit: 852m
Elevation gain: 802m
Average gradient: 4.4%
Max gradient: 10%
Anette Wie
Add this to my bucket list. What a beautiful country.