TROLLFJORDEN
A Spectacularly Narrow Fjord.
BASIC INFORMATION
Trollfjorden is a spectacular, approximately 2-kilometre-long side arm of Raftsundet. With its extremely narrow entrance and towering mountain peaks, the fjord has a truly dramatic and mysterious atmosphere. At its narrowest point, the entrance is only around 100 metres wide, before the fjord gradually opens to a maximum width of approximately 800 metres.
The steep mountains surrounding Trollfjorden rise between 600 and 1,100 metres above the water. It is easy to imagine the impression this creates when a yacht sails through the fjord, appearing tiny against the enormous rock walls towering above it. At its deepest point, Trollfjorden reaches a depth of approximately 72 metres.
Apart from its magnificent scenery, Trollfjorden is associated with many fascinating events and stories from the past:
1. 1. In 1890, a conflict known as the Battle of Trollfjord took place here between fishermen. On one side were fishermen using traditional rowing and sailing boats, while on the other were those operating modern steam-powered vessels. They fought over access to the fishing grounds. The events later inspired Johan Bojer’s novel The Last of the Vikings.
2. In 1889, the fjord was visited by German Emperor Wilhelm II.
3. In 2016, scenes for the film Downsizing, starring Matt Damon, were filmed here.
4. Until 1960, a waterfall flowed at the head of the fjord, but its water was later diverted through a system of pipes for hydroelectric power generation.
5. In 1969, the 113-metre-long passenger ship TS Avalon managed to squeeze into Trollfjorden. After entering the fjord, Captain William Bramhill reportedly described it as a “mouse hole.” After completing the difficult manoeuvre required to turn the ship around, he remarked that he had almost “given birth to kittens.”
6. For a period of time, the fjord was closed because of the significant danger posed by falling rocks, ice and snow.
7. Even today, inhabitants of the two neighbouring regions—Lofoten and Vesterålen—continue to debate which of them Trollfjorden truly belongs to.
Today, the waters of Trollfjorden are also used for hydroelectric power generation, while the fjord itself has become one of the most frequently visited natural attractions in the Lofoten region. It is fascinating to watch large passenger vessels manoeuvre with remarkable precision through its narrow waters while visitors scan the steep mountain slopes in search of legendary trolls.
HIKING THROUGH SPECTACULAR SCENERY
Sailing into Trollfjorden is an extraordinary experience. Once we enter its narrow waters, mobile phone reception disappears as the towering mountains effectively cut us off from modern communications. For a while, we are surrounded only by rock, water and Arctic wilderness.
But sailing is only part of the experience. A several-hour hike into the surrounding mountains offers unforgettable scenery. The route leads alongside mountain streams and waterfalls, across rocky terrain and, depending on the season, patches of snow that can sometimes collapse beneath our feet. As we gain altitude, increasingly spectacular views open up over the mountains and the narrow fjord far below.
The area around Trollfjorden is also home to white-tailed eagles, which nest in the surrounding mountains and can frequently be seen circling above us—particularly when we are fishing from the pier.
Mooring at the small quay is free of charge, adding to the welcoming and remote atmosphere of the place. During one of Azimuth’s recent visits, we even had to break through a layer of ice—something we had never before experienced while sailing in the Lofoten Islands.
Trollfjorden is considered one of the great natural highlights of Lofoten and is a place that simply cannot be missed. Its narrow entrance, immense mountain walls, fascinating history and sense of isolation make sailing into the fjord one of the most memorable moments of our Lofoten expeditions.
