“Security planning importance when hiking Trolltunga in Norway”
Some information about Trolltunga
Trolltunga is a hike located approximately 7km distance from Skjegeddal, with a length between 8 and 10 hours back and return. From this long hiking distance, Trolltunga is considered a complicated hiking place in Norway, where “the hiking trail is in the high mountains, and requires good physical condition” Hardangerfjord (2015). Therefore, there is a high potential for what might become complicated and dangerous, which is why we need to define security planning steps in order to enjoy and be safe while hiking Trolltunga.
Photo: Top of Trolltunga (Private)
Hiking planning importance
The first step, is to contact Odda local tourist information office. The local tourist information office, will provide information regarding times possible to hike, weather conditions, and other security planning information. After local tourist information office provides information that the hike is possible, the next step, is preparing the equipment needed to hike safely.
Photo: Path signs when hiking Trolltunga (Private)
Good hiking shoes, and waterproof, breathable and windproof clothes, which can maintain body warm during the hike, are the most important hiking equipment to be prepared. Which one from the three possible routes to take on the way up from the hiking start point, is the third step to take.
Above all, is important to follow a map and compass when deciding the route as highlights the Norwegian Mountain Code from the Norwegian Trekking Association (2008).Those steps for an appropriate security planning, are very important to follow.
Photo: Trolltunga hiking start (Private)
To close, tourists perceive visiting nature environments as very important when they are travelling, according to Verpestad & Lindberg (2011). Trolltunga’s peak is at about 1100 meters above sea level, which is a dangerous height. A good danger example was a student’s death on 9th October 2015 that Jauregui (2015) described. This accident evidences the risk to hike Trolltunga, and the need for appropriate security planning that will allow to enjoy the Trolltunga hiking experience.
Photos: Trolltunga hiking path (Private)
List of References
* Hardangerfjord (2005). Trolltunga: Two alternative routes for going to Trolltunga. [Online] Available from: http://www.hardangerfjord.com/en/Odda/Trolltunga/
* Jauregui, A. (2015). Student Falls To Death At Trolltunga, Scenic Cliff In Norway. The Huffington Post [Online] Available from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kristi-kafcaloudis-trolltunga-norway_55eefe6ee4b03784e27683de
* Norwegian Trekking Association (2008). The Norwegian Mountain Code. [Online] Available from: http://english.turistforeningen.no/article.php?ar_id=7090&fo_id=3622
* Verpestad, M.K & Lindberg, F. (2011). Understanding nature-based tourist experiences: an ontological analysis. Current Issues in Tourism, 2011, Vol.14 (6), pp.563-580
