Once upon a time, deep within ancient Nordic folklore, there lived trolls — supernatural beings from fairy tales and legends. Some are large and frightening. Others are small, strange, clumsy, or almost a little kind. They often live in mountains, forests, and dark places — because, according to many stories, they do not tolerate sunlight very well.

In Norwegian fairy tales, we often meet trolls that are strong enough to shake the mountains, but not always clever enough to win. Instead, it is usually the smallest, bravest, or smartest hero who gains the upper hand. Perhaps that is exactly why trolls still work so well in stories for children: they are scary enough to make your heart beat a little faster, but strange enough to make us smile.

Theodor Kittelsen is one of the artists who truly gave Norwegian trolls a face. In his images, the trolls become part of nature itself — large, heavy, and mysterious, as if they have grown out of the mountains, forests, and dark woodland lakes.

Kittelsen drew much of his inspiration from Norwegian nature, folk culture, and fairy tales. His trolls are not only frightening, but also full of personality. Some seem lonely and thoughtful, while others are strange, wild, or almost comical. In this way, he helped shape the image many people still have of trolls today: powerful fairy-tale figures closely connected to the Norwegian landscape.

In the middle of the park sits the Hunderfossen Troll, gazing out across Gudbrandsdalen — the world’s best-known and most photographed troll. It towers 14 metres above the ground, even though he is sitting down!

According to legend, the troll was turned to stone by the sun one early spring morning. Lost in his own thoughts, he suddenly saw the sun rise — and that is why he has remained sitting there ever since.

Beneath the troll, you will find Ivo Caprino’s Fairy-Tale Cave, where Norwegian folk tales and more than 150 trolls, both large and small, await in the darkness.

Deep inside Ivo Caprino’s Fairy-Tale Cave, beneath the Troll, you will find a restaurant unlike any other. Trollsalen was created by Ivo Caprino and Anders Huuse as Hunderfossen’s tribute to the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympics — and here, the phrase “fairy-tale atmosphere” truly comes to life.

Six enormous trolls hold up the roof, while the walls are filled with scenes from the fairy-tale world of Asbjørnsen and Moe. With a fire burning in the fireplace, coffee served from copper kettles, and food inspired by Norwegian traditions, Trollsalen is a place where both small and grand moments are given a truly special setting.

Trollsalen is open to park guests during regular opening hours, and is also used for weddings, confirmations, celebrations, and events outside the park season.