Our story
What began as a small adventure at Troll Mountain in 1994 has grown into three unique destinations across Southern Norway, inspiring people to explore, challenge themselves, and connect with nature.
After a 15 year career in the British Army employed a a Commando Engineer and Adventure training Instructor Tim Davis chose Evje in Setesdal to settle and earn a living by guiding tourists in the snow covered winter mountains and the fast flowing summer rivers.
1994
The story began in 1994, the same year as the Lillehammer Olympics. The first group was a family from Germany, taught to ski in early January at Hovden, north of Setesdal. The fledgling company was called Troll Mountain, and the first year was a struggle for survival. Christmas 1994 was the start of a new partnership with Waymark Holidays and Ljosland Fjellstove. The partnership was a success, and three months of winter ski guiding each winter for the next 10 years provided a good economic foundation for the growth of summer activities.
1995
Gjertrud Forgard first started work as a rafting guide in the summer of 1995 and quickly demonstrated her skill and enthusiasm for the industry.
1997
In 1997, Tim took out a bank loan to buy a disused building close to the river at Syrtveit. The following years saw a rapid growth in summer activities and a steady expansion of the Rafting centre.
2000
The turn of the Century and the birth of the internet meant a name change was needed to simplify epost and search engines. Troll Mountain therefore became TrollAktiv in 2005. Gjertrud purchased shares in the company and became an owner the same year.
2017
Simon dedicated himself to work with River rescue and Wilderness first aid and he was a natural choice to take over the Manager Manager role in 2017 and still holds the position today. Simon is a Shareholder in TrollAktiv and also the driving force behind the TrollPizza restuarant concept that has been such a success.
Where are we now.
The past years have seen steady development and growth. TrollAktiv now owns TrollAktiv Hove near Arendal and also TrollAktiv Kristiansand a base for sea kayaking and biking. TrollAktiv celebrated their 30th year anniversary in 2024.
