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Skatestraumen

Hornelen Via Ferrata (Olavsruta)

  • A climber on the Olav Route with spectacular views of the fjord and mountains around Hornelen.
  • A climber on the Olav Route high above the fjord, with views of the dramatic fjord landscape.
  • A climber ascending the steep rock face on the Olav Route, surrounded by spectacular nature.
  • Views of the fjord from the Olav Route on Hornelen Via Ferrata, with mountains and islands far below.
  • A climber ascending the steep rock face on the Olav Route, with the fjord far below.
  • Via Ferrata climbing equipment secured to the rock face along the Olav Route on Hornelen.
  • A climber on the Olav Route with spectacular views of the fjord and dramatic landscape around Hornelen.
  • A climber on the Olav Route high above the fjord, with spectacular views of the mountains and coastline.
  • A climber takes a break on the Olav Route with views of the fjord and mountains around Hornelen.

Take on the demanding Olav Route to the summit of Hornelen, 860 metres above sea level. Experience exposed climbing, a 45-metre overhang and spectacular views of Norway’s rugged coast.

Are you ready for an adrenaline-filled outdoor adventure like no other? Hornelen Via Ferrata takes you 860 metres above sea level to the summit of Europe’s highest sea cliff. Sheer vertical excitement, with the ocean right beneath you and eagles soaring at your side, makes this an experience you will never forget.

This guided full-day tour takes you all the way to the summit of Mount Hornelen. The tour starts at Smalsarhuken, the shelter where Hekseveggen (The Witch’s Wall) ends. From here, the route gradually increases in difficulty before reaching the crux just below the summit. Here, you face around 45 metres of overhanging climbing that will truly get your heart racing.

Not sure if you’re up for it?

All participants climbing the Olav Route must first have completed Hekseveggen. This is to assess whether you have the required skills and experience, and to help avoid potentially dangerous situations during the final push to the summit.

Climbing a Via Ferrata in such spectacular and exposed surroundings gives you an incredible sense of achievement. Taking on one of the world’s most exposed Via Ferrata routes is a real challenge – but the reward is even greater.

The Olav Route is for those who are physically fit, have good upper-body strength, experience with long mountain hikes, previous Via Ferrata experience and a desire to challenge themselves in a safe, guided environment.

Our skilled guides take care of your safety and that of the group, allowing you to focus fully on the climb and the experience.

Practical information

• Price: NOK 2,595 per person
• Duration: Full day, 8–9 hours
• Difficulty: A demanding climb and mountain hike. On the Via Ferrata scale from A to F, the Olav • • Route is rated F.
• Weight: Minimum 40 kg / maximum 120 kg
• Age: Minimum 18 years
• Group size: Minimum 2 / maximum 4 people
• Season: May–September

After the climb, and after taking in the views from the summit, you will descend along a prepared hiking trail through magnificent coastal mountain scenery, with some challenging terrain along the way. This is where you may meet other members of your group who have chosen not to take the climb.

Included in the price:
• Access to the Via Ferrata climbing route
• Helmet
• Harness
• Via Ferrata lanyard
• Guide

You need to bring:
• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Suitable clothing
• Gloves (bring your own or buy them in the shop)
• Daypack
• Two packed lunches
• Plenty of drinks. There is no access to drinking water along the route, so bring approximately twice as much food and water as you would normally take on a day hike.

Standing on the summit of Hornelen and looking out across the dramatic coastal landscape is the ultimate reward for the effort. This is an experience for those who want to challenge themselves, push their limits and experience an unforgettable sense of achievement.

Source: Nordfjord