Frequently asked questions

Please read here before you contact us via email or other channels.

Is it possible to climb Hornelen Via Ferrata without a guide?

Yes, but then you have to reserve a slot by paying a maintenance fee. Climbing a Via Ferrata without the proper experience comes with serious risk, and we only recommend this to experienced climbers. If you are unsure, book a guided tour. Your guide with show you the proper use of equipment, and help you when you face difficulties. Persons with climbing experience will get useful tips and tricks. Through local tales, culture and nature, your guide will help you see your surroundings with new eyes.

Hornelen Via Ferrata AS has the exclusive right for guiding on Hornelen Via Ferrata.

Can I climb the entire Hornelen Via Ferrata in one day?

Yes, but it is a very, very, long trip. This is not something we recommend, and therefore also not a guided trip we offer. Remember that it is a three hour walk back from the top after completing the Via Ferrata.

Is it possible to go to the top of Hornelen from the Wall of Witches?

No, this is not possible. You follow another path back to Hunskår, where the path on foot starts. If you want to reach the top and climb Wall of Witches on the sam eday, you should calculate 6 hours of climbing, before using 6-8 hours opp and down to the top. One should be in extremly good shape and have optimal weather conditions. Olavsroute is the only route going to the top.

Do I need previous experience with Via Ferrata or climbing on a guided trip?

No previous climbing or Via Ferrata experience is required to climb Eagle’s Side or Wall of Witches, but it is however an advantage. You should however be in shape and comfortable with heights, and perviosu experience is definitivly an advantage. For Olavsroute we recommend climbing experience or pervious experience with overhanging climbing. Everybody who climbs Olavsroute has to climb Wall of Witches first, precisely to gain more experience and so our guides can assess if the client is fitted.

Is it possible to rent equipment?

No, but all Via Ferrata equipment is included in your guided trip. If you wish to use your own equipment, this is possible. Then it is your own responsability that the equipment is in order. The price is the same if one uses private equipment.

Can anyone climb Olavsroute?

No, this is one of the most demanding Via Ferrata routes in Norway. It takes good strength and conditioning to climb this, and preferably climbing experience. Right below the top you are met by 45 meters of overhanging climbing, something that demands upper body strength, especially in your lower arms.

What are the different grades of the routes?

The introduction wall is graded as a B. It has ladders, planks and lots of grips and handles. It has short vertical sections, and the whole route takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on group speed. If you have enough time, the trip can be lengthened to Smalsarhuken, for more views and steep stairs.

The Wall of Witches Light is the shortest route and is rated B/C. It features ladders, wooden planks, and many footholds and handholds. You climb both forwards and backwards, which adds an extra challenge. There are shorter vertical sections, and it feels exposed without the climbing being too difficult. The entire route takes about 2.5 hours.

Hekseveggen/The Wall of Witches is graded to a D. It has climbing both downwards, upwards and sidewards. Vertical sections with overhang makes the route demanding, and the climbing takes about 2-3 hours. There are plenty of grips for hands and feet, but it can be demanding for some to shift the carabiners when holding on with one hand in overhanging sections.

Olavsroute is graded as an F for multiple reasons. Firstly, the exposure is impressive and unlike anything you have experienced before. You should definitely not be scared of heights and feel comfortable several hundreds of meters above the fjord. The approach is longer than to the Wall of Witches, and the route itself is also quite long. The vertical sections are more and longer than in the Wall of Witches. Under the top there are multiple, succesive, overhanging parts, which are finished off by 45 meters of overhanging climbing up a dieder. This is very demanding, even with good holds for hands and feet. This takes strength, endurance and technique.

Is the Via Ferrata safe in the rain?

The Via Ferrata is built to handle rain. There are steel steps the whole way, so it is safe to climb even though the mountain is wet. If the weather is too rough or there is a chance of lightning (which is rare in our region), we will cancel the trip. When we cancel your trip, you will be offered another date.

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