Olavsroute – The complete Via Ferrata experience
Hornelen Via ferrata invites you to a guided full-day adventure that goes all the way to the top of the majestic Mount Hornelen. Here you really feel alive!
We will follow the trail leading up to the shelter, Smalsarhuken, before we start the climb up Olavsrute. Here it gets more interesting as you get higher, providing more challenging and advanced Via Ferrata climbing. There will be vertical rest-areas, steep excitement and an experience with a side of spectacular views. Brace yourself for the adrenaline
How difficult is this trip?
- The route is graded as an F. This is one of the hardest Via Ferrata routes in Norway, and a solid day on the mountain.
- You need to have climbed Hekseveggen with one of our guides before attempting Olavsrute. This should have been without too much trouble. We do not make exceptions.
Pay attention to the following
Olavsrute is suited for people who are in good shape, with good body strength and experience from longer hikes. Here it is not recommended to be scared of heights, because of long, extremely exposed and steep parts that demands that you keep your cool. On the top there is also the renowned dieder, with 45m of overhanging climbing.
Our skilled guides take care of you and your group’s safety, so you can focus on your own climbing and the experience together with the group. Climbing a Via Ferrata in such spectacular, airy surroundings creates a profound feeling of mastery and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. To climb the most salty Via Ferrata in the world is demanding, but the reward on top is worth it! The weather is also changing fast on the top, so you should have impregnated both your clothing and your spirit.
After Hornelen has been conquered, and you have enjoyed the views and company, you will return on a marked DNT-trail in majestic western coastal landscape. The terrain is a bit demanding in some places, but if it were easy, everyone would do it.
You must have climbed Hekseveggen with one our guides before trying Olavsrute. We do not make exceptions.
If you have booked Olavsrute, and the guide’s assesment is that it is not responsible to continue, you will be offered to climb the Wall of Witches . You will not be refunded the pricedifference.
Tell me more!
It can be smart to check the safetyregulations, practical information and getting to know our team. If you have other questions, please contact us.
Bli motivert
Frequently asked questions
Olavsrute is a full-day via ferrata experience that takes you all the way to the top of Hornelen — Europe’s highest sea cliff. The route is demanding, airy, and filled with spectacular views. This is an adventure for experienced climbers who want to truly challenge themselves.
Olavsrute is rated F, one of the most demanding via ferrata routes in Norway. You must be comfortable with steep, exposed sections and have solid physical fitness. There is also a requirement that you must first have completed the easier “Hekseveggen” route together with one of our guides.
Unfortunately, no. To participate in Olavsrute, you must first have successfully completed Hekseveggen with one of our guides. Olavsrute is one of the most challenging via ferrata routes in Norway, and this requirement ensures that your climbing skills are sufficient for your safety and for the safety of our guides.
We are unable to make exceptions, even if you have completed other via ferrata routes or have prior climbing experience. Safety is always our highest priority.
To join the Olavsrute tour you:
- must be 18 years or older
- weight between 40 and 120 kg, including your backpack
- must be in very good physical shape
- must not be scared of heights
- must have completed the Wall of Witches with one of our guides before
From the top of Hornelen you get a unique view: A panorama over Bremanger’s coastline, fjords, and islands. Previous guests describe it as one of the most insane nature experiences on the Norwegian west coast.
Olavsrute includes steep sections, exposed climbing, and technical passages — including the famous dihedral at the top, with 45 meters of overhanging climbing. This is a challenging via ferrata experience where you must be comfortable with heights and confident in your abilities.
The full trip usually takes 8–9 hours, including safety briefing, climbing, summit trip and return.