A stairway to heaven? A stairway to nervous breakdown for many.
These images show a terrifying climbing ladder in Norway that stands at a dizzying height of 790 metres (2,591 ft) above sea level and forms part of a route to the summit of Mount Hoven at 3,316 ft (1,010 m).
The 120-step staircase, called ‘Stigull’, is 40 metres long (131 feet) and overlooks the village of Loen and a stunning fjord.
Opened on May 31, it is the latest addition to the Via Ferrata Loen hiking destination. Via ferrata means “iron path” in English and allows participants to advance along climbing routes attached to cables and metal loops fixed to rock walls.
To reach the staircase, which is located on a 45-degree slope, thrill-seekers must first take the “very difficult” climb of “Route 2” to the top of Mount Hoven.
A terrifying climbing staircase in Norway that stands a dizzying 790 metres (2,591 ft) above sea level and is part of a route to the summit of Mount Hoven at 3,316 ft (1,010 m)
The 120-step staircase, called ‘Stigull’, is 40 metres long (131 feet) and overlooks the village of Loen and a stunning fjord.
Per Helger Bo, who works in Active Loenwho offers guided tours along the via ferrata routes of Mount Hoven, said the staircase “has a relatively low level of difficulty” but that people climbing it appear to be “floating in the air.”
As these incredible images show.
Per Helger Bo added: “We encourage all adventure lovers to try out Stigull and experience a truly unique fjord experience.”
As part of the route, climbers can cross the Gjolmunne via ferrata suspension bridge, which is 750 metres (2,460 ft) above sea level, 120 metres (393 ft) long and crosses a 160-metre (524 ft) deep gorge.
Truly daring climbers may like to reach the summit of Mount Hoven via the ‘Extreme Ragnarok‘ route, classified as the toughest via ferrata in Norway and which presents ‘constant mental, technical and physical challenges’.
Mount Hoven towers over Nordfjorden and Lake Lovatnet, with views from the summit rated “magnificent” by Visit Norway.
At the summit, visitors can visit the Hoven Restaurant & Bar for “delicious refreshments” and zip down two 1,000 m (3,280 ft) high “Flying Fox” ziplines, with tickets available from the shop at the top of the mountain.
The trip down takes just five minutes, via the Loen Skylift cable car.
To reach the staircase, which is located on a 45-degree slope, thrill-seekers must first take the “very difficult” climb of “Route 2” to the top of Mount Hoven.
Per Helger Bo, who works for Loen Active, which offers guided tours of the via ferratas on Mount Hoven, said the staircase “has a relatively low level of difficulty” but that people climbing it seem to “float in the air”. Mount Hoven towers over Nordfjorden and Lake Lovatnet, and the views from the top have been described as “magnificent” by Visit Norway.
The village of Loen offers numerous land-based activities, including kayaking and pedal boating in Nordfjorden and cycling in the nearby Lodalen Valley.
If visitors prefer to admire the surroundings from the ground, the area offers numerous land-based activities, including kayaking and pedal boating in Nordfjorden and cycling through the nearby Lodalen Valley.
Visitors have the option of undertaking the climb with or without a guide, depending on their level of experience.
Prices for a guide start at 1,695 Norwegian kroner (£126) for adults, while guided tours for children aged 12 and over cost 1,535 Norwegian kroner (£114). For more information about the Loen Via Ferrata, please visit www.loenskylift.com/viaferrataloenTo find out more about Stigull, visit www.loenskylift.com/blog/stigull.
