Mountain River during Sunrise, Geiranger, Norway

Rock Climbing During A Norway Fjords Cruise

Reach New Heights During Your Norway Fjords Cruise

By Taylor Fuller | Published on March 11, 2022

Imagine it: Your adrenaline is pumping. Your muscles ache in a satisfying way as you reach for the boulder in front of you. You pull yourself up and stand upon a ledge, wind in your hair, as you're treated to the sight of majestic mountains around sparkling water. You're rock climbing in one of the most beautiful places in the world on a Norway Fjords cruise.

Created by glaciers, a fjord is a narrow inlet of the sea surrounded by high cliffs, and they are in abundance in Norway. Norway is renowned as one of the most stunning countries on earth, and when you're cruising in the middle of a fjord with mountains towering on both sides of you, it's hard not to have a pinch-me moment. There's just something about this country — the fresh air, the chilly breeze, the clear water — that pulls you in, rejuvenates you, and connects you with untouched nature.

Norway is one of the best places in Europe to check off some serious bucket list moments when it comes to rock climbing. In fact, there are 31 climbing areas in Norway with thousands of routes to explore. So what are you waiting for? Strap in and get climbing.

Geiranger, Norway, Seven Sisters Waterfall — Seven Sisters Waterfall in Norway

Prepare For Your Norwegian Climbing Excursion

Before you begin your epic adventure, you want to make sure you're prepared to climb. People often say that in Norway there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. This sentiment is popular because the weather in Norway can change quite quickly, especially while you're rock climbing in the fjords. You need waterproof layers that are easy to take off and can collapse down so you can carry them with you in a backpack.

Winter in Norway is often cold and wet, but it's also when the country really shows off its beauty. To best enjoy the winter months, wool socks and clothing will keep you warm and, most importantly, dry. Don't forget your hiking boots or some good sneakers with lots of traction — and if you have climbing shoes, even better. And lastly, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare of the sun bouncing off snow or rocks as you climb.

Many guided climbing tours will include all of the gear you need, but if you're climbing on your own, make sure you have a helmet, ropes, and a few carabiners to make your climb as safe as possible.

Imagine it: your adrenaline is pumping. Your muscles ache in a satisfying way as you reach for the boulder in front of you. You pull yourself up and stand upon a ledge, wind in your hair, as you're treated to a view of majestic mountains and sparkling water. You're rock climbing in one of the most beautiful places in the world on a Norway Fjords cruise.

Reach New Heights In Norway: Rock Climbing The Fjords

Now that your bags are packed, it's time to climb. Norway has so many options, with some routes suitable for beginners and some perfect for more experienced climbers. Choose from fun climbing trails, steep walls, rappelling and bouldering.

Rock Climber on via Ferratas Loen in Norway

Start With Ease At The Via Ferrata Climb

A via ferrata is a climbing trail where the route is secured by a steel cable. If you love a rush but aren't experienced when it comes to rock climbing, there are a ton of via ferratas, rated from easy to difficult, that you can find along the route of your Norway fjords cruise.

The iconic Trolltunga is a great via ferrata where you can experience unreal views while being clipped onto a cable. If you're looking for a challenge, head to the via ferrata in Ndordfjord called Loen. Norway's rugged mountains of Jostedalsbreen National Park put on a show here.

View of two People Rock Climbing to the Top of Lofoten. Norway

Experience The Famous Climbing Destinations In Lofoten

Because of its countless options for unforgettable rock climbing spots, Lofoten was named the best climbing destination in Europe by the Financial Times in May 2021. Try your hand at a climbing wall for a warm up and then gear up for bouldering (rock climbing without the ropes and harnesses). Put on your climbing shoes and grab a bag of chalk, crash pads and a buddy to spot you. You'll climb some seriously cool rock formations scattered across the Lofoten islands that are closer to the ground but still offer the same kind of adrenaline rush.

If you'd prefer to harness up, you've got a lot of great options — especially in the summertime when you have the endless midnight sun. Head to Hennigsvaer, which is the epicenter of climbing in Lofoten. You'll find some well-developed crags (a steep rugged rock or cliff) that have both short and long routes.

Climb Above Narvik's Picturesque Mountains

Water Flowing alongside the Stetind Mountain in Norway's National Park. Norway.

Experienced climbers will love the challenge of rock climbing in Narvik. Grab a guide for your climb, as it does get a bit steeper as you ascend the mountain of Stetind, which looms about 1400 meters above sea level. This climb will take you between 10-12 hours, depending on which route you take. The normal route will have you hiking for six hours and climbing for four. The other route, the Southern Pillar, is mostly climbing for 10-12 hours. The picturesque mountain and river view is absolutely worth the trek.

Rappel Down A Mountain At Geiranger

Geiranger, Norway, Small Boats Docked At Pier — Multiple small boats docked at a pier in Geiranger, Norway,

After you climb up, you've got to come down, too. Why not try rappelling?

Usually, this involves climbing up a cliff face and then following a trail to a viewpoint, where you'll be able to rappel down the side of the wall after you enjoyed the view for a bit. One of the most enjoyable places to do this is Geiranger, where you can get great views of the Geirangerfjord. The whole experience usually takes around two or three hours and is lots of fun if you don't want to commit your whole day to climbing.

Indoor Rock Climbing Fun In Andalsnes

Couple standing on Rampestreken in Andalsnes. Norway.

If Norway's unpredictable weather is keeping you inside, visit The Norwegian Mountaineering Centre in Andalsnes. It's home to Norway's highest indoor climbing wall and has 60 climbs available, so it's suitable for all levels of experience. There's also a museum that covers the history of climbing and mountaineering and a movie that shows you what you can get up to in the mountains of Norway.

Explore A Glacier Climbs At Jostedalsbreen National Park

Olden, Norway, Jostedalsbreen Glacier — The Josetedalsbreen Glacier in Norway

Even if you're not into rock climbing, there are plenty of other opportunities to experience Norway's stunning outdoors. You won't want to miss the country's largest glacier. Located close to Olden, the Jostedal Glacier is part of Jostedalsbreen National Park. Sign up for a tour that takes you on a motorboat through the glacier river before hiking the blue ice. You'll learn the basics of ice climbing, and you'll even be lowered into a naturally-occurring hole in the ice called a moulin. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Greet The Sunrise From A Top Preacher's Pulpit

Sunrise Hike Trail Overlooking the Sunrise at The Pulpit Rock. Norway.

While not a rock climb, the hike up "Preacher's Pulpit" is worth a mention for the extreme elevation of 334 meters, which grants you epic views over the vast fjords. Close to Stavanger, there's no better way to start the day than with a morning hike culminating in a colorful sunrise over Norway's unique landscape.

Written By
TAYLOR FULLER

Taylor Fuller is a travel and lifestyle writer. She has lived and traveled all over the world and loves to share her experiences. She is the author of The Rainbow Atlas and currently calls London her home.

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Woman looking at Exit Glacier, Harding Ice Field, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

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