Man climbing up a Via ferrata course in Åndalsnes

Photo: Matti Bernitz | Norsk Tindesenter

Why you should try Via Ferrata in Norway

With more than 90% of Norway being covered by mountains, sometimes you need to get high up to take in the views.

If the majestic mountains seem a bit… inaccessible to you, don’t worry: a Via Ferrata can get you all the way to the top, safely.

You can conquer mountaintops — even if you’re not really an expert climber

Via Ferratas (that’s Italian for “Iron Path”) became popular during WWI, as a way for soldiers to climb mountainous routes around Europe as safely and quickly as possible. Of course, most of these soldiers didn’t have climbing experience! 

So the Via Ferratas were basically protected climbing routes that combined a steel cable rail fixed to the rock, metal steps and ladders.

Nowadays, modern Via Ferratas also include suspension bridges and zip wires. And although a few of them require some climbing experience, most Via Ferratas are a great activity for the whole family (for children from 14 and up, although some routes are safe for younger children).

A man walking over a wire between two mountain sides in Åndalsnes
Photo: Norsk Tindesenter

You can see Norway from a different angle

Of course, with Norway being so mountainous, there are several Via Ferratas in place to help you explore the country’s craggy mountaintops. And since in Norway mountains often jutt out from the fjords or other bodies of water, climbing a Via Ferrata guarantees you exciting new vistas at every step!

You can take the best pictures

Obviously not  while you’re climbing (unless you’ve strapped a camera onto your gear). But in many Via Ferratas in Norway there are plateaus or viewing platforms once you reach the top, where you can get your Instagram gold captures.

You’ll get your adrenaline going!

Climbing a Via Ferrata can take anywhere from one to eight hours, depending on how difficult the climb is. And while it’s a much safer and accessible activity than traditional mountain climbing, you’ll still get all the thrills with every step upwards!

Try Via Ferrata in Åndalsnes

Man climbing up a Via ferrata course in Åndalsnes

Guided Tour Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata West Wall

An airy challenge in Åndalsnes perfect for those seeking adrenaline
From NOK 1595
A person climbing up a steep via ferrata course in Åndalsnes

Guided Tour Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata Intro Wall

A 3-4 hour Via Ferrata climbing tour at Introveggen, perfect for beginners and adventurers
From NOK 1095