7-Day Ice Climbing Trip to Rjukan, Norway
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Day 1 – Arrival in Rjukan
Fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL).
Pick up a rental car and drive about 2.5–3 hours west to Rjukan.
As you approach the narrow valley near to our accommodation, you’ll see why Rjukan is legendary — sheer cliffs on both sides, and waterfalls frozen into shimmering curtains of ice.
Evening: settle in, unpack, plan the mornings adventure, make sure everything is ready to go.
Stock up on food and fuel in Rjukan — once you’re in the valley, everything’s close by, but the stores close early.
Day 2 – Warm-Up in Krokan
Start your trip at Krokan, Rjukan’s most famous and accessible ice climbing area.
Just a short walk from the car, it’s perfect for shaking off travel fatigue and testing your tools on solid Norwegian ice.
Route ideas: Tipp (WI5), Bullen (WI4).
Practice screw placement, anchor setups, and get comfortable in the cold conditions.
Afternoon: grab coffee in town, Drive around venues to gather conditions information for the coming week.
Evening: , Dinner, review tomorrow’s objectives, Sauna.
Day 3 to 6 – Classic Valley Ice or mixed
Move to Lower orUpper Gorge (Øvre Gorge), Kongvinter — longer, slightly more committing routes in a spectacular setting.
Routes like Lipton (WI6), or Juvsøyle (WI5), Bakveien (WI4+), or Trappfoss (WI5), Rjukanfossen (WI4) give a true Rjukan experience.
Early start: the sun rarely reaches the valley in winter, so dress warmly and bring extra gloves.
The climbing here is steep, sustained, and world-class — you’ll see why Rjukan draws climbers from around the globe.
Evening: Hot shower and hearty food then the sauna at your lodge to thaw out after a long day.
Day 7 – Final Climb and Departure
Choose a final classic — something within your comfort zone but still rewarding.
Vemork Bridge Area offers great moderate climbs right near the road, ideal for a final morning session.
Pack up, drive back toward Oslo, and enjoy one last stop at a mountain café en route.
Alternate last morning plan: visit to Gaustatoppen Mountain — on a clear morning, you can see one-sixth of Norway from the summit.
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Guiding Fee for 7 days: 1:1-£1650, 1:2 £1800
What is not included in the price:
Flights - Accommodation - Hire car are not included in the price.
What is included:
Accommodation will be pre booked for the group unless you would prefer to book your own accommodation. This can be discussed upon enquiry.
This course is private guiding basis, on dates and aims that suit you.
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Quality waterproofs i.e. Gore-tex or similar
B3 style boots
C3 Crampon fitted to your boots
Warm hat
Gloves x2 spares minimum
Winter walking socks
Mid layer synthetic jacket
Large synthetic jacket
Wicking base layers, top & bottoms
Goggles, double clear lens recommended
Head torch, plus spare batteries
Food for the hill each day
Rucksack 30-40ltr
Helmet
Harness
Belay device and Karabiner
snowshoes.
avalanche gear.
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*All technical climbing kit is provided by the guide eg. Ropes and gear protection
Crampons
Ice Axes
Helmet
Snow shoes
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Location: Rjukan
The beauty of this course is that it’s entirely adaptable. The exact Accommodation be organised with you on enquiry.
Once you’ve submitted an enquiry, Jack or Ella will give you a call to chat through your goals, experience, accommodation and transport. Together, we’ll build a course that works around you.
Trip Notes
Best season: mid-December to mid-March (most reliable in Jan–Feb).
Grades: WI2–WI7; Rjukan has something for everyone.
Climbing style: ice cragging to long multi-pitch ice bolted mixed routes
Accommodation: Rjukan Hytteby, ClimbInn Rjukan, Gjøystdal Lodge.
Travel tip: Rjukan is compact — most climbing areas are within a 10–20 minute drive.