7-Day Ice Climbing Trip to Rjukan, Norway

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, you’ll see why Rjukan is legendary — sheer cliffs on both sides, and waterfalls frozen into shimmering curtains of ice.

• Check into a climber-friendly accomadation such.

• Evening: settle in, unpack, plan the mornings adventure, make sure everything is shape and 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 or Upper 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.