🧊 7-Day Ice Climbing Trip to Rjukan, Norway

Fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL).
Pick up a rental car (winter tires essential) and drive about 2.5–3 hours west to Rjukan in Telemark.
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 base such as Rjukan Hytteby, ClimbInn, or Gjøystdal Lodge.
Evening: settle in, unpack, and meet other climbers at Rjukan Ice Park or the Krossobanen Café.

Tip: Stock up on food and fuel in Rjukan — once you’re in the valley, everything’s close by, but the stores close early.

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: Sabotørfossen (WI3), Bullen (WI4).
Practice screw placement, anchor setups, and get comfortable in the cold conditions.
Afternoon: grab coffee in town, visit the Vemork Museum, and learn about the area’s WWII resistance history.

Evening: Dinner at the Rjukan Admini Hotel or self-catered meal at your lodge. Review tomorrow’s objectives.

Move to Upper Gorge (Øvre Gorge) — longer, slightly more committing routes in a spectacular setting.
Routes like Lipton (WI6), or Juvsøyle (WI5), Bakveien (WI4+), or Trappfoss (WI5) 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.

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.

- 5 Day Course 1:1-£1650, 1:2 £1800 (Guiding fee)
- Flights, Accomadation, Hire car not included. will be discussed upon enquiry
- This course is private guiding basis, on dates and aims that suit you.
- 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.
*All technical climbing kit is provided by the guide eg. Ropes and gear protection
Crampons
Ice Axes
Helmet
Location: Rjukan
the beauty of this course is that it’s entirely adaptable. The exact Accomadation be organised with you appon enquiry.
Once you’ve submitted an enquiry, Jack or Ella will give you a call to chat through your goals, experience, accomadation 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.

Best season: mid-January to late March (stable cold, long days by March).
Grade range: WI3–WI6, with some mixed routes M4–M7+. Excperianceseconding WI4 is recomended with a good fitness level
Climbing Style: traditional alpine ice and mixed climbs.
Accommodation: Hamn i Senja Resort, Mefjord Brygge, or Airbnb cabins.
Transport: car essential; roads are plowed but icy.