"A ladder that hangs free in Norway designed for thrill-seekers could make some feel dizzy or anxious."
A staggering 131-foot-long ladder, christened the "Stigull," looms over a Norwegian fjord in the picturesque village of Loen, situated in the northern part of the country. The ladder hangs at a dizzying 2,591 feet above the fjord, and its imposing presence is enough to make one's legs tremble.
Per Helge Bø, the individual responsible for overseeing this remarkable feat, shares his thoughts with CNN Travel: "It's incredibly striking from the nearby Gjølmunne suspension bridge, where it appears as if people are literally floating in the air."
Helge Bø is the Operations Manager for Loen Active, a company that coordinates various outdoor activities in and around Loen, a scenic hamlet nestled in the heart of the Nordfjord region renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas.
The Stigull ladder, with its 120 steps, is the newest addition to the village's first-rate assortment of adrenaline-pumping attractions. It is part of the extensive via ferrata climbing route that has been set up in the area. If you're unfamiliar with the term, "via ferrata" translates directly from Italian to English as "iron path" and refers to mountain climbing routes equipped with steel cables and fixed ladders to aid climbers.
The Stigull ladder, positioned at a 45-degree angle, can only be accessed by climbers who've already made progress along the via ferrata route towards the summit of Mount Hoven. This ensures that even when you begin climbing the ladder, you've already achieved a considerable height.
To experience the breathtaking views that await you at the top, you'll need to gather your courage and overcome your fear of heights. "If you work up the nerve to cast a glance around you, you'll be met with panoramic vistas reminiscent of a painting," says Helge Bø. "The shimmering fjord, backed by mountains and a sky filled with clouds, is a sight to behold."
Once you scale the summit of Mount Hoven, you'll be treated to even more impressive vistas, as well as a restaurant and a cable car that can transport you back to ground level in a mere five minutes.
The construction of the stairwell was managed by Austrian firm HZI under the supervision of Helge Bø. He is optimistic about the ladder's potential to become a major attraction in the Nordfjord region, especially during the summer of 2024.
Visitors can choose to embark on the Via Ferrata Loen with or without a guide, depending on their level of experience. The cost for climbing with a guide starts at 1,695 Norwegian Krone (approximately $160) for adults. Youngsters who are 12 years old and above can also join these guided tours at a cost of 1,535 Norwegian Krone (approximately $145).
Loen Active offers other exciting activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and the Mount Hoven zipline for those wishing for alternative experiences.
Fortunately, your safety is not taken lightly while embarking on the via ferrata route. "Climbing in Via Ferrata Loen, including the Stigull, is conducted while you're safely connected to a wire," reassures Helge Bø.
Despite its overwhelming appearance, the ladder is manageable as long as you possess an acceptable level of fitness, according to Helge Bø. "The challenge of climbing the ladder itself is not that formidable, but the sense of accomplishment it instills is genuinely incredible," he says.
Read also:
Participating in the thrill of climbing the Stigull ladder is an ideal activity for adventure-seekers looking to add a dose of adrenaline to their travel plans in Norway.
The Stigull ladder, being one of the highlight attractions in Loen, offers visitors an opportunity to combine their love for travel with exhilarating outdoor adventures.
- Fear of escalation in the Middle East: US Secretary of State Blinken travels to the region again
- Government circles: US Secretary of State Blinken to travel to Middle East again
- Bridging days 2024: How you can double your vacation this year
- Germany has wanderlust: how tour operators and airlines are looking ahead to the next travel year
