Via Ferrata to Mt. Straumsfjellet, Valle

"Via Ferrata" is Italian for iron road. This is a climbing route where you are secured to the rock by means of a steel cable. There are also iron rungs in the steepest sections, making the ascent safe and relatively simple.

"Via Ferrata" is Italian for iron road. This is a climbing route where you are secured to the rock by means of a steel cable. There are also iron rungs in the steepest sections, making the ascent safe and relatively simple.

The climbing route to Mt. Straumsfjellet in Valle is 1.5 km long and spans 550 altitude metres. Starting at the base of the valley, after 100 altitude metres you reach the instep. Climbing the entire route takes about 7 hours.
The ascent of the impressive southeastern wall of Mt. Straumsfjellet would normally require advanced climbing skills. However, on a Via Ferrata you are secured to the rock by means of a solid steel cable going all the way to the top. In the steepest sections iron rungs have been provided to further ease the ascent.
The safety gear consists of a helmet, climbing harness and a specially designed Via Ferrata sling with 2 carabiners, securing you to the cable at all times. Good hiking shoes and gloves are also required. With this in place, "just" follow the climbing route.
However, this activity still requires a certain level of physical fitness, and experience from hiking in steep terrain is useful, considering one's ability to tolerate heights. Knowledge of how to use the safety gear is also essential.

The higher you get, the Mt. Straumsfjellet Via Ferrata gets steeper, more airy and increasingly more spectacular. Just below the summit there is even a short section of overhanging rock, making strength and stamina an advantage, physically as well as mentally. The reward when you reach more level ground, with the Setesdalen valley far below, is one of the most spectacular views in Norway.

From the final point of the cable there is a marked trail to the summit cairn at Mt. Straumsfjellet, 797 m.a.s.l. The marking continues further to the east, leading you safely down to the valley.

Please contact Helle Camping for booking with or without a guide. You must also contact Helle Camping in advance if you bring your own equipment and want to ascend on your own.
The duration of this activity is from 5 to 8 hours, mainly depending on the speed of ascent.

Some brief facts:
Total altitude metres: 550 m; 100 m from the parking place to the instep and 450 m along the cable to the summit
Total length of the ascent route: 2.5 km, of which 1.5 km along the cable
Starting point: 250 m.a.s.l.
Summit: 797 m.a.s.l.