Norway’s Floating Staircase Challenges and Charms Climbers

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Thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts have a new reason to visit Norway with the opening of a breathtaking “floating” staircase. The 131-foot-long Stigull ladder, which appears to float in the sky, is now accessible to climbers in the picturesque village of Loen, located in the northwest of the country. This latest development promises spectacular views and a thrilling experience, although it’s certainly not for the faint of heart.

The Stigull ladder is a section of Loen’s large via Ferrata climbing route, hanging 2,591 feet above a Norwegian fjord. The word “iron path,” or via ferrata in Italian, describes mountain climbing routes that have permanent ladders and steel cables to help climbers. This daring innovation is made to appeal to people who want to see the breathtaking natural scenery of Norway while getting an adrenaline rush.

Per Helge Bø, the operations chief at Loen Dynamic, the company responsible for the Stigull stepping stool and a few other open-air exercises within the zone, shared his energy around the unused fascination. “It might make most people’s legs tremble a bit,” he told CNN Travel. The step offers an interesting visual exhibition from the adjacent Gjølmunne suspension bridge, where climbers show up to drift in mid-air. 

The ladder is positioned at a 45-degree angle and is only accessible to those who have already partially ascended the ferrata route toward the summit of Mount Hoven. This means that climbers are already high up when they begin their ascent of the Stigull ladder. Despite the dizzying heights, Helge Bø assures that the views from the top are well worth the effort. Climbers can enjoy the sight of glistening blue waters framed by majestic mountains and clouds, creating an unforgettable panorama.

Upon reaching the top of Mount Hoven, adventurers are rewarded not only with stunning views but also with the convenience of a restaurant and a cable car that can whisk them back down to ground level in just five minutes. The ladder’s construction was overseen by Helge Bø and built by the Austrian company HZI, with hopes that it will become a major summer 2024 attraction in the Nordfjord region.

For those interested in tackling the Ferrata route, there are options to climb with or without a guide, depending on experience levels. Prices for guided climbs start at 1,695 Norwegian Krone (approximately $160) for adults, while children over 12 can join for 1,535 Norwegian Krone (around $145). Additional activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and ziplining on Mount Hoven are also available for visitors.

Security may be the best need for all climbers on the Through Ferrata course, counting the Stigull stepping stool. “All climbing in By means of Ferrata Loen, including the Stigull, takes put whereas you’re safely connected to a wire,” clarifies Helge Bø. In spite of its threatening appearance, the step is reasonable for anybody with a better-than-average level of fitness. Helge Bø emphasizes that whereas the climb itself isn’t especially troublesome, the sense of presentation and achievement is colossal.

The opening of the Stigull stepping stool includes a modern measurement of the as-of-now prevalent Loen locale, pulling in more guests and advertising a one-of-a-kind way to encounter Norway’s common magnificence. This imaginative fascination is set to end up a highlight for enterprise travelers looking for both thrills and breathtaking sees.

This story was originally featured on CNN