Ice Climbing in Norway

Norway has many great mountains and numerous frozen waterfalls that dot the landscape providing plenty of ice climbing locations.  Some classic areas include Romsdal, Lofoten Islands, Setesdal, and Narvik.  However, it is the easily accessible and reliable ice found at Rjukan and around Lillehammer that draw climbers from all over the World for a great ice climbing holiday.

Ice Climbing at Rjukan

Since the late 1990's Rjukan has grown as one of the premiere ice climbing destinations in Europe, if not the World.  Rjukan provides some of the most reliable and easily accessible ice to be found anywhere, as well as a tremendous variety of climbing.  It ranges from huge multi-pitch icefalls running the full height of the valley walls, to the world-class test piece routes in the Upper Gorge, and the roadside ice-cragging venues of Ozzimosis and Krokan. Few places offer such friendly accessibility as Rjukan, where a huge concentration of excellent ice climbs can be found within 30 minutes or so from the road.

Rjukan’s relatively long winter climbing season is another one of its greatest assets.  It is usually possible to ice climb at Rjukan from mid-December to late March. The prime Rjukan climbing season is generally from mid-January to the end of February, offering reliable cold conditions and lengthening days.

The Rjukan Selected Ice Climbs Guidebook describes 220 of best ice climbs at Rjukan.  It covers a wide range of ice routes, across all grades, with everything from roadside single pitch routes to 17 pitch adventures and multi-pitch test-pieces.  Buy the Rjukan Selected Ice Climbs Guidebook from our shop.

Rjukan is located 175km to the west of the capital, Oslo.  So, getting to Rjukan is easy, just fly to Oslo, and then it is roughly a 3-hour drive to Rjukan.

Map of the ice climbing locations of Rjukan and Lillehammer

Map of the ice climbing locations of Rjukan and Lillehammer

Ice Climbing around Lillehammer

The valley of Gudbrandsdalen is one of Norway’s most popular destinations for winter sports, particularly around the famous ski resorts of Lillehammer, Hafjell, and Kvitfjell.  Thanks to its inland location in the centre of the Scandinavian peninsula, Gudbrandsdalen enjoys cold winters, with plentiful snow and reliable ice, making it a dream destination for skiers and ice climbers alike.


The ice climbing is spread out along the Gudbrandsdalen valley between Lillehammer and Otta, offering a superb variety of routes with plenty to offer, particularly in the lower to middle grades.  The ice climbing here has remained something of a well-kept secret in climbing circles, so you’ll find peace and tranquillity.  Icefalls are tucked away in the trees, spectacular gorges and magnificent open spaces, all free from the crowds that typically descend on Europe’s better known ice climbing destinations during the winter months.


Lillehammer’s inland location means that it enjoys long, cold winters, often with fairly settled weather.  The ice climbing season generally starts around December to late March, with January and February historically seeing the best ice conditions.


The Lillehammer Selected Ice Climbs guidebook describes 275 of the best ice climbs along the Gudbrandsdalen Valley between Lillehammer and Otta. It describes a good mix of long multi-pitch classics as well as roadside ice crags and top-roping venues.  The routes in this area are ideal for low to mid-grade climbers, with many routes in the WI3 to WI4 grade range.  Buy the Lillehammer Selected Ice Climbs Guidebook from our shop.


Lillehammer is located 180km to the north of Oslo.  So, getting to Lillehammer is easy, just fly to Oslo, and then it is roughly a 2-hour drive to Lillehammer.  As a place to combine a skiing and ice climbing holiday, it’s a destination that is hard to beat.

£26.95