Loen is one of the most picturesque spots in Norway. Now, a rope ladder to the sky gives adventurous visitors the chance to see the surroundings from a whole new perspective.
The rope ladder ‘Stigull’ is set to become one of the biggest new attractions in the Norwegian fjords region this summer. The incredible 40-metre-long ladder hovers 790 metres above the fjord.
![The "Stigull" stairway is a part of the Loen Via Ferrata in the village of Loen in Norway. Photo: Lars Korvald / Fjord Norway.](https://www.lifeinnorway.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4564-768x470.jpeg)
‘Stigull’ opened in the stunning village of Loen in Nordfjord at the end of May, and is an intruiging addition to the already popular Via Ferrata Loen. “It looks like people are floating in thin air,” said Per Helge Bø from Loen Active.
“Stigull is built to make the Via Ferrata facility in Loen more complete, and it is the first of its kind in Norway. With 120 steps and a slope of 45 degrees, this is a long ladder to the sky by international standards. The location offers an incredible view of the fjord landscape,” he added.
A Challenging Route Up Mount Hoven
The Via Ferrata is one of the alternate routes up to Mount Hoven, famous among tourists thanks to the Loen Skylift cable car that offers sensational views across the Nordfjord.
![Climber on Stigull in Fjord Norway. Photo: Kjersti Kvamme / Fjord Norway.](https://www.lifeinnorway.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4566.jpeg)
However, while the cable car offers scenery with ease, the Via Ferrata is an altogether different experience! To reach the 120 steps, keen explorers must first climb the first part of the scenic route up Mount Hoven.
Via Ferrata Loen is a spectacular climbing route designed for keen adventurers, who must have moderate physical fitness. Guided tours are available, while individual tours are possible without a guide for people with experience.
First of Its Kind in Norway
Although other Via Ferratas exist in Norway, nothing quite like this rope ladder extension exists in the country. The renowned Austrian company HZI installed the ladder.
![The incredible new ‘Stigull’ in Fjord Norway. Photo: Kjersti Kvamme / Loen Active.](https://www.lifeinnorway.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4570.jpeg)
’Stigull’ is part of Route 2, located just east of the Loen Skylift. The Via Ferrata is connected with both a zipline and a suspension bridge, along with climbing routes of varying difficulty.
Along the route and at the top, spectacular views of the Nordfjord await. This truly is one of the most sensational views in the Norwegian fjord region.
![Zipline at Loen, Norway. Photo: Marius Bech Dahle / Loen Skylift.](https://www.lifeinnorway.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4568-768x512.jpeg)
I’ve been up on the Loen Skylift, but I can only imagine how rewarding the experience is after tackling the Via Ferrata!
Despite its dizzying appearance, Bø said the ladder has a “relatively low difficulty level” but that “feels very airy, so the sense of accomplishment is great when climbing this stage.”
So, what do you think? Have you ever tried a Via Ferrata before? And are you tempted to try the one at Loen now with the addition of ‘Stigull’? As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts down in the comments.
That looks so cool, I want to try that with my kid!