4 minute read
Climbing
Ascend Stetinden
Climb Norways National Mountain.
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The gigantic granite mountain at the very south of the Narvik municipality has been an eye-catching landmark, ever since human existence found place in the region. It is very possible to climb up our impressive national mountain, with the help of one of Narvik regions certified guides. The mighty anvil can be seen from a vicarious distance. The mountain has, over the years, inspired and attracted climbers, artists and photographers from far and near.
ARTWORK CREATED FROM ICE You will not find something as powerful, as it seems almost unapproachable where it stands, smoothly cut. A monument of 1392 meters, created by millennial ice sculptors. Smoothly polished into a piece of granite artwork that plunges straight into the sea. This is how it has been magically viewed as part of the Northern Norwegian landscape. In admiration and astonishment, people have treasured the mountain, wondered about it, and felt drawn to it.
THE KING OF STETINDEN A quarter of a century after the first climb, Arne Næss introduced bolt climbing in Norway. The development of climbing methods was in process in the period 1936-37. Næss climbed
The mighty anvil
©Rune Dahl
the mountain using several different technical routes, which were impressive. The professor established himself as the king of Stetinden, and in 1963, he led the first winter ascent of the mountain via the eastern wall.
One of our most beautiful summits Stetinden is a great experience for those who seek the magical presence of the mountain and its mightiness. Therefore, they will definitely enjoy the view from below. As well as, those who would rather look out over its realm from the top. It is possible in Narvik to book internationally certified mountain guides who arrange weekly trips to Stetinden.
A successful trip to Stetinden is easily possible if you are in good shape, and not afraid of heights. The tour to the summit is considered to be one of the finest and most magnificent tours the country has to offer. Can you hear the mountain calling for you?
We highly recommend to climb and descend the peak with a certified Mountain Guide (IFMGA-UIAGM-IVBV).
Every trip into the mountains entails a certain amount of risk. Certified mountain guides are experts in their field and have an in-depth knowledge of the local terrain and are able to guide you safely through it.
Climbing experiences close to Narvik
The Narvik region offers a number of climbing experiences, both summer and winter.
We recommend the book guide «Stetind and Narvik – Dancing on the Devil’s Dancefloor» by Mikael af Ekenstam.
If you are a beginner who wishes to practice how to place nuts and stoppers, you can find suitable places at Haugfjell and Kleivhøgda. Consider some additional tips for climbing crags in the region:
KJERRINGVEGGEN At Haugfjell, north of Narvik. A nice crag with several bolted routes. A few routes also for trad climbing. Haugfjell also has other climbing crags.
LEIRVIK Northeast of Narvik. This is one of the nicest and most easily accessible crags in the Narvik region. Some relatively easy routes, many of which are bolted or accessible for top roping.
KLEIVHØGDA North of Narvik. The wall has 7 trad climbing routes with grades ranging from 4- to 6.
STIBERG Located in Skjomen, about 7 km past Elvegård. Stiberg is a vertical wall with difficult routes. Several technical routes to test your skill. There are also several routes here for trad climbing.
SVARTDALEN East of Narvik. This crag contains several good routes, graded mainly between 5+ to 8+. Many of the routes are bolted, with a few routes available for trad climbing.
FRAMNES This small crag is almost in the town centre, right by the road to the old airport. The bolted routes here are graded between 5+ to 7.
EIDETINDEN Eidetinden (847 masl) is on some recent maps also known as Stortinden. There is a number of climbing routes available here. On the northern wall there are 3 routes, whereas the southeastern side has 8 routes and a long traverse.
KUGLHORNET Kuglhornet (also known as Huglhornet or Kulhornet) is a fantastic place for climbing. The mountain is easily accessible from E6 in Efjord. There are several climbing routes, with the perhaps most well-known Østkammen – one of the “must-do” routes in the region.
STETINDEN Norway’s national mountain has been popular among climbers for along time. The summit has very steep sides and must be climbed in order to reach the top. Several options with different approaches.
INDOORS CLIMBING GYM The climbing gym (at Kraft Narvik) is located by the university college. The gym has a bouldering room, and 4 climbing walls, including 2 auto-belays. The walls are 13,5 m tall and offers varied climbing and difficulty levels. Necessary climbing gear can be rented.
ICE CLIMBING The Narvik region offers several places for quality ice climbing, some reachable within minutes. Within one hour drive there are many more. Rick McGregor has made a guide to ice climbing in the region: www.kiwiclimber.se (PDF)
Stiberg
©Rune Dahl
BEISFJORD There are several small waterfalls right by the road, with possibilities for top rope belaying.
SILDVIK Just past the Rombak bridge there are two waterfalls. Farther on there is a gently inclined waterfall, which makes for good practice for beginners.
ABISKO Abisko is one hour’s drive from Narvik. It freezes early here, and conditions are normally very stable throughout winter. Varied ice climbing offering opportunities to make top rope anchors, and with various profiles for different times of the winter. For more tips and information we refer to Rick McGregor’s guide.
