Ishoel near Oppdal

24.08.2019 - We are driving and shopping most of the day. Like I said, you can never have enough flashers for fishing and sweets for coffee. Since we arrive rather late at the Isohel climbing area and there is a parking fee, we postpone climbing until the next day. We search for a nice spot instead and end the day comfortably with coffee and some cake in the heated van.

Overnight stay: N 62.558038, E 9.113839

Climbing in Ishoel

25.08.2019 - The day starts as cloudy as our mood when we enter the sector Litjhælvet in the climbing area Ishoel. On the pictures the routes appear to be much longer than they actually are and the rock is slippery. We find the grading quite hard. Maybe it is because the routes are often climbed top rope. We cannot understand why Ishoel has been highly recommended to us even though it is located at a beautiful river in a beautiful landscape. After a few routes we have enough and move on to another sector.

The routes in the sector Mygghælvet are longer and the rock provides better friction. Our mood brightens just like the weather. We climb several routes at very pleasant temperatures and move again on to new sector.

The sector Øvre is located in the middle of the forest, but the conditions for climbing are perfect. Therefore, we are not alone. We get to know three Norwegian climbers who immediately recommend routes and reveal a good spot which is not listed in our climbing guide.

Heading towards Romsdalen

Late in the afternoon we head on towards Åndalsen. Looking for a suitable resting place we visit several parking areas and bays. At the departure point for a hike to rock paintings along the coast, we are warmly welcomed. When the dog from the neighboring farm sees us coming, he grabs his frisbee and runs alongside Elmo. Since this dog really knows how to beg with puppy eyes, Sigi throws him his frisbee a few times before we leave. We are too tired to look at the historical rock paintings.

We spend the night near a small salmon breeding station (SalMar) right next to the sea. While Sigi is cooking, I head to the pier for fishing. I catch a nice cod for the next dinner.

Overnight stay: N 62.558038, E 9.113839

Romsdalen

Mjelvahammern

26.08.2019 - The day is warm and sunny. Very comfortable to sit around in shorts and t-shirt, but we have to climb in the shade. The approach to the sectors in Mjelvahammer is crossing an empty cow pasture. The easier sector is only equipped for top rope climbing. The upper sector in the forest is bolted for sport climbing. The morning sun reaches the dark rock quite fast and heats it up well. The rock itself and the routes are great. A pleasure to climb.

Trollveggen

26.08.2019 - The Trollveggen is the highest steep face in Europe. The rock face rises up to 1700 meters above the valley. The vertical part of the wall is up to 1000 meters high and juts out up to 50 meters. Impressive. Despite the current base jump restrictions, we watch two base jumpers landing nearby. Several base jumpers as well as climbers have lost their lives at this place. Interestingly, many Czech climbers are among them. Due to the high risk of falling rocks, this wall is nowadays mostly climbed in winter or spring when the rock is still frozen. It is definitely a rewarding destination.

Overnight stay: N 62.4895700, E 7.7601031 (Parking area of the visitor center)

Lessons learned

• Nature is magnificent. Within a few kilometers the landscape changes from idyllic and inviting to respectful and rugged. Both are beautiful to look at.
• There are warm summer nights in Norway too. But most of the time it gets really cool in the evening.
• Driving in Norway is exhausting because the roads are not as well developed as in Austria. In addition, there is one construction site after another on the main road E6.