Let's dig into the ice of Norway!
PLACES ARE FULL. It is possible to register for the waiting list.
A special edition of the Crag Express tour series, where instead of cliffs we take you to explore ice walls formed by frozen waterfalls. The trip is perfect for both beginners and advanced ice climbers. It is important that you know how to belay from above, have the will to learn and be brave!
Crag Express once again packs up the ropes, helmets, plus this time the PICKS and CATS and takes you to explore the frozen waterfalls of Rjukan, Norway. This is the Norwegian ice climbing mecca, where you won't be disappointed with the quality of the trails or the ice. World class!
There are many trails of varying difficulty within a short drive from the accommodation, for both beginners and advanced climbers. Ice climbing trails are reshaped every year, so we never know exactly what awaits us, but one thing is for sure - you'll get your pickaxes in the ice and your adreka on the ceiling!
We will spend a total of 5 full days on site (+ half the arrival and departure days). During this time, the schedule is completely free - whoever wants to, joins all the tough climbing days; whoever wants to, takes a few days off. There is a ski resort and a historic town in the area.
About the region
Rjukan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Industrial History. The water falling from the steep valley slopes was used to generate hydroelectric power during World War II, but today it is used for adrenaline rushes. In addition to the hidden ice walls, the town offers a view of the magnificent peak Gaustatoppen (1883 m) towering above it, from the top of which, in good weather, you can see 1/6 of Norway.
NB! To come on the trip, you must be able to climb and belay at least with a safety harness.
Aside from a helmet and climbing harness, having other personal climbing equipment is not essential on a trip, but if you have high, hard-soled, warm mountain boots and 14-tooth crampons at home, be sure to bring them!
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Overview - short & sweet
Goal: Ice climb in Rjukan, Norway
Dates: 24.-30.01.2025
Activity: ice climbing
Adventure guides: Kelli Kuslap, Suzy Anett Aavik
Technical difficulty level: 2/5 (belaying skills required)
Physical difficulty: 2-3/5
Group size: min 5, max 10
Early bird (until 30.10.2024) — €890
Late Registration (from 01.11.2024) — €1090
Please note: For community members discount of -5% applies (845 € / 1035 €)
Travel cost
Price includes
On-site transportation with rental cars
Accommodation at Rjukan Old School Hostel
Group equipment: ropes, ice picks, express trains, stations, ice drills, group pharmacy
Stylish Elamus+ sports shirts
On-site instruction by E+ coaches experienced in ice climbing and trained in mountaineering techniques
Memorable memories and epic photos of you ice climbing
Price does not include
Flight tickets Tallinn-Oslo-Tallinn (with hand luggage approx. €95) *
Meals (in the hostel we cook together and split the costs among the group)
On-site rental of cats and boots (boots ~75 € and cats ~60 € for the entire trip)
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sports insurance suitable for climbing)
Personal hygiene products and medications
Personal climbing equipment - helmet, crampons, climbing harness and safety device (these can also be rented) Elamus Pluss)
Unscheduled excursions, transportation, etc. (or if you want to do something extra)
*For more information about a specific flight, please ask the train operator.
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, a prepayment (20%) must be paid within 3 working days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by e-mail. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule
Day 1 (24.01): Flying across the sea
The easiest way to get there with all your belongings is by plane from Tallinn. After landing, we find rental cars, drive for about 3,5 hours along small roads, and here - we're there. We check into a homey hostel designed for adventurers and ice climbers, where we share rooms with large bunk beds and cook ourselves a refreshing dinner in the spacious shared kitchen to get ready for the days ahead.
Days 2-6 (25-29.01): CLIMB!
We have 5 full days of climbing and activities ahead of us. Climbing locations will be announced on an ongoing basis, depending on the conditions and weather. As mentioned, we are located in an ice climbing mecca, where we will start by conquering easier waterfalls and, depending on the desire and level, we can divide the group into parts and meet the wishes of all adventurers. The goal of the trip is to limit ourselves to climbing single-pitch routes with top protection, but if you are sufficiently competent, we will strictly not hesitate to try something more difficult.
In addition to climbing, you can also try snowshoeing to the top of Gaustatoppen in the area. Rjukan is easily accessible by bus to the ski resort and cross-country ski trails. There are museums nearby and just a nice Nordic environment.
Day 7 (30.01): return flight to your home country
We will be driving from our local accommodation to Oslo in the morning, and depending on flight times, we can play tourist in the Norwegian capital or head straight home.
NB! The schedule and planned activities may be subject to minor (or major) changes — for example, due to weather and conditions or passenger requests.
Don't worry, let's do it!
I've never climbed on ice before, only slid. Can I still do it?!
If you are not unfamiliar with belaying or at least climbing with belaying, then you definitely can! Ice climbing is no different from climbing on indoor walls in terms of rope work, the only difference is in the climbing technique and the equipment used - this is what we learn on site. On site, we start from the beginning, go over the functions and techniques of the equipment, and familiarize ourselves with the conditions and the quality of the ice.
I really want to come on the trip, but I don't know how to do this security stuff. Can I still come?
Learning belaying is still essential to handle ice climbing safely. Belaying works the same way as in rock climbing. If you haven’t learned it yet, you can complete a Green Card course at Ronimistehas or join our alpinism training group. There is also an option to take a private training session with us in Tartu.
But I don't have any personal climbing equipment. Where can I get it and what kind is suitable?
It is possible to rent or buy climbing equipment. The only mandatory equipment on this trip is a climbing harness and helmet, but if you have your own boots with stiff soles, crampons or ice climbing axes, of course, pack them too. The boots must be suitable for ice climbing, i.e. the crampons have quick release fastenings on the front and back (for example, La Sportiva G5, Nepal Cube, Karakorum or even double-layered boot). Crampons should be 14-toothed ice climbing cats with serrated front teeth (for example Petzl Lynx). Ropes and other ice climbing equipment for the group will be carried by the lifts. For more information about special equipment, see the equipment list.
When renting or borrowing, be critical. Climbing equipment has a lifespan of 8-10 years. If you find used old equipment somewhere, it's worth remembering that your own life depends on it. If things seem decent, renting can really save you some money by bringing it with you for one trip. Elamus PlussThe equipment rented from us is safe and has already been inspected by the adventure guides, so there is no reason to worry when renting from us.
It is wise to try out the equipment before purchasing. If you are a confident traveler and want to purchase personal equipment that you need advice on, feel free to ask the tour operators for advice.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
ID card/passport;
sports insurance suitable for climbing (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participation in the trip;
travel insurance.
Although at the end of the day everyone is still responsible for their own actions and consequences, we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with climbing. As a result, The group leader has the right to make ongoing decisions about the participants' competence, suitability of equipment, physical ability, etc., and, if necessary, prohibit access to certain routes if this endangers the health of the group or the participant themselves. Hopefully, of course, there will be no need for that.
Read also travel conditions.
