For those who just can’t get enough of relaxing on their vacation and need to plan something that will really get the blood pumping, a trip to Norway might help satisfy your thirst for danger.
800 metres above ground, in the village of Loen in the Nordfjord region, lies a floating staircase called Stigur.
Located almost 800 metres above Nordfjord and measuring a whopping 40 metres, this impressive structure offers visitors thrilling experiences and unforgettable panoramic views.
The stairs are “not for the weak at heart,” according to Per Helge Boe, chief operating officer of Stigl’s operator, Rowen Active. “Most people end up with shaky legs,” he told CNN, referring to the thrill and adrenaline rush of climbing the stairs.
The floating staircase is the latest addition to Loen’s increasingly popular adventure scene. It’s part of the village’s extensive “via ferrata” climbing routes, which use steel cables and fixed ladders to help climbers reach the summit.
With 120 steps and a 45-degree angle, it can only be reached by climbers who have already begun the via ferrata ascent to the top of Mount Hoven, about 1,000 metres above sea level, so adventurers are already quite high up when they start tackling this challenging section.
Helge Boe explained: “If you dare to look around you, you’ll see magnificent views of the fjord, including the majestic sparkling mountains, the enormous cliffs and the narrow gorge just beside it.”
“This is an adventurous experience for all mountain climbing enthusiasts. The difficulty of the steps is relatively low, but it is very airy and the sense of accomplishment when you reach this stage is outstanding. You will really feel like you are floating in the air.”
One of the highlights of climbing the Stigl Stairs is the joy of reaching the top of Mount Hoven, where climbers are treated to breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and the vivid blue waters of the fjord surrounded by clouds.
Plus, there’s a restaurant at the top of Mount Hoven where you can relax and enjoy a meal, and there’s also a cable car that will take you back down to the ground in just 5 minutes.
Helge Boe told CNN he expects Stigl to become a major tourist attraction in the northern hemisphere summer of 2024. Prices for a guided climb of Loen via Ferrata start from 1,695 NOK (about £126.45) for adults.
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