Romsdalshornet and some Puffins

A short "summer excursion" to the Western coast of Norway including the very popular climb “Nordveggen” up Romsdalshornet, a sports climbing session under the roofs of “Stryn” and of course some Puffin watching at the island “Runde”.

It was a very tough summer for mountaineers - even in July it snowed down to 1000 m, and everything higher up is still covered in thick layers of ice and snow from the winter. When we arrived at the base of Romsdalshornet at midnight, the snow on the mountain was glittering white in the moonlight. “No way I am going up there tomorrow", I thought. But a late start and a strong sun soon changed the thin layer of snow into nasty dripping cold water. Not sure if the snow would have even been better. Starting late also had the disadvantage that earlier groups were already on their way down, abseiling above our heads, with the likely consequences of stones being loosened by them. One really big one hammered just next to another guy into the wall and a smaller one splitting off hit his leg. Luckily Micha was some meters aside, and I could crouch behind a bigger block. Nobody was severely injured, and so did we all cautiously continue, and Micha and me finally made it up onto the snowy peak of Romsdalshornet! We were rewarded with a spectacular view down into deep the Romsdalen valley, and across to the impressive Trolltindene (Trollwall).

After this adventure I felt like doing some easy sports climbing, and so we continued to “Stryn”, a little town at the innermost end of Nordfjorden which has one of the most impressive roofs for sports climbing in Norway. The roof is huge, and it is even possible to climb there when it is pouring down with rain. Although some routes have really big jugs in the roof, the easiest route is still a 7B. We felt a bit too exhausted from the climb the day before, so we just did some easier - but nevertheless beautiful - routes at the edges of the roof.

Being in this area in July, it’s a must to pass by the bird-island of Runde. We’d been there the year before (see here) and it is so amazing how close you can approach the little black-white Puffins with their colorful beaks, that I had to go there again. Beside some spectacular Puffin landings and flights, we also observed a couple of Skuas, White-tailed eagle, Razorbills and Gannets.

That was a very short, but very rewarding little summer-excursion :)