The state administrator in Vestland has reversed the municipal decision to close the “iron path” on the iconic Hornelen to public traffic. This means that it is once again free to climb up “the highest sea cliff in Europe” – without the assistance of a guide. According to the myth, the rock wall – which shoots almost 1,000 meters straight up from the fjord – was first conquered by Olav Tryggvason. The king must have climbed straight up with the shield attached to his back. Few mortals can show similar courage and climbing skills, so last summer a via ferrata (Italian for “iron road”) up the mountain face was ready. The municipality immediately saw the danger that “unauthorized persons” could get lost up the rock face, and closed the path to public traffic – in violation of the Open Air Act and the “sacred” Norwegian principle of the right of the people. All climbers had to hire a guide for NOK 1,495 per trip instead. – This path is the steepest I know of, and I think we do well to think about safety first, explained the mayor. NO BIG DEAL: Olav Tryggvason is said to have climbed straight up the rock face with the shield attached to his back. Illustration: Erik Werenskiold – They can’t close him like that without further ado The regulation of where hikers were allowed to move caused an uproar among Norwegian outdoor organisations, and a year later the state administrator concluded that the municipality had no right to “cancel” the Norwegian mark of nobility – the right of commoners. – Public traffic was a prerequisite when the path was built. Then they can’t shut him down like that without further ado, says Gunnar O. Hæreid, who is assistant state administrator in Vestland. – Have you come across similar cases? – No. See the full rationale for the State Administrator below. This is what the State Administrator says – If the municipality wishes to close the facility to the public, listen to the zoning plan amended. There are also provisions in the Outdoor Activities Act, which allow traffic to be regulated with reasonable, fee-based access. We have not taken a decision on whether the zoning plan should be changed, what a change in that case could or should consist of, or whether it is advisable to have a fee-based scheme for the Hornelen Via Ferrata. The state administrator in Vestland has reversed the municipal decision to close the “iron path” on the iconic Hornelen in Bremanger municipality. Photo: Mats Grimsæth – What is decisive for us is safety Bremanger mayor Anne Kristin Førde is disappointed by the decision. – I had a hope that we would get a dispensation. Now we haven’t got it, she notes. – Then we have to see if we can make some adjustments. What is decisive for us is safety. Then we have to check who is on the trail at what time. One possible adaptation is to regulate the entire area again. But it is a time-consuming process that involves planning and long consultation rounds. In the original plan, the municipality wrote that: “By keeping the facility open, you will maintain the right of the public in the area, as well as open up an area for more users than what is the current situation”. The Norwegian Climbing Association is relieved at today’s decision. They point out that it must be up to each individual hiker to take responsibility for their own safety – and that a “guardian state” that makes responsible choices on behalf of others does not correspond to Norwegian outdoor traditions. – We are very pleased with the decision. The Allemannsretten and the Free Air Act are important institutions and well known by Bremanger municipality, says Stein Tronstad, who is president of the Norwegian Climbing Association. He adds: – The fact that the municipality has subsequently received objections to a facility they themselves arranged for should perhaps be regarded as an acknowledgment that the facility should not have been built. DNT: – This is a unique mountain area Maylinn Stomperud, subject manager for nature management in DNT – We are pleased that the State Administrator has come to the conclusion that closing the facility does not correspond to the goal of the regulatory plan to make the facility available to the public. – This is a unique mountain area and we believe that safety requirements should be taken care of and solved in other ways than closing the public out. We therefore encourage you to look at Via Feratta Loen and other places in the country, where the Vigde Feratta routes are open to those who have the skills to use them. The climbing path at Hornelen has been criticized for being “ugly” and “vulgar”. – In the series of vulgar tivolification of Norwegian mountains, we are about to have a new leader, said adventurer and tour guide Stein P. Aasheim when construction started in 2022. Claims of tivolification and “Disneyification” of Norwegian nature have also been pending in connection with construction project at Vettisfossen, Vøringsfossen (see video below), Andersnatten and Nesaksla. The sticking point is how much it costs to exchange the untouched for greater availability and safety. – It is not about individual measures, but about the sum and the view of nature that seems to be spreading in the tourist industry: That nature must be arranged as “destinations”, says Tronstad of the climbing association. Published 03.07.2024, at 19.05
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The state surrounds the decision to close the Hornelen climbing trail – news Vestland
