With views of the sea and steep mountain sides, Hornelen in Bremanger has become a popular tourist destination. In June, a new and controversial Via Ferrata trail (Italian for “railroad”) opens up the sea cliff, but it seems that not everyone is allowed to use it. In “a start-up phase”, the municipality has sent an application to close “the most spectacular Via Ferrat in Norway” to public use for two years. – We think this is wise in a start-up phase, says the mayor of Bremanger, Anne Kristin Førde (Ap). – Shouldn’t common law be the basis? – It is probably stated in the zoning plan, but this Via Ferrata is the steepest I know of, and I think we would do well to think about safety before we make it a public road. Ground breaking to close the Via Ferrata Hornelen for public use TRYGGLEIK. There is no doubt that this will be a steep and challenging climbing route that requires good preparation and good control of use (through guiding and planning the number of users on the trail at the same time) in order to ensure safety and a positive experience for users. In order to ensure this, Bremanger municipality has set requirements for developers in the zoning plan. The developer believes that we cannot guarantee the safety of those who take part in paid guided tours and for those who go on their own. We know that this is already a challenge in other places (regardless of whether they have an “arrangement” to avoid them being on the via ferrata at the same time) and we are afraid that in the case of Hornelen it can only get worse because the demanding climb. Just imagine what it’s like to “hang” by your arms and legs on the steep wall in Hornelen and not get any further because someone is blocking the window above you, and turning around is not possible. ACCIDENT PREPAREDNESS. There are requirements for safety and accident preparedness, which the applicant must plan and have available when the climbing route is in use. The applicant completely agrees with this and we will make sure that everything is in place before we use the track. On the other hand, the applicant cannot be prepared for people who may use the trail on their own since this will be outside of the time when our accident preparedness group (guides and management) is in place in the facility. BRANDED GOODS. For the applicant, who represents an investment of over NOK 15 million in risk capital (aside from historical costs that several have contributed), it is crucial that the Via Ferrata on Hornelen becomes a strong brand. Perhaps it applies to the entire region. From experience on other trails (e.g. Åndalsnes) it appears that the risk of accidents is considerably reduced when guides are used (here you receive approved equipment, instructions on the safe use of equipment and how to climb, it is also the guide who has overview and contact with others to prevent unwanted situations). This can be a decisive factor in whether we succeed in building a good product and reputation or not. Critical to demarcation – It violates public law and free movement in nature, says Sigurd Felde. He is a mountain guide and rescuer in Norwegian alpine rescue groups. He adds: – There is security all the way, but of course you cannot check the competence of everyone who travels there. But that’s how it is in the mountains, you can’t check everyone who goes on a mountain trip. The mountain is free. People can make their comments about the closure until 2 June. Daily manager of Via Ferrata Hornelen understands that there will be criticism. – I understand that they are thinking about public law, but I am convinced that most people who understand the challenges of going this route agree with us, says Rogier van Oorschot. After the opening on 17 June, all climbers must travel with a guide and pay either NOK 1,495 for a five-hour trip that takes you halfway, or NOK 1,695 for a 7-8 hour trip that takes you all the way to the top. In the saga of Olav Tryggvason, it was said that the former Viking chieftain climbed Hornelen. A route in the Via Ferrata is named after the man who was king over parts of Norway. Photo: iVest Consult – It was a bit scary. It was different and more difficult. But it was a lot of fun, says 15-year-old Maylen Carlsen. She is among the few who have been able to test the new Via Ferrata trail up Hornelen. She is the daughter of Runar Carlsen in Norges Boltefond, who has had the job of creating the climbing trail in Bremanger. Maylén Carlsen and Ailin Nevjar have walked several Via Ferrata trails in Norway and think the trail was scary and fun. Photo: Runar Carlsen May open to free traffic in the future In addition to the trail being demanding, Hornelen is exposed to wind. Something that can present challenges for rescue assistance if it is necessary in the rock face. Nevertheless, the mayor of Bremanger believes that it may become open to free traffic in time. – In a few years’ time, it may be possible to open for general use, but in an initial phase we think it is wise to gain some experience, she says. Hornelen in Bremanger is a well-known tourist destination in Western Norway. Photo: Espen Gulliksen
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