Bølgen (WI3), Rjukan

Bølgen, the classic three star WI3, seemed an excellent route for our first full day in Rjukan. Nothing too taxing but good climbing nonetheless. Things didn't start well. First we had to drive back to the guest house to pick up my axes, which I had left, then we stuck the car in road side deep snow whilst letting another pass. Fortunately everybody in Norway seems to carry a tow rope so we were quickly on our way.

Climbing was steady and enjoyable with good views to the valley below. The guidebook stated four pitches but with four full 60m pitches already dispatched we were still yet to climb the crux wall, which now loomed ahead. It was my lead. With little water ice experience prior to this trip the pitch was just the right difficulty to test my ability. Once above the difficulties I climbed a little further before concluding we were now at the top of the route. By the time we had abseiled back down the route it was dark. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable day and a good benchmark for the rest of the trip.

Me leading the first pitch
(Photo by Stewart Young)
View of the valley from the top of the first pitch
Stewart seconding the first pitch
Me leading the crux pitch - our fifth pitch
(Photo by Stewart Young)
Stewart abseiling down the final pitch
Location: Rjukan, Norway

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