Rjukan sits in a Norwegian valley so steep the sun misses it all winter — historically grim for residents, glorious for the two hundred frozen waterfalls that result. It is Europe's most reliable ice-climbing venue, and beginner courses put you on real ice with axes and crampons on day one, top-roped and encouraged loudly from below. No prior climbing needed, just average fitness and warm gloves. January and February give the fattest, most dependable ice.
Featured in Ten winter adventures beyond the ski piste · Adventure