Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen, located in Fjæra in Åkrafjorden, is perhaps Norway's toughest Via Ferrata route. The route is laid up for climbing on mountains where possible. In the most demanding areas, steps have been made making it possible to walk the trail. The climbing part from the ascent of 50 meters to the top shelf of 550 meters is about 900 meters long. Fjæratoppen is the highest peak at 713 meters above sea level. The last part of Fjæratoppen is a regular hiking trail. The toute is graded as grade D according to the international grading scale, with the grading going from A to F.
More information about grading.
The tour starts from Akrafjorden Nature B&B by walking along the old E134 down towards the centre of Fjæra. When passing the bridge just before the church, head to the right up the forest road about 200 meters. At the information sign, take a left turn up the road about 200 meters to the entrance.
The start from the climb is quite steep and it is like walking on a ladder up to the first quile. From the 1st quarter, you cross gently towards the right into a ravine which is followed up to Tverrhylla. From Tverrhylla follow a long steep section with a combination of natural roofs in the mountains and steps up to Våskår. From Våskår, go to the left on a ledge with road access until one climbs further up a small steep overhang before a climb to a small ledge, and then you are on Gaupeskår. This is the half-way point, and here it is possible to take a break. It is also possible to retreat from here, and walk down to the coast.
Further, from the Gaupeskår, there is now a somewhat demanding lot at the start of a journey into a ravine. At the top of the gorge, look out into a rather airy area with a great view over the Åkrafjorden. Here, you moves sideways to the left in an exposed part before continuing straight up the Pyramid. Then climb up to a new airy area, make a climb further sideways to the left on the traverse. Then continue further uphill, and the route will become somewhat less steep on the A5. Further up the A7 there are long smooth stretches, where you can move on rock and vegetation. Now there are smaller sections with climbing in steps, before a wedge to the top, Topphylla. From Topphylla follow a marked path back to the starting point at Akrafjorden Nature B&B.
The expected time spent on the heile round trip is 5 — 7 hours, but experienced climbers can expect shorter time.
