Hornelen
Mountain Norwegian sea cliff; one of Europe's highest sheer cliffs
Rising above the Nordfjord coast in Vestland, Hornelen is famed as Europe’s highest sea cliff; hikers use marked trails to reach viewpoints over fjords and the open ocean.
Hornelen is a steep mountain on the island of Bremangerlandet in Vestland county, Norway, rising to approximately 860 metres above sea level. It is notable for its dramatic sea-facing cliff.
The mountain presents a near-vertical drop to the Norwegian Sea and offers panoramic views over fjords and islands from the summit area. Popular routes reach the summit on foot and provide viewpoints over the coastline.
Hornelen is a natural coastal landmark shaped by glacial and marine erosion; it has been used as a navigational reference point for coastal traffic for centuries. There is no single constructed monument associated with the summit.
The peak sits on Bremangerlandet island in western Norway’s Vestland region, facing the Norwegian Sea; it is part of the rugged coastal landscape of fjords and islands in that area.
- Height: Summit rises to about 860 metres above sea level, producing a sheer sea-facing cliff that is often described as the highest vertical sea cliff in Europe.
How to Get to Hornelen #
Drive from the town of Florø or from Isane toward Bremanger. The common approach begins near the hamlet of Berleneset; small parking is available near the trailhead. The ascent is a steep mountain hike (allow several hours round-trip) and is best undertaken in daylight and stable weather.
Tips for Visiting Hornelen #
- Park at the small roadside lot near Berleneset and start early - afternoon winds can pick up on the ridge.
- The trail to Hornelen is steep and exposed; crampons or poles are recommended in shoulder seasons.
- Bring binoculars: the cliff is a dramatic vantage for birdwatching and for watching the fjord below shift light through the day.
Best Time to Visit Hornelen #
Hornelen is an exposed sea cliff reached on foot; best visited in clear weather and during the long daylight of summer.
Weather & Climate near Hornelen #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2717 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (275 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (221 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (219 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (317 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (309 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (315 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (306 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
