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Smtunli CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Hornelen

Mountain

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 StavangerBergenÅlesundÅndalsnesPreikestolenBryggenKjeragSognefjordHornelen

Hornelen essentials

Address: Hornelen, Bremanger / Kinn area, Vestland, Norway
Admission: Free (outdoor natural site)
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About Hornelen

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.
When to Go

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.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 8-16°C
Longest daylight and best hiking conditions; trails are snow-free and birds are active.
Late spring/early autumn
May, Sep · 2-10°C
Quieter on the trail but weather is more changeable; mornings can be still and spectacular for photos.

Weather & Climate near Hornelen

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -1° - 3° -5° 275 mm overcast 84% 8.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.1h
February Poor -1° - 2° -5° 221 mm overcast 85% 7.5 m/s 0.0 low 8.7h
March Poor 0° - 4° -3° 219 mm overcast 83% 6.9 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Poor 2° - 7° 1° 147 mm overcast 82% 6.1 m/s 0.5 moderate 14.5h
May Acceptable 6° - 11° 5° 123 mm overcast 81% 5.9 m/s 0.9 moderate 17.2h
June Acceptable 9° - 14° 11° 134 mm overcast 82% 5.6 m/s 1.2 high 18.9h
July Acceptable 11° - 16° 13° 144 mm overcast 84% 5.2 m/s 1.2 high 18.1h
August Acceptable 11° - 16° 13° 207 mm overcast 84% 5.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.6h
September Poor 8° - 13° 10° 317 mm overcast 84% 6.7 m/s 0.4 low 12.7h
October Poor 5° - 9° 3° 309 mm overcast 83% 7.4 m/s 0.1 low 9.8h
November Poor 2° - 5° -1° 315 mm overcast 84% 7.6 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
December Poor 0° - 3° -5° 306 mm overcast 85% 7.6 m/s 0.0 low 5.1h
Getting There & Around

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.