A breathtaking tourist route in Norway has been opened by a towering sea cliff.

 Stunning views of snow-capped mountains, aquamarine water stretching out below, and a sheer, sheer cliff.

The towering Hornelen mountain on Norway's western coast is now open to adrenaline junkies with the steel nerves required to tackle its new via ferrata climbing route.

Via ferrata translates directly from Italian to English as "iron path" and refers to mountain climbing routes that use steel cables and fixed ladders to aid climbers.

Hornelan mountain stands 860 meters (2,820 feet) tall and is claimed by the tourism board Fjord Norway to be Europe's tallest sea cliff. Hornelen offers breathtaking views of the Norwegian fjords from its summit.

"The adrenaline rush of looking down between your climbing boots and seeing ships in the fjord pass by over 2,000 feet below you is unparalleled," said Rogier van Oorschot, the man behind the new climbing route, in a statement to CNN Travel.

Van Oorschot designed the new climbing route and has been working on it for nine years. Construction began last summer, and the via ferrata is scheduled to open on June 18, 2023. Van Oorschot's company, Hornelen Via Ferrata, now offers guided tours.

Three distinct paths

Hornelen is situated on the island of Bremangerlandet in the Nordfjord region of Norway. The mountain, which is infamous in Norwegian mythology as a meeting place for witches, is also thought to have been scaled by King Olaf I of Norway, who ruled the country from 995 to 1000.

Those wishing to walk in Olaf's footsteps can choose from three routes of varying difficulty: rnelia (Eagle Hill), Hekseveggen (The Wall of Witches), and Olavsrute (Olaf's route).

Eagle Hill is the easiest of the three, described as "a nice introduction to via ferrata - an easy two hour climb" by Kristoffer B. Fürstenberg, Fjord Norway's chief communications officer, and suitable for children over the age of 12. Eagle Hill tickets cost 1,095 Norwegian krone (approximately $102)per person. Adults and children pay the same price.

The Wall of Witches follows, a "medium challenging six-hour climb" suitable for those over the age of 14. This route costs 1,495 krone (approximately $139) per person.

Olaf's route is the most difficult, suitable only for those over the age of 16 and in good physical condition. It costs 1,695 krona (approximately $158) per person. Olaf's route is an all-day hike that rewards those who persevere with a "extraordinary view," according to Fürstenberg.