Beerenberg

Out in the middle of nowhere in the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Iceland and far away from anything, you will find the little island of Jan Mayen. If you sail there, be careful so that you do not miss it, as you will then end up at Greenland instead (actually not a bad place, but if you have planned to sail to Jan Mayen, Greenland is not the place you want to be I guess...).

When we sailed there this summer, we were hoping that we would be able to climb the volcano at the northern part of the island, Beerenberg. At 2277 meters above the sea, it is"only" the 20th highest peak in Norway, but it is definately the one that is the hardest to get to!



This was the first view of the peak we got when we arrived after sailing for five days and nights in the ocean.





We hiked from the south side, to the left in the picture. It looks like an easy hike, but believe me, it was NOT!

 
Due to the restrictions at Jan Mayen, you have to climb the mountain within 24 hours as you are not allowed to have a tent or a camp there (exceptions for the 18 people living on the island and their visitors). You have to start from sea level and then it is all the way up to the edge of the volcano crater.



On our way up - beautiful sunlight and comfy temperature. This looked like just a short stretch to walk on the snow, but it took hours. And hours. And hours.


After a few hours of hiking, we reached the snow. Then we walked for a long time on the glacier before we came to the steep part where we put on crampons, harnesses, tied into the rope and took out the ice axes. The higher up we got, the more steep it was, and in the end, if felt like it was just climbing straight up. I was so tired by the time we reached the edge of the volcano crater, I hardly knew my name!



On our way along the edge of the volcao crater towards the highest peak at the west side.
That yellow lump laying there in the snow is me, completely worn out.


We reached the top at 2am in the morning in beautiful midnight sun. It is hard to describe the view and the feeling of beeing there. Someone in our little group of four must have some good connections or seriously good karma, as we had the best weather we could ask for on this trip! Whoever it is, Thanks! :-)



The Beerenberg volcano casting its shadow out in the ocean.




Mercanton toppen, on the east side of the volcano crater.




On our way back down. The mid part and south of Jan Mayen in the background.

 Beerenberg is actually the world's most northern active volcano. It is also on many people's list over peaks in Norway above 2000 meters, but it is very difficult to get to, as there are no longer any commercial trips going to Jan Mayen. So if you do not know anyone working on the island and get to visit them, the only way to get there is by your own boat. We are quite proud of sailing there by ourselves and then making the hike to the top! :-)