Muur de Ekeberg: Sweet victory at the top of Oslo’s steepest climb

Instead we save our energy for the challenge that awaits us, knowing that every bit of it will dissolve into thin air when we meet the “Wall of Ekeberg”.

For cyclists in Norway, Muur de Ekeberg is an allegory to its Belgian big brother and protagonist of the professional climbing race La Flèche Wallonne called Muur de Huy. Muur de Huy is famous for its length of 1,300 m that offers an average grade of 9.3% and some sections around 17% (up to 26% in one bend).

Muur de Ekeberg is located on the outskirts of Oslo’s Old Town. The climb rises steeply above us, like a towering wave of Norwegian tarmac. It is a one-way street and climbing it by bike also means breaking the law.

A few meters with pavé make sure that we have almost no to little speed when we approach it. Smooth Norwegian tarmac follows, drawing you in. But it’s a trap. You must continue and struggle. Using all my power to pedal just one more stroke, I'm wondering what is going to break first - my bike or my legs.

It is hard to go faster than 10 km/h up this climb and my legs are stiff long before I’m halfway through it. Whether you’re up against your best friend or worst enemy, the gradient will always be the devil in this climb. Trying to reach the end feels like trying to close one minute gap up the meanest climb in Northern Europe - Juvass in Norway. So much pain in only 200 meters?

Finally, we reach its end at the top of the steep street.

We take in stunning views of the Oslo skyline and the intriguing opera in Bjørvika, breathing heavily. The sense of accomplishment is sweet.

If you ever go to Oslo, let Muur de Ekeberg test your limits. Together with two other great hills nearby - Kongsveien and the legendary World Championships’ climb to Ekeberg, it is well worth the effort for the victory is sweet.

Photographer: Tor Simen Ulstein