At 860 metres (2,820 ft), it is the third highest sea cliff in Europe (see illustration left), and has for a long time been used as a landmark for naval navigation.

Approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) to the west of the cliffside is the highest point on the island Bremangerlandet, called Svartevassegga which has an elevation of 889 metres (2,917 ft).

The easiest route follows a marked hiking trail that is roughly 7 km long and takes about four hours to reach the summit.

[8] Due to safety concerns, the Bremanger municipality has wanted to restrict access to the via ferrata so that it cannot be climbed without a hired guide.

[9] However, in 2024, the Vestland county governor ruled that the freedom to roam also applies to the Hornelen via ferrata routes and that they can be climbed by anyone, even without a guide.