Location and surroundings
Store Ble is situated in Norway, specifically within the municipality of Tinn in the district of Telemark. Geologically, it belongs to the Fennoscandian Shield, the Scandinavian Mountains, the Southern Scandes, the Southern Highlands, and finally the Blefjell. Within its immediate range, it holds the rank of the highest of 611 named peaks in the Blefjell. The surrounding terrain consists of rolling mountain plateaus, ridges, and valleys typical of the Telemark region.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Store Ble features several hills, passes, and elevated points:
- Bledalsrinden (hill), 1,292 m, 0.9 km SE
- Bleporten (mountain pass), 1,174 m, 1.6 km NE
- Tverrgrønutan (hill), 1,120 m, 2.1 km SE
- Byfarholet (mountain pass), 884 m, 2.1 km N
- Øverlihaugan (hill), 558 m, 2.2 km NW
- Fosskardhaugan (hill), 791 m, 2.2 km NW
- Omnsvegg (hill), 1,169 m, 2.3 km S
- Storevassnuten (hill), 1,218 m, 2.3 km NE
Standing at 1,342 metres, Store Ble exceeds all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, making it the dominant point in this part of the Blefjell.
The view from the summit
On clear days, the summit offers visibility towards several significant peaks in the broader region. The highest peaks located within a 25-kilometre radius include Gaustakne,store at 1,523 m situated 24.6 km W, Blånipa at 1,435 m located 22.2 km W, and Toreskyrkja at 1,382 m at 23.7 km W. Other nearby summits within this radius are Skårånuten at 1,336 m lying 18.5 km NW, Ørnenipa at 1,334 m positioned 21.4 km W, and Nystulnuten at 1,330 m standing 2.5 km N.
The range
Store Ble is part of the Blefjell, which sits within a broader mountain hierarchy descending from the Fennoscandian Shield through the Scandinavian Mountains, Southern Scandes, and Southern Highlands. The Blefjell range contains 611 named peaks, of which Store Ble is the highest point. The high point of the entire range is Store Ble itself.
Access and starting points
Access to the area is traditionally supported by the nearby town of Flesberg, which serves as a usual starting point for visitors heading into the Blefjell region.
Climate and weather
Estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, adjusted to the summit elevation, indicate that the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 9 °C, while January is the coldest at about -9 °C. Mean temperatures at the summit rise above freezing during the months of May, June, July, August, and September. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 1,150 mm annually, with July being the wettest month recording about 135 mm of precipitation, and February the driest with about 60 mm. Typical weather hazards in this high region include sudden mountain mists, strong winds, and rapid temperature drops.
Best time to visit
The suitable period for visiting Store Ble aligns with the months when the summit experiences mean temperatures above freezing, namely May, June, July, August, and September. During these months, conditions are generally more favourable for hiking and exploring the Blefjell terrain, though visitors should remain prepared for changing weather conditions at elevation.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Store Ble consists of alpine and sub-alpine terrain typical of the Southern Highlands in Norway. Vegetation is sparse at higher elevations, consisting mainly of hardy mountain grasses, mosses, and lichens, while lower slopes feature dwarf shrubs. The area provides habitats for local wildlife adapted to high-altitude conditions in the Telemark region.
Guides and organised ascents
For those seeking professional assistance in Norway, the national mountain guide association is the Norwegian Mountain Guides Association (Norske Tindevegledere (NORTIND)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Norwegian Climbing Federation (Norsk Klatreforbund). Established guiding companies operating in the country include Jostedalen Breførarlag based in Jostedal and Lofoten Mountain Guides based in Kabelvåg (Lofoten). While these organisations and companies operate within Norway, visitors climbing Store Ble typically undertake the route independently, relying on standard mountain safety practices.
Safety and preparation
Climbing Store Ble requires standard alpine preparedness, appropriate footwear, windproof clothing, and navigation tools. In case of an emergency, the national emergency number for mountain rescue is 112, which connects to the police who coordinate mountain rescue operations involving volunteer rescue corps and the Red Cross. For medical emergencies, dial 113. Mountain rescue services in Norway are provided free of charge.
History and name
Store Ble is also known by the name Bletoppen. The Blefjell area is a well-known mountainous region in Buskerud that has been traditionally used for summer farming, grazing, and outdoor recreation.
Interesting facts
Store Ble stands as the highest of 611 named peaks in the Blefjell range. It acts as the high point of its range, situated within the municipality of Tinn in the district of Telemark.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Store Ble? Store Ble rises to an elevation of 1,342 metres.
Where is Store Ble located? It is located in Norway, within the municipality of Tinn in the district of Telemark.
What mountain range does Store Ble belong to? It belongs to the Blefjell range, within the Southern Highlands, Southern Scandes, Scandinavian Mountains, and the Fennoscandian Shield.
What are the nearest peaks and passes to Store Ble? The nearest named points include the hill Bledalsrinden at 0.9 km SE and the mountain pass Bleporten at 1.6 km NE.
How does Store Ble compare to neighbouring peaks? At 1,342 metres, it is the highest peak in the Blefjell range, surpassing all immediate surrounding hills and passes.
Is there water on the way to Store Ble? Natural water sources such as streams and snowmelt run off the mountain slopes, but surface water should always be treated or filtered before drinking, and carrying 1.5 to 3 litres of water is recommended depending on weather conditions.
Are there huts on Store Ble? Yes, the Sigridsbu wilderness hut is located 1.5 km south of the summit.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Store Ble? There are 4 communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest located 2.3 km west. While coverage is likely from open high points, signals can be unreliable behind ridges, and visitors should download maps beforehand while remembering that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.