Jostedalsbreen Glacier

Jostedalsbreen

Europe's largest mainland glacier, spanning 487 square kilometers with numerous accessible arms for guided glacier walks. It's a dramatic natural wonder showcasing the raw power of ice and mountain scenery.

Things to do

• Nigardsbreen Glacier Walk — A guided walk on the most accessible arm of Jostedalsbreen, where you'll traverse blue ice and crevasses with professional mountaineers.
• Briksdalbreen Hike — Trek to another major glacier arm through scenic valleys and waterfalls, offering stunning views of the ice face without technical climbing.
• Kayaking in Glacier Lake — Paddle among icebergs in the milky-blue waters of Jostedalsbreen's meltwater lakes, a unique perspective on the glacier's scale.
• Mountain Photography Tour — Join a guide to capture the glacier's dramatic ice formations, crevasses, and surrounding peaks in optimal lighting conditions.
• Ice Cave Exploration — Visit seasonal ice caves within glacier arms where turquoise ice formations and tunnels create otherworldly landscapes accessible only with professional guides.
• Jostedalsbreen National Park Visitor Centre — Learn the glacier's geology, climate impact, and history through interactive exhibits at the modern facility in Gaupne.
• Helicopter Glacier Tour — Soar above Jostedalsbreen to see its full expanse, crevasse fields, and surrounding peaks from an aerial perspective.

Food to try

• Fårikål — A traditional Norwegian stew of mutton, cabbage, and potatoes served throughout Fjord Norway, representing hearty mountain cuisine.
• Fresh Trout from Local Rivers — The glacier's meltwater feeds pristine rivers where locally-caught and simply-prepared trout appears on many regional menus.
• Brown Cheese (Brunost) — Norway's distinctive sweet, caramel-flavored cheese made from whey is a local specialty and perfect paired with fresh bread at glacier-view rest stops.
• Glacier-Fed Water Coffee — Local cafés pride themselves on coffee made with pure glacial meltwater, creating a crisp, mineral-rich beverage unique to the region.
• Sour Cream Porridge (Rømmegrøt) — A creamy, indulgent traditional dish made with sour cream and flour, warming and energy-rich after glacier activities.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Guided Walks in Advance — Glacier conditions change rapidly and guide availability is limited, especially in peak summer season from June to September.
• Dress in Waterproof Layers — Glacial meltwater, sudden weather changes, and ice spray require serious waterproof gear rather than casual hiking clothes.
• Respect Warning Signs and Boundaries — Crevasses, avalanche zones, and unstable ice mean that venturing onto the glacier without a certified guide is life-threatening and strictly prohibited.
• Learn Basic Norwegian Courtesy — While English is widely spoken, locals appreciate visitors learning simple phrases like 'takk' (thank you) and showing respect for this sacred natural landscape.