At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway’s glaciers are windows into the ice age-ancient rivers of frozen water that carved the fjords and continue to shape the landscape today. Walking on these massive ice formations, seeing the deep blue of compressed glacial ice, and hearing the creak and groan of ice under pressure creates an experience that connects you to geological time in a profound way.
From mainland Europe’s largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen, to the Arctic ice cap of Svartisen, Norway offers glacier experiences ranging from gentle walks on glacier edges to technical ice climbing adventures. Each year brings new awareness of these glaciers’ fragility as climate change accelerates their retreat.
Major Norwegian Glaciers
Jostedalsbreen
Mainland Europe’s largest glacier, with numerous accessible outlet glaciers.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 487 km� |
| Location | Sogn og Fjordane |
| Outlet glaciers | 50+ |
| Most visited | Briksdalsbreen, Nigardsbreen |
| National Park | Jostedalsbreen |
Main Outlets:
Nigardsbreen:
- Most popular for glacier hiking
- Blue ice walks
- Various difficulty levels
- Easy access from Jostedal
Briksdalsbreen:
- Scenic valley walk to glacier face
- Less walking on ice
- Waterfall setting
- Very accessible
B�yabreen:
- Viewable from valley
- Less crowded
- Dramatic setting
- Limited glacier walks
Folgefonna
Third-largest glacier in Norway, with summer ski centre.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 214 km� |
| Location | Hardanger region |
| Special feature | Summer skiing |
| Access | From Jondal or Odda |
Experiences:
- Summer skiing centre
- Blue ice hiking
- Stunning fjord views
- Hardangerfjord access
Svartisen
Arctic glacier spanning the Arctic Circle.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 370 km� (two parts) |
| Location | Nordland |
| Character | Arctic, remote |
| Access | Boat + hike to Engenbreen |
Highlights:
- Arctic Circle location
- Dramatic blue ice
- Boat approach across glacier lake
- Less crowded than southern glaciers
Other Notable Glaciers
Lyngen Alps Glaciers:
- Arctic Norway
- Technical mountaineering
- Ski touring
- Remote wilderness
Jotunheimen Glaciers:
- Several small glaciers
- Combined with mountain hiking
- Galdh�piggen summit glaciers
Hardangerj�kulen:
- Dramatic plateau glacier
- Used in Star Wars filming (Hoth)
- Bergen Railway views
Types of Glacier Experiences
Family Glacier Walks (1-2 hours)
Best For: Beginners, families, limited time
What’s Included:
- Crampons provided and fitted
- Short walk onto glacier edge
- Guide instruction
- Safety equipment
Difficulty: Easy Age: Usually 6+ years Cost: �65-100 per person
Blue Ice Hikes (3-5 hours)
Best For: Most visitors seeking glacier experience
Experience:
- Deeper onto glacier
- See crevasses up close
- Blue ice formations
- Photo opportunities
- Full safety equipment
Difficulty: Moderate Fitness: Good general fitness needed Cost: �80-145 per person
Full-Day Glacier Expeditions (6-8 hours)
Best For: Adventurous travellers, glacier enthusiasts
Includes:
- Extended glacier exploration
- Ice climbing introduction
- Remote areas of glacier
- Lunch on ice
- Comprehensive experience
Difficulty: Challenging Fitness: Good fitness required Cost: �160-280 per person
Ice Climbing
Best For: Adventure seekers, experienced outdoors people
Experience:
- Vertical ice walls
- Technical instruction
- Full climbing gear
- Usually half-day or full-day
Difficulty: Very challenging Experience: Some fitness/outdoor experience helpful Cost: �200-320 per person
Best Glacier Destinations
Nigardsbreen (Jostedalsbreen)
The most popular glacier destination with the widest range of tours.
| Tour Type | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Family walk | 1.5 hrs | Easy |
| Blue ice hike | 3-4 hrs | Moderate |
| Full day | 6-7 hrs | Challenging |
| Ice climbing | 4-6 hrs | Challenging |
Getting There:
- From Sogndal: ~1.5 hours
- From Bergen: ~4 hours
- Boat ride across glacier lake to start
Season: May-September
Briksdalsbreen (Jostedalsbreen)
Scenic valley walk to glacier face, less glacier walking.
Experience:
- 45-minute walk to glacier view
- Troll cars available (electric vehicles)
- Waterfall at glacier base
- Photography-focused
Getting There:
- From Stryn: 30 minutes
- Easy road access
Best For: Those wanting glacier views without ice walking
Folgefonna
Combine glacier experience with summer skiing.
| Activity | Season |
|---|---|
| Glacier hiking | May-September |
| Summer skiing | May-August |
| Blue ice | March-May |
Getting There:
- From Odda: ~1 hour
- From Bergen: ~3 hours
Svartisen
Arctic glacier experience on the Arctic Circle.
Approach:
- Drive to Holandsfjord
- Boat across glacier lake
- Hike to glacier edge
Experience:
- Dramatic blue ice
- Arctic setting
- Less crowded
- Wilderness atmosphere
Getting There:
- From Bod�: ~2 hours
- From Mo i Rana: ~1 hour
What to Expect on Glacier Tours
Before the Tour
- Arrive at meeting point
- Receive equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness)
- Safety briefing and fitting
- Transport to glacier if needed
On the Glacier
- Guide leads safely
- Regular safety checks
- Photo opportunities
- Explanations of glacier features
- Crevasse navigation (roped if necessary)
Glacier Features You’ll See
Crevasses: Deep cracks in ice-dangerous but spectacular
Seracs: Towers of ice in chaotic areas
Moulins: Vertical shafts where meltwater descends
Blue Ice: Compressed ice with air bubbles removed
Moraines: Rock debris pushed by glacier movement
What to Wear and Bring
Essentials
Clothing:
- Warm, waterproof layers
- Warm base layer
- Waterproof trousers
- Good hiking boots (ankle support essential)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
Personal Items:
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Camera
- Small daypack
What’s Provided
Most tours include:
- Crampons
- Ice axes
- Helmets
- Ropes (if needed)
- Harnesses (for climbing)
What to Avoid
- Jeans (wet and cold)
- Trainers (no ankle support)
- Cotton layers (stays wet)
- Loose items that could fall in crevasses
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August)
Pros:
- Best weather probability
- Easiest access
- Longest operating hours
- Widest tour selection
Cons:
- Ice may be “dirty” with summer melt
- Busiest period
- Less dramatic blue
Spring (March-May)
Pros:
- Dramatic blue ice
- Snow-covered approaches
- Fewer crowds
- Special winter/spring tours
Cons:
- Some areas inaccessible
- Variable weather
- Limited tour options
Autumn (September-October)
Pros:
- Fewer crowds
- Autumn colours in valleys
- Still good access early season
Cons:
- Season ending
- Weather less reliable
- Shorter days
Climate Change and Glaciers
The Reality
Norwegian glaciers are retreating rapidly:
- Briksdalsbreen has retreated dramatically since 1997
- Nigardsbreen faces similar challenges
- Some smaller glaciers may disappear within decades
Visiting Responsibly
- Support sustainable tourism operators
- Learn about glacier science on tours
- Understand climate connections
- Share experiences to raise awareness
Safety Reminders
Never Do:
- Walk on glaciers without a guide
- Approach glacier edges alone
- Ignore guide instructions
- Step over ropes or boundaries
- Underestimate weather changes
Always Do:
- Book with certified guides
- Follow all safety instructions
- Stay with the group
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Listen for hazard warnings
Combining Glacier Visits
Multi-Day Itineraries
Fjord and Glacier (3 days):
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sognefjord cruise |
| 2 | Nigardsbreen glacier hike |
| 3 | Fl�m Railway or further fjord exploration |
Hardanger Circle (4 days):
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bergen to Hardangerfjord |
| 2 | Folgefonna glacier/skiing |
| 3 | Trolltunga or V�ringfossen |
| 4 | Return to Bergen |
Final Thoughts
Walking on a glacier connects you to forces that shaped Norway’s landscape-the same ice that carved the fjords, deposited the moraines, and continues to sculpt the mountains. In an era of climate change, experiencing these frozen giants feels both urgent and profound.
Whether you choose a gentle family walk at the glacier’s edge or an expedition deep onto the ice, Norwegian glaciers offer experiences unlike anything else. The blue of compressed ice, the scale of the frozen landscape, and the knowledge that you’re walking on ancient water creates memories that endure long after the crampons come off.
For more outdoor experiences, see our guides to Sognefjord Guide, Norway Hiking Guide, and Norway Outdoor Activities.