Walking on ancient ice that glows impossibly blue, navigating between towering ice formations and deep crevasses, roped together with fellow adventurers while professional guides lead the way—glacier hiking in Norway offers an experience unlike anything else on Earth. Norway is home to mainland Europe’s largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen, along with dozens of accessible glacier arms where guided tours make this extraordinary environment safe for visitors of all experience levels.
Norway’s glaciers represent some of the most accessible ice formations in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually as part of the nation’s $7.8 billion tourism industry (2024). Whether you choose a family-friendly introduction or an extended expedition across pristine ice fields, glacier hiking reveals a world of frozen beauty that few people ever witness firsthand.
According to Visit Norway, glacier hiking on Nigardsbreen offers daily tours from May to September, with experienced guides providing all necessary equipment and instruction for a safe and unforgettable experience.
Norway’s Glaciers: A National Treasure Under Threat
Norway’s glaciers have shaped the nation’s iconic landscape—carving the UNESCO World Heritage fjords, creating the dramatic mountain valleys, and leaving behind the moraines and waterfalls that define Norwegian scenery. These ice masses represent thousands of years of accumulated snowfall compressed into crystalline rivers that continue to flow, albeit imperceptibly, toward the sea.
The Science of Norwegian Glaciers
How glaciers form and behave:
Norwegian glaciers exist because of the unique climate conditions in Scandinavia. Maritime influences from the Gulf Stream bring abundant moisture, while the mountainous terrain and northern latitude ensure temperatures cold enough for snow to accumulate year after year. When snow doesn’t melt completely over summer, it compresses under subsequent layers, transforming into firn (granular ice) and eventually glacial ice.
The process takes decades to centuries. Air bubbles trapped in the ice become compressed, and the crystalline structure changes. This compression is what creates the famous blue coloration—denser ice absorbs red wavelengths of light while reflecting blue.
| Glacier Formation Stage | Timeframe | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh snow | 0-1 year | White, porous, low density |
| Firn (granular ice) | 1-100 years | Grainy, semi-compacted |
| Glacial ice | 100+ years | Dense, blue-tinted, crystalline |
| Ancient ice | 1,000+ years | Extremely dense, deep blue |
Climate Change and Norway’s Glaciers
Norwegian glaciers are retreating—a visible indicator of global climate change that visitors can witness firsthand. According to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), which monitors 42 glaciers annually, most Norwegian glaciers have experienced significant retreat since measurements began in the early 20th century.
Key observations from NVE (2024):
- Nigardsbreen has retreated over 2 kilometers since the 1900s
- Some smaller glacier arms have lost 50% of their mass since 1960
- The rate of retreat has accelerated in recent decades
- Summer melt seasons are extending, with earlier spring thaws
This context makes glacier hiking not just an adventure but an educational experience—connecting visitors with landscapes that future generations may not experience in the same way. Many guides discuss glacier change during tours, providing scientific context for the environmental transformation visible in the ice.
Norway’s Major Glaciers
Jostedalsbreen: Europe’s Largest Glacier
A frozen giant spanning 458 square kilometers:
Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier not only in Norway but in all of mainland Europe, covering approximately 458 square kilometers of ice. Located in the heart of Jostedalsbreen National Park in western Norway, this massive ice field feeds numerous glacier arms that flow down into surrounding valleys—creating accessible hiking destinations while remaining connected to the vast ice cap above.
The glacier sits at elevations ranging from 350 meters to over 2,000 meters, with ice thickness reaching up to 600 meters in some areas. This represents an enormous volume of frozen water—enough to significantly impact sea levels if it were to melt entirely.
| Jostedalsbreen Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Total area | 458 km² (largest in continental Europe) |
| Maximum ice thickness | Up to 600 meters |
| Elevation range | 350-2,083 meters |
| Number of glacier arms | 28 named outlets |
| National Park established | 1991 |
| UNESCO Biosphere Reserve | Part of Vestnorsk Fjordlandskap |
| Nearest cities | Bergen (4 hours), Oslo (6 hours) |
Popular glacier arms of Jostedalsbreen:
- Nigardsbreen: Most visited, famous for blue ice tours
- Briksdalsbreen: Accessible by hiking, dramatic waterfall setting
- Bøyabreen: Roadside viewing, Norwegian Glacier Museum nearby
- Supphellebreen: Dramatic cascade down steep cliffs
- Bergsetbreen: Less crowded alternative for hiking
Nigardsbreen: The Premier Blue Ice Destination
Norway’s most popular glacier hiking experience:
Nigardsbreen is an arm of Jostedalsbreen Glacier that has become Norway’s premier glacier hiking destination. The combination of accessibility, dramatic blue ice formations, and professional guide services makes this the ideal place to experience glacier hiking for the first time.
The glacier arm extends approximately 9 kilometers from the main ice cap, descending into a valley where a turquoise glacial lake provides both dramatic scenery and boat access to the ice. The distinctive blue color of Nigardsbreen—particularly visible in late summer when surface snow melts—has made it one of Norway’s most photographed natural attractions.
The blue ice hikes on Nigardsbreen Glacier are bookable for the 2025 season, with Jostedalen Breforarlag offering well-organized glacier hikes on the blue ice for participants as young as 8 years old.
What makes Nigardsbreen special:
- Dramatic blue ice revealed after snow melt (best August-September)
- Protected nature reserve since 1985
- Deep crevasses and towering ice formations
- Accessible glacier lake crossing by boat
- Tours suitable for families and first-timers
- Over 200 years of tourism history
- Well-developed infrastructure with visitor center
- Multiple tour operators offering varied experiences
Historical significance:
Nigardsbreen has attracted tourists since the 1800s, making it one of Europe’s oldest glacier tourism destinations. Early visitors approached on foot and horseback; today’s visitors enjoy boat crossings and professional guiding that makes the ice accessible to nearly everyone.
Book Nigardsbreen Glacier TourFolgefonna: Fjord Views and Ancient Ice
Norway’s third-largest glacier with panoramic scenery:
Folgefonna is Norway’s third-largest glacier, covering approximately 214 square kilometers and attracting visitors for over 200 years. Located just 2 hours from Bergen, it is the most southern glacier in Norway—and from its summit, you can see all the way to the North Sea.
According to visitBergen, Folgefonna consists of three connected glaciers and sits in the heart of the Norwegian fjord landscape, offering unique combinations of ice, mountain, and fjord scenery.
Folgefonna’s unique character:
Folgefonna National Park, established in 2005, protects the glacier and surrounding landscape. Unlike Jostedalsbreen’s multiple valley arms, Folgefonna presents a more unified ice cap with fewer but more accessible glacier tongues. The setting amid Hardangerfjord scenery—with views to famous waterfalls, fruit orchards, and historic villages—creates a distinctively Norwegian context for glacier exploration.
| Folgefonna Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Total area | 214 km² (third largest in Norway) |
| Location | Hardangerfjord region |
| National Park established | 2005 |
| Distance from Bergen | ~2 hours by car |
| Main glacier arm | Juklavass |
| Maximum elevation | 1,662 meters |
| Summer ski center | Fonna Glacier Ski Resort |
Folgefonna highlights:
- Panoramic views to fjords, Rosendal Alps, and North Sea
- Juklavass glacier arm with impressive blue ice
- Less crowded than Nigardsbreen
- Longer season (May-November for some tours)
- Accessible from Bergen via Hardangerfjord
- Via ferrata options on the glacier
- Summer skiing at Fonna Glacier Ski Resort
Svartisen: Northern Norway’s Frozen Wonder
Norway’s second-largest glacier:
Svartisen (“Black Ice”) is Norway’s second-largest glacier, covering approximately 370 square kilometers and located in Nordland county near Bodo. Divided into two main sections—Vestre (Western) and Austre (Eastern) Svartisen—this northern glacier offers a distinctly different experience from its southern counterparts.
The glacier descends to just 20 meters above sea level at its lowest point—the lowest glacier terminus in Europe. This remarkable accessibility, combined with the dramatic northern setting, makes Svartisen an excellent alternative to the more crowded southern glaciers.
Svartisen advantages:
- Fewer tourists than Jostedalsbreen
- Glacier arm reaches almost to sea level
- Midnight sun viewing (summer)
- Combined with coastal exploration
- Boat access from Holandsfjord
- Northern Lights potential (autumn/winter tours)
Glacier Tour Options: Detailed Guide
Short Blue Ice Hike (Nigardsbreen)
The perfect introduction to glacier hiking:
The short blue ice hike is the most popular glacier experience in Norway, offering a comprehensive introduction to glacier environments without requiring extensive fitness or time commitment.
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Total duration | 4.5 hours |
| Time on glacier | Approximately 1.5 hours |
| Season | May 15 - September 25 |
| Minimum age | 8 years old |
| Maximum group size | 26 participants |
| Difficulty | Moderate—reasonable fitness required |
| Languages | Norwegian, English |
Detailed itinerary:
- Meeting point (30 minutes before departure): Breheimsenteret visitor center in Jostedal
- Transport and briefing (45 minutes): Drive to Nigardsbreen parking, safety briefing
- Boat crossing (15 minutes): Cross the glacial lake to the ice
- Equipment fitting (20 minutes): Crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe instruction
- Glacier exploration (1.5 hours): Guided walk on the ice, exploring formations
- Return journey (45 minutes): Boat crossing and transport back
What you’ll experience:
Walking roped together with your group, you’ll explore the glacier surface at a leisurely pace. Guides point out features including:
- Blue ice formations: Compressed ice revealing stunning coloration
- Crevasses: Deep cracks formed by glacier movement
- Ice towers (seracs): Dramatic vertical ice formations
- Moulins: Vertical shafts where meltwater drains into the glacier
- Moraines: Rocky debris carried and deposited by the ice
- Meltwater streams: Rivers flowing across the glacier surface
Some tours include the opportunity to crawl through ice tunnels or descend into shallow crevasses (conditions permitting), creating memorable photo opportunities.
Long Blue Ice Hike (Nigardsbreen)
Extended glacier exploration:
For those wanting deeper immersion in the glacier environment, the long blue ice hike offers extended time on the ice with access to more remote and dramatic formations.
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Total duration | 5.5 hours |
| Time on glacier | Approximately 2.5 hours |
| Season | June 2 - September 15 |
| Minimum age | 10 years old |
| Difficulty | Challenging—good fitness required |
| Elevation gain on ice | Approximately 150 meters |
Extended experiences include:
- Climbing steeper ice sections
- Exploring deeper into the glacier system
- More challenging crevasse navigation
- Extended photography opportunities
- Potential ice climbing introduction (conditions permitting)
- Access to features not reachable on shorter tours
Panorama Glacier Hike (Folgefonna)
Accessible glacier experience with spectacular views:
Folgefonni Glacier Team offers this shorter option adapted to participants’ wishes and physical conditions. The Panorama hike is less physically demanding than the blue ice hike, making it excellent for families, first-time glacier hikers, or anyone preferring a more relaxed pace.
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Distance | Approximately 3-4 km |
| Elevation gain | About 250 meters |
| Starting point | Former ski center (1,200m elevation) |
| Minimum age | 6 years old |
| Season | May - October |
What makes this tour special:
Starting at 1,200 meters elevation (accessible by road), participants begin already in the alpine zone with panoramic views. The glacier walk itself traverses gentler terrain than Nigardsbreen, with emphasis on:
- 360-degree mountain and fjord panoramas
- Accessible ice formations
- Educational focus on glacier science
- Flexibility for different fitness levels
- Shorter walking distances
Blue Ice Hike (Folgefonna)
Deep into Juklavass glacier:
The Blue Ice Hike takes you to the Juklavass Glacier, an impressive section of the Folgefonna glacier system. Large crevasses form where the glacier bends over the edge of the mountain plateau—reaching depths of up to 30 meters (98 feet).
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5-6 hours |
| Season | May 24 - October 5 (2025) |
| Price | From 1,190 NOK |
| From Bergen with transport | 2,230 NOK |
| Private guide | 6,500 NOK |
| Minimum age | 10 years old |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Equipment included | All technical equipment |
Juklavass highlights:
- Some of Norway’s deepest accessible crevasses
- Dramatic ice formations at plateau edge
- Extended time for photography
- More challenging navigation than panorama tour
- Potential for ice climbing introduction
What to Expect: The Complete Glacier Experience
Before the Hike
Meeting and preparation:
Tours typically begin at a meeting point near the glacier—usually a visitor center or parking area with facilities. At Nigardsbreen, the Breheimsenteret visitor center provides exhibits about glaciers, a cafe, and equipment storage.
The briefing process:
Professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings covering:
- Equipment explanation: How crampons, harnesses, and ice axes work
- Rope protocols: How the roped team system keeps everyone safe
- Walking techniques: How to move safely on ice
- Emergency procedures: What to do if something goes wrong
- Group coordination: Signals and communication on the ice
Equipment provided:
All technical equipment is supplied by tour operators:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crampons | Metal spikes attached to boots for ice traction |
| Ice axe | Balance, self-arrest, and cutting steps |
| Harness | Connection point for rope system |
| Helmet | Protection from falling ice |
| Rope | Links team together for safety |
| Mountain boots | Some operators provide if needed |
On the Ice
The glacier experience:
Walking on a glacier feels like entering another world. The ice beneath your feet might be hundreds of years old—snow that fell when Vikings sailed these fjords, compressed into crystal-clear blue ice over centuries.
What you’ll see:
- Blue ice: Later in the season, when surface snow melts, the glacier reveals stunning blue coloration caused by compressed ice absorbing red light wavelengths
- Crevasses: Deep cracks in the ice that form as the glacier moves and bends over underlying terrain
- Ice towers (seracs): Dramatic formations created by differential melting and movement
- Meltwater streams: Rivers flowing across and through the ice, creating channels and tunnels
- Moraines: Rocky debris pushed and carried by the glacier
- Erratics: Large boulders transported far from their origin
- Glacial polish: Smooth rock surfaces scraped by moving ice
The roped team experience:
Tied together on a single rope, you rely on your equipment and teamwork with fellow hikers. If anyone slips or encounters a hidden crevasse, the team arrests the fall. This system has kept glacier travelers safe for generations. The rope creates a sense of shared adventure and mutual responsibility that many participants find deeply meaningful.
Weather Conditions
Expect variability:
According to tour operators, rain is normal weather in glacier regions. The hikes are canceled only in exceptional and severe weather conditions or dangerous ice conditions. Good clothing is essential—the weather is part of the glacier experience.
Typical conditions:
| Factor | Summer Reality |
|---|---|
| Temperature on ice | 0-10°C (32-50°F) even in August |
| Wind | Often stronger than valley |
| Precipitation | Rain possible any day |
| Sun exposure | Intense with reflection off ice |
| Visibility | Can change rapidly |
What to Bring
Clothing Requirements
Essential items for glacier hiking:
| Item | Specification | Why Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | Breathable, wind-resistant | Weather protection |
| Waterproof pants | Full-length, durable | Protection from wet ice |
| Base layer | Wool or synthetic | Warmth even when wet |
| Mid layer | Fleece or down | Insulation |
| Warm gloves | Waterproof outer | Hand protection |
| Hat or cap | Warm, secure | Heat retention |
| Sunglasses | Category 3-4 | UV protection from glare |
| Sunscreen | SPF 50+ | Intense UV on glacier |
Clothing rules:
- Clothing must cover your entire body (no shorts or skirts without leggings underneath)
- Layers that can be adjusted as you warm up
- Avoid cotton—it retains moisture and loses insulation when wet
- Bright colors for visibility and photography
Pack List
In your backpack:
- Lunch and snacks (high-energy foods recommended)
- Water (at least 1 liter, more for longer tours)
- Extra warm layer
- Rain gear if not wearing it
- Camera (with secure strap—dropping equipment in crevasses is permanent)
- Small first aid kit (optional)
- Personal medications
- Dry bag for electronics
Footwear
Sturdy shoes are essential:
Bring solid hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes. Crampons will be strapped over your footwear—they need a firm sole to attach properly and provide ankle support for walking on uneven ice.
Footwear requirements:
- Firm, non-flexible sole
- Ankle support
- Waterproof or water-resistant
- Broken in (no new shoes)
Not appropriate:
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Thin sneakers
- High heels or dress shoes
- Shoes with smooth soles
Booking and Pricing
Tour Costs (2025 Season)
| Tour Type | Duration | Price Range (NOK) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Blue Ice (Nigardsbreen) | 4-5 hours | 570-900 NOK | $55-90 |
| Long Blue Ice (Nigardsbreen) | 5-6 hours | 900-1,450 NOK | $90-140 |
| Panorama Hike (Folgefonna) | 3-4 hours | 600-900 NOK | $60-90 |
| Blue Ice Hike (Folgefonna) | 5-6 hours | From 1,190 NOK | $115-120 |
| Blue Ice from Bergen w/transport | Full day | 2,230 NOK | $215 |
| Private Guide (Folgefonna) | 5-6 hours | 6,500 NOK | $625 |
| Combined Kayak + Glacier | Full day | 1,200-1,800 NOK | $115-175 |
| Multi-day expedition | 2-3 days | 3,000-6,000 NOK | $290-580 |
Folgefonna 2025 Season: May 24 - October 5
What’s included in standard tours:
- All technical equipment (crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, rope)
- Certified guide
- Safety briefing and instruction
- Boat crossing (Nigardsbreen tours)
- Equipment fitting and adjustment
What’s typically not included:
- Transportation to/from meeting point
- Meals and refreshments
- Personal clothing and footwear
- Travel insurance
Booking Tips
Essential advice:
- Reserve in advance: Popular summer dates fill up weeks ahead, especially July-August
- Check cancellation policies: Weather cancellations are typically refunded or rescheduled
- Arrive early: Most tours require arriving 15-30 minutes before start time
- Confirm fitness requirements: Some tours require ability to hike moderate distances
- Book direct for best prices: Tour operator websites often have better rates than third-party platforms
- Consider shoulder season: May and September offer better availability and sometimes lower prices
Combining Glacier Hiking with Other Activities
Glacier and Kayak
Several operators offer combination tours paddling across glacier-fed lakes before hiking on the ice. The turquoise glacial water—colored by rock flour suspended in meltwater—and dramatic approach enhance the experience.
Typical combination tour:
- Paddle across Nigardsbreen lake (1-2 hours)
- Land at glacier edge
- Equipment fitting and briefing
- Glacier walk (1.5-2 hours)
- Return paddle
Fjord and Glacier Day Trips
From Bergen:
Folgefonna is accessible as a day trip from Bergen via the Hardangerfjord. Combine scenic fjord driving with glacier hiking for a complete western Norway experience.
Sample Bergen day trip itinerary:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | Depart Bergen |
| 09:00 | Scenic stop at Steinsdalsfossen |
| 10:30 | Arrive Folgefonna |
| 11:00 | Begin glacier tour |
| 16:00 | Finish tour |
| 18:30 | Return to Bergen |
From Flam:
Nigardsbreen can be combined with the Flam Railway and fjord cruises. Multi-day itineraries through Sognefjord country include glacier experiences alongside train journeys and fjord exploration.
Multi-Day Adventures
For serious adventurers, multi-day glacier expeditions traverse larger sections of Jostedalsbreen, camping on or near the ice. These require higher fitness levels and are typically arranged through specialized mountain guide companies.
Multi-day options include:
- Jostedalsbreen ice cap crossing (2-3 days)
- Glacier camping experiences
- Combined hiking and glacier trekking
- Photography-focused expeditions
- Scientific/educational programs
Other Glaciers to Visit
Briksdalsbreen
An easily accessible arm of Jostedalsbreen, Briksdalsbreen can be reached via a short hike without technical equipment. While you cannot walk on the ice without guides, the dramatic glacier tongue descending into a turquoise lake offers incredible photo opportunities.
Briksdalsbreen highlights:
- 45-minute walk from parking to viewpoint
- Dramatic waterfall alongside glacier
- Historic troll cars (panoramic vehicles) available
- Visitor center with exhibits
- Accessible for all fitness levels
- Free to visit (parking fee applies)
Boyabreen
Another Jostedalsbreen arm, Boyabreen is visible from the road and offers roadside viewing of a glacier cascade down steep cliffs. Combined with the nearby Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjarland, it provides context for understanding glacial geology.
Norwegian Glacier Museum:
This award-winning museum, designed by architect Sverre Fehn, offers:
- Interactive exhibits on glacier science
- Climate change documentation
- Historical photography showing glacier retreat
- Family-friendly activities
- Cafe and gift shop
Svartisen
Norway’s second-largest glacier, located further north near Bodo, offers glacier hiking experiences with fewer crowds than the southern glaciers. The combination of northern latitude, coastal setting, and dramatic scenery creates a distinctly different atmosphere.
Svartisen access:
- Boat crossing from Holandsfjord
- Ferry from Bodo area
- Less developed tourism infrastructure
- More wilderness character
Conservation and Climate: Understanding the Future
The Reality of Glacier Retreat
Norway’s glaciers are retreating—what you see today will look different in decades to come. Nigardsbreen has retreated significantly since measurements began, and climate projections suggest continued loss. This is visible in:
- Historical markers showing previous glacier extent
- Exposed bedrock and moraines
- Reduced ice thickness
- Earlier seasonal melt
Educational Opportunities
Many guides discuss glacier change during tours, providing context for the environmental transformation visible in the ice. This educational component adds depth to the adventure experience:
- Understanding climate science through direct observation
- Comparing current extent to historical photographs
- Learning about glacial geology and hydrology
- Discussing conservation challenges and opportunities
Visiting Responsibly
Glacier tourism, when conducted responsibly, supports conservation by:
- Funding research and monitoring programs
- Creating economic incentives for protection
- Building public awareness and support
- Training local guides as glacier stewards
Practical Logistics
Getting to Norway’s Glaciers
Nigardsbreen from major cities:
| From | Distance | Driving Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | 280 km | 4.5 hours | Bus via Sogndal |
| Oslo | 460 km | 6.5 hours | Train + bus |
| Alesund | 200 km | 3.5 hours | Limited buses |
| Trondheim | 400 km | 6 hours | Limited options |
Folgefonna from major cities:
| From | Distance | Driving Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | 150 km | 2.5 hours | Bus via Odda |
| Oslo | 450 km | 6 hours | Train + bus |
| Stavanger | 200 km | 3.5 hours | Bus available |
Accommodation Near Glaciers
Near Nigardsbreen:
- Jostedal Hotel: Traditional hotel near visitor center
- Camping: Several options in Jostedal valley
- Cabins: DNT and private options available
- Sogndal: Larger town 40 minutes away with more options
Near Folgefonna:
- Odda: Main town with hotels and hostels
- Lofthus: Historic hotel area
- Camping: Multiple options in Hardangerfjord region
- Bergen: Day trip possible from city
Final Thoughts
Glacier hiking in Norway offers a genuinely unique adventure—walking on ancient ice formations that few people ever experience firsthand. With professional guides, proper equipment, and well-organized tours, this otherworldly environment becomes accessible to visitors of nearly all fitness levels and ages. Whether you choose a shorter panorama hike or an extended blue ice expedition, the combination of stunning natural beauty, physical adventure, and connection with ancient frozen landscapes creates memories that last forever.
Norway received 6.20 million international visitors in 2024, many drawn by the opportunity to experience the nation’s dramatic natural landscapes. Glacier hiking represents one of the most direct ways to engage with this environment—standing on ice that has accumulated over centuries, seeing firsthand the effects of climate change, and experiencing a landscape that exists in constant, slow motion.
Book with reputable operators, respect the ice, prepare for changeable weather, and allow the glacier to reveal its secrets. The blue ice awaits.
Find Your Glacier AdventureFor glacier information and tour bookings, visit Fjord Tours Glacier Hikes. Statistics sourced from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) and Innovation Norway tourism data. Last updated November 2025.