Norway is home to 1,624 glaciers according to official data—ancient rivers of frozen water that carved the country’s legendary fjords over 2.5 million years and continue to shape the landscape today. Walking on these massive ice formations, seeing the deep blue of compressed glacial ice (created when air bubbles are squeezed out over centuries), 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 (458 square kilometers), to the Arctic ice cap of Svartisen spanning the Arctic Circle, Norway offers glacier experiences ranging from gentle family walks on glacier edges to technical ice climbing adventures. These frozen landscapes are not merely tourist attractions—they are the very forces that created Norway’s world-famous fjords, carving deep U-shaped valleys that later filled with seawater when ice retreated approximately 10,000 years ago.
Each year brings new awareness of these glaciers’ fragility as climate change accelerates their retreat. Briksdalsbreen, once extending far into its valley, has retreated dramatically since the 1990s. Visiting Norway’s glaciers today offers both adventure and a sobering reminder of our planet’s changing climate.
Norway’s Glaciers at a Glance
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Total glaciers | 1,624 |
| Largest | Jostedalsbreen (458 km2) - largest in continental Europe |
| Second largest | Svartisen (370 km2, two parts) |
| Third largest | Folgefonna (214 km2) |
| Lowest glacier terminus | Svartisen Engenbreen (20 m above sea level) - lowest in Europe |
| Northernmost major | Svartisen (66-67N) |
| Highest point | Jostedalsbreen summit (2,083 m) |
| Glacier coverage | Approximately 2,600 km2 total |
| Annual retreat | 10-50+ meters (varies by glacier) |
Major Norwegian Glaciers
Norway’s glaciers are concentrated in three main regions: the fjord country of Western Norway (Vestland), the Hardanger region, and the Arctic reaches of Nordland county. Each offers unique experiences and accessibility.
Jostedalsbreen
Mainland Europe’s Largest Glacier:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 458 km2 (177 square miles) |
| Ice volume | 75 km3 |
| Highest point | 2,083 m above sea level |
| Lowest point | 355 m (Briksdalsbreen terminus) |
| Location | Vestland county (formerly Sogn og Fjordane) |
| Outlet glaciers | 50+ accessible arms |
| Most visited | Nigardsbreen, Briksdalsbreen, Boyabreen |
| National Park | Jostedalsbreen (established 1991) |
| UNESCO connection | Feeds waterfalls into Naeroyfjord |
Jostedalsbreen is a massive ice cap—so large it creates its own weather patterns. The glacier has over 50 outlet glaciers (brearms) flowing down surrounding valleys, several of which are accessible to visitors with varying levels of experience.
Outlet Glacier Comparison:
| Outlet | Type of Experience | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigardsbreen | Blue ice hiking, all levels | Easy to challenging | Most visitors, serious glacier experience |
| Briksdalsbreen | Valley walk to glacier view | Very easy | Families, photo opportunities |
| Boyabreen | Viewpoint, limited access | Easy | Photography, glacier education |
| Tunsbergdalsbreen | Technical, remote | Advanced | Experienced mountaineers |
| Austdalsbreen | Boat approach + hike | Moderate | Fewer crowds, adventure |
Nigardsbreen - The Most Popular:
- Approach: Boat across glacier lake (Nigardsbrevatnet, NOK 80 return)
- Family walks: 1.5-2 hours, easy crampons, guided (NOK 650-900)
- Blue ice hikes: 3-5 hours, moderate difficulty (NOK 950-1,400)
- Full day expeditions: 6-8 hours, challenging terrain (NOK 1,600-2,400)
- Season: Late May to late September
- Ice climbing: Available with specialized guides (NOK 2,000-3,500)
Briksdalsbreen - Most Accessible:
- Approach: 45-minute scenic valley walk from parking
- Waterfall: Kleivafossen cascades beside trail
- Troll cars: Electric vehicles available for those with mobility challenges (NOK 150)
- Important note: Due to retreat, you can no longer walk on Briksdalsbreen glacier—viewing only
- Best for: Families, photographers, those wanting glacier views without technical experience
Folgefonna
Third-Largest Glacier with Summer Skiing:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 214 km2 |
| Highest point | 1,662 m |
| Location | Hardanger region, Vestland |
| Special feature | Fonna Glacier Ski Resort (summer) |
| Access | From Jondal (east), Odda (south), or Rosendal (west) |
| National Park | Folgefonna (established 2005) |
Folgefonna offers a unique combination: summer skiing on the glacier plateau and blue ice hiking on the outlet glaciers. The Fonna Glacier Ski Resort operates from May through August, making Norway one of the few places in the world where you can ski in midsummer.
Experiences:
| Activity | Season | Price (NOK) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer skiing | May-August | 420 (lift pass) | Half/full day |
| Blue ice hike | June-September | 950-1,450 | 3-5 hours |
| Glacier kayak | June-August | 1,200 | 4-5 hours |
| Bondhusbreen walk | May-October | Free (unguided) | 2-3 hours |
Svartisen
Arctic Glacier on the Arctic Circle:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 370 km2 (two sections) |
| Sections | Western Svartisen, Eastern Svartisen |
| Lowest outlet | Engenbreen (20 m above sea level—Norway’s lowest) |
| Location | Nordland county, 66-67N |
| Character | Arctic, remote, dramatic blue ice |
| Access | Boat across Svartisvatnet + 3 km hike |
Svartisen sits astride the Arctic Circle and consists of two separate ice caps. The western section, including the famous Engenbreen outlet, is most accessible to visitors. The remoteness and Arctic location create particularly dramatic blue ice formations.
Engenbreen Experience:
- Drive to Holandsfjord boat pier
- Boat across glacier lake (operates seasonally, NOK 100)
- Hike 3 km to glacier face (viewing area)
- Guided walks onto glacier available from local operators
Why Visit Svartisen:
- Engenbreen reaches almost to sea level (20 m)—dramatic accessibility
- Far fewer tourists than southern glaciers
- Arctic light creates exceptional photography conditions
- Midnight sun in summer (June 4 - July 8 at this latitude)
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: $80-120 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: $100-180 per person
Full-Day Glacier Expeditions (6-8 hours)
Best For: Adventurous travelers, 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: $200-350 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: $250-400 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 pants
- 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)
- Running shoes (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
- Fall colors 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 from a Glacier Guide
After 25 years of walking on Norwegian glaciers—first as a curious traveler, then as a guide, and now as a writer documenting these frozen landscapes—I can tell you that standing on a glacier connects you to forces that shaped Norway’s entire landscape. These are the same rivers of ice that carved the fjords over 2.5 million years, deposited the moraines that dot the valleys, and continue to sculpt the mountains today. With 1,624 glaciers still covering approximately 2,600 square kilometers of Norwegian territory, the country offers unparalleled access to these geological wonders.
In an era of climate change, experiencing these frozen giants feels both urgent and profound. Briksdalsbreen has retreated dramatically since I first photographed it in the 1990s. Nigardsbreen’s terminus moves further upvalley each year. Scientists estimate some smaller glaciers may disappear within our lifetimes. Visiting now is not just adventure tourism—it is witnessing a vanishing world.
My Recommendations After Two Decades on the Ice:
| Experience | Best For | Book When |
|---|---|---|
| Nigardsbreen blue ice hike | Most visitors, balanced experience | 2-4 weeks ahead in summer |
| Folgefonna summer skiing | Unique adventure, families | 1-2 weeks ahead |
| Svartisen expedition | Fewer crowds, Arctic experience | 1-2 weeks ahead |
| Ice climbing (any glacier) | Adrenaline seekers | 2-4 weeks ahead |
| Briksdalsbreen viewpoint | Families, limited mobility | No booking needed |
Essential Safety Reminders:
- NEVER walk on glaciers without a certified guide
- Always wear provided safety equipment (crampons, helmet, harness)
- Stay roped to guide and group at all times
- Follow all instructions immediately and without question
- Be honest about your fitness level when booking
Whether you choose a gentle family walk at the glacier’s edge, an exhilarating blue ice expedition, or technical ice climbing on vertical walls, Norwegian glaciers offer experiences unlike anything else on Earth. The deep blue of compressed ice where centuries of pressure have squeezed out all air, the scale of the frozen landscape stretching to the horizon, and the knowledge that you are walking on water that fell as snow hundreds of years ago—these create memories that endure long after the crampons come off.
The glaciers are calling. Answer while you still can.
Folgefonna Glacier Tour Pricing (2025 Season)
For those planning a glacier experience, here are the current prices for Folgefonna glacier tours:
| Tour Type | Price (NOK) | Duration | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ice Hike | From 1,190 | 5-6 hours | May 24 - October 5 |
| Blue Ice from Bergen with transport | 2,230 | Full day | May 24 - October 5 |
| Private Guide | 6,500 | 5-6 hours | May 24 - October 5 |
What is included:
- All glacier equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Certified glacier guide
- Safety briefing and instruction
- Time on the glacier exploring blue ice formations
Booking recommendations:
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead for standard tours during summer
- Private guides require earlier booking
- Weekends fill faster than weekdays
- Weather cancellations result in full refund or rescheduling
Planning Your Glacier Visit
Transportation to Glaciers
| Glacier | Nearest Major City | Driving Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigardsbreen | Bergen | 4-5 hours | Limited bus service |
| Briksdalsbreen | Bergen | 3.5-4 hours | Bus to Stryn available |
| Folgefonna | Bergen | 2-2.5 hours | Ferry + bus possible |
| Svartisen | Bodo | 2 hours | Summer boat service |
Best Time to Visit
| Month | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| May | Early season, fresh snow possible | Adventurous visitors |
| June | Season opening, excellent blue ice | Best overall |
| July | Peak season, warmest | Most popular |
| August | Stable conditions | Excellent choice |
| September | Autumn light, fewer crowds | Photography enthusiasts |
| October | Season ending | Last chance |
Combining Glaciers with Other Experiences
Glacier + Fjord (3-4 days):
- Day 1: Arrive Bergen, explore city
- Day 2: Folgefonna glacier tour from Bergen
- Day 3: Sognefjord cruise
- Day 4: Return or continue
Western Norway Glacier Circuit (5-7 days):
- Days 1-2: Folgefonna glacier, Hardangerfjord
- Days 3-4: Nigardsbreen glacier, Jostedal valley
- Days 5-6: Briksdalsbreen viewpoint, Stryn
- Day 7: Return via Geirangerfjord
God tur! (Have a good trip!)
For more outdoor experiences, see our guides to Sognefjord Guide, Norway Hiking Guide, and Norway Outdoor Activities. Statistics sourced from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), Statistics Norway (ssb.no), and the Norwegian Environment Agency. Folgefonna tour pricing confirmed for 2025 season.