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largest glacier in continental Europe
Europe > Nordic countries > Norway > Western Norway > Sogn og Fjordane > Nordfjord > Jostedalsbreen

Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland. It is mainly located in the county of Sogn og Fjordane in Norway partly in Oppland county. The many arms of the glacier can be seen from different parts of Sogn og Fjordane and Oppland. There are many access points. There is a tangle of countless valleys and lakes around the glacier. Glacial melt water makes surrounding rivers, lakes and fjords turquoise in summer.

View of the Nigardsbreen in the Jostedalsbreen

Most of the glacier is an ice cap and is as such not visible from valleys below. Its size and position makes the glacier a key barrier to travel in this part of Norway. The glacier and the surrounding area is protected as a national park. Around Jostedalsbreen proper there are additional glaciers partly included in the protected area. Breheimen area between Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen is a separate national park. National parks are only available hiking.

Glaciers are alive and are constantly moving and changing. The extent and visibility of glacier branches change over time and depends on snow cover. For instance, branches that were once impressive and easily visible from the valley may some years later have retracted to the plateau.

Understand

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Map
Map of Jostedalsbreen
National parks in Southern Norway. Jostedalsbreen is 10 adjacent to Breheimen (32).

The main glacier rests on a mountain plateau west of the Jostedalen valley, hence the name. The glacier ice covers a total area of about 500 km2, while the national park is more than 1300 km2. Jostedalsbreen is a temperate glacier such that it is at melting point throughout the year, from its surface to its base. The glacier is not frozen to the bedrock but flows along the slopes and through the valleys like a river, albeit at very low speed from 1 cm/day up to 100 cm/day (3 feet per day). Flow is highest at surface and middle causing the ice to crack and break up. Chunks of ice regularly falls from the edge or front of the glacier, a process known as ice calving. The resulting huge waves in lakes or the chunks of ice themselves are deadly.

Glaciers are created by snow accumulated and gradually transformed into ice ("blue ice"). Snow melts off at lower parts of the glacier during summer revealing the blue ice (actual glacier), while the higher parts of the glacier has permanent snow cover. Glaciers like Jostedalsbreen are created and maintained by heavy snowfall at high altitudes, rather than by extreme temperatures as in the Antarctic.

Jostedalsbreen is basically a plateau glacier or ice cap, while the arms or branches are valley glaciers. Jostedalsbreen has some 30 named arms into the adjacent valleys, among the well-known are:

  • Nigardsbreen in Jostedalen, Luster district
  • Austerdalsbreen at Veitastrond, Luster
  • Bøyabreen in Fjærland
  • Briksdalsbreen at Olden
  • Kjenndalsbreen at Loen

East of Jostedalen towards road 15 and 55 is the Breheimen ("Glacier park") protected area, and this area has number of smaller glaciers. West and South there are several smaller glacier not fully connected to Jostedalsbreen proper, but often seen as part of Jostedalsbreen system. Together with nextdoor Jotunheimen these form the highest and most alpine mountains in Norway.

Smaller, independent glaciers digging into mountain slopes creating amphitheater shapes are cirque glaciers, "botnbre" in Norwegian, hence the generic name "botn" in Norway's mountains.

History

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Lodalskåpa and Brenibba summits are nunataks or glacial islands.

The glacier and the mountains surrounding it became a national park in 1991.

Jostedalen and many other secluded valleys in Sogn district were abandoned after the Black Death (1349) and remained uninhabited for the next 200 years. Around 1700, during the "Little Ice Age", glaciers advanced several kilometers down the valleys and destroyed farms.

Landscape

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Mountains, some of them scrubbed bare by the ice. Many valleys. And glaciers rising to a height of 2083 m (6833 ft).

Flora and fauna

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At lower elevation the flora is quite rich. This is because of the pure meltwater flowing down the valley. Closer to the glacier the flora is of an Arctic type. On the glacier there is not much animal life. Red deer, lynx and wolverines could be spotted. In the mountains and valleys around the fauna is richer. Especially the red deer can often be seen. Eagles can also be seen.

Climate

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In the valleys and the mountain area around the glacier the climate can be temperate in summertime. On the glacier the temperature is lower. There can be snowfall even in mid-summer.

Get in

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Bøyabreen arm near road 5 in Fjærland
Arial view of the entire glacier in June

Jostedalsbreen largely rests on a mountain plateau with arms stretching in all directions to the valleys beneath. Only the arms of the glaciers are visible to visitors and the main glacier is visible only from airplane. The glacier can be approached from any of the valleys around the glacier, and there are many access points.

  • The northeastern corner of the glacier is in Oppland in Skjåk district near road 15. Drive local roads through tributary valleys. Access to this corner usually involves long hikes.
  • Stryn district has several access points, notably the well known Briksdalsbreen at Olden
  • Nigardsbreen arm in Luster district is also a popular place for glacier hiking. Access to several branches from Jostedalen valley. Access through Jostedalen valley via Gaupne village.
  • Veitastrond village offers access to several branches, local road from Hafslo junction on road 55
  • Fjærland on road 5 has at least two arms of the glacier
  • Several branches are with some hiking available from Stardalen valley via Klakegg junction on road E39

Most of Jostedalsbreen is protected as national park which means that there are no roads within the park limits. Motor vehicles are not allowed outside roads. Motor transport is only to the edge of park or to one of the arms of the glacier.

Glaciers are treacherous and extremely dangerous, and visitors must keep a safe distance to the glacier arms. Visitors can hike on the glacier only with a professional guide. Guide services are available at Nigardsbreen (Jostedalen valley) and Olden/Loen/Stryn area.

By car

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Public transport is limited with a few departures daily, so a car is the only flexible way to get to the edge of the park.

Road 5 Sogndal-Skei runs in a tunnel in the bedrock under the glacier, and the Bøyabreen arm is visible close to the road at the tunnel entrance in Fjærland.

The Stryn summer ski centre operates at the northern end of the glacier along road 258 Stryn-Grotli.

From Oslo
From Bergen
  • Road E16 to Lærdal then
From Trondheim
  • Road E6 to Otta, then road 15 towards Stryn
From Geiranger
  • Road 63 to Langvatn junction
    • Road 15 to Stryn
    • Road 15 to Grotli, road 258 (old road) to Stryn
    • Road 15 to Lom, road 55 to Luster

By bus or rail

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Sign at park limit

As Sogn og Fjordane county barely has railway lines, the best public transport option is by bus. Buses often operate on a limited schedule, but the entire county is well-covered. The map on Ruteinfo.net shows bus stations, bus stops and accommodation including telephone numbers. As the map is not in English, select one of the municipalities bordering the glacier (Jølster, Luster, Sogndal or Stryn) where it says VEL KOMMUNE. Local bus can be used for the last kilometers to the glacier front.

From Trondheim
  • Express bus via Otta and Stryn towards Bergen
From Bergen
  • Express bus via Førde, Skei and Stryn towards Trondheim
  • Express bus via Førde, Skei and Byrkjelo towards Ålesund
  • Ekspress bus via Lærdal to Sogndal
  • Train to Flåm, bus to Sogndal
From Oslo and Oslo airport
  • Express bus via Valdres to Sogndal
  • Train to Otta, bus to Stryn (direction Bergen or Måløy)
  • Train to Flåm, bus to Sogndal

By boat

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No branch of the glacier reach sea level, but the glacier is partly visible from some of the surrounding fjords.

  • Cruise ships calling at Skjolden (Luster) or Olden (Stryn district) offer bus transport some 30 km to the glacier.
  • Express passenger boat from Bergen or Flåm to Balestrand or Sogndal can be used to connect to public transport on the north shore.

Fees and permits

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There is no fee to enter the park, for hiking or for staying overnight in the backcountry. Hiking is allowed for anyone. There are mostly no fences and no guards on duty.

Get around

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See also: Hiking in the Nordic countries

There are no roads in the park, so the only option is by foot. Hiking in the area surrounding of the glacier is very much possible, given that you choose routes according to skill and experience. In no case should visitors get up on the glacier without a local professional or otherwise skilled enough guide; glaciers are extremely dangerous.

The glacier itself and the complex topography make road transport difficult. Except for the tunnel (between Fjærland and Skei) under the southern tip of the main glacier, all roads into the valleys are dead ends. The full circle around the by car would be well over 400 km or almost a full days drive. Jostedalen valley to Olden on the opposite side is about 200 km by car.

Because of limited public transport, a car is the most flexible way to visit different branches.

Glacier information centre at Stryn
Austerdalsbreen at Veitastrond seen from a safe viewpoint

The most popular places, such as Briksdalsbreen at Olden, can be crowded in summer.

Some attractions related to the glacier and the park are situated outside the boundaries of the park:

If you only would like to see the glacier, without walking on it, these are the best options:

  • 3 Nigardsbreen, Gaupne/Jostedalen (Route 55 to Gaupne then route 604). Arm of the great glacier. In Jostedal, 63 km from Sogndal. In the end of the road there is a parking space. From there departures a small boat over the lake in front of the glacier. The journeys takes 30 minutes, the boat runs non-stop during the season (usually May to October). Observe from safe distance, guide needed for hike on the ice. There is no need to go on a hike to see the glacier. The glacier is usually visible from road or the parking. Sturdy shoes are needed to walk around on shore beneath the glacier. Nigardsbreen (Q1781997) on Wikidata Nigardsbreen on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Bøyabreen (Bøyabreen glacier), Fjærland (Close to Route 5 towards Skei, right before the tunnel.). One of the few places where a glacier arm is readily visible from a main road. It is possible to see the glacier from the parking space. Or you could walk for about half an hour in relatively flat terrain. Keep a safe distance in case of falling ice. 
  • 5 Supphellebreen (in Fjærland, 10 km on a local road from the village). The glacier is usually split into an upper and a lower (regenerated) part, with a non-glaciated area between. Supphellebreen (Q4579193) on Wikidata Supphellebreen on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2017)
  • 6 Briksdal glacier (Briksdalsbreen) (20 km (12 mi) from Olden, in the end of the valley), ☏ +47 57876800, fax: +47 57876801. Perhaps one of the most famous glacier in Norway. In the end of the valley. 22 km from Olden. This may be the most well known view of the glacier. The distance from the parking space to the glacier is 2.5 km (1.6 mi). You can walk or ride with motorised vehicles called Troll-car. Transport road–glacier: adults: 170 kr, children:65 kr. 
  • 7 Kjenndalsbreen (Kjenndalen glacier). Glacier branch at the end of Lodalen/Kjenndalen valley, some 15 kilometers from Loen village. Road almost to the glacier. (updated Apr 2021)
  • 8 Jostedalsbreen (Main glacier). The main glacier can as such be seen from air only. Approximate mid point indicated on map. (updated Mar 2016)

There is generally no need to climb to a high point above to see branches of the glacier. Slopes surrounding valleys are mostly steep and hikes there are only recommended for fit and skilled hikers with proper hiking boots. Branches that requires more hiking to be visited, although no demanding slopes:

  • Bergsetbreen through Krundalen branch of Jostedalen
  • Austerdalsbreen from Veitastrond
  • Langedalsbreen from Veitastrond
  • Vetlebreen from Fjærland
  • Brenndalsbreen from Olden
  • Bødalsbreen from Loen
  • Erdalsbreen from Stryn
The glacier above Olden lake

Trekking and glacier walking should only be done with a professional, local guide. Hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes are needed, depending on the type of hike. The guiding company will provide details about required footwear. The glacier surface is cold (close to 0°C in summer) and wet, so hiking on or near the glacier is colder than general air temperature suggests. The guiding company will give advice about appropriate clothing. Here is a list of organised glacier tours:

  • Bødalsbreen (Meet at Sande Camping), ☏ +47 57-87-68-00, +47 57-87-40-40. 10 Jun-15 Sep: at 10:00. A five-hour trek, including three hours on the glacier. Children under 12 years are not allowed. 500 kr. 
  • Nigardsbreen, Nigardsbre (Boat from parking to glacier front.), ☏ +47 57-68-31-11, . at 11:30, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00. An easy tour, also suitable for children. Minimum age is six year. Adult: 200 kr, Children: 100 kr. 
  • Flatbreen, Fjærland (Meet at Bøyum Camping), ☏ +47 92-85-46-74, +47 57-69-31-89. 1 Jul-31 Aug: At 08:15. A tour suitable for person with some physical training. Trekking for 9 hours, including 3 hours on the glacier. Only children over ten years of age. 
  • 1 [formerly dead link] Stryn summer skiing, Old Stryn mt road (route 258). Ski lift at the northern end of Jostedalsbreen. This ski resort is open in summer only! 

Individual tours could be arranged with the tour-guide upon request.

Hiking can be done around the glacier at safe distance. There are several good and safe viewpoints all around the glacier. The glacier must always be approached with great caution and careful planning. A detailed map 1:50,000 is needed. Visitors should observe warning signs, consult locals, and if in doubt go with a guide.

There are whitewater tours and also more quiet kayak tours available in the neighbourhood. Some of the tours are with the glacier in sight, some even include a glacier hike.

Austdalsvatnet/Styggevatnet lake in the north end of Jostedalen is a reservoir for the hydro power system. A glacier branch dips into the lake and a popular spot for kayakers.

Tunsbergdalsbreen is a 15 kilometer long branch (one of the longest) that ends near Tunsbergdalsvatnet reservoir. It is difficult to access except by boat across the lake. Local guiding companies offers trips including boat transport.

A ticket to the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland.

Traditional Sogn og Fjordane cuisine include: raspeballar, pinnekjøt or spekekjøt.

Cafes and restaurants are mostly found in the villages surrounding the glacier:

Drink

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Olden, which is a bottled water from the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Its source lies in the Oldedalen valley south of Olden in Stryn municipality.

Sleep

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Flatbrehytta lodge at the edge of the glacier, at Fjærland.

Lodging

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Camping

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There are no designated camping grounds in the park. There are camping sites at some accommodations in the neighbourhood.

Backcountry

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Normal right to access applies to wild camping: visitors are allowed to overnight in tents in the wilderness and at least 150 meters from buildings. Camping on roads, in gardens and fields is not permitted. Visitors must not leave any traces or garbage.

Stay safe

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Reckless visitors ignoring fence and safety warnings
Bødalsbreen at Loen seen from a safe distance

Glaciers are one of the most dangerous places for visitors to the Norwegian outdoor. Never underestimate the power of the glacier. Observe warning signs. Never approach the front of the glacier. A glacier is not a stable piece of ice, it is constantly moving like a river and huge chunks regularly fall of.

Do not enter the glacier without proper equipment and skilled guide. Preferably in an organised group tour with a guide.

Sunrays get reflected from the white snow, so it necessary to use sunscreen to protect your skin. Bring warm clothes for tours on the glacier.

Go next

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The rest of Sogn og Fjordane county is scenic. Also, nearby counties have a lot of splendid scenery too. There is a vast variety of things to do and see on your way to, e.g., Oslo or Bergen.

This park travel guide to Jostedalsbreen is a usable article. It has information about the park, for getting in, about a few attractions, and about accommodations in the park. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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