Imagine walking through deep ice valleys, past towering, razor-sharp ice spires, and whimsical ice formations – or skiing across an endless ice desert or over shimmering blue ice, all while being surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains, forests, fjords, and lakes as far as the eye can see.
These are exactly the kinds of experiences you can have when visiting Norway’s glaciers. And if venturing onto the glacier itself feels too daunting, you can still enjoy their majestic beauty from a safe distance.
Folgefonna
Foto: Visit Hardangerfjord
Located in Folgefonna National Park near the Hardangerfjord, the Folgefonna Glacier offers authentic “blue ice tours.” Suitable for anyone over the age of 10 with a basic level of fitness, these tours are tailored to each group’s preferences. Experienced guides will teach you how to use the equipment before leading you into the breathtaking icy landscape.
For those seeking intense, almost meditative nature experiences, there’s the century-old ice desert to explore. If you prefer adrenaline and adventure, the guides can take you ice climbing on 200-metre-high ice walls.
Throughout the journey, guides share insights about the nature, culture, and history of this captivating area, giving you plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.
Buerbreen near Odda
Close to the charming holiday town of Odda, you’ll find Buerbreen – an outlet glacier from the mighty Folgefonna Glacier. It’s just an 8-kilometre drive from Odda’s town centre to the small village of Buer, where you’ll already catch sight of the stunning blue ice.
From the car park, a marked trail leads you right to the glacier’s edge. The path follows a rushing river through the lush Buer Valley, surrounded by steep mountain sides.
If you want to get even closer to the ice, you can join a guided glacier hike on the blue ice itself. For the boldest adventurers, there’s also the option to try ice climbing or explore the glacier’s spectacular maze-like crevasses, caves, spires, and cracks.
Jostedalsbreen
Foto: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / www.visitfjordnorway.com
Jostedalsbreen National Park is dominated by the enormous Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest mainland glacier in Europe, covering half of the vast national park.
When hiking here, you’ll feel as though you’re moving through different seasons. The area features a wide range of landscapes, from green valleys filled with lush vegetation to stark, rugged mountains and icy glacier terrain. Adventurous visitors can join glacier hikes that take you across the impressive ice-covered expanse.
In the summer, Jostedalsbreen also offers unforgettable glacier experiences. You can join kayak tours on the glacier’s surrounding lakes, starting with a paddle across the water to the glacier, followed by a hike to the ice itself. For those daring enough, you can even explore some of the glacier’s caves and crevasses.
Nigardsbreen
Foto: Jens Henrik Nybo - VisitNorway.com
Nigardsbreen, another arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen Glacier, is located northeast of Bergen and is beautifully framed by towering mountains. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals – not just for its breathtaking views but also for how accessible it is.
You can admire its beauty from the ground or join a blue ice tour, where experienced guides lead you on a hike atop the magnificent and intriguing ice.
Haugabreen
Foto: Fjord Norge/fjordnorway.com
In the western part of Jostedalsbreen National Park, you’ll find the Haugabreen Glacier.
One of the most sought-after activities here is the “Haugabreen Glacier Walks,” described as a “blue ice adventure for the whole family.” This guided tour takes you not only through the striking rocky landscape leading to the glacier but also onto the icy terrain itself, equipped with crampons, ice axes, and other gear suitable for the rugged environment. Standing on the dazzling blue ice is an experience you’ll never forget!
If climbing the ice feels too daunting, you can opt for one of the “Touch the Glacier” tours. A guide will lead you through the remarkable landscape to the glacier’s edge, sharing stories about how the glacier has shaped its surroundings and its historical significance along the way.
