Norway, a country renowned for its dramatic landscapes and stunning natural beauty, is home to some of the most breathtaking glaciers in the world. Glaciers in Norway, from towering ice formations to sprawling icefields, offer unique experiences for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Before we introduce the top four glaciers in Norway that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list, let's start with the most important thing: safety tips.
- Glaciers are beautiful but can also be dangerous. Without a guide or professional experience, getting too close or stepping onto the glacier may lead to serious injury or death.
- Glaciers are in constant movement and ice calving may occur without any warning. Keep a safe distance from the edge of the glacier, to stay clear of the risk of getting hit by falling ice or rock.
- If you want to experience the glacier up close, you should always use a certified guide. Dangerous crevasses may be hidden under a thin layer off snow. Without a guide or professional experience, you should never walk onto the ice.
- The climate around glaciers is special, so be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. As always, our tips for hiking in the nature applies for all nature-based activities.
1. Folgefonna - A Summer Ski Paradise
Folgefonna, the third-largest glacier in Norway, is located in the picturesque Hardanger region, approximately 70 kilometers from Bergen. Covering about 207 square kilometers, it is renowned for its summer ski resort, making it a unique destination for winter sports enthusiasts even in the warmer months. Equally popular is the glacier hike, offering a close encounter with this majestic glacier.
Hiking at Folgefonna Glacier. Photo: Folgefonni breførarlag
Folgefonna is the closest glacier to Bergen, and you can visit it on a day trip.
Read more about Folgefonna and how to visit here.
About an hour by car from Folgefonna, you'll find the picturesque village of Rosendal, a perfect place to combine with your glacier visit. For those interested in learning more, the Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal offers interactive exhibitions about the glacier, life in the Hardangerfjord, Folgefonna National Park, and climate change.
Read more about things to do Rosendal village near Folgefonna.
2. Jostedalsbreen (Jostedal Glacier) - The largest glacier in continental Europe
Located in Vestland county, approx. 170 kilometers from Bergen, Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland. Covering an impressive 487 square kilometers, this glacier is part of Jostedalsbreen National Park, offering visitors a mix of serene beauty and exhilarating adventure.
Jostedalsbreen has several famous "arms", like Nigardsbreen (Nigard Glacier), a popular destination for guided glacier hikes. The hike to the glacier takes about 3 hours (total there and back). Visitors can also embark on adventurous walks across the icy landscape, learning about the glacier's history and the natural forces that shape it.
Jostedalsbreen. Photo: Thomas T. Kleiven - VisitNorway.com
From Bergen, you can take a day trip to Bøyabreen, a part of Jostedalsbreen. These tours are perfect if you enjoy combining a fjord cruise with the opportunity to see a glacier without hiking or skiing.
3. Hardangerjøkulen - The Ice Cap of Hardanger
Hardangerjøkulen is one of Norway’s most significant glaciers, located in the Hardanger region, approx. 120 kilometers from Bergen. Covering around 73 square kilometers, this glacier is particularly famous for its role in the filming of the ice planet Hoth scenes in "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back."
From the nearby village of Finse you can join a guided tour to Blåisen. The hike takes about 6-7 hours and are only available during the summer. Photo: VisitNorway.com
To get to Finse, take the train from Bergen towards Oslo. The train ride is spectacular and worth the trip on its own. You can even get a glimpse of the glacier from the train window. Read more about Bergensbanen train between Bergen and Oslo here.
4. Briksdalsbreen (Briksdal Glacier) - A Spectacular Glacier Arm
Nestled within Jostedalsbreen National Park, Briksdal Glacier is another one of the famous arms of the Jostedal Glacier and a popular tourist attraction. Briksdalsbreen is approx. 300 kilometers from Bergen.
You can access the glacier from Briksdal, where Oldedalen Skyss offers a shuttle service known as "Troll Cars." These cars take you close to the glacier, leaving you with only about 700 meters to walk. Each Troll Car accommodates only seven passengers per carriage, so be sure to plan ahead and book your spot in advance.
Bonus: Svartisen in Northern Norway - The Second Largest Glacier in Norway
We can’t talk about famous Norwegian Glaciers without mentioning Svartisen.
Svartisen, which translates to "the Black Ice," is a stunning glacier located in Nordland county, much further north in Norway. It is divided into two parts: the western Svartisen (Vestisen) and the eastern Svartisen (Østisen), with the whole glacier covering about 370 square kilometers. A prominent arm of Svartisen, Engabreen is one of the lowest-reaching glaciers in mainland Europe.
Norway’s glaciers are not just remnants of the last Ice Age but living landscapes that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking on Jostedal Glacier, skiing on Folgefonna, or exploring the cinematic landscapes of Hardangerjøkulen, each glacier provides a distinctive glimpse into the natural beauty and power of Norway’s icy wilderness. So pack your warmest clothes and your spirit of adventure, book a guided tour, and set out to discover these majestic ice giants.
Read about what a glacier is and its fascinating features.
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