Nestled in the heart of Norway, the Folgefonna Glacier is a spectacular natural wonder, part of the Folgefonna National Park. Folgefonna Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Norway, and offers breathtaking views and a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended adventure, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Folgefonna Glacier. For your safety, we highly recommend visiting the glacier as part of a guided tour. Although there are several access points to Folgefonna, Jondal is a reliable option, as it is home to the professional guide company Folgefonni Breførarlag (Folgefonni Glacier Team).
1. How to get to Folgefonna Glacier from Bergen
Driving from Bergen to Folgefonna
The most convenient way to reach Folgefonna Glacier from Bergen is by car. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering about 150 kilometers (93 miles). Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Route E16: Start by heading east from Bergen on the E16 highway.
- Route 7: After about an hour, take the exit onto Route 7 towards Norheimsund.
- Route 551: Continue on Route 7, and then switch to Route 551 towards Jondal. When you reach Tørrvikbygd take the ferry across the fjord to Jondal.
- Jondal to Folgefonna: Follow the signs to Jondal, and from there, you'll find directions to the glacier center and parking areas.
We recommend driving an electric car in Norway. Electric vehicles are very common in Norway, and you will find charging stations along your route if needed.
By Public Transport (bus, ferry and taxi/shuttle bus combination)
The best public transport option is to catch bus number 930 from Bergen Bus Station to Jondal.. Timetables for the bus and ferry are avilable at Skyss.no. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The bus travels from Bergen Bus Station to Tørrvikbygd, where it then continues on the ferry across the fjord to Jondal. You do not need to change buses at any point, and the bus schedule corresponds with the ferry (which takes 40 minutes).
Once you have taken the ferry, you will arrive in Jondal, where you must disembark and arrange your own transport to the glacier. You can take a taxi to Folgefonna glacier or you can book a pick up service from Folgefonni Breførarlag. (NOK 200 per person). The pick up must be booked in advance on their website. The drive up to the glacier takes about 30 minutes.
Bus tickets can be purchased through the Skyss Billett app or directly from the driver using a card (cash payment costs more). The ferry is free for passengers, and the bus is free of charge if you have a valid Bergen Card. 
Bergen to Folgefonna. Photo: maps.google.com (Link to map here)
2. Activies on Folgefonna
GoFjords offer a round trip from Bergen to Folgefonna Ski Centre including a 5-hour guided tour on Folgefonna. On the hike you will have close contact with a unique natural environment and with the culture and history of this beautiful area.
There’s also the opportunity for an exciting half-day dogsledding adventure on Folgefonna. Immersing yourself in the captivating beauty of Norway's arctic wilderness alongside friendly huskies can never be wrong.
The Glacier Experts at Folgefonni Glacier Team also offer an exhilarating experience on their guided glacier kayak tour. Please note that this tour starts and ends in Rosendal (about one hour drive from Jondal).
3. Folgefonna National Park
Folgefonna National Park, established in 2005, is a pristine natural sanctuary. Spanning an area of 545 square kilometers (210 square miles), the park is home to some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the region, including the Folgefonna Glacier, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient woodlands.
At the Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal you can learn about the Folgefonna National Park and aquatic life in the Hardangerfjord.
4. 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.
5. Nearby places worth visiting
Rosendal:
If you drive an hour from Jondal, you will find Rosendal . This beautiful village has several attractions worth seeing. Baroniet Rosendal is known for its stunning rose garden and an extensive cultural program featuring concerts in picturesque surroundings. The Manor, dating back to 1665, is beautifully situated with majestic mountains in the background. At the harbor in Rosendal, visit the Folgefonn Center. This visitor center offers insights into Folgefonna National Park, the journey of water on Earth, and climate change.
Driving to Rosendal from Bergen takes about 2.5 hours, including a ferry ride between Gjermundshavn and Årsnes. You can find the route on Google Maps.
If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus or boat. The Hardangerfjord Express operates from Bergen city center to Rosendal center year-round.
Hardangerfjord:
Hardangerfjord is renowned for its beautiful scenery, delicious apples, and flavorful cider. The area is perfect to explore in combination with a visit to Folgefonna. Folgefonna is located between Hardangerfjord to the west and Sørfjord to the east. Sørfjord is a branch of Hardangerfjord, where you will find villages such as Odda, Lofthus, Ullensvang, and Kinsarvik.
In the summer, you can take the boat "The Fjords," commonly known as the "Cider Boat," because it stops at fruit farms producing cider along the fjord. It starts in Odda in the south and stops at Tyssedal (Trolltunga hike), Naa, Aga, Lofthus (Dronningstien hike + Heit Sørfjorden Sauna), Ulvik, and ends at the innermost point of Hardangerfjord in Eidfjord, where you can find the famous large waterfall Vøringsfossen.
Driving from Jondal to Odda takes about 40 minutes.
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