Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen National Park (Jostedalsbreen nasjonalpark) protects the largest glacier on the European mainland — the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, covering roughly 487 km² of brilliant blue ice and feeding numerous glacier arms that creep down into steep, forested valleys. Established in 1991, the park spans a dramatic east–west corridor through Vestland county between the Sognefjord and Nordfjord, with the ice cap as its centrepiece and rugged mountain terrain, glacial rivers, and old-growth birch forests surrounding it. The glacier arms — most famously Nigardsbreen, Briksdalsbreen, Bøyabreen, and Tunsbergdalsbreen — are among the most accessible glacier tongues in the world, drawing visitors who come to walk on ancient ice, witness calving into milky turquoise lakes, and experience a landscape shaped by millennia of freeze and thaw.

The park sits in a maritime climate zone, receiving heavy precipitation as both rain and snow. Winters are long, snowy, and dark; summers are mild and bright, with near-continuous daylight in June and July. The interior ice cap is permanently frozen, but the glacier arms have been retreating and advancing in response to climate fluctuations — Briksdalsbreen notably advanced in the early 2000s before resuming its retreat, and the visitor experience of "how far the ice reaches" changes from decade to decade. This living landscape makes the park both a geological classroom and a poignant reminder of a warming planet.

The park has no single entrance or central village. Instead, access points are scattered around the ice cap's perimeter: the Jostedal valley to the north, Fjærland to the south (via Sognefjord), Olden and Loen on the Nordfjord side to the west, and the Breheimen area to the east. Each gateway village offers a different glacier arm, a different museum or visitor centre, and a different character — from the quiet dairy farms of Jostedal to the cruise-ship bustle of Olden. Plan which arm(s) you want to visit and base yourself accordingly, or spend a few days hopping between gateways.

By Plane

The nearest airports with scheduled service are Sogndal Airport, Haukåsen (SOG), about 100 km (1.5–2 hours' drive) from the Jostedal glacier arms, and Førde Airport, Bringeland (FDE), roughly 130 km to the west. Both are served by Widerøe from Bergen (BGO) and Oslo (OSL); flights are small turboprops and can be expensive (expect kr 1,000–2,500 one-way from Bergen or Oslo). Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), 250–290 km from the park, is the international gateway — significantly cheaper to fly into, with onward rental-car or bus connections. From Bergen, driving to the park takes 4–5 hours depending on the gateway chosen. From Sogndal Airport, a rental car is the practical option; public transport connections to Jostedal require a bus to Sogndal centre and then a separate Jostedal-bound service.

By Train

There is no train station directly at Jostedalsbreen. The closest rail access is at Flåm (on the Flåm Railway, a branch off the Bergen Line) or at Otta (on the Dovre Line from Oslo), from which you can drive or bus to the park's eastern and southern sides respectively. The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) between Oslo and Bergen passes through Finse and Myrdal but does not serve the national park area directly. From Flåm, driving to Fjærland (one of the southern gateways) takes about 1.5 hours. The Flåm Railway itself (Flåmsbana) is one of Norway's most scenic rail journeys and worth incorporating into your travel route. Book via vy.no (formerly NSB).

By Car / Road

Driving is the most practical way to reach Jostedalsbreen National Park from anywhere in Norway. From Bergen, take the E39 north-east to the Nordfjord area (Olden/Loen, roughly 270 km, 4.5–5 hours including a ferry crossing at Anda–Lote). Alternatively, drive via Førde and Skei. From Oslo, the route goes via Lillehammer and Otta on the E6, then over the Sognefjell mountain road (Rv55) to the eastern side of the park — roughly 450 km, 7–8 hours; this road is closed in winter (typically October–May). From Sogndal, Route 5 to Gaupne and then the Jostedal valley road leads to the Nigardsbreen glacier arm (about 60 km, 1 hour). Long-distance bus services connect Bergen and Oslo to Sogndal, Førde, and Nordfjordeid (nor-way.no / vy.no express buses), from which local buses or a rental car completes the journey.

A rental car is strongly recommended for exploring the park. The glacier arms are spread around the ice cap along separate valleys, each served by its own road — there is no internal road connecting them through the park. Public bus connections exist but are infrequent (often 2–4 departures daily in summer, fewer or none outside peak season), and reaching trailheads from bus stops often involves long walks. The main roads to the glacier arms are paved and well-maintained though narrow, with steep sections and hairpin turns on approaches to Nigardsbreen and Briksdalsbreen. Fuel up in larger villages (Sogndal, Skei, Olden) as petrol stations are scarce near the glaciers. Ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber) do not operate in this area. Cycling is feasible on the valley roads but challenging on the steep approaches. Guided tours from gateway villages are a car-free alternative for glacier visits.

• Nigardsbreen glacier arm — The most famous tongue of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, terminating in the turquoise Nigardsbrevatnet lake. Accessible via a marked trail from the Breheimsenteret visitor centre in the Jostedal valley. A boat crosses the glacial lake (summer only, ~kr 75 return) to reach the glacier foreland where you can walk right up to the ice. Free to view; boat ticket separate.

• Briksdalsbreen glacier arm — Perhaps the most photogenic of the glacier tongues, set in a narrow valley above the Briksdalsbreen lake near Olden. A 3-km walking trail (easy, about 1 hour each way) leads from the car park to the glacier viewpoint. The walk passes waterfalls and lush scenery. Parking fee ~kr 50; trail is free. The glacier has retreated significantly since its peak in the late 1990s but remains a striking sight.

• Bøyabreen glacier arm — A wide glacier arm visible from the road near Fjærland, with a short walk from a small car park to a viewpoint overlooking the ice. One of the easiest glacier arms to see — you can be at the viewpoint within 10 minutes of leaving your car. Free.

• Norwegian Glacier Museum (Bremuseet) — An architecturally striking museum in Fjærland, designed by Sverre Fehn, dedicated to glaciers and climate science. Interactive exhibits on glacier formation, the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, and the effects of climate change. Open roughly May–September; admission ~kr 150 adult.

• Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre (Jostedalsbreen nasjonalparksenter) — Located in Oppstryn (Stryn municipality) on the Nordfjord side. Exhibitions on the park's geology, flora, fauna, and cultural history, plus a panoramic film. Open summer season; admission ~kr 120 adult.

• Breheimsenteret — The visitor centre at the end of the Jostedal valley road, serving as the gateway to Nigardsbreen. Exhibitions on the glacier, a café, and information desk. Departure point for the glacial lake boat. Open May–September.

• Supphellebreen glacier arm — A lesser-visited arm accessible from the Fjærland area via a marked hiking trail (moderate, 2–3 hours round trip). Offers a quieter alternative to Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen.

• Guided glacier hikes — The signature activity at Jostedalsbreen. Certified glacier guides from companies like Jostedalen Breførarlag and Briksdal Adventure lead walks onto the ice using crampons, ropes, and ice axes. Tours range from easy introductory walks (2–3 hours on the ice, ~kr 750–1,000 per adult) to full-day glacier treks and ice-climbing sessions (~kr 1,500+). No prior experience needed for the basic tours; minimum age typically 8–12 depending on the operator. Book in advance during peak season. Never walk on a glacier without a guide — crevasses and unstable ice make solo attempts genuinely dangerous.

• Hiking in the glacier valleys — Marked trails radiate from each gateway. The Nigardsbreen glacier lake trail is an easy 45-minute walk. From Jostedal, the Stølsmaradalen valley trail offers a full-day hike through classic Norwegian mountain scenery. The old road to Briksdalsbreen is a gentle stroll suitable for all ages. More demanding routes include the traverse from Fjærland to Jostedal over the ice cap (mountaineering expedition, multi-day, guide required).

• Boating on glacial lakes — Small motorboats shuttle visitors across Nigardsbrevatnet to reach the Nigardsbreen foreland; the short crossing itself is a memorable experience as the milky green water, strewn with small icebergs calved from the glacier, laps against the boat.

• Kayaking — Guided kayaking trips on the glacial lakes and fjords near the park are available from operators in the Nordfjord and Sognefjord areas. Paddling among icebergs on Nigardsbrevatnet (conditions permitting) is an extraordinary experience.

• Fjord day trips — The Sognefjord and Nordfjord are both within easy reach of the park's gateway villages. Boat trips, fjord cruises, and scenic drives along the fjord shores make excellent day excursions between glacier visits.

• Fishing and wildlife watching — Rivers and lakes in and around the park offer trout and salmon fishing (fishing licence required, available locally). The valleys support red deer, golden eagles, and occasionally lynx and wolverine. Guided wildlife-watching excursions can be arranged through local tourist offices.

Dining options are sparse near the glacier arms themselves — most visitors self-cater from grocery supplies in Sogndal, Stryn, or Skei, or eat at their accommodation. The visitor centres typically have cafés serving simple hot meals, sandwiches, waffles, and coffee. Norwegian food culture in this region centres on lamb, cured meats, fresh trout, and dairy products.

• Breheimsenteret Café (Jostedal) — At the Nigardsbreen trailhead. Serves waffles, soups, open-faced sandwiches, and coffee. Simple but satisfying after a glacier walk. Mains ~kr 100–180.

• Briksdalstova (Olden/Briksdal) — A rustic mountain lodge-style restaurant near the Briksdalsbreen car park. Norwegian dishes including kjøttkaker (meatballs), fresh trout, and fish cakes. Mains ~kr 180–300.

• Jostedal Hotell (Jostedal) — A small family-run hotel restaurant serving home-cooked Norwegian dinners — often lamb, seasonal vegetables, and homemade desserts. Dinner mains ~kr 250–350. Booking advisable in summer.

• Bøyabreen Café (Fjærland) — Simple café at the Bøyabreen glacier viewpoint. Coffee, waffles, and light snacks. A good pit stop while exploring the Fjærland arm of the park.

• Skei Hotel (Skei) — A classic Norwegian hotel with a restaurant serving a buffet and à la carte Norwegian cuisine. Convenient if basing yourself near the crossroads village of Skei on the E39.

Vegetarian options are limited at most cafés — the traditional cuisine is meat- and fish-heavy. Self-catering is the safest bet for strict dietary requirements. Pack lunches and thermos coffee for hiking days.

Norway's drinking culture is social and moderate. In the gateway villages, your options are the hotel bar or the local pub — there are no dedicated cocktail bars or nightlife venues near the glacier arms. Jostedal Hotell and Skei Hotel both have licensed bars serving Norwegian beers (Hansa, Ringnes, and local craft options if available), wines, and aquavit (akevitt) — the Scandinavian spirit distilled from potatoes and flavoured with caraway or herbs, often served alongside traditional dinners. Non-alcoholic options include Solo (a Norwegian orange soft drink), coffee (Norwegians drink enormous quantities), and various herbal teas. Tap water throughout the region is safe and excellent — Norway has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, and streams in the mountains are generally safe to drink from directly. Alcohol is expensive in Norway (a beer at a bar typically costs kr 80–120), and spirits are only sold at Vinmonopolet, the state-run liquor store (the nearest branches are in Sogndal and Stryn).

Accommodation near the park is concentrated in a handful of small villages with limited capacity — book well ahead for July and August.

Budget:

• Jostedal Camping og Hytter (Jostedal) — Campsite with simple cabins (hytter) near the Nigardsbreen access road. Tent pitches from ~kr 200, cabins from ~kr 600–900. Basic but well-located.
• Sande Camping (Olden) — A campsite near Briksdalsbreen with cabins, tent/RV pitches, and a small shop. Cabins from ~kr 700, tent sites from ~kr 250.

Mid-range:

• Jostedal Hotell (Jostedal) — A traditional family-run hotel in the Jostedal valley, close to Nigardsbreen. Comfortable rooms with a homely Norwegian atmosphere, on-site restaurant. From ~kr 1,200–1,800 per night.
• Briksdalsbre Fjellstove (Olden/Briksdal) — A mountain lodge at the foot of the Briksdal valley with well-appointed rooms and an excellent restaurant. From ~kr 1,400–2,000 per night.

Upscale / heritage:

• Hotel Alexandra (Loen) — A well-known fjord hotel on the shores of Nordfjord, about 30 km from Briksdalsbreen. Full-service with spa, pool, multiple restaurants, and glacier-hike booking services. A long-established family hotel with a history stretching back to the 19th century. From ~kr 2,500–4,500 per night.
• Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel (Fjærland) — A beautifully situated boutique hotel on the Fjærlandsfjord, combining fjord views with access to Bøyabreen and the Book Town. Intimate, with well-regarded dining. From ~kr 2,000–3,500 per night.

Shopping opportunities near the park are limited and focused on local and Norwegian products. The gateway villages have small grocery stores for self-catering essentials (Coop and Joker are common chains). At the glacier visitor centres (Breheimsenteret, Bremuseet, the National Park Centre), you will find souvenir shops selling postcards, books on glaciers and Norwegian nature, handcrafted woollen goods (lusekofter — traditional Norwegian patterned jumpers), troll figurines, and local food products such as brunost (brown cheese) and geitost (goat cheese) from local dairies. Fjærland is Norway's "Book Town" (Bokbyen), with several second-hand bookshops housed in old buildings along the fjord — a delight for bibliophiles. The larger towns of Sogndal and Stryn, 60–80 km from the park, offer more conventional shopping including outdoor-gear shops (check Intersport or XXL) if you need hiking equipment.

• Flåm and the Flåm Railway (approx. 160 km, 2.5 hours by car) — The famous Flåmsbana railway descends 866 m from Myrdal to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, one of the world's steepest standard-gauge rail lines. The village also offers fjord cruises into the Nærøyfjord (UNESCO World Heritage).

• Loen Skylift and Via Ferrata (approx. 30 km from Briksdalsbreen, 30 minutes) — A cable car rising to 1,011 m above the Nordfjord with panoramic views and a via-ferrata climbing route at the summit. Open summer season.

• Geirangerfjord (approx. 100 km, 2–2.5 hours via Stryn and the mountain passes) — Norway's most iconic fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site with sheer cliff walls and thundering waterfalls. Reached by car via the spectacular Eagle Road or by ferry.

• Sogndal (approx. 80 km from Jostedal, 1.5 hours) — The largest town in the inner Sognefjord region, with university-town amenities, a ski centre, and as a gateway to the Sognefjord and its branches.

• Balestrand (approx. 110 km from Jostedal, 2 hours via Sogndal and the fjord road) — A picturesque village on the Sognefjord with a long history as a tourist destination, the Kviknes Hotel (a grand old fjord hotel), and the neo-stave-style St. Olaf's Church.

• Norheimsund and Hardangerfjord (approx. 170 km, 3–3.5 hours via Voss) — The Hardangerfjord is Norway's second-longest fjord, famous for its orchard-lined shores (spectacular apple blossom in May) and the Steindalsfossen waterfall you can walk behind.