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Activities in Jostedalen

Do you want to experience the blue ice up close? Experienced guides can take you up to the mountains in both summer and winter. Jostedalen offers fabulous nature and exciting landscapes. Breheimsenteret is a good starting point for adventures both big and small, such as glacier hiking, mountain trekking, kayaking, and rafting. There are unlimited possibilities to go on an adventure out in nature, whether on your own or with a guide.
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Langsua nasjonalpark

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Breheimsenteret
6871 Jostedal, Norway
T: +47 57 68 32 50
E: jostedal@jostedal.com

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Person dressed in red, at the top of Nigardsbreen glacier
The landscape has been shaped by the glaciers over thousands and thousands of years. Moving about in this glacier and mountain landscape lets visitors experience how the immense forces of the glaciers have impacted the landscape and the conditions for life throughout the ages. Between May and October, glacier hiking, kayaking, and rafting are exciting activities that everyone can participate in. In the wintertime, the Blue Ice Cave is a thrilling destination. There is usually plenty of snow in the Jostedalen valley and endless possibilities for skiing. How about combining a spectacular trip to a nearby mountain peak or the Blue Ice Cave with dinner at Jostedal Hotell or a swim at the Lustrabadet swimming complex?
People skiing in the mountains

Guided trip to the Nigardsbreen Viewpoint

Do you want to learn more about the Nigardsbreen glacier and how it has impacted the landscape and the people and ecosystems there? If so, you can join our nature guide on a trip to Nigardsbreen. During the trip, you will see how the glacier has shaped the landscape and hear the dramatic story of how the annually expanding Nigardsbreen destroyed farm buildings in its path.

Boat on the water, with Nigardsbreen glacier in the background.

On your way to the starting point by Nigardsbreen’s glacial lake, you will drive through a moraine landscape that was formed during the so-called Little Ice Age. From the Nigardsbreen car park, we will take the local boat for a round trip on the green glacial lake. We will then proceed to the recently ice-free landscape in front of the glacier. At the viewpoint itself we will take a break and taste cured meat from lambs who graze in the valley.

The ticket includes admission to the exhibition at Breheimsenteret, which is the visitor centre for the Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen National Parks.

Price: NOK 500 for adults and NOK 275 for children (up to 16 years). The price includes admission to the exhibition, a boat ticket, and food samples. Duration: Approx. 3 hours.

Picture of the Nigardsbreen glacier

Glacier hiking

Glacier hiking on blue ice is possible on Nigardsbreen from May to October. Experience the thrill of wandering about in blue ice, listen to the ice melting, and see the stunning landscape that has been created by the glacier over thousands of years. Jostedalen is the home of Nigardsbreen, the most accessible glacier in Norway, as well as several other glacier arms from Jostedalsbreen that are fully possible to visit along with a guide.

Children and adults on a glacier.
You can join shorter and longer glacier tours with experienced and knowledgeable glacier guides, in either smaller or larger groups. You will be lent the equipment you need to hike through the wondrous blue ice formations. Courses in glacier hiking will be organized for both beginners and advanced hikers, in addition to special courses for instructors. In April and May you can participate in a true springtime adventure: the Josten på langs ski crossing. Over the course of three days, you will experience Jostedalsbreen from the top of the glacier, starting in Jostedalen and ending up in the village of Fjærland, as you ski from the highlands and down to the fjord. For more information about the trips and how to book, see the various companies’ websites: Jostedal Breførarlag Icetroll Norgesguidene Fjord Active
Hiking boots in ice

Kayak

In Jostedalen you can fulfil your dream of kayaking among icebergs! It is possible to kayak in several glacier lakes, beginning when the ice melts in early summer and ending in the fall.

Man and woman in kayak, with mountains in the background
Manoeuvring your kayak between icebergs on your way to one of the beautiful glacier arms is a magical experience that anyone can enjoy. The durations and distances of the trips vary in accordance with the visitors’ requests. Starting in May, kayak trips to Nigardsbrevatnet are on offer, combined with glacier hiking. The ice breaks up a bit later at the lakes Styggevatnet and Tunsbergdalsvatnet, so the season starts correspondingly later there. More information and booking: Icetroll

Rafting

On its journey through Jostedalen and down towards Sognefjorden, the Jostedøla river offers exciting challenges. Different stretches of the river are well-suited to families, beginners, or thrill-seekers.

People rafting in a river
Experienced guides take you on rafting expeditions whose difficulty is graded 1–4. The lower age limit is 4 years. More information and booking: Icetroll

The Blue Ice Cave

Visit Nigardsbreen in wintertime on snowshoes or skis and experience the marvellous blue ice. If conditions allow, it is even possible to go beneath the ice! Every year we examine the ice as we search for caves that may safely be visited, but each year is different. In certain winters there are large caves, at other times small ones. In any event, the magic of the blue glacial ice remains the same!

Man in the Blue Ice Cave
Contact the local guide (Bjørnar) for more information and to book a trip: bjorjost@gmail.com Facebook: Icecave Tlf.: +47 959 23 689

Snowshoe hiking

Experience the glacial foreland in winter. Our nature guides will take you on an informative walk across moraine ridges. Learn the glacier history and hear the dramatic stories. A family friendly experience with time to play in the snow and to enjoy a break by the fire.

Three people snowshoe hiking

The walk is easy for people in normal physical condition. We walk in the valley Nigardsbredalen and we’ll also have a break with a bon fire and something to eat. Join us for a one day hike or spend the night in Jostedalen and combine the hike with a trip to the Blue Ice Cave or a visit to one of the mountains in Jostedalen.

Clothing and equipment:

warm clothes and shoes.

Booking

Email to jostedal@jostedal.com or call +47 57 68 32 50.

 

  • Daily on request.
  • Register within 3 days before start.
  • Meeting place: Breheimsenteret car park, Jostedalen.
  • Price: NOK 500 adult / NOK 300 children (up to 16 years). Minimum NOK 1500.
Three people snowshoe hiking

Skiing

Experience the fantastic skiing in Jostedalen this winter! The season is long and the proximity to the glaciers means that there are often good snow conditions. The most eager skiers come here to start the season already in October. In Jostedalen you can go cross-country skiing, forest skiing or summit the great peaks. Both Randonnée tours, avalanche courses and ski camps are offered, with professional guides. After a long day of skiing, Jostedal Hotel is the perfect place for après ski and dinner!

Fem personer på ski i Jostedal.
 

Info guiding and avalanche courses

Jostedal Ski – guiding and skicamps

info@jostedalski.com

Snøsikker – guiding

bjorjost@gmail.com

Norgesguidene – guiding and avalanche courses

post@norgesguidene.no

Three people snowshoe hiking

Mountain trekking

If you want to go on trips on your own, you can stop by Breheimsenteret and obtain trekking cards that provide concise, useful information about your trip. This is a simple way to explore the wonderful routes of Jostedalen. We have many suggestions for nice trips you can take, have a look at the Jostedalen Map

Man and dog mountain trekking
Title Address Description
Gamlevegen 3,5 km
H7PM+WC Gjerde, NorgeStart at Jostedal church. The hike follows the old road over “Styggegjølet”. The stone walls of the ancient road gives the hike a historical atmosphere.
Height difference 70 m.
Difficulty: Easy

Tour facts Hike description

Dalen 2,3 km
9FH9G7XR+6RStart in Fossøy.  An easy hike from the flood memorial after the great flood in 1979. From the highest point there is a great view to the village of Fossøy. Height difference: 120 m. Difficulty: Easy Tour facts · Hike description
Gjerde 3 km
Brevegen 8, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Breheimsenteret and experience Jostedalen by foot! The hike takes you and the family between Breheimsenteret and Gjerde.
Height difference: 50 m
Difficulty: Easy

Tour facts · Hike description

Nigardsbreen 10 km
Brevegen 8, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Breheimsenteret and hike trough Nigardsbreen Nature Reserve up to the front of Nigardsbreen.
Height difference: 100 m.
Difficulty: Medium

Tour facts · Hike description

Bergsetbreen 3,5 km
J5V9+MW Gjerde, NorgeStart at Bergset. The hike is popular by families. In the end of the beautiful Bergset valley, hangs the Bergset glacier.
Height difference 60 m.
Difficulty: Medium

Tour facts · Hike description

Røykjedalen 4 km
J6P8+66 Gjerde, NorgeStart at Snøtun. Walk up to the mountain pastures and enjoy your lunch with a great view, while the sheep are grazing nearby.

Height difference: 460 m.

Difficulty: Medium

Bakkedalen 4 km
H7XH+Q6 Gjerde, NorgeStart in Bakken. Follow the trail to Bakkedalen, and enjoy the view from the summer mountain pasture. For a longer hike, move on to Bakkedalsvatnet and have a refreshing swim.
Height difference: 460 m.
Difficulty: Medium
Holmevatnet 4 km
M9CP+74 Mjolver, NorgeStart in Fagredalen, already above the tree limit. This is a high mountain hike up to the lake Holmevatnet, where you can try your fish luck (buy a fishing license at www.inatur.no or Jostedal Hotel).

Height difference: 240 m.
Difficulty: Medium

Myrhyrna 5,6 km
Unnamed Road, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Vanndalsvatnet. This characteristic Jostedalen peak is a favourite among locals as well as painters. The top view is amizing towards Jotunheimen, Breheimen and Jostedalsbreen National Parks.
Height difference: 440 m.
Difficulty: Demanding.

Tour facts · Hike description

Hytta på Mannen 6 km
Unnamed Road, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Vanndalsvatnet. There is a shelter at the top, where you can eat and rest before heading home. The view to Jostedalsbreen, Jotunheimen and Breheimen is beautiful.
Height difference: 460 m.
Difficulty: Demanding.
Haugafjellstølen 5 km
J7J3+JM Gjerde, NorgeStart at Gjerde or Haugen. This south faced, sunny and steep hike is one of the most popular hikes, providing a great view over the valley. For a longer hike, continue to Haugsvarden.
Height difference: 480 m.
Difficulty: Demanding
Liastølen 3,9 km
Nedreli 36, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Gardshaugen. A nice hike to the old mountain pastures and beautiful cultural landscape.
Height difference: 390 m.
Difficulty: Demanding
Vassdalen 7 km
Nedreli 36, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Gardshaugen. A partly steep hike for experienced families, trough cultural landscape. Great view, and you can fish and swim in the lake /river (buy fish card at www.inatur.com or Jostedal Hotel)
Height difference: 470 m.
Difficulty: Demanding
Vangsen 6,6 km
Unnamed Road, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeStart at Vanndalsvatnet. Vangsen (1757 masl) is the highest peak in Jostedalen, relatively easy accessible in summertime as the start is at high altitude.
Height difference: 710 m.
Difficulty: Expert
Gjerde–Bergset
Jostedalsvegen 3051, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeA nice bike ride through the beautiful Krundalen. In the end you see the Bergset Glacier, that you can reach by foot from the car park at Bergset. 6 km one way.
Height difference: 200 m.
Difficulty: Easy
Gjerde–Nigardsbreen
J7J7+HH Gjerde, NorgeFollow the Fv 604 up to Breheimsenteret an turn left towards the car park at Nigardsbrevatnet. Expect some care traffic during high season.
Height difference: 80 m. 6 km one way.
Difficulty: Easy
Gjerde–Styggevatnet
Fv334 13, 6871 Jostedal, NorgeThe bike ride offers beautiful glacier landscape all the way up to Styggevatnet and Austdalsbreen. Some steep hills, and continous climbing for 24 km. Remember light and reflex in the tunnel.
Height difference: 1000m.
Difficulty: Demanding

Canyoning

Do you want to take part in an invigorating and fun-filled river experience? Rafting in the Jostedøla lets you truly experience the excitement and joy of playing around in a frothing glacier river.

People canyoning with Fjord Active
Equipped with a wetsuit, life jacket, and helmet, you can explore glacial potholes and waterfalls in the Leirdøla river. You can try out swimming, climbing, and water sliding – and perhaps even cliff jumping? Canyoning is a family-friendly activity, with a lower age limit of 10 years. More information and booking: Fjord Active
Person canyoning, with safety personell from Fjord Active

The nature trail

From Breheimsenteret you can follow the informative and interesting nature trail all the way to the Nigardsbrevatnet lake. An overview of the trip is available at the car park at Breheimsenteret, and you can easily find the trail by following the light-blue cones. During the trip you can learn more about geology, history, and glaciers. This is a nice trip that is suited for everyone. It takes about 1 hour each way.

Picture of nature trail