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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Info guiding and avalanche courses
Jostedal Ski – guiding and skicamps
Snøsikker – guiding
Norgesguidene – guiding and avalanche courses
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
Title | Address | Description |
---|---|---|
Gamlevegen 3,5 km | H7PM+WC Gjerde, Norge | Start 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 |
Dalen 2,3 km | 9FH9G7XR+6R | Start 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, Norge | Start at Breheimsenteret and experience Jostedalen by foot! The hike takes you and the family between Breheimsenteret and Gjerde. Height difference: 50 m Difficulty: Easy |
Nigardsbreen 10 km | Brevegen 8, 6871 Jostedal, Norge | Start at Breheimsenteret and hike trough Nigardsbreen Nature Reserve up to the front of Nigardsbreen. Height difference: 100 m. Difficulty: Medium |
Bergsetbreen 3,5 km | J5V9+MW Gjerde, Norge | Start 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 |
Røykjedalen 4 km | J6P8+66 Gjerde, Norge | Start 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, Norge | Start 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, Norge | Start 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. |
Myrhyrna 5,6 km | Unnamed Road, 6871 Jostedal, Norge | Start 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. |
Hytta på Mannen 6 km | Unnamed Road, 6871 Jostedal, Norge | Start 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, Norge | Start 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, Norge | Start 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, Norge | Start 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, Norge | Start 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, Norge | A 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, Norge | Follow 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, Norge | The 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.
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.