Blue ice trip at Folgefonna Glacier
The tour starts at 11 o'clock from the Summer Ski Center in Jondal, at 1200 metres above sea level. The Glacier fall consists of both calm, flat ice and more challenging crevasse areas. The tour is adjusted to the participator wishes and condition. In the middle of the blue ice we take a break with view over the North Sea and the Rosendal Alps. The guides will inform you about the culture and the physical Geography. In the end we walk back in the afternoon light with fjord and mountains below us.
Suitable for: Everyone above 12 years old and in normal condition
Season: This is a daily trip from about 15 June (depends on snow conditions) until the 20 August.
Time: 5-6 hours
Starting point: Folgefonn Summer Ski Centre
Parking: Folgefonn Summer Ski Centre
Directions to starting point: From Jondal Centre: Follow the traffic signs towards Folgefonna. It is 19 km and takes about 30 minutes to drive. The bus runs from Jondal at 09.45 pm, from 21st of June – 15th of August. If you want to take your cycle on the bus and enjoy a fantastic bike ride from 1200 meters above sea level down to zero meters at the Hardangerfjord. This is not recommended for children.
The guided trips sets off through frozen valleys and past conical towers of ice. If you seek excitement you may climb the 20-meter high precipices of ice. If, on the other hand, you seek a more meditative experience you will find it as we cross the thousand-year-old desert of ice; apparently at rest, but in perpetual change.
Moving constantly towards its inevitable fate in the emerald waters of the Jukla Lake. You will feel your spikes biting into the ice and the pleasure of teamwork with those who share the same climbing rope.
Finally you will feel how the white plateau lifts you up to give you a breathtaking view of the ocean to the west. Down at the fjord once more you will be embraced by the pale greens of young birches on the hillsides.
Mountain hike: Breidsete – Osadal - Breidsete
The hike goes throguh forrest and mountain terrain, alongside lakes and rivers, 460 - 818 meters above sea level.
The hike starts at the summer farms of Breidsete. Follow the signs, cross the bridge south of Breidsete and walk the trail alongside the river. By the river the trail can be marsh, good shoes are recommended. At Fossane there are some steep parts until you reach several small lakes called Jondalstjørnene. Follow the trail at the right side of the lakes. If you wish to try your fishing luck, you can catch fish in different mountain lakes nearby the path. The trail passes through gentle terrain before you reach the mountain cottages at Osadal. From here you can either walk the same route back to Breidsete, or continue to Hestadalen at 900 metres above sea level. At Hestadalen you meet the road to Folgefonna glacier, approximately 14 kilometres from Jondal Centre. You can catch the bus at 15:55 and pick up your car at Breidsete (there will be some walking from the road to the parking place).
Suitable for: Most people in normal condition
Distance: Breidsete – Osadal – Breidsete: 10,6 kilometers. Breidsete – Hestadalen: 8,3 kilometres
Time: 4-5 hours
Starting point: Breidsete
Parking: Breidsete
Recommended stops: Fossane, the mountain lakes, Osadal
Directions: From Jondal Centre, drive towards Folgefonna glacier for approximately three kilometers. Then turn right and drive towards Breidsete for approximately four kilometers. (Payment of toll fees).
The main hiking season in Jondal lasts from June to September. Snow usually arrives in October or November. The large mountain areas around Jondal offer many opportunities for hiking. The stores and the tourist information offer a map with 35 marked hiking trails, both short and long hikes. The tourist office also offer rental of GPS programmed with different routes, or you can download the routes to your own GPS.
Contact: visitjondal.no, post@visitjondal.no