Sometimes you need a reminder of the vast forces of nature – that there are some things, even in our modern society, that cannot be tamed. Glacier hiking makes for one of those moments.
Glaciers like the mighty Jostedalsbreen make you feel small in the landscape and can be as unforgiving as they are magnificent. Always be careful when experiencing a glacier or one if its branches up close.
Due to deep crevasses, avalanches, and the constant and unpredictable movement of the ice blocks, you should never go out on a glacier on your own. With professional guides and equipment to ensure your safety, though, hiking a glacier in Norway is an unforgettable experience – a true adventure.
Even when hundreds of meters deep, the ice is always on the move and is strong enough to literally shape the Earth. It was the Ice Age glaciers that carved out Norway’s characteristic fjords, valleys, and steep mountainsides. Remnants of those prehistoric glaciers remain.
At the Glacial Museum in Fjærland, you can explore them all. An eye-catching building designed by Sverre Fehn, the most prominent Norwegian architect of the postwar era, hosts the interactive museum which gives you knowledge about glaciers and climate in new and innovative ways.
Glaciers consist of layers of snow that over a long time are compressed into ice.
The ice masses make many glaciers move like very slow rivers.
Glaciers represent about 10 percent of the earth’s land area and are considered remains of the latest ice age.
The ice masses can become several hundred years old.
Glacier analyses give scientists important information about global climate changes and future environmental scenarios.
Front: The head of a hillside glacier.
Outlet: An arm of a main glacier.
Retreat: How a glacier melts, shrinks, gets shorter.
Jøkul: Ancient Norwegian term for glacier, still in use on Iceland.
Jøkulhlaup: A jøkulhlaup or Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a sudden release of water from a glacier. The water source can be a glacier-dammed lake, a pro-glacial moraine-dammed lake or water stored within, under or on the glacier.
Crampons, footwear with spikes (“stegjern”).
Ice axe, tool attached to hand wrist for better climbing.
Rope securing glacier hikers and making sure that everybody stay in a group.
Glaciers consist of layers of snow that over a long time are compressed into ice.
The ice masses make many glaciers move like very slow rivers.
Glaciers represent about 10 percent of the earth’s land area and are considered remains of the latest ice age.
The ice masses can become several hundred years old.
Glacier analyses give scientists important information about global climate changes and future environmental scenarios.
Home to the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort and part of the Folgefonna national park, Folgefonna is a collective term for three glaciers – Nordre Folgefonna, Midtre Folgefonna, and Søndre Folgefonna, all in the Hardanger region of Hordaland county.
In reality, Svartisen in Northern Norway consists of two glaciers – Vestre Svartisen and Østre Svartisen. The glacier is part of Saltfjellet-Svartisen national park in Nordland county.
Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.
There is no need to wait until you’re here to find out what you’d like to do. Glaciers in Norway are a true adventure. Filter your search and check out the offers below.
There’s no reason to stay indoors when you're in Norway. Find fun things to do, whether you are visiting the coast, the mountains, or somewhere in between.
Read moreThe glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls are all about raw, sublime power. On the other hand, natural wonders such as the northern lights, the midnight sun, the fjords, and quiet national parks highlight Norway’s serene qualities.
Read moreTo use something is not the same as consuming it, as prominent Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss once said. Norway’s national parks provide a perfect example of this.
Read moreMany people work hard to make your trip safe and sustainable. Meet ten of them and get a peak behind the scenes of everything from glacier hiking and whale safari to the art of local food.
Read moreBack to top