Buarbreen is one of the most accessible glacier arms of Folgefonna, the vast ice cap that spills into the Hardanger region of western Norway. Tucked into the green Buer Valley just outside Odda, this hike takes you from farm fields and birch forest to roaring meltwater rivers and a dramatic wall of blue ice. It is a classic Hardanger day out, close enough to town for a spur-of-the-moment adventure, yet wild enough to feel like true glacier country.
If you are wondering whether Buarbreen is worth your time, the short answer is yes. The trail is engaging without being a technical mountaineering route, the scenery changes every half hour, and the glacier provides a visceral sense of Norway’s living landscape. You do not need special equipment to reach the safe viewpoint near the glacier, but you should be prepared for a real mountain hike that includes steep, rocky sections with ropes and occasional simple bridges over streams.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Buarbreen Glacier, including how to get there, what to expect on the trail, when to go, and the practical tips locals lean on to make the day smooth.
Where Buarbreen Is and Why It Matters
Buarbreen is a southern outlet of the Folgefonna ice cap, which dominates the Folgefonna National Park. The trail begins in the Buer Valley, roughly 8 to 10 minutes’ drive from central Odda. What makes Buarbreen special is the contrast. In the lower valley, you pass farms and grazing sheep; higher up, the valley narrows into a granite amphitheater with waterfalls thundering off the cliffs and the glacier hanging above. On a warm day you will hear the glacier groan and crack, and you will feel the cold breath of the ice long before you see it.
When To Go
The main hiking season typically runs from late May or early June through October, depending on snow and water levels. July and August are prime months for long daylight and warmer temperatures. Always check the local weather forecast on the morning of your hike. After heavy rain, some streams swell and bridges or rope sections get wet and slippery. In spring and late autumn, patches of snow and ice can linger in shaded spots. If the cloud ceiling is very low, you can still have a great hike through the forest and up the valley, but the glacier might hide behind the mist.
Local tip: if you have flexibility, start early on a weekday. You will find easier parking, a quieter trail, and softer light on the ice.
Difficulty and Who the Hike Suits
Expect a moderate to challenging mountain hike with hands-on moments. There are steep, rocky steps, boulder fields, short ladders, and fixed ropes to help you up and down. You do not need climbing experience, but you should be comfortable with uneven ground and using your hands for balance.
Most hikers spend 3 to 5 hours round trip, depending on pace, photo stops, and how long you linger near the glacier. Fit children who enjoy scrambling often love this trail, but it is not suitable for strollers, and it can feel exposed for very young kids. Dogs are allowed on leash, although you may need to lift or guide them on a few obstacles.
Getting to the Trailhead
Drive from Odda toward the signed turnoff for Buer. The final stretch is a narrow rural road with passing places. Take it slowly, use the pull-outs, and be courteous to oncoming traffic. Parking is at the end of the valley by the farm. In high season there is usually a fee. Payment methods vary year to year, so have a backup like a credit card or a mobile payment app, and bring some cash just in case. Arrive early during summer holidays to secure a spot.
Public transport options are limited. If you are traveling without a car, consider a local taxi from Odda or ask your accommodation about seasonal shuttle options.
Facilities at the Trailhead
Facilities are simple. In high season you will often find basic toilets near the parking area. Water is plentiful along the route, but the streams run off glacial terrain. Many locals drink directly from side streams high in the valley, but if you have a sensitive stomach, use a bottle with a filter. There are no permanent shops on the trail. Pack everything you want to eat and drink.
What the Trail Is Like
The route is well trodden and clearly marked. Here is the rhythm of the hike so you can pace yourself.
- Valley and Farm Fields
You start on easy paths through pastures with mountain views straight ahead. Respect gates, keep dogs on leash, and give livestock space. This gentle start is short, and it is a good time to adjust your layers and check your footwear. - Birch Forest and Rivers
The path steepens into birch and pine. You will cross several streams on small bridges or rocks. After rain, these spots can be slick, so test your footing. You will hear the main river long before you see the glacier. - Granite Slabs, Ropes, and Ladders
Higher up, the trail moves onto polished rock and boulders. Fixed ropes and a few short ladders help you around steeper steps. Take your time, keep three points of contact, and let faster hikers pass at a safe spot. Gloves can be nice for grip on wet ropes. - Moraines and Glacier Viewpoint
As the valley narrows, the air cools and the sound of meltwater intensifies. The marked path leads to a safe viewpoint opposite the glacier tongue. This is where most hikers stop for photos and a long break. Do not continue onto the ice or the unstable debris without a certified guide. Crevasses and ice caves can collapse with no warning.
Safety Near the Ice
The front of a glacier is a dynamic place. Rockfall is common, ice chunks calve off, and the braided rivers can change course in hours. Barriers and signs are placed with these hazards in mind. Obey them. Keep a generous distance from the ice front and from undercut cliffs. If you choose to walk on gravel near the river, stay alert for rising water in warm afternoons.
A note on climate reality: Buarbreen has retreated noticeably in recent decades. On older photos you will see the ice much lower in the valley. The current viewpoint still delivers big impact, but the retreat means the final approach can change from year to year. Follow the latest marked route rather than trying to match someone else’s GPS track from a past summer.
Gear Checklist That Works Here
You do not need technical gear for the standard hike, but the right basics make the day better.
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Waterproof jacket and warm midlayer, even in July
- Hat and light gloves, especially useful for rope sections
- Daypack with snacks, lunch, and at least 1 liter of water
- Small first aid kit and blister care
- Phone in a waterproof pouch, plus a paper map or offline map
- Trekking poles if you like support on descents
- Insect repellent in midsummer, the valley can have gnats on warm afternoons
If you plan to step onto the glacier itself, book a guided tour that provides crampons, harnesses, helmets, and expert supervision. Never venture onto the ice unguided.
Guided Tours
Several Hardanger operators offer glacier experiences, though most guiding on Folgefonna takes place on more stable areas of the ice cap. Occasionally, local guides run Buarbreen-specific trips when conditions allow. If a guided Buarbreen walk is not available, look for guided glacier hikes on the plateau above Jondal or at Fonna Glacier Ski Resort. They deliver the same thrill of walking on blue ice, with safer terrain for groups.
Weather Patterns You Can Expect
Hardanger weather swings quickly. A day can start with low cloud, open to bright sun at midday, then bring a fresh shower by late afternoon. The valley funnels wind toward the glacier, so it feels colder at the viewpoint than in the parking lot. My rule of thumb is simple: if you are debating whether to bring that extra layer, bring it. Avoid the trail in thunderstorms and be cautious after very heavy rain.
Photography Tips
The light near the glacier is bright and contrasty, especially when clouds lift and the ice glows. A few tricks help:
- Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday glare
- Step back and include the waterfalls and valley walls to show scale
- Use a simple microfiber cloth to keep spray off your lens
- If you want silky waterfall shots, a small tripod is helpful, but handholding works fine if you brace against a rock
Pair Buarbreen With Other Hardanger Highlights
Give yourself at least a full day in the area. The region around Odda is dense with sights.
- Låtefoss is a double waterfall that pours under the road south of Odda. You can visit in 15 minutes, and it is spectacular after rain.
- Trolltunga is the famous cliff hike above Tyssedal. It is a very long day compared to Buarbreen, so most people do not combine them, but spending two or three nights in Odda lets you try both if the weather cooperates.
- Folgefonna National Park has other shorter walks and lakes worth exploring if cloud sits low on the glaciers.
- Hardangerfjord fruit farms between Odda and Lofthus offer tastings in late summer and early autumn.
Respect for Farms and Nature
The Buer Valley is both a working landscape and part of a national park. Close gates behind you, keep food away from curious sheep, and pack out all trash. Stay on the marked route to protect fragile plants on the moraines. Norway’s right to roam is generous, but it comes with shared responsibility.
Food and Where To Stay
Odda and Tyssedal have a growing mix of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. For an early start, pick up baked goods the day before or ask your accommodation about breakfast packs. You will find everything from simple guesthouses to well-equipped hotels. If you prefer a cabin or campsite, book ahead in July and August. After a wet Buarbreen day, a place with a drying room feels like luxury.
A Local’s Way To Time the Day
If the forecast looks stable, I like to start from the parking area by 8 or 8:30, reach the glacier viewpoint before most day trippers arrive, then descend as the valley warms and rivers grow louder. Back in Odda by early afternoon, grab a late lunch, then visit Låtefoss or stroll along the fjord promenade. If the morning is socked in, swap it. Enjoy a slow breakfast, watch the cloud lift on the webcams or from town, then hike in the afternoon. Summer evenings are long, and the light is kinder.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
How long is the hike to Buarbreen?
Plan for 3 to 5 hours round trip, with frequent stops and some steep sections that slow the pace.
Can I walk on the glacier?
Only with a certified guide. The ice front is unstable and dangerous to approach.
Is the trail suitable for children?
Yes for fit, confident kids who like scrambling. Not suitable for strollers, and keep a close eye near water and drop-offs.
What shoes do I need?
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip. The rocks and roots can be slick, especially after rain.
Is there mobile coverage?
Coverage comes and goes in the valley. Do not rely on stable service. Tell someone your plan and estimated return time.
Are there bathrooms on the trail?
Expect basic facilities only at the parking area in high season. Use them before you start.
Buarbreen delivers that rare combination of easy logistics and big mountain drama. If you respect the conditions and give yourself time to move steadily, you will earn glacier air on your face and a memory that sticks. Hardanger has a way of getting under your skin. Let the valley do its work.