Austdalsbreen is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Tucked into the upper reaches of Jostedalen in Vestland county, this glacier arm of the mighty Jostedalsbreen reaches down toward turquoise meltwater lakes and stark, moonlike rock. It feels wild yet accessible, and with the right planning you can step onto the ice in a safe, guided way and still feel the quiet of real Norwegian nature.
If you are wondering whether Austdalsbreen is worth the trip, the short answer is yes. The classic way to visit is by joining a guided tour that crosses Styggevatnet by kayak or boat before walking onto the glacier with crampons and rope. You do not need previous glacier experience, but you should be comfortable with a full day outdoors and have a basic level of fitness.
Let’s take a deeper dive into Austdalsbreen, from the best season to go and how to get there, to what a typical day on the ice looks like and how to pack for changeable mountain weather.
Where Austdalsbreen Is and What Makes It Special
Austdalsbreen sits on the eastern side of Jostedalsbreen, the largest ice cap in mainland Europe. The glacier spills down toward high mountain reservoirs, with crevasses, blue ice walls, and sculpted meltwater channels that change through the season. Compared to the better known glacier arms like Nigardsbreen, Austdalsbreen feels quieter and more remote, partly because the approach involves a water crossing and a short hike over rocky ground to reach the ice edge.
The scenery is striking. Gray gneiss and polished bedrock wrap around milky blue lakes, and you can see glacial striations etched into the stone like nature’s own notebook. On clear days the ice glows with an inner blue, especially in moulins and small ice caves that form and collapse as summer progresses.
Best Time to Visit Austdalsbreen
The practical season runs from late June to early September in a normal year. Some springs arrive late in the high country and the access road to the reservoir can remain closed by snow into early summer. Plan for July and August if you want the most reliable access and relatively mild temperatures. Early September often gives crisp air and fewer people, but days are shorter and weather can turn quickly.
Morning conditions are usually calmer on the water and firmer underfoot on the ice. Afternoon brings more meltwater and sometimes stronger winds across the lake. If you can, choose a morning departure.
How to Get There
Austdalsbreen is reached from the Jostedalen valley in Luster municipality. Most visitors base themselves in Gaupne, Jostedal, or Sogndal and drive up the valley to the high reservoir area. Expect a mix of paved valley road and a final stretch on a mountain road to the dam where tours launch. The last section is typically ungated only in summer and can be rough in places with potholes and loose gravel. Drive slowly and let faster traffic pass at pullouts.
Public transport will take you as far as Gaupne or Sogndal, but you will almost certainly need a car to reach the reservoir and tour meeting points. If you do not have a car, speak with your guide company in advance about possible transfers. Do not count on mobile coverage the entire way. Download offline maps, keep your fuel tank healthy, and check the road status the day before you go.
Guided Tours and Safety
Glacier travel in Norway is not a do it yourself activity unless you have formal glacier training, proper equipment, and recent local knowledge. Conditions change daily, and crevasses or snow bridges are not obvious to untrained eyes. The good news is that several reputable local operators run guided trips on Austdalsbreen, typically combining a water crossing with a roped walk on the ice.
What to expect from a professional operator:
- Certified glacier guides who provide technical equipment like helmet, harness, ice axe, and crampons
- Small group sizes for safety and learning
- A safety briefing that covers movement on uneven terrain, how to walk with crampons, and what to do on the rope
- All decisions made with weather and group ability in mind
Age limits and fitness requirements vary by company, but families with older children who are comfortable hiking usually do well.
What a Typical Day Trip Looks Like
Most tours meet in the morning in Jostedalen or at the dam above the valley. After fitting gear and a talk through the plan, you cross Styggevatnet. On calm days the paddle or boat ride is a highlight in itself with mirrorlike water and wide views of the plateau. From the landing, there is a short hike over rocky moraine to reach the safe access point on the ice.
Time on the glacier usually ranges from two to three hours. You will learn to place your feet flat in crampons, how to step around small crevasses, and how to move as a team on the rope. Guides often show meltwater mills, ice formations, and safe viewpoints down blue cracks. There is time for photos, a snack break, and the quiet that settles when the wind drops and the only sound is water trickling inside the ice.
The day ends with the return hike to the boats and a ride back across the lake. Total duration is often five to seven hours depending on the plan, weather, and group.
Difficulty Level and Who It Suits
Austdalsbreen trips are designed for people with normal fitness who enjoy a day outdoors. You do not need to be an athlete. Expect to carry your own daypack, walk on uneven ground, and be on your feet for several hours. If you are nervous about balance, tell your guide. They can adjust the route and pace, and they always prioritise secure footing and conservative lines on the ice.
If you are a keen photographer, the combination of boat, moraine, and ice gives great variety. Polarising filters help with glare off the water and ice, and spare batteries are smart since mountain cold can drain them faster.
What to Pack
Your guide provides technical glacier gear. You bring the clothing and personal items that keep you warm, dry, and happy.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Trainers get wet and cold.
- Clothing: Wool or synthetic base layers, a warm mid layer, and a waterproof jacket and pants. Avoid cotton. Even in July you can feel winter on the ice.
- Accessories: Warm hat, thin gloves for the boat and hike, and sunglasses with strong UV protection. Glacier light can be intense, even on cloudy days.
- Food and drink: A hearty lunch and snacks you actually enjoy, plus at least one liter of water per person. In warm spells you may want more.
- Small extras: Sunscreen, lip balm, a lightweight sit pad for breaks, and a dry bag if you are paddling.
Do not bring drones or wander off for the perfect shot without asking your guide first. Wildlife, other guests, and safety take priority.
Weather and Road Considerations
Mountain weather is changeable. A blue sky start can shift to fog and drizzle by midday, or the other way around. Guides plan conservative routes and will not take you onto the ice when conditions are unsafe. Wind is the main factor for the lake crossing. Gusty days can make paddling difficult or uncomfortable for new paddlers, and sometimes a motorboat or a shorter plan is chosen.
The high road to the reservoir is typically open only in summer. Snowbanks can linger near the dam even after the valley feels like midsummer. Nights can be cold, and frost is not unusual in late August at elevation. Check the forecast for Jostedalen and the mountain area, not only the fjord towns.
Where to Stay and Eat
You have three sensible bases for Austdalsbreen:
- Jostedalen: Closest to the action and quiet at night. You will find small lodges, cabins, and campsites with simple facilities. It suits early starts and people who prefer nature over nightlife.
- Gaupne: A handy valley town with groceries, fuel, and a couple of places to eat. Good if you want convenience and short driving times.
- Sogndal: The regional hub with more restaurants and supermarkets. It adds some driving but gives you more choice in the evening and better options if you need gear or supplies.
Bring groceries up the valley. Small local shops are friendly but have limited hours and selection, especially on Sundays and public holidays. Remember that many Norwegian shops have reduced opening hours on Sundays, and some are closed.
Responsible Travel and Glacier Etiquette
Austdalsbreen is a living landscape that changes every season. The ice edge retreats and advances in small ways, and the meltwater creates new channels each year. Treat it with care.
- Book guided: It keeps you safe and minimises the chance of accidents that strain local rescue teams.
- Stay with your guide on the rope: Do not step off for a photo without being invited.
- Pack out everything: Snack wrappers, tape from gear, and banana peels do not belong on the mountain.
- Be gentle with fragile ground: Moraine soils and alpine plants recover slowly from heavy trampling.
- Give other groups space: Sound carries in these wide basins. A bit of distance gives everyone a sense of solitude.
Pairing Austdalsbreen With Other Highlights
If you have extra time in the area, there are easy additions that pair naturally with a day on Austdalsbreen.
- Breheimsenteret Glacier Center in Jostedalen: Exhibits about Jostedalsbreen and local geology add context to what you saw on the ice. It is a good rainy day plan and a nice stop with kids.
- Nigardsbreen viewpoint: Even if you do not step onto that glacier, the lake and front of Nigardsbreen are worth a short stroll. The light can be dramatic on moody days.
- Urnes Stave Church and Solvorn: Cross the fjord by ferry and visit Norway’s oldest stave church. The apple orchards and calm water in Solvorn make a gentle contrast to the high mountains.
- Mørkridsdalen valley: A lush hike with waterfalls and mossy forest. It is a different face of the same region and a good rest day for your legs.
Local Tips From Someone Who Grew Up With These Mountains
Start early. The lake is calmer, parking is easier, and you get that first quiet hour on the ice before the day warms up. Pack one extra warm layer you think you will not need. You probably will. Keep a dry pair of socks in the car for the ride back to the fjord. On summer evenings, the light along Lusterfjorden can be beautiful, so do not rush your drive back. If you want a small treat to celebrate, the bakeries in Sogndal do a good skillingsbolle, which is our take on a cinnamon roll. Simple, but after a day on the ice it tastes like victory.
Austdalsbreen is for travelers who want to feel out there without needing hardcore expedition skills. With a little planning, a good guide, and respect for the elements, you will have a day that shows off what makes Norway’s glacier country special.