Glaciers carve our mountains and shape our valleys, and in Norway you can lace up a pair of crampons and step onto the blue ice itself. The best glacier hikes in Norway range from beginner friendly half-day walks to longer, more technical days on high plateaus. Most people join a certified guide, who provides the rope systems and safety know-how you need to travel on crevassed terrain.
Short answer: The most reliable and rewarding glacier hikes are Nigardsbreen in Jostedalen, Juklavass on Folgefonna, Engabreen on Svartisen, and Hardangerjøkulen from Finse. Haugabreen and Buarbreen offer accessible options in Western Norway, while Austdalsbreen pairs perfectly with a paddle by kayak. Prime season typically runs from late May to September, and going with a guide is strongly recommended.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of glacier hiking in Norway.
Nigardsbreen: Norway’s Classic Blue-Ice Walk
Nigardsbreen is a flowing arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen ice cap, and it is the country’s best known place to clip into a harness and walk among ice towers and crevasses. Daily trips run in summer for a range of abilities, from short introductions to longer, more committing outings. Minimum ages vary by tour, but family options are common. Expect a short approach by boat or on foot to the ice front, then a roped walk with a guide providing crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe.
Practical note: For the longer hikes, bring warm layers, a waterproof shell, sunglasses and a packed lunch. The glacier is cold even on sunny days.
Folgefonna: Big Views at Juklavass
On the Folgefonna ice cap between the Hardangerfjord and Sunnhordland, Juklavass delivers sweeping views and fun blue-ice terrain. Guided trips typically run 3 to 6 hours through summer, with set departures that welcome first-timers who are reasonably active. If you are eager for a sampler of varied terrain and fjord-to-ice scenery in a single day, this is a strong pick. Pricing often starts a little above the basic hikes elsewhere because of the logistics and duration.
Insider tip: On clear days, the contrast between bright snowfields and the deep fjords below is striking. Book morning slots for firmer snow bridges and steadier conditions.
Svartisen’s Engabreen: Low-Elevation Ice and Midnight Sun
Farther north in Nordland, Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier. Its Engabreen arm flows close to sea level, which means comparatively quick access and, in midsummer, the chance to be on ice late in the evening under the midnight sun. Trips here range from introductory walks to more technical private tours. Weather can change quickly along the coast, so pack a proper rain shell even if the forecast looks kind.
Logistics vary depending on where you start. Many visitors cross the Holandsfjord by boat to reach the glacier area and join a guide on the ice. Check the day’s meeting point when you book.
Hardangerjøkulen from Finse: High-Plateau Adventure
If you want a higher-alpine feel, head for Finse on the Bergen Railway. From the station, guided parties step straight into a classic day on Hardangerjøkulen, a broad ice cap famous in film lore and beloved for its big-sky vistas. Expect a longer day out and more elevation, with sturdy boots and solid fitness making the experience far more enjoyable. Tours typically run daily in summer when conditions allow.
Travel note: Finse is only reachable by train, bike or foot. That adds charm, and it also means you should book rail tickets early in peak season.
Buarbreen near Odda: Rope Up After a Forest and River Approach
Buarbreen hangs above the Hardangerfjord region near Odda. The approach hike winds through birch forest, over streams and ladders, to the glacier forefield. From there, guided groups rope up for an accessible ice experience that suits active beginners. Plan enough time for the approach; the guided portion starts at the glacier cabin at set times.
This is a satisfying choice if you are based around Trolltunga or the Hardangerfjord and want a half-day blue-ice adventure without a long drive.
Haugabreen in Jølster: Friendly, Less-Crowded Ice
Haugabreen sits on the western flank of Jostedalsbreen and stays relatively quiet compared to the big names. The access is straightforward, and guides run approachable blue-ice walks that balance learning and scenery. If you want a calmer day with time to ask questions about the landscape and glaciology, Haugabreen delivers.
Austdalsbreen by Kayak: Paddle to the Ice, Then Crampon Up
Looking for something a bit different? Combine kayaking across the milky waters of Styggevatnet with an afternoon on the ice at Austdalsbreen. The paddle threads past icebergs calved from a 30-meter face, and the glacier walk gives you the same blue-ice features you see at Nigardsbreen. These combo trips are longer and cost more, but the variety makes the day feel special.
Bring a change of base layer for after the paddle. Dry socks are a small luxury that pays off.
Glaciers to Admire From a Distance
Some famous glacier names are best seen from viewpoints rather than walked on. Briksdalsbreen, for instance, is a beautiful hike to a lake below the ice, but recent retreat and hazards mean you should not go onto the glacier there. Stick to the signed viewpoint and, if you want to touch ice, pick one of the guided venues above.
When To Go and What the Day Feels Like
Summer is the main season for glacier hikes in Norway. Most guiding outfits run from late May or June until September, with exact dates shifting year by year based on snow cover and melt. In a typical day you will meet your guide at a base, receive equipment, walk 30 to 90 minutes to the ice, put on technical gear, then move as a roped team for several hours. Even entry-level trips require you to be steady on your feet and comfortable hiking 5 to 10 kilometers in a day.
Gear: What to Bring and What You Get
Guides supply the rope systems, helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice axes. You bring hiking boots with stiff soles, warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and lunch. A 20 to 30 liter daypack is ideal. If your shoes are very soft, ask the guide ahead of time about rental options so your crampons sit properly.
Safety: Why a Guide Matters On Blue Ice
Norwegian freedom to roam does not automatically make glaciers safe. Hidden crevasses, snow bridges and moulins change from week to week. Certified guides know the day’s conditions, manage rope teams and choose safe routes. They also handle group pacing so everyone enjoys the day. Unless you have glacier travel training and the right partners and equipment, hire a guide.
Typical Costs and How to Book
Entry-level blue-ice walks often start around 900 to 1400 NOK per adult depending on location and duration. Longer or specialty trips, like kayak-and-ice combos, often land between 2000 and 3000 NOK. Prices vary, so check current listings and what is included. Booking in advance is smart in July and August, while shoulder-season days sometimes offer more flexibility.
Choosing the Right Glacier for You
If this is your first time on ice, Nigardsbreen, Juklavass on Folgefonna and Haugabreen are reliable bets for guided introductory experiences. If you want a wilder feeling and you are comfortable with longer days, consider Engabreen on Svartisen or the high-plateau feel of Hardangerjøkulen. Travelers based in Odda can work Buarbreen into a busy Hardangerfjord itinerary. For something different, pair the paddle and crampon day at Austdalsbreen.
Climate and Care: Be a Good Guest on the Ice
Glaciers are changing quickly in Norway. Retreating fronts and shifting terrain are the new normal, which is part of why conditions can open earlier one year and later the next. Follow your guide’s instructions, carry out everything you carry in, and stick to durable surfaces at the margins so the fragile vegetation near the ice can recover. Drones are restricted in many protected areas, including national parks, so check local rules before you fly.
Getting There Without a Car
You can reach several glacier bases by public transport. Finse sits right on the Oslo–Bergen railway, making Hardangerjøkulen uniquely convenient without a car. Jostedalen and Folgefonna take more planning by bus connections, and Svartisen often involves a local boat across the fjord. When you book, ask for the season’s best transit options and pick a morning tour that aligns with bus or train arrivals.
Final Packing Reminders
A glacier day feels much better with dry hands, warm cores and happy feet. Pack thin liner gloves under thicker gloves for dexterity with carabiners. Carry an extra mid-layer, and do not forget sunglasses with solid UV protection. Cotton stays cold and wet; go for wool or synthetics next to skin. Most of all, keep a little margin in your schedule. Ice rewards patience, and you will want time to savor the blue.