Buarbreen is one of the most accessible glacier arms of Folgefonna, tucked at the end of the green Buer Valley just outside Odda. The hike takes you from farmland and birch forest to a rugged moraine where blue ice hangs between two peaks. Expect ropes and chains, boulders, river spray, and a finish line that feels properly earned. It is a classic Hardanger hike that rewards good boots and steady footing.
If you are wondering whether this is doable in a day with standard hiking gear, the short answer is yes. Most hikers complete the out and back in about 3 to 4 hours, with roughly 500 to 600 meters of elevation gain. You do not need technical equipment to reach the glacier viewpoint, but you must join a certified guide if you plan to step onto the ice. The season typically runs from late May to October, depending on snow and river levels.
Ready to see one of Folgefonna’s most photogenic outlets without committing to a full expedition? Let’s take a deeper look at how to plan your day at Buarbreen.
What and where is Buarbreen
Buarbreen is an outlet glacier flowing from the Folgefonna ice cap, which dominates the Hardanger region. The trail begins at Buer, a small farming hamlet about 9 kilometers from the town center of Odda. Parking and the signed trailhead sit at the very end of the narrow valley road.
Best time to go
In a normal year, the walking season runs from the end of May through October. Early season can mean lingering snow in the upper sections, while late summer often brings the driest rock and most stable river crossings. After heavy rain the streams rise quickly and bridges can be wet and slick. If the forecast is poor, wait it out.
How to get there
Most visitors base in Odda and drive to the trailhead. It is roughly 7 to 9 kilometers by road, with a narrow, partly gravel approach for the final stretch. If you do not have a car, a local taxi from Odda is the practical option. Public buses typically do not run all the way to the parking area at Buer.
Parking, fees, and facilities
Parking is at the farm and the larger lot behind it. Payment is by card at the automatic gate. Expect a day rate in the range of about 150 to 230 NOK, and note there are toilets by the larger lot. Fees change from time to time, so budget a little extra. Campervans can use the lot, but space is limited at peak times.
Trail overview
From the farm, the path follows the river through forest before climbing steeply onto slabs and boulder fields. Fixed ropes and chains help on the steeper rock steps, and you will cross small bridges over side streams near the top of the valley. Most hikers turn around at the signed glacier viewpoint near the snout, where the moraine and ice meet. Allow 3 to 4 hours round trip for a relaxed pace with breaks. Distance is commonly measured at about 5 to 6 kilometers total with around 600 meters of ascent.
Is this hike right for you
Buarbreen is not a roadside viewpoint, but it is a straightforward mountain path if you are comfortable with hands-on sections and uneven footing. You will use ropes to steady yourself on wet rock and you should expect slippery roots after rain. Families with confident youngsters often do well here, as long as the adults are ready to assist on the steeper bits. If exposed terrain makes you uneasy or if the rivers are running high after storms, consider waiting for a drier day.
Safety and what to bring
Bring waterproof hiking boots with good grip, warm layers, a shell jacket, hat and gloves, and enough food and water for a half day out. Pack a drybag or liner for spare layers. Do not go onto the glacier without a certified guide. The ice is in constant motion, with hidden crevasses and unstable seracs near the snout that can collapse without warning.
Pro tip from locals: in wet weather, treat the polished rock like ice, keep three points of contact on the rope sections, and use trekking poles for the descent. Start early if you want a quieter trail and easier parking.
Guided glacier tours at Buarbreen
If you want to step onto the ice, join a licensed guide. Operators in Hardanger run summer glacier trips on Buarbreen, typically with set departures in the late morning and early afternoon. Expect a total time of about six hours, including roughly 1.5 hours of hiking from the parking to the glacier, about three hours on the ice, then the return walk. Equipment is provided and the minimum age is usually 13. Book ahead in midsummer.
Local route details and terrain notes
The valley path is varied and often wet. After the forest section you will traverse granite slabs with chain handrails, then scramble on moraine boulders. Short footbridges cross stream channels near the end. In early summer, snow melt swells the rivers, and in late autumn, morning frost can make the rocks slick. The final viewpoint sits on the right side of the valley, with a close look at the icefall and meltwater torrents. Ropes and a small suspension bridge are part of the experience.
Practical add-ons around Odda
Odda is the natural base, with grocery stores, cafes, and places to sleep. Many travelers pair Buarbreen with a rest day or with another classic like the Trolltunga viewpoint or one of the fjord ferries in Hardanger. If you are driving from Bergen, leave time for the scenic Hardangerfjord crossings and plan around ferry schedules, especially in peak season.
Sample day plan
Start with an early breakfast in Odda, then drive to Buer before the lots fill. Hike steadily to reach the glacier viewpoint by late morning. Take a long break with a thermos and snacks near the ropes section before descending, then return to Odda for a late lunch. If energy remains, walk the fjord promenade or visit a nearby waterfall.
Accessibility and alternatives
This trail involves steep, uneven ground, chain assisted steps, and boulder fields, so it is not suitable for strollers or for those who require barrier free paths. If you want glacier scenery with less scrambling, consider lake viewpoints around Folgefonna or an easy walk to a viewpoint along Hardangerfjord. Guided tours on other Folgefonna outlets, with simpler access, can also be a good fit if you prefer gentler terrain but still want to experience glacier ice.
Responsible travel
Stay on the signed path to protect fragile alpine plants. Pack out all litter, avoid stepping on the glacier without a guide, and be mindful of private farmland at the start of the route. If you bring a drone, check local regulations and avoid flying near people or livestock.
Quick facts
Where: Buer Valley, 9 kilometers from Odda
Season: Late May to October, weather dependent
Distance and elevation: About 5 to 6 kilometers round trip, 500 to 600 meters ascent
Time: 3 to 4 hours for most hikers
Terrain: Forest path, granite slabs, ropes and chains, moraine boulders
Parking: Paid, card at the gate, toilets by the larger lot
Guided glacier access: Available in summer with licensed operators