Introducing Jostedalsbreen
For years mighty Jostedalsbreen, many-tongued and mainland Europe’s largest icecap, crept counter-current, still slowly advancing while most glaciers elsewhere in the world were retreating as a result, most scientists agree, of global warming. Now Jostedalsbreen herself has succumbed and, since 2006, has been withdrawing. Briksdalsbreen, which attracts day visitors by the coachload, is cracking and fissuring and, as always, you shouldn’t venture onto the ice anywhere without a qualified guide.
Advertisement
With an area of 487 sq km and in places 600m thick, Jostedalsbreen rules over the highlands of Sogn og Fjordane county. The main icecap and several outliers are protected as the Jostedalsbreen National Park.
The best hiking map for the region is Statens Kartverk’s Jostedalsbreen Turkart at 1:100, 000. The Jostedalsbreen Glacier Walks brochure, available at tourist offices and many other venues, gives a comprehensive list of glacier walks, their levels and guiding companies.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
Re: Norway travel destination inquiries
by cke 28 April 2011
Hi there - i think end of august/early september is actually a good time to go to Norway...warm during the day, a bit cool at night (though…
-
Re: Glacier bus from Sogndal on May?
by 30something 04 April 2011
There is no bus to the Jostedal Glacier in may, only runs from mid June, sorry. But there is a bus to Solvorn from where the ferry to…
-
Re: Nine-day Norway Roadtrip
by 30something 04 April 2011
Would probably go for option A. Sognefjell road usually opens end of April and you will go past Jostedal Glacier on your way to Flåm and…
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
