Jostedalsbreen

Jostedalsbreen is in Sogn og Fjordane of Norway. Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland.

Understand

History

The glacier and the mountains surrounding it became a national park in 1991.

Landscape

Mountains, some of them bare-scrubed by the ice. Many valleys. And glaciers rising to a height of 2083 m (6833 ft).

Flora and fauna

At lower elevation the flora is quite rich. This is because of the pure meltwater flowing down the valley. Closer to the glacier the flora is of an artic type. On the glacier there is not much animal life. Red deer, lynx and wolverines could be spotted. In the mountains and valleys around the fauna is richer. Expecially the red deer could often be seen. Eagles could also be seen.

Climate

In the valleys and the mountain area around the glacier the climate can be temperated in summertime. On the glacier the temperature is lower. There can be snowfall even in mid-summer.

Get in

By bus

As Sogn og Fjordane county barely has railway lines, the best public transport option is by bus. Buses often operate on a limited schedule, but the entire county is well-covered. The map on Ruteinfo.net will show you bus stations, bus stops and accommodation including telephone numbrers. As the map is not in English, select one of the municipalities bordering the glacier (Jølster, Luster, Sogndal or Stryn) where it says VEL KOMMUNE.

Fees/Permits

There is no fee to enter the park.

Get around

There are no roads in the park. So the only option is walking.

See

The following atractions are related to the glacier and the park. However they are situated outside the boundaries of the park.

• Norsk bremuseum (Glacier museum), Fjærland, ☎ +47 57693288 ([email protected], fax: +47 57693287). Jun-Aug: 9AM-7PM, Apr-May and Sep-Oct: 10AM-4PM. Museum regarding glaciers. Also visitorcenter for the park. Adult:110 kr, students: 50 kr, children: 50 kr.
• Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter, Oppstryn, ☎ +47 57877200 ([email protected]), [1]. "hours="18. Visitorcenter, with exhepition about flora, fauna and geology in the park.
• Breheimsenteret, Jostedal, ☎ +47 57683250 ([email protected], fax: +47 57683240), [2]. 1 May-31 Sep: 10AM-5PM, 21Jun-20Aug: 10AM-7PM. Visitorcenter.

If you only would like to see the glacier, without walking on it, this are the best options:

• Nigardsbreen. In Jostedal, 63 km from Sogndal. In the end of the road there is a parking space. From there departures a small boat over the lake in front of the glacier. The journeys takes 30 minutes.
• Bøyabreen. In Fjærland, close to Route 5 towards Skei. It is possible to see the glacier from the parking space. Or you could walk for about half an our in relatively flat terrain.
• Supphellebreen. In Fjærland. 10 km on a side road from the village.
• Briksdalsbreen. In the end of the valley. 22 km from Olden. This may be the most well known view of the glacier. From the parking space you could walk 2,5 km or ride with motorised vehicles called Troll-car.

Do

Trekking and glacier walking. Here is a list of organised glacier tours:

• Bødalsbreen, (Meet at Sande Camping), ☎ +47 57876800 or +47 57874040. 10 Jun-15 Sep: at 10AM. A five hour treking, including three hour on the glacier. Children under tvelwe years are not allowed. 500 kr.
• Nigardsbreen, Nigardsbre (Meet diect by the glacier), ☎ +47 57683111 ([email protected]). at 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 14PM, 15PM. An easy tour, also suitable for children. Minimum age is six year. Adult: 200 kr, Children: 100 kr.
• Flatbreen, Fjærland (Meet at Bøyum Camping), ☎ +47 92854674 or +47 57693189. 1 Jul-31Aug: At 8:15 AM. A tour suitable for person with some physical training. Treking for nine hour, including 3 hour on the glacier. Only children over ten years of age.

Inividual tours could be arranged with the tour-guide upon request.

Buy

A ticket to the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland.

Eat

Traditional Sogn og Fjordane cuisine. Raspeballar, pinnekjøt or spekekjøt.

Drink

Olden, which is a bottled water from the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Its source lies in the Oldedalen valley south of Olden in Stryn municipality.

Sleep

Lodging

• Flatbrehytta, Fjærland, ☎ +47 57693229.
• Briksdalsbre fjellstove, Briksdalsbre, ☎ +47 57876800.
• Bødalseter, Loen, ☎ +47 57874590.
• Tungestølen turisthytte, Veitastrond, ☎ +47 41404655 ([email protected]), [3].

Camping

There are no designated camping ground in the park.

Stay safe

Do not enter the glacier without proper equiment or without someone who know what they are doing. Preferably in a organised group tour with a guide. Sunrays get reflected from the white snow, so it necessary to use sunscreen to protect your skin. Bring warm clothes for tours on the glacier.

Get out

The rest of Sogn og Fjordane county is very beautiful. Also, nearby counties have a lot of splendid scenery too. There is a vast variety of things to do and see on your way to e.g. Oslo or Bergen.

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