Photo by Bob Engelsen
Norway holds roughly 1,600 glaciers – remnants of the ice sheet that carved Norwegian landscape. Most require technical climbing equipment and experience. A few offer accessible glacier hiking with guides, letting you walk on ice that's been forming for thousands of years.
Glaciers are retreating due to climate change. Some previously accessible glaciers now require longer approaches or are no longer safe for tourist access. What's accessible today may not be accessible in ten years.
Folgefonna sits adjacent to Hardangerfjord – rare combination of maritime climate and ice cap. Third-largest glacier in mainland Norway at 207 square kilometers. Multiple tongues descend from the plateau, with Juklavass offering guided glacier walks.
Summer glacier hiking trips range from 2-hour introductions (family-friendly, minimum age 6) to full-day glacier crossings requiring good fitness. Guides provide equipment: crampons, ice axes, harnesses. Tours run June-September depending on conditions.
Access via Jondal on Hardangerfjord's south side. Combined fjord and glacier trips possible – cruise Hardangerfjord in morning, glacier hike in afternoon.
Jostedalsbreen forms Norway's largest glacier – 487 square kilometers covering mountains between Sognefjord and Nordfjord. Multiple access points:
Svartisen in northern Norway offers boat access across Svartisvatnet lake, then short hike to glacier face. Summer only access. Less developed tourism infrastructure than southern glaciers.
Guided tours required. Walking on glaciers without guide and equipment is dangerous – crevasses hide under snow, ice conditions change. All legitimate operators provide certified guides and equipment.
Physical requirements vary. Basic glacier walks suit families with kids 6+. Extended tours need good fitness – walking on ice with crampons is more demanding than trail hiking. Be honest about fitness level when booking.
Season is short. Most glacier tours operate June-September only. Ice conditions determine exact dates – early/late season tours may cancel due to unsafe conditions. Book with flexible cancellation policies.
Weather determines everything. Tours cancel in bad weather for safety reasons. Fog, heavy rain, or avalanche risk means no hiking. Always have backup plans for glacier days.
Ice is retreating. Many glaciers require longer approaches than 10-20 years ago. Some previously accessible glacier tongues no longer reach safe walking distance. This trend continues.
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