Jostedalsbreen National Park is a national park in Norway that encompasses the largest glacier on the European mainland, Jostedalsbreen. The park was established by royal decree on 25 October 1991, and then in 1998, it was enlarged to the northwest.
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Jostedalsbreen National Park, established in 1991, is located in western Norway and spans 1,310 square kilometers. It is home to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, which dramatically shapes the park’s terrain of steep valleys, high peaks, and expansive ice fields.
Landscape & Nature
The glacier itself covers about 800 square kilometers. It has many arms extending into lush valleys, with the most famous including Briksdalsbreen, Nigardsbreen, and Austerdalsbreen. The park ranges in elevation from around 350 meters to over 2,000 meters at Brenibba. The powerful contrast between icy blue glaciers and green lowlands makes this park a photographer’s and hiker’s paradise.
Outdoor Activities
Glacier Hiking: Guided hikes on Nigardsbreen and other glacier arms offer a safe and thrilling experience. Crampons and safety gear are typically provided.
Hiking Trails: Popular routes include the scenic walk to Briksdalsbreen (3 km roundtrip) through waterfalls and wildflower meadows, and more challenging mountain hikes in Jostedalen.
Ski Touring: In spring, ski touring is possible across the glacier. The "Josten på langs" route is a famous multi-day challenge.
Kayaking & Rafting: Paddle in glacial lakes or navigate glacier-fed rivers for a close-up look at the power of ice and meltwater.
Visitor Centers
Breheimsenteret (Jostedalen): Located near Nigardsbreen, it provides insights into the glacier's geology, wildlife, and climate.
Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre (Oppstryn): Set beside Lake Oppstryn, this center highlights the park’s natural and cultural history.
Norwegian Glacier Museum (Fjærland): Features interactive exhibits and the Ulltveit-Moe Climate Centre focused on glaciers and climate change.
Weather Conditions (May 26, 2025)
The park is currently experiencing light rain and temperatures around 3°C. Conditions are cold and wet, so proper rainproof clothing and footwear are essential for all activities.
Getting There
Jostedalsbreen National Park is accessible by car and bus:
From Oslo: Drive via E16 to Lærdal, then take Highway 5 toward Sogndal and Fjærland.
From Bergen: Take E16 east to Lærdal, then continue on Highway 5.
From Trondheim: Follow E6 south to Otta, then take Highway 15 west toward Stryn.
Summer buses connect Sogndal to Breheimsenteret and other...
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Jostedalsbreen National Park (Norwegian: Jostedalsbreen nasjonalpark) is a national park in Norway that encompasses the largest glacier on the European mainland, Jostedalsbreen. The park was established by royal decree on 25 October 1991, and then in 1998, it was enlarged to the northwest. The park now covers 1,310 square kilometres (510 sq mi), with the glaciers covering about 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi) of the park. The park lies in the municipalities of Luster, Balestrand, Jølster, Sogndal, Gloppen, Førde, and Stryn, all of which are in Sogn og Fjordane county. There are three museums and also visitors centers: the Breheimsenteret in Jostedal, Jostedalsbreen nasjonalparksenter in Oppstryn (Stryn) and Norsk bremuseum in Fjærland. The highest peak in the park is Lodalskåpa at 2,083 metres (6,834 ft). The glacier's highest point, Brenibba, lies 2,018 metres (6,621 ft) above sea level while its lowest point is 350 metres (1,150 ft) above sea level. The glacier has shrunk in recent years, and there are ruins of farms that were overtaken by the glacier in 1750. The park was named after the main glacier in it, Jostedalsbreen. The first element of that name is the name of the old municipality Jostedal, the last element is the finite form of the word bre which...
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On the way in visit the information center, the staff is friendly and helpful answering questions about the area as well as assisting setting you up with the various guide tours (separate companies). To note: you don't have to be with a guide to get close to the glacier, just to hike on it. We opted to just do the hike ourselves which gets you fairly close to the action, maybe 100m away. The hike to the glacier, regardless of you take the boat, kayak, or just your feet, is a moderate one through loose rocks and large slick boulders. We saw one woman do it in flats but she must have been a rockstar or very uncomfortable. Bring some comfortable hiking shoes or tight running shoes. Also, when you get close to the glacier it can get windy so be prepared as to not lose a hat or items set down on the rocks as they could get blown into the rapids. Gate fee to drive in was 50 NOK for our car but well worth it for such a gorgeous and well kept park! Last thing, if you're on your way out look no further than the information center for a bite to eat. The smoked salmon sandwich (or any of them I bet) was the best sandwich I've had in Norway! It was a large sandwich and only 70NOK! 10/10...
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