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Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland. It is mainly located in the county of Sogn og Fjordane in Norway partly in Oppland county. The many arms of the glacier can be seen from different parts of Sogn og Fjordane and Oppland. There are many access points. There is a tangle of countless valleys and lakes around the glacier. Glacial melt water makes surrounding rivers, lakes and fjords turquoise in summer.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Glacier museum of Norway
Museum regarding glaciers. Also visitor centre for the park.
Visitor centre, with exhibition about flora, fauna and geology in the park.
Visitor centre.
Arm of the great glacier. 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, the boat runs non-stop during the season (usually May to October). Observe from safe distance, guide needed for hike on the ice. There is no need to go on a hike to see the glacier. The glacier is usually visible from road or the parking. Sturdy shoes are needed to walk around on shore beneath the glacier.
Bøyabreen glacier
One of the few places where a glacier arm is readily visible from a main road. It is possible to see the glacier from the parking space. Or you could walk for about half an hour in relatively flat terrain. Keep a safe distance in case of falling ice.
The glacier is usually split into an upper and a lower (regenerated) part, with a non-glaciated area between.
Briksdalsbreen
Perhaps one of the most famous glacier in Norway. In the end of the valley. 22 km from Olden. This may be the most well known view of the glacier. The distance from the parking space to the glacier is 2.5 km (1.6 mi). You can walk or ride with motorised vehicles called Troll-car.
Kjenndalen glacier
Glacier branch at the end of Lodalen/Kjenndalen valley, some 15 kilometers from Loen village. Road almost to the glacier.
Main glacier
The main glacier can as such be seen from air only. Approximate mid point indicated on map.
A five-hour trek, including three hours on the glacier. Children under 12 years are not allowed.
An easy tour, also suitable for children. Minimum age is six year.
A tour suitable for person with some physical training. Trekking for 9 hours, including 3 hours on the glacier. Only children over ten years of age.
Ski lift at the northern end of Jostedalsbreen. This ski resort is open in summer only!
By car
Public transport is limited with a few departures daily, so a car is the only flexible way to get to the edge of the park.
By bus or rail
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.
By boat
No branch of the glacier reach sea level, but the glacier is partly visible from some of the surrounding fjords.
There are no roads in the park, so the only option is by foot. Hiking in the area surrounding of the glacier is very much possible, given that you choose routes according to skill and experience.
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Ørsta · Regional · HOV
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