Plizio Visual Lab

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to the largest glacier on the European mainland and is a paradise for nature lovers and geologists. Founded in 1991, the park covers an area of around 1,310 square kilometers and includes a dramatic landscape of icy peaks, deep valleys, and roaring waterfalls. The Jostedalsbreen glacier itself covers about 487 square kilometers and reaches a depth of almost 600 meters at its thickest point. The varied topography means that visitors can move from lush vegetation at the edge of the fjord to barren Arctic snowfields within a few kilometers. Famous glacier tongues such as Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen attract thousands of tourists every year who want to experience the impressive blue color of the eternal ice at close quarters. The park also serves as an important research area for monitoring climate change, as glacier movements react directly to global temperature fluctuations. Hiking on the ice requires expert guidance but gives unforgettable insights into the dynamic power of nature.

Location: Norway
Nearby: Jostedalen (19 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-7	-5	-2	2	8	11	10	6	1	-4	-7
Rain mm	207	156	155	119	114	126	152	168	203	187	202	222

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The national park is usually accessed via the valleys surrounding the massive glacier. Various visitor centers in the Vestland province generally provide the best and safest routes to the impressive glacier arms.

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Best season

Safe, guided glacier walks are mostly offered exclusively during the summer months. The hiking trails in the surrounding valleys are generally clear and accessible from late June deep into September.

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Terrain & paths

Approaching the ice often requires marching over rocky moraines and highly uneven terrain. Anyone stepping onto the actual glacier will inevitably confront dangerous crevasses and extremely slippery ice.

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What to bring

Solid hiking boots are absolutely required for the rough paths leading up to the viewpoints. Those participating in a guided tour on the ice will usually be provided with special equipment like crampons by the operators.

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Parking

Designated parking spots are typically available near the glacier museums and main trailheads. During the peak summer tourist season, however, these areas often fill up completely in the early morning hours.

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Safety

One should never attempt to walk on the glacier without an experienced guide and proper safety equipment. Because ice falls are possible at any time, warning signs and safe distances must be strictly respected.

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Time needed

A typical hike to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier and back takes roughly two to four hours. Guided tours directly onto the ice, however, usually require planning for at least half a day to a full day of activity.