Blue ice and small boots: a family glacier hike on Nigardsbreen

JOSTEDAL HIKING FIELD GUIDE

Blue ice and small boots: a family glacier hike on Nigardsbreen

A 4.5-hour, family-focused glacier hike on Nigardsbreen designed for sporty children 8 and up; this guide explains what to expect and what to pack for the Kids Special Blue Ice Hike.

Blue ice and small boots: a family glacier hike on Nigardsbreen.

Duration
4.5 hours
Location
Jostedal
Operator
Jostedalen Breførarlag
Category
Hiking
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Tailor-made for families who want an exciting and varied glacier hike, the Kids Special Blue Ice Hike takes fit, sporty children and their guardians onto the blue-ice world of Nigardsbreen Glacier. The guided outing is designed to let younger hikers move across real glacier ice under professional supervision while keeping the pace and length appropriate for a family group.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE EXPERIENCE

A family-focused blue-ice adventure

Designed specifically for families with active children, the Kids Special Blue Ice Hike offers a guided introduction to glacier travel that emphasizes exploration and shared experience between parents and children.

THE PLACE

Step into Nigardsbreen's blue ice

The route crosses the vivid blue surfaces and crevassed textures of Nigardsbreen Glacier, letting families see the glacier’s ice up close and learn about its features from experienced guides.

THE PRACTICALS

Made for sporty children—and their careful guardians

This short blue-ice hike is aimed at parents with sporty children and is structured as a family outing; participants should expect an outing designed specifically with younger, fit hikers in mind.

What the day feels like

What it feels like on the ice

The hike is an active, hands-on family excursion across the blue ice of Nigardsbreen. Guided teams lead parents and children over varied glacier terrain with frequent stops to explain the landscape and adjust gear; the overall tone is exploratory and paced for fit youngsters who are used to hiking.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits—and who should choose something else.

1
Active FamiliesWell suited: families with sporty children aged 8 and up who are used to hiking and want an adventurous, guided glacier experience.
2
Families with very young childrenNot a good match: children in a carrier frame are not permitted, and the hike is designed for older, fit children rather than infants or toddlers.
3
Adults without childrenIf you are an adult with no children or only nearly grown children, the operator recommends the Short Blue Ice Hike (minimum age 12) rather than this family-oriented option.
4
Less-fit familiesNot ideal: the tour is intended for families with fit children used to hiking; those who prefer a very slow or very short stroll should consider other options.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The Kids Special Blue Ice Hike runs for approximately 4.5 hours; there is a 10:30 departure that matches the Glacier Bus schedule from Sogndal.

Meeting & logistics

Participants meet at the Nigadrdsbrren car park to assemble and collect rental glacier equipment prior to the guided departure.

What to bring

Bring a backpack with lunch, warm, wind- and waterproof clothing, sunglasses, gloves, and solid shoes (trekking boots or sturdy sport shoes); clothing must cover the whole body (no shorts or skirts without leggings).

Clothing & on-ice rules

The operator prohibits short pants, skirts without leggings, dogs, drones, and children in a carrier frame on Blue Ice Hikes—dress and equipment should follow those rules for safety and group cohesion.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Can the glacier hikes get cancelled due to bad weather?

Rain is normal in this region; hikes are cancelled only in exceptional and severe weather conditions or dangerous ice conditions.

What is the minimum age for children on this Kids Special Blue Ice Hike?

The hike is intended for sporty children aged 8 and up and for families used to hiking.

Are dogs or drones allowed on the Blue Ice Hikes?

No—dogs and drones are not allowed on Blue Ice Hikes.

Can children be carried in a carrier frame on the hike?

No—children in a carrier frame are not permitted on these hikes.

What should we pack for the glacier hike?

Bring a lunch, backpack, warm, wind- and waterproof clothing, sunglasses, gloves and solid shoes (trekking boots or sturdy sport shoes); clothing must cover the whole body (no shorts or skirts without leggings).

How long does the Kids Special Blue Ice Hike take?

The hike has a duration of approximately 4.5 hours.