Jostedalsbreen National Park wilderness guide
National Park · NA

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen National Park, located in Norway, is home to the largest glacier on mainland Europe and offers breathtaking views and diverse outdoor activities.

National Park321,2374+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

321,237

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen National Park, located in Norway, is home to the largest glacier on mainland Europe and offers breathtaking views and diverse outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Jostedalsbreen National Park, established in 1991, spans over 1,300 square kilometers and is situated in Sogn og Fjordane county in western Norway. The park is named after Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, which covers approximately 487 square kilometers. The park's landscape is a dramatic mix of deep valleys, lush valleys, and towering peaks, providing a unique backdrop for various recreational opportunities. The diverse ecosystem in the park includes rich alpine flora and fauna, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as reindeer and wolverines. Jostedalsbreen has played a vital role in shaping the region's geography and has considerable historical significance. Visitors can engage in a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, glacier walking, and climbing. Key landmarks include the Nigardsbreen Glacier and the Bøyabreen Glacier, both of which are mesmerizingly beautiful and are popular spots for glacier tours. The park is a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts who flock to capture its stunning panoramic vistas.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Jostedalsbreen National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Nigardsbreen Glacier, a popular spot for guided glacier tours✦ Diverse ecosystems with a chance to see rare alpine flora✦ Bøyabreen Glacier, known for its accessibility and scenic beauty✦ Stunning views and landscapes perfect for photography
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Jostedalsbreen National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Jostedalsbreen National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Jostedalsbreen National Park
Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Jostedalsbreen National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Jostedalsbreen National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

While there's no fee to enter, guided tours have costs.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Jostedalsbreen National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jostedal, Vestland
⌖ 7.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jostedal, Vestland

Jostedal in Vestland offers thrilling glacier hikes, ice climbing, kayaking, and cross-country skiing amid Norway’s stunning glacial wilderness. Its access to Jostedalsbreen National Park makes it a prime destination for adventurous outdoor travelers year-round.

June to September for glacier activities; December to March for winter sports
Explore Town
Olden, Vestland, Norway
⌖ 16.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Olden, Vestland, Norway

Olden, set on Norway’s serene Nordfjord, is a gateway to glacier hiking, kayaking, and alpine trails. Adventure seekers can trek the Briksdal Glacier, paddle shimmering fjord waters, or ski quiet winter valleys amidst spectacular scenery.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Loen, Norway
⌖ 16.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loen, Norway

Loen, Norway offers adventurers breathtaking fjord views, thrilling climbs, paragliding experiences, and endless hiking trails. A perfect escape for those seeking Nordic beauty and outdoor excitement.

Summer and early Autumn
Explore Town
Loen, Vestland, Norway
⌖ 16.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loen, Vestland, Norway

Loen is a fjord village in Vestland, Norway, famed for dramatic hikes, thrilling via ferrata, kayaking on Nordfjord, and winter skiing. With the iconic Loen Skylift and alpine beauty, it’s a must-visit for adventure lovers.

Late Spring through Early Autumn for hiking and water sports; Winter for skiing and backcountry adventures.
Explore Town
Gaupne, Vestland, Norway
⌖ 20.04 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gaupne, Vestland, Norway

Gaupne is a quiet village at the doorstep to Norway’s largest glacier, offering hiking, skiing, paddling, and fishing adventures amid dramatic fjords and alpine scenery.

Late spring to early autumn for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snow activities
Explore Town
Stryn, Vestland
⌖ 21.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stryn, Vestland

Stryn, Vestland is where outdoor adventure meets breathtaking fjord landscapes. With activities like glacier hiking and kayaking, it's an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Dawn on Blue Ice: An Intimate Morning on Nigardsbreen
ADVEXPEDITION
Jostedal, Vestland
HikingADV Bookable

Dawn on Blue Ice: An Intimate Morning on Nigardsbreen

A small-group, 5.5-hour glacier hike that crosses Nigardsbreen Lake by the first boat and pairs expert equipment instruction with local history—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Blue Ice Close-Up: A Short, Steep Walk onto Nigardsbreen
ADVEXPEDITION
Jostedal, Vestland
HikingADV Bookable

Blue Ice Close-Up: A Short, Steep Walk onto Nigardsbreen

A focused 3.5-hour guided walk that brings you onto Nigardsbreen to see the glacier’s deep blue ice—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and the physical demands of the route.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
One Hour on a RIB: Speed and Silence Through Olden’s Nordfjord
ADVEXPEDITION
Olden, Vestland
Boat TourADV Bookable

One Hour on a RIB: Speed and Silence Through Olden’s Nordfjord

A one-hour RIB boat outing from Olden Active that runs the Nordfjord beneath steep mountains and waterfalls—this guide lays out what to expect, where to meet, and who should (and shouldn’t) go.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip