Exploring the Natural Wonders of Jostedalsbreen National Park
Europe is home to over 400 national parks, offering a wide range of natural beauty and adventure for travelers. Among these, Jostedalsbreen National Park stands out as one of the most breathtaking wilderness areas on the continent. Located in Norway, this park features a massive glacier, two of the world’s longest fjords, stunning waterfalls, and some of the most epic hiking trails in Europe.
As one of Norway’s 47 national parks, Jostedalsbreen is situated in the western region, known for its dramatic fjords shaped by ancient glacial activity. The park takes its name from its main attraction: Jostedalsbreen, the largest ice cap in mainland Europe. This glacier stretches 37 miles long and covers an area of 183 square miles. According to Visit Norway, the freshwater equivalent of this glacier is roughly around 300 billion bathtubs of water, making it a significant natural resource.
In addition to Jostedalsbreen, the park is home to smaller glaciers such as Grovabreen, Myklebustbreen, and Jostefonni. These glaciers, with their striking blue and white ice, cover about half of the park’s total area. During the summer months, visitors can hike on the blue ice, but it is recommended to go with an expert guide who can provide the necessary equipment. A six-hour glacier hike with professional outfitters typically costs around $135 per person.
Hiking through the park’s green valleys to glacier viewpoints is another unforgettable experience. Some of the most popular treks include a moderate 7-mile hike from the Tungestølen Mountain Lodge to Austerdalenbreen Glacier and an easier 3-mile hike to Briksdalsbreen Glacier, which offers beautiful views of cascading waterfalls along the way. If you are captivated by Jostedalsbreen, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Norway’s largest national park, Hardangervidda, a mountain paradise filled with waterfalls, lakes, and endless adventure.
Planning Your Visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park
To begin your exploration of the park, consider visiting either the Jostedalsbreen National Park Visitor Center on the northern side of the glacier or the Breheimsenteret Visitor Center on the southern end. Having a car is ideal for getting around, though travel between key points of interest can take several hours. During the summer, there are bus services available from nearby communities to glaciers like Nigardsbreen and Briksdalsbreen.
For overnight stays, Jostedal is just minutes away from the Breheimsenteret Visitor Center. Jostedal Camping offers campsites at $35 during high season, as well as cabins that are conveniently located within walking distance of a grocery store, gas station, and restaurant. Alternatively, Jostedal Hotel provides simple rooms starting at about $130 per night in the summer, along with a restaurant serving traditional Norwegian cuisine daily.
To reach the park, visitors can fly into Bergen or Oslo and rent a car for the rest of the journey. It takes approximately 5.5 hours by car and ferry to get to the park from Bergen, while Oslo is slightly farther, requiring about 6.5 hours by car and ferry. If you prefer to spend more time in Norway’s capital, you can leave your rental car behind and explore Oslo’s rich history using Europe’s best subway system.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling glacier hike, scenic trails, or a peaceful camping experience, Jostedalsbreen National Park offers something for every nature lover. With its unique combination of natural wonders and adventure opportunities, this park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Europe’s great outdoors.
