It’s not too late to see a glacier in Norway though, they’ll be with us for quite some years to come. But many of the easy accessible “glacier arms” are slowly disappearing. In this article I’ve listed some of the most popular glaciers in Norway and also a few glacier tours that you can consider checking out.

👉 You might also like: Visit Norway Now: 7 Reasons This Is the Trip of a Lifetime

How are the glaciers in Norway changing?

I visited the Bøyabreen glacier arm (part of the larger Jostedalsbreen glacier) about fifteen years ago. Back then the glacier was about half way down the hillside. Not my photo below, but this is how I remember it:

This summer I went back again and now it’s not even 1/3 down. I was a bit shocked, and realized that in another fifteen years it probably won’t be visible at all from this same spot.

Although some of the largest ice caps in the world are still in Norway, since the mid-1980s, as many as 326 square kilometres (125 sq/m) have disappeared. The ice is retreating most rapidly in the northern parts of the country.

Facts about glaciers in Norway, by numbers

•  2,534: The number of glaciers in Norway.
• 2,692 square kilometres (1039 square miles): Glacier area in Norway (57 per cent in Southern Norway and 43 per cent in Northern Norway).
• 636 metres (2086 feet): The thickest ice has been measured in the Svartisen glacier.
• 20 metres (65 feet) above sea level: Where the Engabreen glacier ends; the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland.

If you’d like to visit a really good Glacier Museum/Center I’d recommend the Glacier Museum in Fjærland. They have a very good exhibition about glaciers, where you can get a taste of how glaciers are formed, how they have shaped the fjord landscape and why glaciers play an important role in the climate research.

It’s an interactive museum, but perhaps the highlight for me was the the panoramic film about Jostedalsbreen and the national park. Here you can experience the glacier from the air, on the surface, inside the icefall and under the ice! It’s incredible well made! Watch a trailer here (facebook).

Considering av visit to a glacier in Norway?

👉   For glacier tours in Norway I recommend checking out the website of Fjord Tours.

Here are (in my opinion) three of the best glaciers to visit in Norway,

1. Jostedalsbreen:

• Europe’s Largest Glacier: This glacier, covering an area of approximately 487 square kilometers, is the largest glacier in continental Europe.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Jostedalsbreen is surrounded by towering mountains and offers stunning views.
• Accessible Arms: Several glacier arms, including Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen, are easily accessible to visitors, providing opportunities for hiking and glacier walks.@Read more about Jostedalsbreen here.

2. Svartisen:

• Two Distinct Glaciers: Svartisen is actually two separate glaciers, Vestre Svartisen (Western Svartisen) and Østre Svartisen (Eastern Svartisen), each with its own unique characteristics.
• Dramatic Landscape: The glaciers are surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and offer opportunities for hiking and glacier exploration.
• Accessibility: While Svartisen is less accessible than some other glaciers, there are guided tours and hiking trails available for visitors.

Read more about Svartisen glacier here.

3. Folgefonna:

• Third Largest Glacier: Folgefonna is the third-largest glacier in mainland Norway, covering an area of approximately 239 square kilometers.
• Glacier Hiking: The Folgefonna region offers a variety of glacier hiking opportunities, suitable for different levels of experience.
• Summer Skiing: In addition to glacier hiking, Folgefonna is also a popular destination for summer skiing and snowboarding.
• Folgefonna Glacier Tour: Heading to Folgefonna between June and October? Check out this Glacier Hiking at Folgefonna Tour

Read more about Folgefonna glacier here.