Jostedal Glacier
Spa Largest mainland European glacier, Norwegian icefield
Part of Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, Jostedal Glacier offers glacier tongues, visitor centres and guided walks; tourists arrive for ice hiking and nearby fjord viewpoints.
Jostedal Glacier (Jostedalsbreen) is the largest glacier on mainland Europe by area, located on Norway’s western coast in Vestland and nearby counties. The glacier spreads into numerous outlet arms that descend into surrounding valleys and fjord systems.
Popular visitor highlights are the accessible outlet glaciers such as Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen, where trails, viewpoints and guided walks allow close views of ice fronts and glacial lakes. Visitor facilities and guided services operate from nearby farms and small settlements.
The glacier formed over millennia through snow accumulation and compacting into ice, advancing and retreating with climate fluctuations; many outlet arms have noticeably retreated in recent decades. Conservation and visitor management focus on safety and minimizing environmental impact while allowing educational access.
Jostedalsbreen lies amid steep valleys and high plateaus in western Norway, largely within Jostedalsbreen National Park, and is accessible by road from regional towns in Vestland and neighbouring counties.
- Size: Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on mainland Europe by area, with several prominent outlet arms that reach down into valleys.
What to See #
- Briksdalsbreen: Briksdalsbreen is a well-known western arm of the glacier that has been a popular, accessible viewpoint for visitors and photographers.
- Nigardsbreen: Nigardsbreen is another accessible glacier outlet with a visitor centre and boat access to the glacier lake used for guided walks on and near the ice.
Tips for Visiting Jostedal Glacier #
- Use the established access points to Jostedalsbreen's glacier arms: Breheimsenteret/Nigardsbreen and Briksdalsbreen (Olden) are the main visitor gateways with parking and marked trails.
- Visit early in the day to avoid the large coach groups that arrive later-early arrivals get quieter viewpoints and better chances of unobstructed glacier views.
- Check local visitor centres (Breheimsenteret or regional tourist offices) for current glacier conditions and trail closures; glacier tongues change year to year and some viewing routes are seasonally adjusted.
Best Time to Visit Jostedal Glacier #
Best visited in summer for the most reliable access to viewpoints and guided glacier activities, with markedly colder conditions on the ice year-round.
Weather & Climate near Jostedal Glacier #
Jostedal Glacier's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -11°C to 5°C. Heavy rainfall (2238 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -10°C. Heavy rain (247 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 1°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (242 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (243 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Heavy rain (237 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (262 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
