Is previous climbing experience required?

While technical climbing isn’t needed, basic experience with exposed ridges and rope use is essential.

What is the best time of year to climb Store Austabotntind?

Summer offers the most stable weather and safest access, though spring and fall are viable with proper preparation.

Are guides mandatory for the climb?

Hiring a guide from Jostedalen Breførarlag is highly recommended for safety and local expertise.

What kind of footwear is needed?

Sturdy mountaineering boots with good ankle support and crampon compatibility are ideal.

How physically demanding is the climb?

It’s a challenging full-day climb requiring good fitness and endurance for sustained alpine terrain.

Can the climb be done alone?

Due to exposure and the need for ropework, solo ascents by inexperienced climbers aren’t advised.

Summit Challenge: Store Austabotntind with Jostedalen Breførarlag | Guided Tour | Hiking

Store Austabotntind rises sharply to 2204 meters amidst the rugged landscape of Vestland, Norway, offering a singular alpine adventure that’s as demanding as it is rewarding. Located near the village of Fortun, this peak juts out from the Hurrungane massif, watched over by four glaciers whose slow, icy fingers sculpt steep, exposed ridges. Jostedalen Breførarlag, a respected guiding company deeply rooted in this region, presents a full-day climb that combines physical endurance with technical scrambling, designed for those ready to meet the mountain on its terms.

This 8-9 hour climb challenges adventurers with exposed routes that require careful ropework and a steady head, especially near the summit block where the mountain’s true character reveals itself. Unlike many alpine climbs, Store Austabotntind is accessible without advanced technical climbing but demands surefootedness, a strong grip on routes, and respect for its raw natural environment.

The terrain is a mixture of solid granite and ice-tinged rock faces, shaped by millennia of glacier movement. Along the way, climbers encounter wide vistas where the contrast between jagged peaks and sprawling glaciers commands silent admiration. Snowfields might linger into summer, and the crisp mountain air carries the subtle scent of alpine flora growing in crevices.

Jostedalen Breførarlag is more than a guiding outfit; it’s a cornerstone of the local outdoor culture, offering unmatched expertise in navigating the unique challenges of these high Norwegian Alps. With their guidance, climbers gain not only technical direction but a deeper connection to the land’s natural history and the importance of preserving this fragile environment.

For those seeking a high-alpine climb that demands respect but rewards richly, Store Austabotntind stands out as a spectacular, less-traveled peak. It’s an adventure that instills both humility and awe, making it a must for serious mountain enthusiasts visiting Norway’s Vestland region.

About Jostedalen Breførarlag

Jostedalen Breførarlag is a mountain guiding company based in Jostedal, Vestland, specializing in guided glacier hikes, ice climbing and alpine summit routes. The operator leads trips on Nigardsbreen Glacier and across the Jostedalsbreen area, offering experiences for families, experienced mountaineers and private groups.

Trips include short and long glacier hikes, family-focused blue ice hikes for children aged eight and up, advanced technical routes with top-rope ice climbing, and multi-peak mountain traverses such as Austanbotntind and Uranostind. Several summit expeditions include glacier travel and require prior hiking experience and good physical fitness. Guided options list crampons, ice axes and ropes as part of the technical equipment used during ascents and glacier navigation.

Safety and local expertise are emphasized: certified and professional guides lead climbs and glacier hikes, provide equipment instruction, and teach rope and belay techniques where required. Group sizes are kept small on deluxe and private departures, with some tours crossing the lake by boat to reach Nigardsbreen. Private bookings are available for families and groups who prefer tailored itineraries.

Tours highlight Nigardsbreen Glacier’s deep blue ice, ice tunnels, crevasses and ice towers, and include instruction in glacier travel techniques. The kids' family-oriented hikes accept children from eight years old, with all necessary safety equipment provided by guides.

Jostedalen Breførarlag operates a range of durations from short 4.5-hour family hikes to full-day 10–12 hour summit traverses. Services combine practical glacier skills, interpretive guidance about local landscapes and a focus on safety to create memorable outdoor experiences in Vestland’s alpine environment.