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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 30 miles.

Majestic Glacial Wonder: Jostedalsbreen★ 9.6⌖ 9 miGlacier Hiking
Jostedalsbreen

Majestic Glacial Wonder: Jostedalsbreen

Explore the amazing Jostedalsbreen in Norway. Known as Europe's largest glacier, offering incredible glacier hikes and ice climbing. Best visited in late spring through early autumn for optimal conditions. The area requires careful navigation of slippery ice surfaces.

Glacier HikingView Details→
Cascading Wonders: Ramnefjellsfossen, Norway★ 8.7⌖ 10 miSightseeing
Ramnefjellsfossen

Cascading Wonders: Ramnefjellsfossen, Norway

Explore Ramnefjellsfossen, one of the world's tallest waterfalls, in Stryn, Norway. Enjoy a moderate 1.5-2 hour hike with views of Lake Lovatn and kayak rentals available. Best visited in late spring or summer for high glacier meltwater volume.

SightseeingView Details→
Majestic Glacial Retreats at Tjøtaelva★ 7.8⌖ 11 miHiking
Tjøtaelva

Majestic Glacial Retreats at Tjøtaelva

Explore Tjøtaelva in Stryn, Norway, known for its glacial views and moderate hiking trails. Popular for fishing and photography, visit late spring to early autumn for the best experience. Suitable for those looking to capture stunning scenery in a tranquil setting.

Lovatnet Lake: A Tranquil Gem in Norway's Stryn★ 8.5⌖ 14 miKayaking
Lovatnet

Lovatnet Lake: A Tranquil Gem in Norway's Stryn

Experience the tranquil beauty of Lovatnet Lake in Stryn, Norway. Ideal for kayaking and fishing, its serene waters and historical significance offer a peaceful escape. Accessible by a short drive from Loen, it's perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking a unique adventure.

The Wild Waters of Øvstefossen★ 8.8⌖ 17 miHiking
Øvstefossen

The Wild Waters of Øvstefossen

Explore the powerful Øvstefossen waterfall in Stryn, Norway. Ideal for hiking and photography, this natural landmark offers adventure seekers breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. Best visited from late spring to early fall.

Waterfall Wonders: Videfossen's Natural Symphony★ 8.7⌖ 18 miHiking
Videfossen

Waterfall Wonders: Videfossen's Natural Symphony

Visit Videfossen for a scenic hiking experience in Norway's Vestland region. This peaceful waterfall is perfect for photography, with lush surroundings and historical routes. Enjoy a tranquil picnic by the waterfall's base.

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
⌖ 7.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jostedal, Vestland

A rugged mountain village gateway to Europe’s largest glacier, offering raw wilderness adventure with deep fjords, towering peaks, and expansive ice fields.

June to September for glacier activities; December to March for winter sportsExplore Town
Olden
⌖ 16.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Olden, Vestland

A tranquil fjord-side town that combines dramatic glacial landscapes with vibrant outdoor adventures, ideal for lovers of hiking, paddling, and glacier trekking.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Loen
⌖ 16.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loen, Norway

A dramatic fjordside village offering unparalleled Nordic landscapes and thrilling outdoor pursuits.

Summer and early AutumnExplore Town
Loen
⌖ 16.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loen, Vestland

A dramatic fjordside village offering adrenaline-charged vertical drops, crystalline waters, and alpine wilderness for an unforgettable outdoor playground.

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

Gaupne, Vestland

A gateway to stunning fjords and alpine landscapes, offering diverse outdoor adventures in a tranquil rural setting.

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

Stryn, Norway

A scenic fjord-side town that offers thrilling outdoor adventures amid breathtaking natural landscapes.

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.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.