Nigardsbreen glacier hike in Norway: tips & experience
We had already done a glacier hike in Iceland in the past, so we had to do another one in Norway. After some research, I found a glacier hike on the Nigardsbreen glacier. Learn everything about the glacier hike itself, but also how to get there and what clothing is best to wear.
What is the Nigardsbreen glacier?
Nigardsbreen is a side arm of Europe’s largest glacier, Jostedalbreen, and is one of Norway’s most accessible glaciers. The Nigardsbreen glacier was at its largest in 1748, covering approximately 48 km², but has been retreating since 1930 and especially since 2004. If you want to learn more about the glacier, you can visit the Breheimsenteret visitor center. There, you can also see photos of the glacier through the years and get an idea of its retreat.
It is dangerous to go on the glacier alone. You will therefore need to book a guide if you want to go on the glacier itself.
Where to book?
We booked our glacier hike with Jostedalen Breforarlag. They offer a choice of different glacier hikes that vary in difficulty and length. Although it wasn’t our first glacier hike, we opted for the short blue ice hike. We did this at the beginning of June and booked it at the end of February to be sure (we had already booked all hotels and such for our trip). Especially in high season, I would recommend booking this as soon as possible.
What to bring for the glacier hike?
The weather in Norway can change very quickly, so wearing layers of clothing is no luxury. During our walk, we started in the rain and ended up walking to the glacier in T-shirts and sunglasses (more on that later). During the glacier hike itself, a good sweater was necessary.
Be sure to wear good hiking boots and gloves. A hat can be useful if it is very cold.
Also, bring a camera and some food, and drink.
Before starting the glacier hike
Be sure to arrive at the agreed location at least 15 minutes before the start of the walk. There, you will be fitted with crampons and given a pickaxe, which you will need. You will also meet your guide.
This will give you time to use the restroom.
How’s the glacier hike on Nigardsbreen going?
The glacier is not located directly at the starting point. You will depart with your guide to the boat, which will take you to the starting point of the hike to the foot of the glacier. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is quite strenuous. Especially when it has rained, the rocks can be quite slippery. You will stop several times along the way to take photos.
At the foot of the glacier, you will be given a harness and put on crampons. You will then be divided into groups and tied together with a rope for safety.
And then the glacier hike really begins. You walk up the glacier in a single file. In some places, notches have been made so that you can easily climb up (a staircase in the ice). Depending on the group you are in, this will go faster or slower. The rope means that you are somewhat limited if there are slower people in the group. Or if you yourself are not fast, you will hold up the people in front of you.
After a short walk, you can spend about 20 minutes on the ice, enjoying the snack/lunch you brought with you. Don’t stray too far, though, because a glacier can be dangerous.
Afterward, it’s time to head back via a different route.
Our experience
It was a fun experience, but completely different from our experience in Iceland. Because the glacier is quite a distance from the starting point, you don’t actually spend very long on the ice. This is something that is explained in advance, but it is perhaps a bit of a shame. So if you want to spend more time on the ice itself, book the long blue ice hike.
We also received almost no explanation about the glacier itself or its origins. In the visitor center, you can view photos of the glacier over the years. At the beginning of the 2000s, the glacier still reached the water. Now you have to walk for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Our group consisted of people who loved taking photos, so we stopped almost constantly during the glacier hike itself. And the hike to the foot of the glacier itself should not be underestimated. Make sure you are in good physical condition and have no physical complaints.
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