Jostedal – Glaciers, Nature and Culture

In Jostedal, glaciers and the valley landscape shape the holiday experiences on offer: you can hike at Nigardsbreen, set off by bike to explore different landscapes, or learn more about glaciers and climate at the Breheimsenteret. When choosing a holiday apartment or house, it is therefore particularly worth considering which aspects of the area you want your trip to focus on—and which excursions you would like to plan.

Nigardsbreen and its protected landscape

Nigardsbreen is an outlet glacier of Jostedalsbreen and is located in Jostedal. The outlet glacier and the valley in which it lies are protected as a nature reserve. The aim of this protection is to preserve a characteristic valley with a well-developed glacial foreland. This means that the glacier can be appreciated not only as a natural landmark in its own right: the landscape at the edge of the ice and the valley are also part of this natural area.

At the car park at Nigardsbreen, there are two different ways to reach the glacier: you can walk along the lake or take a boat across it. If you are interested in a guided glacier hike on bare ice, you can choose between short and longer tours. These tours are available from May to October with experienced glacier guides; the necessary equipment is available for hire. Guided glacier hikes at Nigardsbreen are offered through the Breheimsenteret or by authorised guides and instructors from Jostedalen Breførarlag.

Cycling routes, winter activities and other excursions

Cycling also offers a variety of ways to explore the area. The Gjerde–Bergset cycling route leads into Krundalen. By contrast, the Gjerde–Styggevatnet cycling route passes through a glacial landscape towards Styggevatnet and Austdalsbreen. If you would like to spend your holiday cycling, these two routes offer different landscapes: Krundalen on one route and a glacial landscape on the other.

There are also opportunities for cross-country skiing, forest excursions and ski touring in the surrounding area of Jostedal. These include guided ski tours, avalanche courses and ski camps. If you would rather focus on activities other than cycling or glacier hikes, you can also include kayaking or rafting in Jostedalen; the Breheimsenteret in Jostedal is a starting point for both. The activities you choose to focus on can also guide your choice of accommodation in Jostedal.

Breheimsenteret: glacier knowledge and regional cuisine

The Breheimsenteret in Jostedal is a natural starting point for glacier hikes and guided tours to the glacier front in Jostedalen. Its interactive exhibition covers Jostedalsbreen, Breheimen National Park and Jostedalen, with a particular focus on glaciers and climate. If you would like to experience an excursion outdoors as well as learn about the landscape in an exhibition, you can enjoy both in the same place here.

A short distance from the Breheimsenteret, an informative nature trail leads to Nigardsbrevatnet. Along the way, visitors can learn more about geology, history and glaciers. The centre’s restaurant serves homemade food made with regional ingredients. At a viewpoint, visitors can also sample cured Brelam lamb from sheep that graze in the valley. So, alongside glaciers and nature, regional ingredients and a local product are among the experiences on offer.

Culture and getting there

Jostedal’s cultural heritage includes Jostedal kyrkje, a wooden long church said to have been built around 1660 by Hans Ottesen Ravn. It adds a historical perspective on the area to the nature experiences. To reach the Breheimsenteret by car, you can take Route 55 via Sognefjell or Route 5 via Sogndal. Alternatively, you can travel to Sogndal and take the Brebussen from there. Which option suits your trip is a practical consideration when planning your base in Jostedal.

If you would also like to consider other places at the same level, you can also find Skjolden, Høyheimsvik, Fortun, Ornes, Solvorn, Marifjøra, Luster and Veitastrond.

Return to the main travel overview: Luster.