Folgefonna Glacier Day Trip

Folgefonna is one of the largest glaciers in Norway, a broad ice cap that sits on a mountain plateau on the southern side of the Hardangerfjord, and it is the heart of Folgefonna National Park, which was established in 2005 and covers about 545 square kilometres of glacier, valleys, waterfalls and woodland. It lies about 150 kilometres from Bergen, a drive of two and a half to three hours, so it is a long but very rewarding day. Arms of the ice descend into the valleys, and from several of them a milky-turquoise meltwater lake sits at the end of a walking trail, which is the typical highlight of a day tour from the city. The tour linked here is titled for the Folgafonna national park and the glacier lake, and it is built around the scenery, a walk and the Hardanger landscape on the way. For visitors who have seen the fjords from a boat, a day at the foot of a glacier is a completely different and humbling experience.

Glaciers are dangerous places, so plan this day with respect. Walking on the ice itself needs a trained guide, ropes and crampons, and the Visit Bergen guidance recommends guided visits for safety. A typical sightseeing day tour stays on the valley floor and walks to the lake and a viewpoint of the ice, while specialised operators in the area run guided glacier walks of several hours, blue-ice hikes and, in the right season, activities such as glacier kayaking and dog sledding.

Be honest about your fitness and equipment, and check which kind of tour you are buying before you commit.

Season matters. The main period for guided glacier days is summer, when the access roads are clear and the walks are comfortable. In the shoulder seasons some guided hikes continue but the weather is less predictable, and in winter the region is a snow landscape where only specialist activities operate.

The ice and the surrounding weather can change quickly, so take waterproofs, warm layers, sturdy walking shoes and a hat even on a warm day. Bring snacks and water, because facilities are limited away from the villages, and expect a long day with a good deal of time in the vehicle.

There are other ways to reach the area. The Hardangerfjord Express boat runs year-round from Bergen to Rosendal, a village with a historic manor, and the Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal gives an introduction to the glacier and the national park. From there a local bus or transfer can take you towards the valleys, although the logistics are complicated and a guided day removes the stress. If you are short of time, the Hardangerfjord and Steinsdalsfossen are quicker ways to get a taste of the region, but the glacier is the one that people remember.

The best-known short walk in the area leads to Bondhus Lake, a glacier-fed lake at the foot of an arm of the ice, and it is usually a gentle path of under an hour each way, so check which valley your tour visits. Even a short visit gives you a sense of the glacier's size, and the colour of the meltwater is unforgettable in good light. Guides explain how the ice has retreated over recent decades, which adds a thoughtful note to a beautiful day.