Unforgettable Norway Glacier Hike Bucket List Must Do. My First Glacier Hiking Adventure in Norway.
I never thought I’d find myself hiking a glacier—let alone in Norway. But there I was, gearing up for a blue ice hike with the fantastic folks at Jostedalen Breførarlag Ltd. My husband and I had arrived in Ålesund from Denmark, picked up a car, and were off to experience the incredible Norwegian fjords and glaciers before heading to Bergen to wrap up our trip. The glaciers, however, were at the top of our bucket list, so naturally, we booked ourselves onto this tour, not quite sure what to expect.
The tour promised a 4.5-hour adventure, of which about 1.5 hours was spent on actual ice. I’ll be honest, I was both excited and unsure of what was to come. My only preparation? A little advice from the tour company to wear hiking boots, bring a packed lunch, and perhaps grab a lunch package if I didn’t feel like packing my own. Now, I’ll admit, I opted for my hot soup in an esky (yes, I’m that person), while my husband stuck with a trusty sandwich and some water. It seemed like a solid plan—until we were halfway up the glacier and I realized how perfect that warm soup was after some serious climbing.
Starting the Tour: Safety First
When we arrived at the base, the first thing we were given were crampons (to attach to our hiking boots) and an ice pick. These would be our best friends on this icy adventure, ensuring we stayed firmly planted on the glacier without doing an unintended slip-and-slide routine. We were also all roped together for safety—yes, all of us, like a human ice chain. I felt like I was about to start a high-stakes survival movie, but honestly, it just made me feel safer. After all, our tour guidehad climbed Mount Everest 7 times. Yes, seven. I think I was in good hands. He carefully checked our gear, ensuring our rope and crampons were properly secured. It was the perfect balance of adventure and safety.
The Glacier Hike: Adapting to the Ice
Once we were all set, we hopped on a boat for a short, scenic ride (about 10 minutes) to the glacier base. Sadly, climate change has taken a toll on this area, and we had to walk a bit longer than expected due to the glacier melting. It was a reminder that the clock is ticking on some of nature’s most spectacular sights, which, if anything, added a sense of urgency to our journey.
Once we arrived at the glacier base, we spent a few minutes putting on our safety gear. Our guide made sure everyone knew the basics: stomp your feet when walking on the ice to ensure your crampons dig in properly. Trust me—this is key to preventing those “oops, I’m about to fall” moments. The ice may look beautiful, but it’s also slippery.
The first stretch wasn’t very steep, but the biggest challenge was getting used to the feeling of walking on ice with crampons. It took a little while to get the hang of it, but soon enough, I was stomping along like a pro. The guide kept checking in, accommodating requests for breaks, and overall, his care and attention to our well-being made the whole hike feel like a team effort. Plus, he doubled as a photographer, snapping our happy moments (with our phones, of course) as we clumsily posed on the ice. A real MVP.
The Summit: Ice Caves and Hot Soup
After about 40 minutes of walking and a few stunning ice caves (seriously, I felt like an explorer in a movie), we reached the top of the glacier. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. It felt surreal to be standing on top of Jostedalsbreen, one of the largest glaciers in Norway, with nothing but ice and mountains around us. We sat down, enjoyed our lunch (my hot soup was a true delight at that point), and took in the spectacular scenery.
The Descent: It’s All About Teamwork
After lunch, it was time to head back down. The descent was relatively easy, but I’ll be honest—walking down on ice with crampons requires some serious coordination. Good thing we were roped together because teamwork made the dream work, especially when we had to stop a few times to check everyone was okay.
Final Thoughts: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Honestly, the whole experience was once-in-a-lifetime. It’s hard to put into words the sheer beauty and power of being on a glacier—especially when you realize how much these environments are changing due to climate change. We loved the hike, and we loved Jostedalen Breførarlag Ltd for making it so accessible, safe, and enjoyable.
A few tips for anyone considering this hike:
- Be in good health, able to walk uphill for at least 15 minutes straight (not too steep, but it’s a workout on ice).
- Wear waterproof pants and layer up—trust me, you’ll warm up quickly as you climb.
- Consider a headband to keep your ears warm.
- And please, bring something warm to eat—whether it’s a sandwich, soup, or something else. It makes all the difference!
Also, shout-out to the tour guide for being both expert and hilariously personable. We truly appreciated his humor and expertise. And before I forget: please take conscious actions to protect our planet—whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint or, hey, maybe going vegetarian for a few months. Small steps help!
We ended our trip in Bergen, soaking in the charm of the town before flying out. Along the way, we tasted some of the freshest seafood ever, though I’ve got to say, I’d steer clear of reindeer or whale—just doesn’t sit well with me on a conscious level.
Norway is beyond beautiful, and I hope to share its splendor through my blogs, videos, and printable travel photos. If you’re looking to bring a piece of this breathtaking country into your home, feel free to check out my collection.
Highly recommend the glacier tour—do it before the ice melts away further!
P.S. Don’t forget to wear crampons, unless you want to make a grand, slippery entrance to the glacier. 😅
