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The sixth-largest glacier in mainland Norway, the spectacular Hardangerjokulen Glacier is an epic natural wonder to visit for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. A popular location for glacier hikes, Hardangerjokulen Glacier is a top-rated attraction in South Norway.
Discover more about Hardangerjokulen Glacier in our travel guide, including where Hardangerjokulen is, how to get to this stunning glacier, the best activities to enjoy during your visit and top travel tips.
All About Hardangerjokulen Glacier
Covering an area of approximately 73 square kilometers, Hardangerjokulen Glacier is Norway’s sixth-largest glacier located on the mainland. The largest continuous mountain plateau in Europe called Hardangervidda meets Norway’s flowing fjords, which is where you can find the epic Hardangerjokulen Glacier.
The highest point on Hardangerjokulen reaches around 1860 meters above sea level and it’s around 380 meters thick at its deepest point. Over recent decades, Hardangerjokulen Glacier has been shrinking in size, so we recommend visiting soon if you’d like to see this epic glacier in all its glory.
Did you know? Hardangerjokulen Glacier was a filming location in the 1980 movie, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. The vast icy glacier of Hardangerjokulen was the perfect film set for the ice planet Hoth.
Where is Hardangerjokulen Glacier?
Located in southern Norway, Hardangerjokulen Glacier is just east of the second-largest city of Bergen. This large glacier sits just next to the flowing fjords of Fjord Norway in the municipalities of Eidfjord and Ulvik, which are located within Vestland county.
How to Get to Hardangerjokulen Glacier
It’s not so easy to reach Hardangerjokulen Glacier due to its remote location. You’ll need to take the train to Finse and join a guided tour from there, as you can’t drive directly to the glacier. Guided Hardangerjokulen Glacier tours are conveniently timed to coincide with the train arrival and departure times, as this is the only way to reach the glacier. These trains run along the beautiful Bergen Line railway.
Best Activities to Do at Hardangerjokulen Glacier
So, what exactly can you do at Hardangerjokulen Glacier? Here are our top recommendations for ways to spend your time at this brilliant glacier:
Go on an epic glacier hike – The most popular way of exploring Hardangerjokulen Glacier is by foot on a guided glacier hike. This way, you can see the glacier up close as you traverse its surface. Note that glacier hiking is only possible in summer.
Ski on Hardangerjokulen – If you love skiing, we bet you’ll enjoy skiing on a glacier! With epic views every way you look and the chance to speed down the glacier with the fresh mountain air zooming past, skiing at Hardangerjokulen is a brilliant way to discover this beautiful icy landscape.
Take some incredible photos – The picturesque landscapes at Hardangerjokulen Glacier make for some once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.
Top Tips For Visiting Hardangerjokulen Glacier
When visiting Hardangerjokulen Glacier, here are some top tips to keep in mind to help you enjoy your visit.
Take a guided tour – You’ll need to join a guided tour to explore Hardangerjokulen Glacier with an expert guide. Tours usually leave at 11am from Finse train station and last for 5-7 hours. You’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment, such as crampons and climbing harnesses, and usually also insurance for your trip.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and waterproof clothes – Exploring Hardangerjokulen Glacier requires proper hiking boots equipped for walking on snow and ice. Wearing waterproof clothing is also a good idea to make sure you stay cozy and dry all day.
Bring sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen – Although it may not be immediately obvious, some high-quality sunglasses and a high factor SPF are needed for a trip to Hardangerjokulen Glacier, as the ice and snow reflect the sun’s rays quite powerfully.
Have a look at the weather and road conditions beforehand – We recommend checking the local Norway weather forecast and the up-to-date Norway road conditions before your trip to Hardangerjokulen Glacier to make sure conditions are optimal.
Bring your camera in a waterproof case – You’ll surely want to take some epic snaps of this amazing glacier, so don’t forget your camera! It’s also a good idea to pack any valuable electronics in waterproof cases to protect them whatever the weather.
Pack some snacks and drinks for the trip – As Hardangerjokulen Glacier is in a remote natural area, we recommend packing some of your favorite snacks and drinks to keep energized and hydrated all day.
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