- Address: Luster, 6871 Jostedal, Norway
- Contact phone: +47 57 68 32 50
- Website: www.sognefjord.no
- Area of the glacier: 487 sq. Km. m
- Maximum thickness of ice mass: 600 m
- Glacier height: about 300 m
- The cost of the tour: from $ 25 to $ 110 depending on the duration of the route
One of the most accessible and exciting walks in Norway is visiting the Nigardsbreen Glacier. You are waited by surprising kinds of vicinities, a blue ice under legs and sensation of silence and untouched nature.
Location:
The Nigardsemben glacier is one of the branches of Jostedalsbreen , the largest glacier on the European continent. Nigardsbreen is a part of the National Reserve of Jostedalsbreen and is located 30 km to the north of the nearest settlement - the village of Haupne.
What is interesting about the Nigardsbreen glacier?
It was formed under the influence of very low air temperature and a large amount of falling snow. This weather is typical for this area and mountain slopes.
The Nigardsbreen glacier has several features:
- Blue ice and turquoise water. In the bright sun, its surface is shimmered with all shades of blue (this is the so-called glacial ice), and the meltwater at the foot form a small lake with turquoise water. Meltwater is widely used for hydropower.
- Changes in the state of the glacier. The fallen snow first turns into firn, and then into ice. Under the influence of negative temperatures, the processes of recrystallization and lowering of the looseness of the underlying snow layers proceed, and with positive temperatures, melting and subsequent freezing, which increases the thickness of the ice mass in Nigardsbreen.
- Black coating. It appears due to the presence on the ice surface of plant remains and various living organisms. If you try to touch this raid, you will see that it will turn into dust.
Excursion to the glacier
Ascent to the summit of Nigardsbreen is possible for all travelers over 5 years old. For the convenience of the ascent, workers of the protected area of Yostedal daily cut the steps in the glacier. The very short excursion to Nigardsbreen lasts about 1-2 hours, and the longest route takes about 9 hours. Despite its relatively small height, a survey from the top of the Nigardsbreen glacier opens a stunning view of the unique landscape of these places and leaves the feeling that you have climbed the Alps.
How to get there?
To see the beauty of the glacier Nigardsbreen with your own eyes, you can go by car or tourist bus together with a guide and a group of tourists. If you are traveling by car, then you need to move to the Jostedal Valley, and then to the building of the Norwegian Glacier Center. Near to it there is a parking for cars, there you can leave the car and continue the way to the glacier or on foot, or on a leased boat through a pond. A tourist bus takes tourists directly to the foot of the glacier.