Jostedalsbreen National Park
Jostedalsbreen National Park
What is the closest you came to experiencing the Ice Age--not counting seeing very realistic movies? Jostedalsbreen National Park comprises 1,310 square kilometers of wonderland in Sogn og Fjordane and Europe's biggest glacier. The park offers anything from adventurous glacier hiking, rafting, wildlife tours to kayaking.
The park's glacier is massive. In fact, so vast, were it to melt, the entire nation of Norway would be filled with enough water to last 100 years. At 80 kilometers in length, the glacier encompasses an area of 487 square kilometers and the ice is as thick as 500 meters in certain places. It's easy here to imagine you're in the Ice Age as you hike all around the huge whiteness and thank goodness the only giants, you'll come across will be statues.
Though the park is large, you'll never feel lost here. Why? Because there are 3 visitor centers and museums, each strategically situated in Stryn, Fjaerland, and Jostedal. You'll get acclimated to this area quite fast. You could book guided tours and enjoy watching interactive exhibitions.
Take a brief lesson on climate change
Climate change isn't fake. Here's evidence: the Haugabreen glacier has retreated approximately 130 meters within the previous decade. The park's various visitor centers provide opportunities to learn much about the specifics regarding climate change and what you could do to contribute to the environment. While you're surrounded by so much ice, the very idea of it melting grows more and more real than ever.
Take a glacier walk
Although the exhibitions are surely fascinating, in this park you will have the opportunity to experience the glacier quite actively. You could book glacier walks with the professional guides from any of the visitor centers at any time ranging from the months May to October. Know that the hiking distances are large and you'll be walking for a few hours prior to even arriving at the glacial area, which all means that you have to be in fair physical condition.
Explore a range of environments
Despite that whiteness is everywhere, it's not always like that. Inside the national park, you will get the chance to explore a broad range of natural terrains such as from fjords, farmland to mountains home to cascading waterfalls. Nope, you won't be bored.
Something for everyone
If walking on icy terrain for many hours seems intimidating, the park also offers other activities like skiing, rafting, light historical walks for beginners, kayaking in glacial lakes, and even touring the mysterious blue ice cave beneath the glacier. Whatever's the level of adrenaline you are most comfortable with, you are certain to find activities more suited to you.
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