Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter

Welcome to Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent, is the core of the park, which is characterized by many contrasting features. Over short distances there is a spectacular range of different landscapes spanning from fjords to lush valleys with summer farms and traditional cultural landscapes to barren alpine zones and glaciers. The glaciers and its meltwater have formed a unique landscape with interesting geological formations and local climatic conditions create unique habitats for special flora and fauna.

Jostedalsbreen National Park is 1315 km² and amongst the largest national parks in Norway. Almost all the parks area lays above 800 m a.s.l. and was founded in 1991 and expanded in 1998. The area around the Jostedals glacier is one biggest area in Southern Norway that can be considered wilderness.

The possibilities for experiencing the nature in and around the national park are many. The landscape offers activities for everyone. Experience the valleys around glacier, where all of them has their own special features and their own special history. Or use a guide to do walks on the glacier itself. If you want a greater challenge, clime one of many summits in the area. There are many degrees of difficultness and some hikes there will be needed a guide to be able to navigate in the rough and demanding terrain. It is important to respect nature and possible dangers it may conceal.

Take a peek at this short film about the national park and find out why the glaciers and landscape has attracted tourists since the 19^th Century.

The glacier Briksdalsbreen in Oldedalen – Photo: Visit Nordfjord/Normann

View from Segestad towards the National Park Centre and
Jostedalsbreen National Park – Photo: Wenche Nesje