Folgefonna National Park
Folgefonna National Park
Folgefonna National Park
5
About
Norway's third largest glacier. In 2005 Folgefonna National Park was opened, which at the time was Norway's twenty fifth national park. Folgefonna is known for its dramatic and beautiful scenery. Here you will find fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers and water falls. There are lots of things to see in the park, and this makes the area one of the country's most important destinations. Access trails start at Rullestad in Etne, at Bergsto or at Mosnes (by boat).
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Folgefonna National Park and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
43 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Erik G
5 contributions
Sep 2022
This was my first time doing and glacier-related activities. Not only were we able to do a fun, moderately difficult, glacier trek, we were also able to do a day of kayaking in a lake created by glacier melt.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sayantan khanra
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
The hike was steep but not very difficult. At the end of the hike you get to see the beautiful landscapes in Bondhusvatn. This is one of the starting points of folgefonna. The color of the lake water was majestic.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arecni305
Miami, FL47 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We had an adventurous day on a private guided glacier walk. Our guide Joakim was very friendly and cautious. We were able to walk into several ice tunnels and climb our. You need to be in decent physical shape since there is much inclined walking and some climbing. Bring water and lunch. Very lucky that we visited on a sunny cloudless day. Drive up is slightly strenuous since most of it is one way with drops on the sides and very few pullouts. Highly recommend as a fun adventure.
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerjen B
Wapenveld, The Netherlands36 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
As always a glacier is very impressive. The beauty of nature compressed in tonnes of ice and snow. We've just visited the edge of the glacier at the ski-park. We saw groups decending the glacier. They looked pretty worn out as the glacier appeared pretty steep. If you're in to an intense outdoor activity, that must be brilliant.
The ride towards the glacier is wonderful. You enter a valley, around the cotner of a mountain, which seems hidden from the rest of the world. At the end of the valley you start the climb (by car) which is pretty steep, small and maybe a little scary. But it's worth it. At the the end you can find the glacier but a little below there are a couple of hikes. Or you just get out and explore the bare landscape near your car. Nice afternoon activity. Highly recommended.
The ride towards the glacier is wonderful. You enter a valley, around the cotner of a mountain, which seems hidden from the rest of the world. At the end of the valley you start the climb (by car) which is pretty steep, small and maybe a little scary. But it's worth it. At the the end you can find the glacier but a little below there are a couple of hikes. Or you just get out and explore the bare landscape near your car. Nice afternoon activity. Highly recommended.
Written 11 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
savvyea
Houston, TX99 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We went to Bondhus for an amazing hike at Folgefonna National Park. We did the hike that goes to the lake. The hike was quite easy and took about 30 minutes. Our group didn't have regular hikers and yet we enjoyed the walk. Beautiful location with plenty of places to take great family pics. Attached are some pictures that I took.
Written 25 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
southofoz
Tasmania66 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We enjoyed the walk to the Bondhusdalen lake even though or maybe especially because it was raining and we didn't meet a single person. Beautiful countryside. With better weather and more time at hand we would have continued the walk / hike.
We also enjoyed the drive from Jondal to the Fonna Ski Resort, but to be honest the name resort is a bit far fetched... There was not much up there - a single toilet in a tiny café and because we were not skiing we were not able to get actually onto the glacier. There is a road toll on the way up of 100 NOK. There is a public bus service going to the resort from mid June to mid August leaving from Jondal. The road up is very narrow with steep drops and no guards... Welcome to Norway! Plan enough time to get from A to B and check vegvesen.no for current traffic situation / closed roads.
We also enjoyed the drive from Jondal to the Fonna Ski Resort, but to be honest the name resort is a bit far fetched... There was not much up there - a single toilet in a tiny café and because we were not skiing we were not able to get actually onto the glacier. There is a road toll on the way up of 100 NOK. There is a public bus service going to the resort from mid June to mid August leaving from Jondal. The road up is very narrow with steep drops and no guards... Welcome to Norway! Plan enough time to get from A to B and check vegvesen.no for current traffic situation / closed roads.
Written 16 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne D
Auckland12 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
OK English speaking mountain hikers, this is what you need to know. The internet is happy to tell you that there is a nice stroll to Bondhusvatnet (lake) to view Bondhusbreen (glacier), but it has to be squeezed for all it’s worth to realise that the hike up to Breidablikk and Fonnabu huts (and back) that overlook the ice cap can probably be done in a day. Then it’s not until you give it a go that you realise how spectacular it is. The only other people on the trail were Norwegian and so I feel a bit guilty about advertising how good it is!
At a reasonably energetic pace, it took 3 hours up to Breidablikk and 2 hours down. To Fonnabu is another hour (one way).
The free car park is a short way up the side road from the middle of Sundal (on coast at north west end of Folgefonna Nasjonalpark). Starting on the wide hardpacked metal trail to Bondhusvatnet, you soon turn left following signs to Fonnabu. The hour climb finishing with 18 switchbacks (don’t start counting until after the big rock information board and water tank) is a bit of a trudge on a wide grass and stone bridal track through trees with occasional glimpses of the blue lake below and the high mountains above - just get it done. Life improves when you reach the lovingly maintained holiday huts. 10 minutes more and over the lip to your first wow moment. Welcome to the high cirques of alpine rock gardens, tarns and waterfalls. From here the gradient and scenery is much more varied. Climb out of the first cirque and then up and over into a tarn filled rocky basin before the final rock wall steps and clamber to Breidablikk hut. Rush over to the edge to see what you have come to see. It’s hard to resist ambling on to better and better views of the ice cap. Another 20 minutes along the rock ridge above the ice will get you to a view of Fonnabu hut, which is as far as I went, but you could easily continue on.
The trail is not tricky or muddy. I went in boots but would have been fine in off road runners. Take your usual extra layers, food and drink. There are animals about so be cautious drinking from streams. The trail is well marked with red T’s. At an unsigned fork soon after the tarn just above the holiday huts, I went right and that worked.
Your main weather wish is for clear tops. I started in cloud down to 100 m but could see glimpses of the tops, so forged on with crossed fingers and was lucky.
yr.no does a good forecast. The precitation/cloud option on the map (kart) page is particularly useful - the darker the cloud, the lower and thicker it is.
I enjoyed this more than Besseggen (Jotunheimen) or Romsdalseggen (Andalsnes) even though they are both also excellent.
At a reasonably energetic pace, it took 3 hours up to Breidablikk and 2 hours down. To Fonnabu is another hour (one way).
The free car park is a short way up the side road from the middle of Sundal (on coast at north west end of Folgefonna Nasjonalpark). Starting on the wide hardpacked metal trail to Bondhusvatnet, you soon turn left following signs to Fonnabu. The hour climb finishing with 18 switchbacks (don’t start counting until after the big rock information board and water tank) is a bit of a trudge on a wide grass and stone bridal track through trees with occasional glimpses of the blue lake below and the high mountains above - just get it done. Life improves when you reach the lovingly maintained holiday huts. 10 minutes more and over the lip to your first wow moment. Welcome to the high cirques of alpine rock gardens, tarns and waterfalls. From here the gradient and scenery is much more varied. Climb out of the first cirque and then up and over into a tarn filled rocky basin before the final rock wall steps and clamber to Breidablikk hut. Rush over to the edge to see what you have come to see. It’s hard to resist ambling on to better and better views of the ice cap. Another 20 minutes along the rock ridge above the ice will get you to a view of Fonnabu hut, which is as far as I went, but you could easily continue on.
The trail is not tricky or muddy. I went in boots but would have been fine in off road runners. Take your usual extra layers, food and drink. There are animals about so be cautious drinking from streams. The trail is well marked with red T’s. At an unsigned fork soon after the tarn just above the holiday huts, I went right and that worked.
Your main weather wish is for clear tops. I started in cloud down to 100 m but could see glimpses of the tops, so forged on with crossed fingers and was lucky.
yr.no does a good forecast. The precitation/cloud option on the map (kart) page is particularly useful - the darker the cloud, the lower and thicker it is.
I enjoyed this more than Besseggen (Jotunheimen) or Romsdalseggen (Andalsnes) even though they are both also excellent.
Written 24 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
outlaws_2000
Limassol City, Cyprus693 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
A fantastic walk up the slopes, then over the rocks and onto the glacier. The group was split into three smaller groups of 4-8 people according to their fitness and experience level. First group went really far exploring the whole glacier, 2nd group went the medium distance, and the 3rd group enjoyed a more leisure hike taking pictures and discussing/listening about the glacier, hiking stories, and enjoying the views. The hiking guides were experienced, careful and professional, and really enjoyed our day hiking with them.
Just note that the instructions in the company websites are inaccurate and not clear. You do not need to take your hiking boots, as those are not suitable for walking on snow and ice anyway. Proper shoes will be provided for you. You can also use your own gloves, or you can borrow from a box that has used gloves available. If you are not an experienced glacier hiker, please continue to read the below recommendations too.
Take at least a litre of water with you and definitely sun screen. Nobody will tell you this there, but it is important to apply sunscreen before you go up the mountain as sun reflects onto the snow and you can get sunburned even on a cloudy day. If it looks like it will rain, take waterproof clothing and rain coat. Take food and energy bars. The hike, even in the 3rd, more relaxed group is quite strenuous and you don’t want to be left without energy half way through the day. Take your lunch box as there will be a lunch break. Enjoy every moment!
Just note that the instructions in the company websites are inaccurate and not clear. You do not need to take your hiking boots, as those are not suitable for walking on snow and ice anyway. Proper shoes will be provided for you. You can also use your own gloves, or you can borrow from a box that has used gloves available. If you are not an experienced glacier hiker, please continue to read the below recommendations too.
Take at least a litre of water with you and definitely sun screen. Nobody will tell you this there, but it is important to apply sunscreen before you go up the mountain as sun reflects onto the snow and you can get sunburned even on a cloudy day. If it looks like it will rain, take waterproof clothing and rain coat. Take food and energy bars. The hike, even in the 3rd, more relaxed group is quite strenuous and you don’t want to be left without energy half way through the day. Take your lunch box as there will be a lunch break. Enjoy every moment!
Written 7 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harrison McCandless
London, UK154 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
A stunning national park. Lots to do here including glacier walking and plenty of hikes. Spent a couple of days here at the end of March. Lots of snow still but great scenery.
Written 3 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eesha G
Melbourne, Australia62 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
We visited the glacier as a day trip from Bergen, 930 line goes straight to Jondal from where our guide Michael picked us up. He was very polite,patient and informative to all the members of the group. If you are physically fit and the weather allows then it is a must do. We were very luck to get a beautiful sunny weather with no rain. Check with the official national park office before planning the trip.
Written 18 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maite1232014
Barcelona, Spain12 contributions
Hola, hasta que mes se puede hacer una caminata por el glaciar folgefonna con guias?, en septiembre esta abierto?. Gracias
laiavillar
Barcelona, Spain26 contributions
Is it possible to go from Odda by public transport?
chongcp
Singapore, Singapore143 contributions
For the hike to the glacier at the easiest difficulty, how long would it take from start to end? Physically I'm not in terrible shape, I do run sometimes and lift weights consistently but have not done a proper hike in more than a decade. Would I be far out of my comfort zone?
JP N
Menlo Park, CA84 contributions
Hei! Er det mulig til reservere plasser på isbrenntur?
Just in case I didn't say that right (I'm still learning Norwegian), Hello! Is it possible to reserve places on the glacier hike in advance? If so, how far in advance can we reserve? We are coming in August.
Next, I understand that you will provide some specific gear, but what kind of shoes do se need to have? What kind of clothes do you recommend that we wear?
Finally, we are staying in Ullensvang. Is it easy to get to the glacier from Ullensvang? We will have have our own car.
Takk!!
futtballer12
Fresno, CA
Hi, this is curtis. If I take the Forgfonna glacier hiking tour, do the tour agency provide the equipments or should I get my own?
Karen LV
1 contribution
HI Curtis, yes. they will have all you need for the hike. See more at Folgefonni Breforarlag's home page. Under Blue Ice HIke Juklavass Glacier
Have fun!
Paula BC
Cambre, Spain260 contributions
donde puedo contratar una excursión al glaciar Folgefonna??
gracias😊
Alizapedsem
Tel Aviv, Israel88 contributions
Can you recommend some guides for the glacier hike? How long does it take?
KarenLoVa
1 contribution
Hello,
for guided hikes we have 2 Companies that can take you out:
Folgefonni Breførarlag folgefonni-breforarlag.no
Flatearth flatearth.no
See their web pages for more info
Willis C
2 contributions
Corey,
Thanks for your informative post! Where is the "entrance" of the park? What time of the year did you go that allowed you to ski? Where did you go to ski?
Thank you!
Afo A
Bogota, Colombia227 contributions
o bought the Tour to climb the glaciar with Ford Tours what clothe would you recomend me do they hire hickking boots?
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingFolgefonna National Park (Rosendal) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Folgefonna National Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Folgefonna National Park:
- Private guided day tour to Hardanger & Folgefonna Glacier - incl Blue Ice Hiking (From ₹ 1,19,544.85)
- PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR: Folgefonna Glacier roundtrip from Bergen, 8 hours (From ₹ 48,533.68)
- Bergen - Folgefonna Fjord + Glacier private cruise (From ₹ 4,58,486.16)
- 4 Day Bergen - Hardangerfjord private fjord-cruise (From ₹ 12,42,080.69)
- Bergen to Hardangerfjord Fjord Adventure (From ₹ 9,876.63)
- Hotels near Folgefonna National Park:
- (11.57 km) Hardanger Fjord Lodge
- (14.93 km) Hardanger Hotel
- (14.61 km) Vikinghaug
- (15.51 km) Baroniet Rosendal Avlsgård & Fruehus
- (14.97 km) Bakkegata - The Blue House
- Restaurants near Folgefonna National Park:
- (10.19 km) Buer Restaurant
- (14.96 km) Glacier Restaurant
- (14.98 km) Fjoren Makalause Mat
- (14.99 km) Sentralbadet Litteraturhus
- (15.16 km) Baroniet Rosendal Garden Cafe
- Attractions near Folgefonna National Park:
- (8.65 km) Buarbreen
- (14.91 km) Trolltunga Active
- (11.74 km) Furebergsfossen
- (14.93 km) Odda Turistinformation
- (15.18 km) Baroniet Rosendal