Nigardsbreen and the glacier boat
The Nigardsbreen glacier lies in Jostedalen, at the edge of the Jostedalsbreen national park. The visitor centre there is Breheimsenteret. Do not mix it up with the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland, which is another place at another fjord arm. The national park has visitor centres in Oppstryn, Fjærland and Jostedalen, and each one is a separate stop.
A glacier boat takes you across the meltwater lake towards the ice. It runs from the end of May or June to September, depending on the melt. It is a shuttle service with no fixed departure times and no reservation. On the operator's page, seen on 1 November 2026, an adult paid 85 NOK return or 60 NOK one way, and a child 60 NOK return or 40 NOK one way. Confirm the current fares and the age rule for children at the quay. You can pay by card or with Vipps.
Sognefjord tours and day trips
Fjord cruises, rail combinations and day trips around the Sognefjord, with live prices and availability.
Blue ice hike
On the glacier itself, the local guide association runs a short blue ice hike. It is for people from 8 years of age and takes about 3.5 hours in total, of which about 45 minutes are on the ice. The route climbs and descends steeply, and you need balance and a reasonable level of fitness. Ask the operator which equipment is provided.
Prices and season dates for the hike are not listed here. The operator's page already shows the 2027 edition, which does not apply to 2026, so ask the operator for the current offer before you plan around it.
Fjærland and the glacier museum
The Norwegian Glacier Museum, Norsk Bremuseum, lies in Fjærland. On the museum's page, seen on 1 November 2026, adults paid 180 NOK, children and students 90 NOK and a family 390 NOK. The family ticket covers 2 adults and children under 16 years.
April, May, September, October
Open daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
June to August
Open daily from 09:00 to 19:00.
January to March
Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 15:00.
November and December
Open on request, so ask before you travel.
A fast charger for electric cars stands at the car park. For the winter months, see our winter page.
Safety on the ice
The Norwegian water and energy authority (NVE) warns of falling ice at the front and along the sides of a glacier, of crevasses and of sudden outbursts of water. Respect all barriers and keep your distance from the ice front. Walk on the ice only with a guide and the right equipment, because it takes knowledge and rescue skills (NVE, updated 19 May 2026).
Wear sturdy shoes and warm layers even in summer, and take the weather forecast seriously. If you drive in, read the Lærdal Tunnel page for road works on the E16, and see the stave churches page for another stop in the region.
Jostedalsbreen
Nigardsbreen is only one arm of the large ice cap. Jostedalsbreen has its own guide with the other glacier arms and the visitor centre in Oppstryn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the glacier boat?
No reservation is needed. The boat runs as a shuttle without fixed departure times, from the end of May or June to September, depending on the melt.
Is the Norwegian Glacier Museum at the Nigardsbreen?
No. The museum is in Fjærland, while the Nigardsbreen and the Breheimsenteret are in Jostedalen. They are different places.
Can I walk onto the glacier on my own?
No, it is not safe. Walk on the ice only with a guide and the right equipment, and keep behind the barriers elsewhere.
How hard is the blue ice hike?
It lasts about 3.5 hours with about 45 minutes on the ice, from 8 years of age. The ascent and descent are steep, so you need fitness and balance.