Nigardsbreen is one of over 50 glacier arms originating from the main Jostedalsbreen ice cap.
The glacier's name originates from the farm 'Nigard', which was completely destroyed by an ice advance in 1748.
Between 1700 and 1748, the glacier advanced by approximately four kilometers, burying local farmland.
The glacier has retreated several hundred meters since the early 2000s, revealing new terrain and a expanding lake.
The blue color of the ice is a result of light scattering within compacted ice crystals that have been pressurized over centuries.
The Breheimsenteret visitor center acts as a hub for both glacier research and tourism management in the region.
Nigardsbreen is a prominent glacier arm of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, situated in the Luster municipality of Vestland county, Norway. It serves as one of the most accessible glacier arms in the region, allowing visitors to approach the ice front via a combination of boat transport and hiking. The glacier is part of Jostedalsbreen National Park, which protects the largest glacier on the European mainland. The ice is characterized by deep crevasses and distinct blue coloration caused by the high density of compacted snow. Over recent decades, the glacier has exhibited significant retreat due to changing climatic conditions, resulting in the formation of a proglacial lake at its base. The area features a dedicated Breheimsenteret museum nearby that provides scientific context regarding glaciology and local environmental history. Guided glacier hiking tours are available for various skill levels, requiring specific safety equipment such as crampons and ropes. The landscape surrounding the glacier consists of steep, rock-strewn mountain slopes and moraine deposits.
From the rocky terminal moraine overlooking the blue ice and the proglacial lake.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support to handle uneven moraine terrain.
Carry layers of windproof and waterproof clothing, as weather conditions near the glacier front change rapidly.
Check in advance if you require a guided tour to step onto the glacier, as unauthorized walking on active ice is dangerous.
Attempting to hike onto the glacier ice without a certified guide or proper safety equipment.
Open during the summer season only; the glacier boat and guided hiking services typically cease operation when autumn conditions set in.
Do not touch or approach the glacier front ice walls due to the risk of falling ice blocks; remain on marked trails.
