The Folgefonna glacier is so large that it is currently divided into three separate, connected glacier caps.
Glacial ice in the park can reach thicknesses of up to 400 meters in certain areas.
The park was established in 2005 to preserve the unique glacial environment and the diverse biodiversity found in the surrounding high-mountain ecosystems.
Meltwater from the glacier serves as a primary source for the hydroelectric power generation in the surrounding Hardanger region.
The mountain plateau is known for hosting rare alpine plant species that have survived since the end of the last Ice Age.
Folgefonna National Park protects the third-largest glacier in mainland Norway, covering approximately 720 square kilometers across the municipalities of Ullensvang, Etne, and Kvinnherad. The park features the Folgefonna glacier plateau, which encompasses three distinct glaciers: Nordre, Midtre, and Søndre Folgefonna. Its unique topography includes deep, narrow valleys and high mountain peaks, with the glacier capping the Hardanger peninsula. The park is a major destination for summer skiing at the Folgefonn Glacier Resort and offers extensive marked hiking trails connecting various DNT mountain cabins. Meltwater from the glacier feeds several significant waterfalls, including the notable Latefossen located outside the park boundaries. The park terrain reaches elevations up to 1,662 meters above sea level at the highest point, Velljuven. The area is geologically significant for its ongoing glacial retreat patterns and distinct alpine flora. Visitors can engage in glacier trekking on blue ice with authorized guides.
The view from the edge of the glacier looking down into the Hardangerfjord valley.
Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy mountain boots even in summer, as the weather changes rapidly at high altitudes.
Book a certified guide if you plan to traverse the glacier, as hidden crevasses are a significant danger.
Check the local avalanche and weather forecasts at the visitor center before departing for high-altitude trails.
Attempting to cross the glacier plateau without a professional guide or specialized safety equipment.
Glacier skiing is seasonal, typically operating during summer months; hiking trails in higher elevations are only accessible after snowmelt, usually mid-summer.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles by removing all trash and staying on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
