Vårskitur Finse Hardanger@JørnAreLongfjeld (45)

Crossing Folgefonna Glacier

We cross Norway's third largest glacier

Crossing Folgefonna Glacier

We cross Norway's third largest glacier

From USD 898

Norway's third largest glacier offers one of the spring's most beautiful ski tours. We start and end in idyllic Rosendal and spend two whole days on the glacier where we go from north to south, across a desolate, white-clad, large and majestic landscape. For many, this is the crowning glory after a long and eventful ski season. Will you join this tour classic?

Highlights

  • Crossing Folgefonna Glacier - one of Norway's most beautiful ski trips
  • Ski over a desolate and majestic glacier landscape
  • Accommodation at Fonnabu, halfway across the glacier
  • Accommodation for two nights at cozy Rosendal Turisthotell
  • The spring flowering in Hardanger

Folgefonna glacier in Vestland Municipality is Norway's third largest glacier, only beaten by Jostedalsbreen and Svartisen. The glacier is 36 km long, and 14 km wide. The highest point on Folgefonna is 1,635 meters above sea level. Glaciers have been a mythical phenomenon for a long time, and the enormous masses of ice have long been an important thoroughfare for people in surrounding villages and hamlets.

Below the glacier is some of the most spectacular scenery Norway has to offer. The spring flowering in Hardanger, Hardangerfele, national romance, and apples to mention a few. The culture in Hardanger and the areas around Folgefonna have well-known traditions that stretch back to the early 14th century. There is something special about the feeling of coming down from the glacier with skis on your feet, to a bloom so beautiful that people from all over the world come to experience it.

Our tour starts and ends in idyllic Rosendal at the exit of the Hardangerfjord. Rosendal is surrounded by grassy and beautiful alpine mountains - a destination worth the trip in itself. The village is also easily accessible by both car and boat.

4

8-14

6-12

3/6

3/6

NO/EN

Dates and booking

Wed 01. May - Sat 04. May 2024

USD 898Available

Guaranteed departure

Send request
This trip is also offered as a private tailormade trip. Travel alone, with your friends or family whenever you want.
Send request

Opening hours Phone
Mon-Fri : 08-20
Sat-Sun : 14-17
Opening hours Chat
Mon-Fri : 07-23
Sat : 10-18
Sun : 13-21
CET

Safety

  • 24 hour emergency standby team
  • Guides with training in first aid
  • First aid equipment available
  • Cooperation with Turlegen.no for medical advice while in the field

Safety and grading of trips

Physical level

3/6 Physical

On these trips, some of the stages are demanding. On level 3 mountain hikes, there are often some long stages, and / or a demanding summit push where it can get cold. You must stand up to reach the goal, and have a good training basis and good health before departure. We sleep in tents and / or in cabins and hotels, but you do not have to have experience with tent life to participate. If the trip includes activities such as kayaking, cycling, climbing, glacier, skiing / mountaineering, it is an advantage to have experience with this activity.

Safety and grading of trips

Risk level

3/6 Risk

Activities / trips with some risk. Some incidents may occur, and they may be of such a nature that they require professional help.

Safety and grading of trips

Training and preperations

Crossing Folgefonna Glacier is best suited for people who like to ski long distances. The day stages are long and demanding, so we recommend that you have actively skied earlier in the season, and that you preferably have experience with other ski trips over several days. Watch the weight of your bag!

Accommodation and food

We stay at Rosendal Turisthotell in Rosendal before and after the trip. During the ski trip, we stay at Fonnabu at the edge of the glacier. 

In Rosendal we are served tasty dishes rooted in local produce, while on the ski trip over Folgefonna we bring common tour provisions, or collect from the self-service storage at Fonnabu.

Other information

Rosendal is easy to reach by both car and boat. There are daily departures by boat to and from Rosendal from Bergen and/or Flesland (Bergen Airport). Coming from Oslo, we recommend driving over the mountain, either the northern route via Geilo, or the southern route via Haukeli.

Since you have to carry your own rucksack, we recommend packing as efficiently as possible so that you don't take too many kilos with you. This is very important to have a successful trip. Use a rucksack that you have used on a trip before and that has a good hip belt. Remember to wear windproof and waterproof clothing.

Highlights

Reviews

Rated
-
- reviews
(-)
(-)
(-)
(-)
(-)

Day by day

Trolltunga Preikestolen and Kjerag-2018@ThorHUlstad  (335)

Day 1:Meet up in Rosendal

We meet at Rosendal Turisthotell in the evening where we have dinner together, before going through the program for the next few days. There is something special about meeting the beautiful blooms in Hardanger and knowing that the next day you are going on a ski trip on one of Norway's largest glaciers.

We meet at Rosendal Turisthotell in the evening where we have dinner together, before going through the program for the next few days. There is something special about meeting the beautiful blooms in Hardanger and knowing that the next day you are going on a ski trip on one of Norway's largest glaciers.

Rosendal Turisthotell

-,-,D

Vårskitur Finse Hardanger@JørnAreLongfjeld (12)

Day 2:First day on Folgefonna Glacier

We drive from Rosendal and to Folgefonna early in the morning. Normally, the road will be open all the way, and we can start the ski trip over Folgefonna from approx. 1200 m. From the ski center we use approx. 1.5 hours to the top of Nordre Folgefonna (1664 m). From the top of the glacier, it's an hour and a half of pampering before we reach Svartedalshorga, where a beautiful but slightly steep snow chute awaits us. We take our time down to Kvitnodalsvatnet (980 m above sea level) where we have lunch. After the break, the heaviest stage starts where we go up towards Hundsøyra and Holmaskjær (1550 m above sea level), before the last stage to Fonnabu awaits. Once at Fonnabu, we have a cup of coffee, enjoy the view and wait for the dinner to heat up.

We drive from Rosendal and to Folgefonna early in the morning. Normally, the road will be open all the way, and we can start the ski trip over Folgefonna from approx. 1200 m. From the ski center we use approx. 1.5 hours to the top of Nordre Folgefonna (1664 m). From the top of the glacier, it's an hour and a half of pampering before we reach Svartedalshorga, where a beautiful but slightly steep snow chute awaits us. We take our time down to Kvitnodalsvatnet (980 m above sea level) where we have lunch. After the break, the heaviest stage starts where we go up towards Hundsøyra and Holmaskjær (1550 m above sea level), before the last stage to Fonnabu awaits. Once at Fonnabu, we have a cup of coffee, enjoy the view and wait for the dinner to heat up.

Fonnabu

B,L,D

1 hour

8-10 hours

500m/500m

18-20 km

Vårskitur Finse Hardanger@JørnAreLongfjeld (42)

Day 3:From Fonnabu to Rosendal

Early start at 06.00 today. From Fonnabu we head south towards the valley that separates the largest glaciers on Folgefonna, Buerbreen and Bondhusbreen. Today's highest point is around 1610 m above sea level, and we catch sight of the Ulvanosi alpine mountain range in Uskedalen - smooth and challenging granite that has tempted climbers for a long time. Further on, we enter more demanding terrain, some steep slopes down towards Volarusti. Most often, the skis have to come off on these slopes as the sun and wind melt the snow away. And the closer we get to Rosendal, the wetter the snow gets. It is spring, after all, and the sun is shining brightly up here on the glacier. The last 3 kilometers we walk on the gravel road that takes us down to Rosendal. In the evening we enjoy a tasty closing dinner at the accommodation.

Early start at 06.00 today. From Fonnabu we head south towards the valley that separates the largest glaciers on Folgefonna, Buerbreen and Bondhusbreen. Today's highest point is around 1610 m above sea level, and we catch sight of the Ulvanosi alpine mountain range in Uskedalen - smooth and challenging granite that has tempted climbers for a long time. Further on, we enter more demanding terrain, some steep slopes down towards Volarusti. Most often, the skis have to come off on these slopes as the sun and wind melt the snow away. And the closer we get to Rosendal, the wetter the snow gets. It is spring, after all, and the sun is shining brightly up here on the glacier. The last 3 kilometers we walk on the gravel road that takes us down to Rosendal. In the evening we enjoy a tasty closing dinner at the accommodation.

Rosendal Turisthotell

B,L,D

12-14 hours

200m/1450m

28-30 km

Trolltunga Preikestolen and Kjerag-2018@ThorHUlstad  (335)

Day 4:Departure from Rosendal

We wake up in beautiful Rosendal, and enjoy breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. Maybe you want to stay one day and take a trip to the Baroniet? If not, we wish you a safe trip home after a lovely trip over Norway's third largest glacier.

We wake up in beautiful Rosendal, and enjoy breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. Maybe you want to stay one day and take a trip to the Baroniet? If not, we wish you a safe trip home after a lovely trip over Norway's third largest glacier.

B,-,-

We meet at Rosendal Turisthotell in the evening where we have dinner together, before going through the program for the next few days. There is something special about meeting the beautiful blooms in Hardanger and knowing that the next day you are going on a ski trip on one of Norway's largest glaciers.

Rosendal Turisthotell

-,-,D

We drive from Rosendal and to Folgefonna early in the morning. Normally, the road will be open all the way, and we can start the ski trip over Folgefonna from approx. 1200 m. From the ski center we use approx. 1.5 hours to the top of Nordre Folgefonna (1664 m). From the top of the glacier, it's an hour and a half of pampering before we reach Svartedalshorga, where a beautiful but slightly steep snow chute awaits us. We take our time down to Kvitnodalsvatnet (980 m above sea level) where we have lunch. After the break, the heaviest stage starts where we go up towards Hundsøyra and Holmaskjær (1550 m above sea level), before the last stage to Fonnabu awaits. Once at Fonnabu, we have a cup of coffee, enjoy the view and wait for the dinner to heat up.

Fonnabu

B,L,D

1 hour

8-10 hours

500m/500m

18-20 km

Early start at 06.00 today. From Fonnabu we head south towards the valley that separates the largest glaciers on Folgefonna, Buerbreen and Bondhusbreen. Today's highest point is around 1610 m above sea level, and we catch sight of the Ulvanosi alpine mountain range in Uskedalen - smooth and challenging granite that has tempted climbers for a long time. Further on, we enter more demanding terrain, some steep slopes down towards Volarusti. Most often, the skis have to come off on these slopes as the sun and wind melt the snow away. And the closer we get to Rosendal, the wetter the snow gets. It is spring, after all, and the sun is shining brightly up here on the glacier. The last 3 kilometers we walk on the gravel road that takes us down to Rosendal. In the evening we enjoy a tasty closing dinner at the accommodation.

Rosendal Turisthotell

B,L,D

12-14 hours

200m/1450m

28-30 km

We wake up in beautiful Rosendal, and enjoy breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. Maybe you want to stay one day and take a trip to the Baroniet? If not, we wish you a safe trip home after a lovely trip over Norway's third largest glacier.

B,-,-

What's included in the price

Included

Not included

Changes may occur

We reserve the right to change prices. The day by day program is a guideline and changes may occur. You can refer to our general travel conditions for more information.

Travel insurance

On all our trips, we require you to have full health and accident insurance which will also cover any emergency transport home. Read more about travel insurance.

Equipment list

This list is intended as a guideline, so that we have what we need regardless of the weather we get on the trip. Remember that you can also get used hiking equipment that works perfectly. Get in touch if you have any questions. TIP: We recommend that you have the most important hiking equipment in your hand luggage, for example hiking boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.

Obligatory

Clothing

We recommend wool underwear for both men and women. Wool sportstop is recommended for women.

2 sets. Not too thick, wear multiple layers if necessary.

Wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton. Remember to allways bring dry socks with you, to prevent chafing. 

Medium thickness. Primaloft or down.

Gore-Tex or similar. Must have a decent hood, and hold out wind and rain. Should have space for midlayers underneath. Ventilation under the arms is recommended. 

Gore-Tex or similar. Must be waterproof and windproof,  zips for ventilation are recommended.

Warm hat for cold days.

Wind proof mittens with warm inner mittens. Has to cover the underarm, and must be spacious. Must give a good grip, even with inner mittens. 

Warm ski mittens/gloves.

Equipment

50-60 liter capacity.

Remember new/extra batteries.

2-3 litre bottles, with an insulation cover, so they dont freeze. For example Nalgene bottles with wide mouth. They can handle hot water, so you can use them to keep warm in the sleeping bag.

Alpine snow glasses. To protect your face and eyes in snow, wind and cold conditions.

Nordic back country skis, preferably with steel sledges. BC bindings with manual closure, or 75mm bindings. The poles must have large baskets. 

Make sure these fit your skis.

We recommend blue and green kick wax rating. If you want to use skins, we only recommend short skins.
 

1 pc 130-150 cm, 5-6 mm static climbing rope (before tying the knot)

Can be rented, let us know good time in advance

2 pcs. screw carabiners and 1 regular carabiner. 

Bed linen and disposable sleep liner are included in the cabins, but if you prefer to bring your own sleep liner/light sleepingbag, you are free to do so.

Recommended

Clothing

Fleece or wool. 

Down or primaloft.

For evenings and leasure days.

Or a face mask.

To protect your boots against mud, dust and water.

Nice to take it outside the shell trousers. Preferably with a zipper all the way.

Equipment

Band-aid, compeed, sportstape, Paracet/Ibux, medicine for soar throat, running nose, irritable stomach, etc, and personal medication. 
We need to know about all medicines you are taking, in case something happens. 

Tooth brush, tooth paste, small towel, ear plugs, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc.

To attach skis to backpack if necessary.

Useful

Equipment

Toilet paper, antibac and waste bags for the paper.

As light at possible. 

Nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.

We provide

We bring ropes and other safety equipment for skiing over Folgefonna Glacier. Personal equipment such as harness, sling and carabiners must be brought by each individual.

It is important that you pack your clothes and gear 100% waterproof. Even if you already have a cover on your sleeping bag, it is important that you pack it in a waterproof drybag bag as well.

Here you can find more information about gear & clothing for trips like this.

Similar trips