About
Jostedal is a valley in western Norway, in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. It is known above all for Jostedalsbreen, the glacier that gives the valley its character and that is the largest ice field on the European mainland.
The valley suits visitors who want to be among big landscapes rather than in a town. The glacier dominates the surroundings, and its ice fields and tongues are the main reason people come. Because the setting is rural and open, a visit tends to be a slow one, built around looking, walking and taking in the scale of the ice and the mountains around it.
What to expect
- Jostedalsbreen, the mainland Europe's largest ice field, as the central sight of the valley
- A quiet, mountainous setting in western Norway
- Scenery that rewards time spent outdoors rather than a quick stop
Planning your visit
Jostedal is best approached as part of a wider trip through Sogn og Fjordane, where the mountains, valleys and fjords of western Norway lie within reach of one another. Visitors should plan their own transport and check conditions for the glacier and surrounding paths before setting out, as the valley is a remote, natural area rather than a place with a set visitor infrastructure.