Jostedalsbre Attractions
The Jostedalsbre, between the Sognefjord to the south and the Nordfjord to the north, is the largest inland ice-sheet in continental Europe (almost 100km/62mi long), of similar type to the great icefields of Greenland.
Together with the adjoining icefields the Jostedalsbre covers an area of over 1,000sq.km/380sq.mi. Only a few low rocky hummocks emerge from the mass of ice, which is estimated to be some 500m/1,650ft thick. Twenty-six major glaciers reach down into the surrounding valleys, including the Tundbergdalsbre, the largest glacier in Europe after the Aletsch glacier in Switzerland. Since the ice of these glaciers, like the ice almost everywhere in Norway, has been retreating for many years the ascent to the ice-sheet has become steadily steeper and more strenuous.
Together with the adjoining icefields the Jostedalsbre covers an area of over 1,000sq.km/380sq.mi. Only a few low rocky hummocks emerge from the mass of ice, which is estimated to be some 500m/1,650ft thick. Twenty-six major glaciers reach down into the surrounding valleys, including the Tundbergdalsbre, the largest glacier in Europe after the Aletsch glacier in Switzerland. Since the ice of these glaciers, like the ice almost everywhere in Norway, has been retreating for many years the ascent to the ice-sheet has become steadily steeper and more strenuous.
Icefield
From Bergset there is a magnificent but strenuous climb (three hours, with guide) past the Bjørnestegbre to the Jostedalsbre, continuing over the icefield to the Høgste Breakullen (1,953m/6,408ft); from there an hour's walk northwest, when an impressive view opens up of the mountains along the Nordfjord; and then a descent (sometimes difficult) through the Kvanndal to Nesdal, near the south end of the Loenvatn.
Lusterfjord - Into the Jostedal
At Røneid on the Lusterfjord (on the south side of which is the Urnes stave church) Road 604 branches off Road 55 (which follows the north side of the fjord) and ascends the Jostedal, a rift running north-south through the massive mountain plateau, bounded on the west by the Jostedalsbre. The road follows the tumultuous course of the Jostedalselv.
Nigardsbre
From the turn-off at Gjerde Road 604 runs north. At Elvekrok (alt. 340m/1,115ft) a private road branches off on the left to the Nigardsbre.
Oldenvatn
From Olden a road runs south into the beautiful Olderdal. Running alongside the 11km/7mi-long Oldenvatn and passing many waterfalls, it comes to Briksdal (alt. 150m/490ft).
Innvikfjord
Northwest of the Jostedalsbre Road 60 skirts the Innvikfjord. Near its east end is Olden, with a church built in 1746-49 (restored 1971).
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