PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR: Folgefonna Glacier roundtrip from Bergen, 8 hours

Experience the Best of Western Norway on a Private Guided Tour to Folgefonna Glacier

This private 8-hour tour from Bergen offers a comprehensive look at some of Norway’s most breathtaking scenery. Priced at $611.28 per person, it provides an intimate journey led by a professional guide, with pickup included. The tour combines scenic drives, ferry crossings, waterfalls, and a visit to the Folgefonna Glacier, with options for a glacier hike if booked separately. Most travelers book this experience 110 days in advance, highlighting its popularity among those seeking a personalized exploration of Norway’s natural beauty.

This tour is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy varied landscapes without the hassle of navigation or organizing transportation. It balances scenic stops and cultural sights with the thrill of visiting one of Norway’s impressive glaciers. While the price reflects a premium experience, it includes all taxes, local fees, bottled water, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and comfortable transportation. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, with some walking at waterfalls and glacier views.

Key Points

• Private roundtrip from Bergen with pickup and drop-off included
• 8-hour journey covering mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and the Folgefonna Glacier
• Ferry crossings across the Hardangerfjord and other scenic waterways
• Stops at Fossen Bratte and Steinsdalsfossen waterfalls, where walking behind or to the base of waterfalls is possible
• Optional glacier hike available with advance booking
• All taxes and bottled water included in the price, with lunch options available

Starting in Bergen: The Gateway to Norway’s Fjords

The tour begins with pickup in Bergen, a city founded in 1070 that showcases a blend of history and culture. Although the tour typically does not stop in Bergen itself, you’ll pass notable landmarks on your way out of the city. This early part of the trip sets the tone for the scenic adventure ahead, with the guide sharing insights about Bergen’s rich past and its role as the “Gateway to the Fjords.”

As the journey progresses, you travel along Osterøy Municipality, where Sørfjorden surrounds the island of Osterøy—one of Europe’s largest inland islands. The drive offers a look at a saltwater inlet that is a rare natural phenomenon, providing a unique perspective on Norway’s intricate coastline and fjord system.

Traversing the Hardanger Road and Its Breathtaking Sights

One of the tour’s highlights is traveling along Hardangervegen or Hardanger Road, a Norwegian route #7 renowned for its stunning scenery. This road curves through mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, offering frequent photo stops. The first is at Fossen Bratte, a 259-foot (79-meter) waterfall where visitors can walk to its base for a refreshing experience amid the roaring water.

The next stop is at Steinsdalsfossen, a 164-foot (50-meter) waterfall famous for its walk-behind viewing platform. This allows visitors to stand behind the cascading water without getting wet, making it a favorite spot for photos and awe-inspiring views.

Visiting Norheimsund and Crossing the Hardangerfjord via Ferry

Passing through the small town of Norheimsund, the tour continues along the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord. The fjord’s grandeur is best appreciated from the water, and the trip includes a 20-minute ferry crossing from Tørvikbygd to Jondal, which is part of the route to the Folgefonna Glacier. During the ferry ride, travelers can leave their vehicle and enjoy an alternative perspective of the fjord’s rugged cliffs and shimmering waters.

This ferry crossing is an integral part of the journey, offering a moment of tranquility and remarkable views of the fjord landscape. After disembarking, the drive resumes through mountain scenery that looks almost untouched, leading to the entrance of Folgefonna National Park.

Approaching Folgefonna Glacier: Mountain Road and Elevation

From sea level at the Hardangerfjord, the mountain road ascends to approximately 3,940 feet (1200 meters) above sea level, bringing travelers close to the Folgefonna Glacier. The winding drive offers vistas of steep mountains and expansive valleys, setting the stage for the glacier experience.

The proximity to the glacier allows visitors to enjoy a picnic or lunch if this option is booked, with the chance to relax at the base of Norway’s third-largest ice formation. The glacier itself is notable for housing a summer ski center and offering the possibility of a glacier hike for those who book in advance with a private guide. This optional activity adds a layer of adventure for visitors eager to step onto the ice.

Exploring Folgefonna National Park and the Glacier

The core of the tour is the visit to Folgefonna National Park, where the glacier dominates the landscape at a height of about 1200 meters. The guide shares insights about the park’s natural features, and travelers can enjoy a 45-minute stop at the glacier. This is a perfect opportunity for photographs, soaking in the stark beauty of the ice and surrounding mountains.

Visitors who have booked the glacier hike in advance can experience walking on the glacier itself, adding an adventurous element to this exploration. After the break and sightseeing, the group begins the return journey, heading back to Bergen via the same scenic route.

Returning Through Jondal and the Ferry Crossings

The return trip includes crossing the fjord again, with the ferry from Jondal back to Tørvikbygd taking approximately 20 minutes. This ferry ride offers a fresh perspective on the fjord’s dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters, making the return trip as scenic as the outward journey.

From the ferry, the route retraces along the Hardangerfjord, passing through the same picturesque villages before heading back to Bergen. The entire experience is designed to maximize the variety of landscapes, from waterfalls and fjords to mountain peaks and ice fields.

Logistics and Comfort: Private Transportation and Expert Guidance

This private tour is operated by JANDIS AS with a professional, local driver and guide. The transportation is in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring comfort throughout the full 8-hour adventure. The tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, making logistics seamless and straightforward.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, operating in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised. The experience emphasizes flexibility, with optional activities like the glacier hike available if booked in advance. All taxes, fees, and bottled water are included, providing a hassle-free day of sightseeing.

The Unique Experience of Visiting Waterfalls and the Glacier

What sets this tour apart is the combination of waterfalls, fjords, and glaciers in one day. The stops at Fossen Bratte and Steinsdalsfossen offer close encounters with Norway’s iconic waterfalls, giving a sense of the raw power and beauty of nature. The walk-behind platform at Steinsdalsfossen is a special feature, allowing visitors to stand behind falling water without getting wet.

The highlight remains the Folgefonna Glacier, with options for a glacier hike that can be arranged separately for an extra cost. This flexibility ensures that both casual sightseers and more adventurous travelers find something to enjoy.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for those seeking an all-in-one scenic experience of Norway’s diverse natural landscapes. It appeals to travelers who want a private, personalized day out with a guide, and appreciate the convenience of transportation and commentary. The inclusion of ferry crossings and waterfall stops makes it especially attractive for nature lovers.

Visitors who want to combine sightseeing with some light outdoor activity, like walking behind waterfalls or exploring the glacier, will find it particularly rewarding. However, those with mobility concerns should consider the walking involved at waterfalls and glacier viewpoints.

Final Thoughts on the Folgefonna Glacier Roundtrip

This private guided tour from Bergen offers a well-rounded day of Norway’s most stunning scenery, from fjords and waterfalls to glaciers. The personalized service and professional guide ensure a smooth experience, highlighting the region’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.

While the price reflects a premium experience with all logistics handled, the tour’s flexibility—especially with optional glacier hikes—adds value for adventure-seekers. Travelers who enjoy scenic drives, waterway crossings, and mountain vistas will find this trip both impressive and satisfying.

This tour suits nature enthusiasts, photography lovers, and explorers eager to see the impressive glaciers and landscapes of Western Norway in a single day. Its highly praised guide and carefully curated stops make it a memorable way to experience Norway’s iconic scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan with pickup and drop-off at your Bergen hotel or port.

Can I book a glacier hike separately?
Yes, the glacier hike can be arranged in advance, either as part of a group or with a private guide, for an additional fee.

What is the duration of the ferry crossings?
Each ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, providing a different perspective of the fjord landscape.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the price, but packages with picnic lunches are available as an add-on.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is recommended.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 110 days ahead, reflecting the tour’s popularity.