Austerdalsbreen

Austerdalsbreen descends from Jostedalsbreen into a steep valley above the lake at Veitastrond, and three icefalls pour into it from the plateau above, named Odin, Thor and Loki. William Cecil Slingsby, the English climber who did much to open Norwegian mountaineering, called the scene the finest ice view in Europe, and the combination of three icefalls in one amphitheatre still justifies the attention. Reaching it takes commitment: a long drive up a narrow valley road, then a walk of two to three hours over moraine and boulder from the trailhead. Guided glacier walks operate onto the ice in summer with equipment provided. The Tungestolen tourist cabin, rebuilt after a storm destroyed it in 2011, sits at the valley mouth.

The landscape

• The three icefalls - Odin, Thor and Loki pouring from the plateau.
• The glacier tongue - the ice arm filling the head of the valley.
• The moraine walk - the approach over rock left by the retreating ice.
• Tungestolen cabin - a modern rebuilt lodge at the valley entrance.

When to go

July to September, when the approach is snow-free and guided walks run; earlier in summer the trail can still hold snow. Weather in this valley changes fast and rain is frequent.

Things to know

The approach is long, rough and unmarked in places, over loose moraine, and it is not a casual outing. Going onto the ice without a guide and equipment is dangerous and strongly discouraged. The access road to Veitastrond is narrow with passing places and prone to rockfall.

Nearby

Veitastrond and its lake lie below; Nigardsbreen and the Jostedalen valley are over the ridge.

Key facts