Buarbreen glacier or Buarbreen Gletscher, is a great hike to complete a few days before or after the famous Trolltunga Hike. The hike takes you to the foot of Buarbreen glacier which is a tail of the larger Folgefonna glacier behind, the third largest glacier in Norway.
This hike is full of challenges and excitement, there are suspension bridges, ropes and ladders all leading you towards the glacier. We walked this hike in the month of October and we had the rushing waterfall as the soundtrack as we climbed higher towards the glistening ice.
In this blog we share everything you need to know about the Buarbreen Gletscher, from the route length, difficulty, where to park, where to park for free and share our experience of this rewarding trek.
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Where Is Buarbreen Glacier Hike?
In Southern Norway, past Låtefossen (our favourite waterfall) you can find the town of Odda, which is the closest hub to the start of the hike. Odda is a great place to stay before the Buarbreen hike and a good base before tackling Trolltunga.
How To Get To Buarbreen Gletscher?
The trailhead for the glacier is past Trolltunga Camping and along the lake. When you reach a turning head up the valley towards the car park which is located on a farm.
Buarbreen Map
For all our hikes in Norway we used All Trails to keep track of the route and our location.
Buarbreen Glacier Hike Description
You start your journey by a typical Norwegian building with red cladding and you can’t miss the offshoot of the Folgefonna glacier as it towers above you. The trail is marked with a red T and well-signposted, ensuring you stay on the right path.
The beginning of the hike is through a forested area with soil under foot, this soon turns into a rocky terrain with multiple small bridges to cross. As you climb higher some sections are steep and require the use of metal chains or ropes to pull yourself up, keep your feet flat and hands free and you should be fine.
Near the top of the hike is a ladder that as you reach the top rung you’ll see Buarbreen glacier looking back at you, and the rush of cold air swept down from its stronghold will hit you squarely in the face. Carry on a little further to get the best view of the glacier.
The Buarbreen Glacier Viewpoint
The pinnacle of the hike comes after about 1.5 hours, as you reach the viewpoint overlooking Buarbreen Glacier. Witness the glacier calving, where chunks of ice break away, creating a powerful waterfall. This is a prime location to rest, absorb the breath-taking surroundings, and capture the glacier’s beauty on camera, however, it will be cold and you will feel the chill from the glacier, so take a hat and gloves if you want to sit here for a while.
We loved this hike, it was difficult but manageable for someone with a good level of fitness. The waterfall is loud and reminds you of the grand glacier that is sometimes just out of sight.
How Difficult is The Buarbreen Hike?
The hike is moderately hard and as you tackle the 1.5-hour ascent, you’ll encounter elements like ropes, chains, and bridges, adding an extra layer of excitement to your hike. Older children will be able to manage the ropes and climbs and most people with a good general fitness should be fine. The landscape is varied with babbling mountain streams to majestic waterfalls so make sure you wear sturdy Waterproof Boots.
Buarbreen Camping
At the foot of the trailhead you can find Buarbreen Camping, a place for motorhomes and people with tents to pitch up for a night before the hike. They also have an on-site restaurant that is open in the high season.
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Buarbreen Common Questions
When Is The Best Time to Visit Buarbreen Glacier?
The best time to hike Buarbreen is May through to October (We went during the middle of September, we left early and we were the only people on the trail.) During the summer season expect the trail to be busy, and if you head into the winter be prepared for the cold temperatures.
Key Trail Details
- Length: 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 410 m (1,348 ft)
- Route Type: Out-and-back (Linear)
- Time: 3 Hours
Are Dogs Allowed On The Trail?
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Where To Park For Buarbreen Glacier Hike?
While the trailhead offers parking for a fee of 185 NOK (£13.80/$17.51) paid by card, the travellers on a budget can choose to park further down for free, adding extra distance to their hike. The parking is a spot we found on P4N and adds around an hour to the walk.
Can I Walk On Buarbreen Glacier?
This trail only takes you to the foot of the glacier. if you wish to walk on top if the glacier you will need a guide. You can check out Buarbreen Glacier Tours here.
What To Pack For The Hike?
- Good Sturdy Walking Boots
- Raincoat
- Warm layers
- Hat, buff, gloves
- Snacks
- Go Pro or Camera
- Hiking Poles if needed
Planning a trip to Norway? Discover our favourite Norway Hikes
Top Norway Bucket List
Norway, the land of giants and trolls, meandering roads, epic fjords and much more is a prime destination for a road trip, holiday or cruise. After spending 2 months exploring this Nordic country, we share our top picks from our time on the Scandinavian road.
Top Hike: Pulpit Rock
An outcrop extends over a deep fjord, as you stand on the edge of Preikestolen you’re above the clouds and high on life. A 3 hour trek that is worth every minute.
Epic Viewpoint: Rampestreken
Rampestreken is a 20m extended platform looking out over mountains and fjords, one section is even mesh so you can see the drop right below you. You can hike or catch a cable car here.
Top Waterfall: Trollkirka or Låtefossen
It was too hard to choose just one, so I’ve gone for two. Trollkirka is a waterfall inside a marble cave which involves hiking to a Trolls Church, and Låtefossen which is right on the road but just as spectacular.
Off The Beaten Track: Sleep in a Cabin In The Woods
Norway is a country of adventure, and what better way to experience this than sleeping in a traditional hiking or hunting cabin.
Essential Items for Norway
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
Norway is a hiker’s destination and with challenging hikes such as Pulpit Rock, we were glad to have our poles. We would also recommend reliable Hiking Boots.
If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or winter a head torch is a must. The days are short and if you’re camping this is essential.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Norway
If you’re visiting the Norway here are our top travel tips:
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute. Also don’t forget Apple Airtags to track your luggage
- Norway is vast, take it slow – don’t feel the need to see everything if you only have a short time. Instead spend the time you have discovering the beauty and culture of the area you’re in… plus then you have an excuse to come back.
- Hire a car or motorhome – in our opinion this is the best way to really see Norway. You get to drive down hairpin roads such as Trollstigen and explore the lesser known nooks of the country.
- Be prepared for changing weather – it can be sunny one minute and snowing the next so pack for a range of temperatures and remember “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
Final Thoughts On Buarbreen Glacier Hike, Norway
The Buarbreen Glacier hike is not just a trail; it has climbs, bridges, ropes and all overlooked by the giant glacier. With a perfect blend of challenges and rewards, this 5.5-km out-and-back adventure near Odda offers a unique opportunity to connect with the untamed beauty of Norway. Head up to the glacier Viewpoint and feel the chill of the glacier above you. If you’re in the area to hike the more famous Trolltunga don’t miss out on this lesser known gem of a hike.
