Snow fields turn to blue ice fast. This full-day ICETROLL trip pairs kayaking on Styggevatnet with a guided hike up onto the Austdalsbreen glacier front, in a small group. I love the combo because it gives you two kinds of wild, water noise one hour, then crevasse country the next.

I also like how the guides bring the glacier to life without turning it into a lecture. Names I spotted on recent days include Flavia and Tato, plus Jonathan and Jordan, and the vibe stays friendly, patient, and encouraging even when people feel nervous. You are still doing something physical, so it is not a sit-and-snap-photo day.

One possible drawback: the kayaking can feel hard on untrained arms, and the return paddle can be rough. The company asks for strong physical fitness, and you should plan for cold water and a hike that involves careful footing around crevasses.

Key highlights before you go

• Kayak time first: about 1.5 hours paddling toward the glacier front at Styggevatnet (around 1,200m up).
• A 30m-high ice wall: you aim for the glacier front where big chunks calve and icebergs show up on the water.
• Blue-ice glacier hike: around huge crevasses, with glacier information and explanation during the walk.
• Small group size: maximum 9 travelers, which helps with pacing and individual attention.
• Limited but real adventure: lunch with views, then 1.5 to 2 hours on the glacier before you paddle back.
• Weather dependent: if conditions are poor, the trip may switch dates or refund you.

Styggevatnet to Austdalsbreen: the day in one rhythm

This is a classic “go by water, arrive at ice” route in the Jostedal area. You start on Styggevatnet and paddle out with the glacier in view, then you trade your kayak for boots and a slow, steady glacier walk. The whole day runs about 7 hours 30 minutes.

A nice thing about this setup is how it builds. First, you get oriented on the water, including how to handle your kayak safely in cold conditions. Then you transition onto the glacier front, where the pace changes to walking, balance, and listening to your guide explain what you are seeing.

Timing matters because the lake stays snow-covered from winter until early to mid-July. The season for these trips begins in early July and runs through the end of September, with many departures starting around mid-July depending on conditions.

Kayaking Styggevatnet and finding icebergs near a 30m front

Once the lake defrosts, the kayaking portion is the big visual payoff. The paddle takes about one and a half hours across Styggevatnet toward Austdalsbreen. You are not just moving from point A to B. You are watching the glacier edge and scanning the water for icebergs that calved in the days before.

The glacier front you are heading for is about 30m high, and the calving action sends “towers” of ice into the lake. Even without expert glacier knowledge, you can feel what the guides are pointing out, like how ice breaks, how pieces float, and what it means when fresh fragments show up near you.

For me, the best value of this stage is that it makes the glacier feel close and immediate. A photo of an ice wall is one thing. Seeing new ice drifts nearby while you paddle is another. It also sets you up for the hike, because you already understand the glacier’s scale.

Practical note: kayaking is the part that can surprise people. If you have not paddled before, expect sore or tired arms. The ride back is also a real physical effort, so plan your energy for both directions.

Glacier hike on blue ice: crevasses, explanations, and big views

After kayaking, you pause for lunch with a view across the glacier front. It is one of those breaks that helps you mentally switch modes from “moving fast” to “walk carefully.” Then you step onto the glacier at the front, on blue ice, where the walking feels more technical than you might expect.

The hike typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. You walk around huge crevasses, guided toward the glacier’s center for a commanding view over the lake and Jostedalsbreen National Park. Crevasses are not a background detail. They shape the route, the pace, and how often you look down.

What makes this portion worth the effort is the way the guides connect the visuals to real glacier behavior. You get glacier information during the hike, so you are not just staring at ice. You are learning what different ice features can signal, and how the glacier front relates to what you saw on the water.

This hike is also a confidence builder. One review described the experience as both special and encouraging, including for people anxious about doing something challenging. If you are comfortable following safety instructions and taking slow steps, you will likely enjoy the walk much more.

What is included, and what you still must pack for comfort

ICETROLL includes the big-ticket stuff: kayak equipment, glacier equipment, and glacier information. That is a value win because you avoid rental headaches and you do not have to guess what gear is safe for ice and water.

But your comfort still depends on what you wear. The tour does not include warm hat and gloves, warm clothing including a rain jacket, sunglasses, or water. Lunch is also extra, and snacks are a smart idea.

Here is a practical packing checklist based on what the tour expects you to handle:

• Warm hat and gloves (non-negotiable in cold wind and spray)
• Warm layers and a rain jacket
• Waterproof trousers if you have them
• Sunglasses (glacier glare can be intense)
• A water bottle
• Good shoes for glacier footing

Running shoes can be possible, but they may not be as comfortable on the glacier as more suitable footwear

• If possible: wool under layers and a sun hat

One small heads up from a past day: you might want to plan your bathroom timing. The visitor center may not be open for departure when you need it, so use facilities before you head out if that option is available.

Difficulty level: strong fitness, cold water, and arm work

The company is clear that this tour requires a strong physical fitness level. That is not just marketing language. You need stamina for about 1.5 hours paddling out, then the return paddle, plus walking on glacier ice for another 1.5 to 2 hours.

Even experienced walkers can feel the difference on ice. Your feet may need to move slower than you expect. You also have to stay attentive around crevasses, which means no rushing for that one perfect photo.

The good news is that the tour can fit a range of ages when people are ready for the effort. One recent day included participants in their 60s, and another group had a mix of ages including young children. Still, for young families, the company recommends their purpose-designed Glacier Half Day option instead of the full-day pace.

If you are prone to anxiety, this trip can still be workable. The guides are known for staying encouraging and focused on safety and comfort. Just be honest with yourself: if kayaking is a hard skill for you, take breaks when offered and keep your energy for the way back.

Meeting point in Jostedal and how to plan your timing

The activity starts and ends back at the same place: LABBEN, The LabJostedalsvegen 2889, 6871 Jostedal, Norway. Duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes, so think of it as a full day without a lot of flexibility for side trips.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and it runs in English. Confirmation comes at booking time.

Because the lake defrosts in summer, exact timing depends on conditions. The window generally runs from early July through the end of September, and the company mentions aiming to start in early July, with a hoped-for start around mid-July in some seasons.

Group size is capped at a maximum of 9 travelers. That usually means you are not lost in a big crowd. It also means the guide can keep an eye on everyone’s spacing, especially important when you are both on water and on ice.

Price and value: is $244.39 worth it?

At $244.39 per person, this is not a cheap activity. But it is also not “just a tour.” You are paying for a guided experience that bundles kayaking gear, glacier gear, and guided glacier interpretation in one ticket, with a small group size.

Here is the value math in plain terms:

• You get kayak equipment plus glacier equipment included.
• You get guided glacier time, not a self-guided walk.
• You get a water-to-ice route that is hard to replicate on your own safely.

If you were to add up guide-led glacier access plus water transport plus equipment rentals, this price starts to look more reasonable. The real question is your personal fit. If you enjoy hands-on travel and you do not mind cold and physical effort, the price makes sense for a once-in-a-lifetime type day. If you want something gentle, you will probably regret booking the full-day version and wish you had chosen a half-day option.

Weather rules, flexibility, and what you can control

This trip requires good weather. If the company cancels due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is important here because the glacier and water conditions need to match safety and visibility.

There is also a minimum number of travelers for the tour to run. If that minimum is not met, you should expect a different date or a refund.

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you are planning around other Jostedal activities, that flexibility helps you adjust if the forecast changes.

What you can control most is preparation. Dress warm, bring the items the tour says you should supply, and do not “underpack” just because it looks sunny. Cold air and wind on a lake can feel much sharper than you expect.

Accessibility and health questions worth asking early

ICETROLL says they offer accessible trips and invites you to call to see what is possible. If you have a health condition, call as well, so they can match you with a tour that works.

That matters because this itinerary involves both kayaking and a glacier walk around crevasses. If you want to be outdoors without pushing beyond your limits, it is worth having that conversation before you lock in a specific day.

Should you book the full glacier kayak and hike on Stygge?

Book this tour if you want a day that feels like real adventure, not just sightseeing. You like hands-on nature travel, you can handle cold conditions, and you are ready for a workout from paddling plus careful walking on ice. I especially think it is a great choice if you enjoy learning what you are seeing, because the day is built around glacier info and guided explanation.

Skip or switch to a half-day version if you know you will struggle with kayaking stamina. The return paddle can be tough, and the company asks for strong physical fitness. Also skip if you are not prepared to dress properly. This is not an activity where you can rely on borrowed gear for warmth. Bring your layers.

If you are deciding between dates, go with the one that fits your energy and has the best chance of good weather. Then commit to comfort prep, and you will get a day that is intense, beautiful, and surprisingly educational.

FAQ

Where does the glacier hiking and kayaking tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends back at the meeting point: LABBEN, The LabJostedalsvegen 2889, 6871 Jostedal, Norway.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The price includes kayak equipment, glacier equipment, and glacier information.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm hat and gloves, warm clothing including a rain jacket, good shoes for glacier walking, sunglasses, and water (water bottle). The tour also suggests woolen under layers, waterproof trousers, and a sun hat if possible. Lunch and snacks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour requires strong physical fitness. If you have a health condition or accessibility needs, you should call the company at +47 970 14 370 to ask what is possible.