Three glacier systems stretch across 545 square kilometers of Norwegian wilderness, where golden eagles soar above 400-meter-deep ice and summer skiing meets ancient hiking trails.
Folgefonna National Park covers 545 square kilometers in Norway's Vestland county, with the country's southernmost glacier system at its heart. Walk on ancient blue ice at Buarbreen glacier, ski down summer slopes at FONNA Glacier Resort, or follow the crystal-clear streams through Bondhusdalen valley. Look up to spot golden eagles circling above barren mountain peaks, or watch white-backed woodpeckers in the pine forests below.
The Three Glaciers of Folgefonna
Three massive ice caps form the park's core: Nordre, Midtre, and Søndre Folgefonna, spanning 207 square kilometers. The ice reaches 300-400 meters deep, with the highest point at 1,662 meters above sea level. This region experiences some of Norway's heaviest rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 5,500 millimeters.
Wildlife Above and Below the Tree Line
Look for golden eagles soaring through valleys near the glacier, hunting ptarmigans in the high altitudes. Red deer roam in large numbers throughout Kvinnherad municipality's woodlands. Watch for white-backed woodpeckers pecking at pine trees, while black grouse and capercaillie move through the lower forests.
Summer and Winter Activities
Join Folgefonni Glacier Team from May through September for guided walks on blue ice or ice climbing sessions. At FONNA Glacier Ski Resort, you can ski alpine slopes or glide along cross-country trails even in July. In winter, trek across the snow-covered landscape on guided snowshoe tours.
Mountain Cabins and Hiking Network
Rest at one of four self-service cabins while exploring the trail network: Fonnabu, Breidablikk, Holmaskjer, and Saubrehytta. Walk the historic Tourist Route between Sundal and Odda, following paths from the 1800s. The Geological Trail from Nordrepollen to Botnabreen shows rock formations dating back 1.5 billion years.
Visitor Information and Access
Start your visit at the Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal to learn about local ecosystems and ongoing climate research. The park borders four wilderness preserves: Bondhusdalen, Buardalen, Ænesdalen, and Hattebergsdalen. When camping, keep 150 meters away from inhabited buildings and get permission for stays beyond two nights.
