Glacier guiding across Folgefonna in the tracks of the ancient tourism in Hardanger

Every summer since 2001 has Folgefonni Breførarlag had glacier guides stationed at Fonnabu (1450 m asl.).The glacier guides departures from Fonnabu every morning at 09:30 and returns from Holmaskjer 14:00. This makes it possible for hikers to cross the Folgefonna glacier without any glacier experience.

To cross a glacier demands experience and glacier equipment. A lot of tourist stops at Fonnabu or Holmaskjer when they are hiking around the Folgefonna glacier caused by the danger associated with glacier hiking. The glacier guiding between these two cabins has now reopened one of the most spectacular hiking tracks in western Norway with a long and exciting history. To experience the contrasts between winter and summer during one day is amazing and has amused tourists for hundreds of years. From the summit of the glacier you can see the Hardangervidda plateau in the east and the North Sea in the west to the south you can see the rugged mountains of the astonishing Rosendal Alps. During the entire 18 century and until the start of the First World War, people from all over Europe were transported by horseback to the edge of the glacier whereas the transport across the glacier was done on sledges. In the mean time their luxury Yachts sailed around the Peninsula to welcome them at the opposite side of the glacier. Today there is a road tunnel beneath the glacier which makes the return much easier either by bus or by taxi (20 min).

Roped together, with the glacier guide in front, the trip across the glacier takes two and an half hours on snow and blue ice. Approaching the glacier from west you start hiking from Sundal (Mauranger near Rosendal) and follow the track named "Keiserstien" which was build over hundred years ago by local people in Mauranger with some financial support from a German tourist organization. Taking the steep trap up the northern side of the Bondhus valley you can enjoy the magnificent view towards Bondhus glacier, an outlet glacier from Folgefonna. After six to seven hours under your own steam you arrives Fonnabu at the edge of Folgefonna. At the east side of the glacier, from Holmaskjer, the ancient tourist track is restored with several resting cabins along its path, steep down the green valley side to the South fjord by Tokheim (near Odda). This trip takes from four to five hours. It is therefore recommended that you stay one night in one of the cabins, which is equipped with food and 20-30 beds. No reservation in advance is necessary.

For more information regarding the cabins and the track from the fjord to glacier see Bergen Hiking club (Bergen Turlag) web: www.bergen-turlag.no or phone +47 55 33 58 10. For information about buses see web: www.tide.no

Season

This is a daily trip from 11 of July until the 2of August in 2009. Outside this time period the trip has to be booked a few days in front and the price is different.

Time length

2, 5 -3 hours

Booking

Meet at Fonnabu at 09:30 or Holmaskjer at 14:00. For larger groups (<10), booking by web, phone (+47 55298921/+47 95117792), e-mail or at the nearest tourist information in the region.

Fitting for

All people in normal good conditions, the glacier crossing are the easiest part of the trip. Knowledge to use map and compass is recommended.

Meeting point

Meet at Fonnabu 09:30 or Holmaskjer at 14:00.

Equipments

Since the Folgefonna glacier is at high altitude you should be prepared for all types of weather from summer sun to winter storms. It is very important to bring sunglasses and sun cream. You definitely need: Warm/windproof clothes, gloves, mountain boots, food and something to drink, map, compass and knowledge to use this is also recommended.

Price

390 NOK (450 T/R), this include all necessary glacier equipment. 10 % discount for families (min 3 persons).