Kayaking on Styggevatnet with glacier hike and lunch
Paddle toward floating ice, then walk across the glacier itself
Kayak across Styggevatnet lake in Skjolden toward the 30-meter front of Austdalsbreen glacier, spotting icebergs that have calved into the water, then hike across the blue ice of the glacier itself with a guide. The trip runs from early July through September when the lake thaws, includes kayak and glacier equipment, and stops for lunch overlooking the glacier before the walk begins. Children from age 15 are welcome.
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The experience
About an hour and a half of paddling takes you across Styggevatnet toward Austdalsbreen, where the glacier's 30-meter-high front calves towers of ice into the lake. On the way you watch for icebergs that broke off in the days before, floating in the water. The kayak equipment is provided, and the pace is built for small groups so everyone has time to take in what they're seeing.
After paddling, you stop for lunch on the shore with the glacier front in view. Then the hike begins on the blue ice itself. You walk around huge crevasses toward the centre of the glacier, spending an hour and a half to two hours exploring the ice formations and getting a view over the lake and Jostedalsbreen National Park. A guide explains the features as you go, and all glacier equipment is included.
The lake sits at 1,200 meters above sea level and stays frozen until early to mid-July, so trips run from around July 11 through the end of September. The full day takes roughly seven and a half hours from start to finish.
What’s included
- Kayak equipment and glacier equipment.
- a live guide in English.
- lunch with a view of the glacier front.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 23 days ago
Operated by ICETROLL - Glacier Hiking & Kayaking
Is this one for you?The full day is physically demanding (you paddle for roughly three hours total and hike the glacier for another hour and a half to two hours), so it suits travelers with a high level of fitness who are comfortable on water and ice.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How long do I actually spend paddling on the lake?
The kayaking portion is about an hour and a half each way across Styggevatnet to reach Austdalsbreen, so roughly three hours of paddling total with the return journey.
What is the Austdalsbreen glacier front like when I get there?
Austdalsbreen's front stands 30 meters high and actively calves ice into the lake, so you'll see icebergs floating in the water and hear the sound of ice breaking off as you paddle and hike nearby.
Do I need my own kayak and glacier gear?
No, kayak equipment and all glacier equipment are included in the trip, so you bring yourself and your own warm layers and footwear.
When does the season start, and can I book in winter?
Trips run from early July (aiming for July 11) through the end of September, once Styggevatnet thaws from snow. The lake is frozen and inaccessible the rest of the year.
Can I do this trip if I'm 14, or is 15 the absolute minimum?
Children are welcome from age 15 onward. If you have a younger child or concerns about fitness or health, contact the operator through the booking platform to discuss what might be possible.
Kayaking on Styggevatnet with glacier hike and lunch
7h 30m · EN
from US$ 265 per person
5.0012 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider