THE WEATHER

Sitting on the easten side of mainland Europes largest single area of ice, amongst mountains 1500m high, Jostedals Glacier Lakes can be subject to all fours seasons in the one tour. For this reason we ask all clients to think about the unique opportunity we have to kayak around icebergs, watch a glacier calving and walk on ice (all in the one day!) rather than what the Gods will throw at us that day. It is because of the weather we have these amazing areas.
In 2003 Styggevatnet was baked in heat of up to 33 degrees C and the warm clear weather lasted an amazing 6 weeks.    On many occasions we have started tours in cloud/fog that gathers over the dam. This is the best start to a tour, with virtually no visability for up to 45mins, but when the cloud disperses half way down the lake we break through into clear skies and the beautiful view of the glacier.    The wind on the lake can be particularly strong late in the season for a short period of 3-4 days. The icebergs in the lake can drift from the glacier to our landing site (6km), making starting the trip quite a challenge! A very early snowfall (15 August 07) also gave a unique experience to the groups.    Early in the season we are faced with surface snow and ice on the lake from the winter before. The exact date the lakes are free of this surface ice is natures decision and as such we can't give exact start dates on Styggevatnet until a few weeks beforehand. In 2004 we began on a (early) record breaking 28th June, in 2005 we had to wait until the 20th July! We estimate each season to start around the 5th July, perhaps?
Of course, this doesn't mean no kayaking! It gives us the opportunity to realise just how varied and unique Tunsbergdalen is. This lake is over 700m lower than Styggevatnet and we can kayak from the start of the season