About This Hike
Kjenndalsbreen is a retreating glacier arm at the head of Kjenndalen, beyond the blue-green Lovatnet in Lodalen near Loen. Reaching it is a drive-plus-walk excursion: follow the narrow valley road for about 17 km from Loen, including the toll-road section beside the lake, and use the designated parking near Kjenndalsstova. From there, Visit Nordfjord describes a short 10–15 minute family walk beside the glacier river to the marked viewing area. The path offers a close valley view, but it is not a glacier crossing or permission to continue towards the ice. Glacier fronts, meltwater channels and rockfall exposure change over time, so the on-site signs and barriers take precedence over photographs or older route descriptions. Kjenndalsstova is normally open from May to September, and the road into Kjenndalen closes in winter. Seasonal boat or shuttle options may reduce the need to drive, but services vary; confirm the current timetable before relying on them. Allow extra time for the narrow road, stops beside Lovatnet and other traffic rather than treating the 15-minute walk as the total duration of the visit.
Highlights
- ✓ Scenic drive beside Lovatnet through Lodalen
- ✓ Marked glacier-viewing path from Kjenndalsstova
- ✓ View of a glacier arm of Jostedalsbreen
- ✓ A short outing that combines well with a Lodalen visit
Getting There
Drive from Loen through Lodalen on the toll road beside Lovatnet and use the designated parking by Kjenndalsstova. Check current road access and local payment information before travelling.
Before You Go
Treat Kjenndalsbreen as a drive-plus-short-walk visit, not a long glacier hike. The toll road from Loen is part of the outing and is winter-closed; once parked at Kjenndalsstova, allow about 15 minutes on the marked path to the viewpoint and keep that barrier-respecting viewpoint as the endpoint.
Information checked: September 2026, against Visit Nordfjord's Kjenndalen visitor information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Stay on the marked path and respect all signs and barriers near the glacier.
- Do not approach the glacier front or enter unmarked terrain; glacier conditions and hazards can change.
- The valley road and facilities are seasonal. Check current access, weather and conditions before travel.