SUP on glacial lakes: photo trophies and safety
You'll be amazed by the incredible colours of the water in the fjord, which is dark blue, and the lake, which looks like buttermilk with a hint of mint – it's just stunning! And that's all down to a million crushed glacier crystals. Standing on a SUP board in this "milk" is an incredible experience, as you'll feel like you're standing in a mirror between the snow and the sky. The Glacier SUP format is taking Instagram by storm and fits perfectly into routes through national parks in Norway. Imagine hiking up a trail, taking photos on the water and enjoying hot chocolate at your tent — all in one day, without complicated crossings or motorboats.
Why it's safe — and why you need to prepare
● Cold: +2...6°C at the surface, even in August. Bring a 4/3 mm wetsuit or dry suit.
● No crowds: most glacial lakes are closed to motorised traffic, which is ideal for quiet paddling.
● Marked ascents: each lake is accessible via a short or medium trail from the hiking trails Norway list; a board in a backpack transformer ≤ 10 kg won't get in the way.
● Photo opportunities: the murky turquoise water eliminates reflections and enhances contrast, turning even a smartphone shot into a postcard.
🏔 Top 5 SUP Lakes Under Glaciers in Norway
| Lake | Where | Trail length / gear | Highlight of the route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigardsbrevatnet | Jostedalsbreen National Park | 4 km / +120 m | Icebergs the size of houses drift beneath the ridge of the valley; 30 minutes by bus to the fjord |
| Styggevatnet | Jostedalsbreen National Park | 1 km / +60 m (road) | Boat shuttle to the ice cave; 6 km SUP loop among the "blue gates" |
| Blåvatnet | Lyngen Alps | 5.5 km / +290 m | Gradient from clear aquamarine to milky blue, peaks around like saw teeth |
| Kråkskaret (Lovatnet) | Jostedalsbreen National Park (Nordfjord) | 3 km / +140 m | Famous "emerald" shots of Olden, plus a short hike to the Skåla viewpoint |
| Bondhusvatnet | Folgefonna National Park | 5 km / +160 m | An old cart track, a mirror with a view of Bondhusbreen; suitable for families |
All five lakes lie within or near Norway's national parks. Add one of Norway's best hikes — Skåla, Kattanakken or Lyngstuva — to your SUP journey.
🧊 “A Day Under the Glacier” — Sample Itinerary (Nigardsbrevatnet)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Bus from Sogndal to Jostedal (Power Boat Shuttle to the lake) |
| 10:00 | 25-minute climb along a stone path to the northern "shell" |
| 10:30 | Briefing, dry bag check, launch of SUP loops 4 km |
| 12:30 | Photo stop at iceberg No. 3; shooting the “ice eyes” (ND 6–10) |
| 13:30 | Return to shore, lunch, charging phones from Powerbank |
| 14:30 | Short hike to the Kattanakken viewpoint (+320 m) |
| 17:00 | Bus back; dinner and photo backup in Sogndal |
Equipment and safety
● 10'6" inflatable board + split paddle – fits in a 70-litre backpack.
● 4/3 mm neoprene (summer) or dry suit + Lycra/fleece (spring/autumn).
● PFD 50 N — mandatory according to park regulations.
● 3 m leash — but keep away from icebergs: falling ice creates waves.
● Two dry bags (10 litres for electronics, 20 litres for a change of clothes).
● Chemical hand warmer: cold water draws heat through the board.
Photography: how to capture the "turquoise glare"
- Time: the best light is between 8 and 10 a.m., when the sun has not yet burned out the midtones.
- Position: shoot from the knee — a low angle shows the transparency of the "milk".
- Settings: ISO 100, F 5.6, shutter speed 1/640 — the water splashes, the light changes.
- Drone: take off from the shore; magnetic anomalies in the ice can throw off your compass.
Simple rules Leave No Trace
● Do not swim closer than 50 m to floating icebergs.
● Do not break "ice sculptures" for photos — they stabilise the shore.
● Take everything you brought with you: rubbish, coffee filters, banana skins — yes, they are 100% organic, but the appearance of the trails is important.
SUP on a glacial lake is an amazing experience: every stroke leaves a trail of milky blue dust, and your eyes will be amazed as they adjust to the brilliance of the surroundings. The moment you step onto your board, standing between the ice wall and the snow-capped peaks of the mountains, is the moment you realise that outdoor adventures in Norway are not just about majestic fjords and kayaks, but about the magic that can be found right under your feet!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you plan your very own glacier SUP loop! And don't forget to add a nearby hike for an extra dose of excitement. Once you've captured the beauty of it all, share your photos with us – we can't wait to see the ice and clouds blurred into a single turquoise smudge! Get ready for an amazing adventure as we work together to enhance the already incredible guide to Norway's glacial mirrors. By doing so, we'll make it even safer for future explorers to experience these awe-inspiring natural wonders.
