Fjærland

Fjærland is a tiny town at the end of the Fjærlandsfjord, an arm of the Sognefjord. In Sogn og Fjordane county. It is a particularly enjoyable gateway to the Jostedalsbreen National Park, and is close to two glacial tongues.

Understand
If you want a close-up view of a glacier without actually climbing on it, then Fjærland is the place to go. In addition to this, Fjærland is Norway's bokbyen - book town. Almost every shop in the town sells a range of new and used books, and there is even an "honesty book shop", not far from the ferry stop, where books are sold from a stand without any staff.

By plane
The closest option is Sogndal airport. Alternatively Førde airport.

By car
Fjærland is 38 km northwest of Sogndal on route 5 on the way to Skei, which is on E39.

By boat
In summer, Fjærland can be reached by ferry from Balestrand, a trip that gives ample photo opportunities - there's an amazing view of the Josteldalsbreen glacier behind the fjord as you approach the town.

By bus
There are buses each day to nearby towns, including Sogndal and Skei, both five times daily. The bus stop is 2 km out of the town centre, just across the road from the Norwegian glacier museum. It's a bit of a walk, so leave ample time to avoid missing what might be your only bus out of there.

Get around
A bus leaves from the ferry port once a day in May and September, twice a day in June–August, taking passengers firstly to the Glacier Museum and then to the glacier. Alternatively, catch a taxi, hire a bike at the tourist office, or use your own car.