Skjolden tours here come in three very different styles: a full glacier-and-kayak day, a shorter glacier half-day, and a fast fjord RIB boat outing. The best choice depends on how much time you have and whether you want paddling and walking on ice or a small-group fjord cruise.
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Full glacier kayak day
Start with the leading match, or keep reading to compare all three options by traveler fit, duration, and feedback.
How these Skjolden options compare
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full glacier kayak day | Travelers who want a longer, more active glacier outing with both kayaking and glacier walking | ★ 5.0/5 | 9 reviews | Approx. 7 hr 30 min | Combines kayaking and glacier walking in one outing | View on Viator |
 Fast fjord rib ride | Travelers who want a compact small-group boat experience with scenery and commentary rather than glacier activity | ★ 5.0/5 | 7 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Shorter time commitment than the glacier tours | View on Viator |
 Short glacier half-day | Families or time-conscious travelers who want a glacier visit without committing to a full day | ★ 4.9/5 | 23 reviews | Approx. 4 hr 30 min | Shorter than the full glacier-kayak tour | View on Viator |
Three Skjolden experiences compared
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Glacier day with kayaking first, then glacier walking
Glacier Hiking and kayaking Tour on Stygge
Best for: Travelers who want a longer, more active glacier outing with both kayaking and glacier walking
This is the most involved of the three Skjolden-area experiences and is built around reaching Austdalsbreen by kayak before walking on the glacier. The route crosses Styggevatnet, with floating icebergs on the way, and the tour includes lunch with the glacier view before the walking portion. It is described as a small trip, which suggests a more limited group size and more time to focus on the landscape. Confirmed inclusions cover glacier information plus the equipment needed for kayaking and glacier travel, while warm clothing and other personal items are not included.
Glacier Hiking and kayaking Tour on Stygge
- Combines kayaking and glacier walking in one outing
- Includes kayak equipment and glacier equipment
- Small trips give more time at the site
Small-group fjord cruise with stops and commentary
Nærøyfjord RIB-boat Experience & Waterfalls
Best for: Travelers who want a compact small-group boat experience with scenery and commentary rather than glacier activity
This option is a guided RIB boat outing rather than a glacier excursion, so it suits travelers who want a faster, more direct scenic experience. The route begins at Flåm Marina and goes through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, with several stops along the way. The tour description highlights waterfalls, fjord farms, and commentary on local life, history, and culture. It is a small-group experience, and the confirmed inclusions are the safety and weather items listed in the product data. Because it is much shorter than the glacier tours, it works well when your schedule is tight or you want a boat-centered day.
Nærøyfjord RIB-boat Experience & Waterfalls
- Shorter time commitment than the glacier tours
- Includes floating suit, goggles, hat, and life vest
- Guided small-group format with cultural and local stories
Shorter glacier outing with boat access and a glacier walk
Glacier Half Day Tour on Stygge
Best for: Families or time-conscious travelers who want a glacier visit without committing to a full day
This tour offers a shorter way to experience the same glacier area, starting with a boat trip over Styggevatnet before reaching Austdalsbreen. The description emphasizes the family-friendly format and the glacier walk, while still highlighting the lake with floating icebergs and the glacier front. Compared with the longer glacier-and-kayak option, this version is more time-efficient and centers on a single boat transfer rather than a paddle across the lake. Confirmed inclusions are all boating and glacier equipment plus glacier information. It is a practical choice if you want a glacier outing but prefer a half-day schedule.
Glacier Half Day Tour on Stygge
- Shorter than the full glacier-kayak tour
- Includes all boating and glacier equipment
- Described as ideal for families
Choosing a Skjolden itinerary style
If you want an active land-and-water day, the glacier tours are the best match because they combine lake travel with time on the ice. If you want a shorter, guided scenic experience with less physical focus, the fjord RIB tour offers a different way to spend part of your trip from the wider Skjolden area.
Kayak and glacier route
Paddle across Styggevatnet toward Austdalsbreen, then continue on foot onto the glacier after the lake crossing.
Fjord boat route
Travel by RIB through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, with stops for scenery and guide commentary.
Half-day glacier route
Take a boat across Styggevatnet to Austdalsbreen, then walk on the glacier before returning.
Before you book in Skjolden
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Skjolden booking checklist
- Check the duration and activity style carefully, since these three tours are not interchangeable.
- Review the listed exclusions before you pack, especially clothing and personal items not provided.
- If you are choosing between the two glacier tours, compare the time commitment and the type of travel on the lake.
Before booking a Skjolden tour
Which option is the most time-efficient?
The Nærøyfjord RIB-boat experience is the shortest of the three and is better for travelers with limited time.
Which tour is the better fit for families?
The Glacier Half Day Tour on Stygge is the one described as ideal for families and keeps the glacier visit to a shorter format.
Which experience includes both kayaking and glacier walking?
The Glacier Hiking and kayaking Tour on Stygge is the only one that combines kayaking across the lake with a glacier walk.