Svartisen Glacier
Nordland
Svartisen Glacier is a collective term for two major glaciers, Vestisen and Ă˜stisen, located in Nordland county, northern Norway. Vestisen, the western glacier, covers 221 square kilometers, making it the second largest glacier on the Norwegian mainland, while Ă˜stisen spans 148 square kilometers, ranking fourth in size nationally. The glaciers lie within the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, a region characterized by its Arctic Circle location and striking mountainous terrain. Svartisen is notable for its dramatic blue ice, formed from ancient, compressed ice that contrasts vividly with fresh snow. The glacier's outlet, Engabreen, is famous for terminating at just 20 meters above sea level, the lowest point for any glacier on mainland Europe, which makes the glacier easily accessible for visitors. The sub-glacial laboratory beneath Engabreen allows scientists to study glacier dynamics and climate change directly under the ice. Svartisen's meltwater is harnessed for hydropower, reflecting the glacier's importance to Norway's renewable energy. The area offers activities like glacier hiking and boat trips to Austerdalsisen, the most popular tourist arm of Ă˜stisen. The glacier's accessibility, natural beauty, and scientific significance make it a unique destination within the Arctic landscape.
Plan your trip to Norway with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Svartisen Glacier is during the summer months when weather conditions are milder and access routes are open. Visitors are advised to book glacier hiking tours and boat trips to Austerdalsisen in advance due to their popularity. Wearing appropriate outdoor gear is essential as weather can change rapidly. Discounts may be available for group bookings or educational tours. The ferry crossing over Holandsfjorden provides a scenic approach to the glacier area, and guided tours ensure safe and informative experiences.
Interesting facts
- •Svartisen is Norway's second largest glacier covering approximately 370 square kilometers.
- •Engabreen, an outlet glacier of Svartisen, ends at 20 meters above sea level, the lowest glacier point in mainland Europe.
- •The glacier's name means 'black ice' due to the dark blue color of its ancient ice compared to fresh snow.
- •The Svartisen sub-glacial laboratory is the only one of its kind globally, located beneath Engabreen since 1992.
- •Svartisen's meltwater is utilized for hydropower, contributing to Norway's renewable energy supply.
- •The glacier lies just inside the Arctic Circle, influencing its unique climatic and environmental conditions.
History
Svartisen Glacier was once a single continuous ice mass during the Little Ice Age in the mid-1700s but has since split into two separate glaciers, Vestisen and Ă˜stisen, due to gradual retreat.
The glacier was mapped in 1964 and is recognized as mainland Europe's lowest-lying glacier, with parts reaching just 20 meters above sea level.
Significant melting and retreat began around 1923, leading to the formation of new lakes beneath the ice.
In 1992, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate established the Svartisen sub-glacial laboratory beneath Engabreen, pioneering direct scientific access to the glacier's underside.
Over centuries, the glacier's dynamics have influenced the local landscape and ecosystems, while its meltwater has been harnessed for hydropower production.
Place Guide
Engabreen Glacier
An outlet glacier of Vestisen, Engabreen extends towards Holandsfjorden and is notable for reaching the lowest elevation of any mainland European glacier. It offers dramatic views and is a focal point for scientific research due to the sub-glacial laboratory beneath it.
Austerdalsisen Glacier Arm
The largest glacier arm of Ă˜stisen, Austerdalsisen is a popular tourist destination accessible by boat and short hikes. It showcases stunning blue ice formations and offers opportunities for glacier hiking and nature exploration.
