Where Can You Find Glaciers In Norway?
Where can you find glaciers in Norway? The short answer—everywhere. Since Norway has approximately 1600 glaciers located throughout its mainland, it is hard to go very far in any direction without seeing one. The sheer number of glaciers is what helps make glacier hiking one of the more popular things to do in Norway.
However, in order to take advantage of the unprecedented beauty of these towers of ice, you first need to know where the best ones to visit are. Not all glaciers are made equal, and when you have travelled all the way to Norway, you likely want to experience the best that the country has to offer. Here is where you can find the absolute best glaciers in Norway.
Photo: Rocks'n Rivers
Svartisen
If you find yourself in the far north of Norway, then you need to make sure that you don’t miss the chance to behold Svartisen. As the second largest glacier in the entire country, it is a spectacular sight that draws thousands of visitors every year. In addition to its beautiful National Park surroundings, there is also a large lake that is filled with some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen. If you are able to handle the extreme cold, then you may even want to take a revitalizing dip in the water. However, if this doesn't appeal to you, then there are still plenty of other reasons to visit Svartisen.
If you happen to arrive during the summertime, you will get the benefit of remaining in daylight around the clock. Since it is located within the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets for several months straight during the summertime. So even if you want to go for a 2 a.m. hike, you can leave your headlamps at home.
In order to get to Svartisen, most people depart from the Nordland town of Bodø. Although it is a couple of hours of driving to the glacier, the drive will be sure to go by in a flash thanks to the gorgeous scenery that will help to make the journey anything but boring.
Other notable glaciers that are nearby to Svartisen in northern Norway include Okstindbreen, which is the eighth largest glacier in the country, and Blåmannsisen, which is the fifth largest glacier.
Photo: Thomas_T._Kleiven/Visitnorway.com
Jostedalsbreen
If you are looking for the largest glacier not only in Norway, but the entirety of Mainland Europe, then you are going to want to visit Jostedalsbreen. this massive Glacier extends for approximately 490 square kilometres, which makes many of the other glaciers throughout Norway look like tiny patches of ice.
It is once again a glacier that is conveniently located within a national park, which means that its surrounding areas are filled with untouched natural beauty. If you are able to make it to the highest peak, which stands at over 2,000 meters high, then you will be treated with outstretching views of mountains that you are sure to never forget.
If you have made the trek to Jostedalsbreen, then you may want to head next door to the other incredibly impressive glacier in the area which is Myklebustbreen. As the seventh largest glacier in Norway, it is another great place to get some exercise from glacier hiking while also spending some time amongst pristine nature.
Folgefonna
Photo: Pål Hermansen
Folgefonna
Folgefonna is more than just Norway's third-largest glacier, it also contains one of Europe's greatest summer ski resorts. So if you are a big fan of glacier hiking in Norway, then this is one of the best places for you to visit. Folgefonna has been a fan favorite for hundreds of years now and remains just as beautiful all year round thanks to consistent snowfall.
Another great benefit to this glacier is its ideal location. Located only a short drive from Bergen, the glacier allows many tourists to admire its beauty without having to make an excessively long journey from any of the major cities in Norway. If you are already journeying out that way, then you should also be sure to adventure out to Hardangerjøkulen, which is located across Sørfjorden and is the sixth-largest glacier in Norway.
Staying Safe!
Unfortunately, at times we forget that nature is a living organism and that it can take us by surprise! The danger signs around glaciers are there for a reason, large sections of a glacier can break off at any time, and when this happens, you’ll want to be in the safe zone! And, sadly climate change has not made the glaciers any less volatile, so for your own safety, you should respect signs and barriers.
If precautions are taken and you book your glacier hike with professional guides, it'll be an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons! Have a look at our glacier hikes here.