About
Svartisen Glacier lies in Nordland, in northern Norway, and is the country's second-largest glacier. It is also known as the Blue Ice Glacier, a name that fits its striking blue ice formations. Its ice spreads from mountain peaks down to near sea level, so a visit can take in high, bare ridges and the water's edge within a short distance.
What a visit offers
- Blue ice formations that catch the eye up close and make the glacier easy to recognise.
- Accessible hiking routes that let walkers approach the ice without specialist mountaineering.
- A glacier that runs from mountains to the sea, giving a clear sense of how the landscape changes with height.
Planning your trip
Svartisen is reached by visitors from the Nordland area, and the nearby landscape is a natural base for the day. Because conditions on a glacier change with the season and the weather, it is sensible to check ahead before setting out. The glacier's contact number is +47 75 51 92 00, which is the most direct way to ask about routes and current conditions before you go.
Come with sturdy footwear and suitable clothing for cold, wet and windy weather, even in summer. Svartisen suits those who enjoy walking in wild northern scenery and who want to see ice at close quarters, rather than a formal visitor attraction with set displays.
