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  1. Home
  2. Our Destinations
  3. Norwegian Coast
  4. Norway: Travel Guide
  5. Attractions along the Norwegian Coast
  6. Svartisen Glacier

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  • Svartisen Glacier across the lake
    1/4 Photo: Maggie Strutt - Gästefoto Photo
  • Svartisen Glacier
    2/4 Photo: Evelyne Duringer - Gästefoto Photo
  • Svartisen – once the glacier streched over this field
    3/4 Photo: Tetyana Kyriy - Gästefoto Photo
  • One of the most impressive views - Svartisen Glacier
    4/4 Photo: Christiane Walk - Gästefoto Photo

Svartisen Glacier

A destination equally spectacular to both travelers and scientists

Deep tunnels beneath the mountain exit at the base of the glacier, with 656-feet-thick ice overhead. Svartisen, Norway’s second largest glacier, is the site of an independent glaciological research laboratory built in 1995 for researchers around the world. 

For passengers on the Hurtigruten sailing between Nesna and Ørnes, the sight of Svartisen is so spectacular that the image is instantly frozen into their memories. 

MASSIVE GLACIER
At approximately 230 square miles, Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier after the Jostedal Glacier. It stretches across the municipalities of Meløy, Rødøy, Beiarn and Rana, between the Holandsfjord, Glomfjord and Melfjord to the west, and Blakkadalen to the east.

Despite being the lowest-lying glacier on the European continent before the last Ice Age retreat, Svartisen is home to several mountains over 4,900-feet high. Snøtinden to the west rises to 5,233-feet above sea level, while the peaks of Sniptinden and Istinden to the east are 5,203-feet and 5,157-feet above sea level, respectively. 

Centuries ago, the glaciers in this region stretched their ‘fingers’ all the way to the seashore. Engabreen, a glacial arm of Svartisen, currently stretches almost to the Holandsfjord. Climate changes during the past century caused the glacier to retreat over one mile until the 1960s, when it began expanding again. However, in recent years the glacier has started to retreat.

SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRIAL AREA
The glacier generates valuable resources while striving to preserve the natural environment as much as possible. Melted glacial ice has provided inexpensive hydroelectric power at Norsk Hydro’s giant plant at Glomfjord to produce fertilizer.

This power is created by the accumulated melted glacial ice that flows through 45 tunnels underneath it and collects at the power station. Every foot of descent is utilized to create hydroelectric power. Recently, a new industrial park has also been developed to take further advantage of the power resources generated in this region.

GLACIER AND MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
Our ships sail into Holandsfjord for a view of Engabreen. Once at port, an excursion to Svartisen Glacier provides the chance for an even closer look at this frozen beauty. Hikers will also find large caves to explore in the limestone mountains to the east of this area.

Related Cruises

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    7 days Regular departures

    The Cruise North

    • Discover countless fjords, mountains, islands, and waterfalls.
    • Cross the Arctic Circle to hunt the northern lights in winter, and enjoy round-the-clock daylight under the midnight sun in summer.
    • Enjoy interesting and exciting land and sea excursions.
    • Learn from Hurtigruten guides as they lead lectures and activities both at sea and onshore.
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    The Cruise South

    • Experience the natural wonders of Lofoten
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    The Roundtrip Cruise

    • Discover our entire original coastal route with 34 ports of call, sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains.
    • Cross the Arctic Circle and hunt the northern lights in winter, or enjoy 24 hours of daylight under the midnight sun in summer.
    • Spring and autumn cruises showcase the brilliant colors, magical light, and fascinating culture of Arctic Norway.
    • Wide choice of optional excursions and onboard Hurtigruten guides who lead included activities and interpret the cultural and natural treasures on your cruise.
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Further reading

  • Sunnmørsalpene (The Sunnmøre Alps)
  • Fishermen’s Cabins (Rorbu)

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When packing for Antarctica, remember to bring your mittens! 🧤
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#hurtigruten #antarctica #weexplore #whattopack #ribboat #travel #berniesanders #berniesmittens #berniesandersmeme #bernie #berniesandersmemes What's better than a warm embrace from someone you love? We hope we can all hug each other soon again. For now, we're sending you a virtual hug for National Hug Day. 📷: Chelsea Claus / Hurtigruten 
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#hurtigruten #weexplore #nationalhugday #hug #penguin #antarctica #travel #adventuretravel #wildlife For Penguin Awareness Day, here are some facts you might not know about everyone's favorite flightless bird: 
- Their black and white "tuxedo" is a smart camouflage called countershading
- You'll never actually see them with polar bears (despite what you've seen in classic cartoons)
- Penguins huddle together to protect themselves—or to stay warm
- You can see this fascinating creature if you go with Hurtigruten to Antarctica (but this we bet you knew already!)
 📸: Ingemund Skålnes / Hurtigruten

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