Svartisen Glacier Hike

Our hike to the Svartisen Glacier began with a drive up a windy narrow road from Skonseng to Svartisdale. We decided to access the glacier at the Austerdalsien arm as it was closest to our route on the E6. We arrived at 1am so plenty of time before the fist boat at 10 am! We stayed the night at the boat warf car park.

In the morning we caught the 20 minute small boat ride across a milky green glacier waters of Svartisinet lake to get to the base of a mountain waterfall.

Our 3k climb started on a track next to the falls (which turned out to be a lot longer with additional explorations) . The water at top of these falls roars out from an underground river.

Svartisen Glacier Austerdalsien Arm 18 July 2011

Lunch Break – Svartisen Glacier

The Svartisen Glacier is Norway’s second largest glacier and stretches over 370 km2 and has a 60 glacier arms. One of the most famous glacial arms is here at the Austerdalsisen.The photo above helps with the scale Trish is talking to some other people in the small circle in front of the cave (the center insert). The circle on the main photo is the cave and the area we were standing. There are people standing next to the glacier.

The Zig-zagging rocky trail was clearly marked out and we were with a few other people who caught the 10am boat. Near the top we came around a corner to see the lovely view of the ice blue glacier. It was well worth the effort for this sight alone. Of course Steven had to keep going to touch the face of the ice wall.

Steven Touching the Svartisen Glacier

We walked a further 1km up and down the rock formations to get near it, touch the very bottom corner and move away for some photos.

Steve & Trish at Svartisen Glacier

Steven was tempted to go into the ice cave here but as the little bits that fall off are the size of a car decided for a change to stay safe and not venture under the ice.

Svartisen Glacier Austerdalsien Arm Boat Jetty

Was a cloudy yet mild day. Walked and climbed and about 9km in total by the time we reached the jetty to wait for the return trip by boat.

Had a rest when returned to motor home then drove a few more km’s, now raining and there was an eerie mist rising from over the river of glacier water (glacier water is a chalky milky green colour) next to the windy road. Went up a very very steep incline dirt road for 2k in first and 2nd gear to get up to the Gronligrotta (Cave). This is a cave system which goes 4.1km in the mountain (discovered). We managed to arrive just in time at 6pm to do the last tour for the day which takes you 40 minutes in and out of part of the cave. A wet cave with a flowing river, Good but nothing like the Jenolan Caves at home. These are relitively new caves with only a few very small 1cm stalactites. Still enjoyable. Again had to walk and climb down and up in the cave and then back up the steep road to the motor home.

Click read more below for more, and more photos…………………….

Decided to drive back down and look for a spot to park the night near a town (for internet access). We spent the night in between the towns of Mo I Rana and Mosjoen. Need to go into a town as the nose pad in Trish’s glasses needs repairing. Also need the opportunity to buy a birthday gifts.

Strange being back into busy suburban areas after being in the wilderness part of Norway for quite a while. Well to us it is busy, still only a small country town.