From towering rivers of ice cutting through mountains, to dazzling blue ice caves hidden in frozen ravines, there are few more awe-inspiring scenes in nature. Adventure travellers, in particular, have their fill of more than just breathtaking views: they have the chance to trek on ice, explore ice caves, sail over floating icebergs, and have the raw beauty of nature up-close. Though climate change is rapidly transforming many of them, a handful of glaciers continue to draw explorers from across the globe. Here are five of the world’s most famous glaciers that belong on every adventure traveller’s bucket list.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Located in one of the premier natural destinations, Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most stunning glaciers in the world, which can be viewed in all their glory due to their accessibility. The Perito Moreno Glacier stretches over 30 kilometers and rises almost 70 meters above Lake Argentino, with its most prominent attractions being its constant movements and ice calving, which produces a thunderous roar as large ice pieces crash into its waters. Visitors, especially adventure enthusiasts, can trek on it during their ice trekking tour. Crampons strapped to boots, they cross shimmering blue crevasses and frozen streams while learning about glacial formation and climate science.
Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland
Covering nearly eight per cent of Iceland’s landmass, Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe and one of its most diverse adventure playgrounds. Under this huge ice cap, there exist volcanoes. This unique phenomena, a union of ice and fire is why Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice. From this glacier, there is an awesome display of ice caves in the winters, which shine with an unearthly glow. Travellers visit Vatnajökull for glacier hikes, ice climbing and guided cave explorations. The surrounding national park also offers sweeping views of glacial lagoons, black-sand plains and distant mountain ranges.
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Few glaciers in the world descend so close to sea level while being surrounded by lush temperate rainforest. Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Franz Josef Glacier flows down from the Southern Alps almost to the edge of green valleys filled with ferns and waterfalls. The peculiar environment makes it one of the most photographed glaciers in the world. The juxtaposition with the subtropical rain forest provides a surreal travelling experience found quite nowhere else in the world. Despite its dramatic retreat in recent decades, Franz Josef Glacier remains an icon in accessible glacier experiences.
Athabasca Glacier, Canada
Athabasca Glacier, a part of the huge ice field of the Canadian Rockies, is one of the most frequently accessed and researched glaciers in North America. Its location, cascading out of the summits along the Icefields Parkway, makes it surprisingly accessible, yet surprisingly raw. Visitors are actually able to walk right out onto the glacier via specially designed snow coaches or walking excursions. Athabasca represents a unique chance for visitors to experience an ice field without the necessity for mountain skills experience.
Khumbu Glacier, Nepal
Nestled in the roof of the world, in the picturesque mountain range of the Himalayas, is the famous Khumbu Glacier, which is a part of the renowned trek route – the Everest Base Camp trek. This is considered one of the most important and highest glaciers in the world. Apart from the natural beauty of this glacier, this trek is undertaken by adventure-seekers seeking a trek through the picturesque Khambu Valley.
