Glaciers are permanently frozen formations of ice that can stretch over tens of kilometers and are usually several meters thick. They are located in regions of extremely cold temperatures or very high altitudes and melt slightly each summer to feed surrounding rivers, lakes and other water bodies. With spectacular ice formations, beautiful vistas and a clean fresh atmosphere, glaciers are some of the most peaceful places on Earth. Here is our list of the 10 most beautiful glaciers in the world.
Beautiful Glaciers In The World
1. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
This Argentinean glacier is situated just outside the city of El Calafate and is 30 kilometres in length. The city has become a very popular destination because tourists from all over the world come here only to see the glacier. There are three viewing points located on land which offer views from different side and angles. There are also boat rides along the glacial lake to take a closer look and helicopter rides that give a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
2. Margerie Glacier, Glacier Bay, Alaska
Alaska is known for having some of the largest and most popular glaciers in the world and the Margerie Glacier is definitely one of them. At 34 kilometres, it is one of the largest glaciers outside Antarctica and is a very popular tourist destination for people around the world. This glacier is located in the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve which is dedicated to conserving the Arctic ecosystem.
3. Furtwangler Glacier, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Africa is not usually a place associated with any large glaciers, but the top of Mount Kilimanjaro indeed has one of the most amazing glaciers in the world. This glacier has shrunk rapidly over the past century and today, only 18% of it remains intact. The size does increase marginally during the snowfall but the degradation of this glacier continues even today. It is estimated that it will completely melt by 2024.
Image Source: Wikimedia
4. Pasterze Glacier, Austria
This glacier may not be one of the largest in the world because it is just over 8 kilometres long, but it definitely one of the most amazing because of the location and beautiful ice formations. It is situated at the base of the tallest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner and is also the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. Currently, the thickness of this rapidly receding glacier is about 400 feet but the length is decreasing by 10 metres per year and the thickness to is reducing annually. Very soon this glacier may also completely melt away and disappear.
5. Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland
This glacier is the largest in Iceland and covers 8% of the country’s land area. The name Vatnajökull literally means ‘glacier of rivers’ and is so named because of the multiple inlets and outlets the glacial lake has. It connects to the sea in many places forming a network of ice and water. The ice formations frequently break off and float into the sea thus giving visitors amazing views of the area. Iceland is also one of the coldest countries in the world. The different sizes and shapes of the icebergs around this glacier make it one of the most amazing glaciers in the world. The beautiful glacier is one of the reasons why you should still visit Iceland in 2018.
6. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
These two glaciers located in the South Island of New Zealand are 13 kilometres and 12 kilometres long respectively and are the most famous tourist attractions on the South Island. They are one of the unique glaciers in the world because they descend to around 900 feet from sea level and are still frozen at this low altitude. As the glaciers thin out into the ground, they merge into rainforests and lush greenery. A walk into these forests and along the track of the glaciers called the ‘glacier walk’ is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the South Island. Also, please read about largest islands in the world.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Biafo Glacier, Pakistan
This glacier is located in the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan and is 36 kilometres in length. At a height of over 5000 meters, it joins the Hispar glacier thus forming the longest glacier system outside the Polar Regions. This glacier is however not very popular with tourist because of the extremely difficult climb leading up to it as well as underdeveloped transport connecting the trek route to major cities. Like most other glaciers, this one too is threatened by global warming and is melting rapidly. This glacial system supplies many of Pakistan’s rivers that emerge from the Karakoram Range.
Image Source: Wikimedia
8. Canada Glacier, Antarctica
The frigid land of Antarctica is home to the largest glaciers and fresh water reserves in the world and Canada Glacier is just one among many. It is located near the Taylor Valley, Victoria Land and receives very less snowfall. It thus houses a desert ecosystem with almost no vegetation and very little animal life. The melting of this glacier feeds two seasonal lakes – Lake Fryxell and Lake Hoare. These glacial lakes freeze during the winter and form beautiful patterns in the ice. You will also love to read about facts about Antarctica.
Image Source: Wikimedia
9. Yulong Glacier, China
This glacier is located in South-Western China and forms the permanent cap on top of the Yulong Mountain. It is situated at an altitude of 18,360 feet and is one of the most difficult trek routes in China. This makes the glacier relatively less known and unexplored because it requires training and expertise to a high degree. The Yulong peak is also known as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain because of the beautiful crystal-like ice formations.
Image Source: Wikimedia
10. Jostedalsbreen Glacier, Norway
The largest glacier in mainland Europe, this glacier is located in the Western part of Norway and is one of the most remarkable glaciers in the world. It is 60 kilometres long, 600 meters thick and is spread over an area of 486 square kilometres. There are some incredible ice formations in this glacier as it snakes through mountains and gradually blends into the surrounding forests. The cool temperature throughout the year means that this glacier changes very little according to the season. Norway is also one of the countries with longest coastlines.
Image Source: Wikimedia
Glaciers may well be some of the most beautiful and scenic places on Earth by they are greatly threatened by the phenomenon of global warming. Rising temperatures, the ozone hole, and increasing prevention have caused glaciers to melt faster than they can regenerate leading to a permanent decrease in the size. This not only threatens to destroy the polar and tundra ecosystem but also disturb the flow of rivers and lakes that are fed by these glaciers.
