Svartisen is the largest glacier of Northern Norway, part of the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. It is not nearly as crowded as the glaciers in Southern Norway and the area offers very nice hiking opportunities.
Svartisen consists of a western and an eastern part, separated by a valley. The western part (Vestre Svartisen of simply Vestisen) has glacier arms that reach near the ocean, allowing cruise ships to take a view.
Austerdalsisen is a glacier arm on the southside of the inland part (Østre Svartisen) and can be reached hiking. There is a road leading up to the lake Svartisvatnet from the nearby towns of Mo I Rana en Røssvol. In the summer months, you can use the small ferry service across the lake. From the other end of the lake, it’s a short hike across the water divider to Austerdalsvatnet, where you will get the awesome view on the glacier.
Austerdalsisen up close (2010)
