Europe has some of the most stunning glaciers spanning thousands of kilometers. From the alpine landscapes of Switzerland to the enormous ice caves and formations in Iceland, this guide will cover some of the continent’s most remarkable glaciers, including the largest one.
Vatnajökull: The Largest Glacier in Europe
Located in Southeastern Iceland, Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier mass in Europe, covering a surface area between 8,100 and 8,300 square kilometers. It has an average thickness of around 400 to 500 meters, with the thickest point of the ice cap being even thicker. The total ice volume is approximately 3,300 cubic kilometers.
During my solo adventures in Iceland in 2008, the government decided to establish the Vatnajökull National Park by merging two existing national parks (Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur) along with several nature reserves. Today, it covers over 10% of the country and is divided into the following four regions:
- Northern Territory
- Eastern Territory
- Southern Territory
- Western Territory
If you’re into glacier hiking, ice climbing, or exploration of ice caves, look no further than the Vatnajökull Glacier. It offers numerous stunning landscape features, including volcanic activity, broad and narrow subglacial valleys, ice caps, outlet glaciers, and spectacular canyons, that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. The road trip to this place provides breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, black sand plains, and other amazing sights.
Here are some of the interesting locations in the area that are worth visiting:
- Hveragil hot springs
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Grímsfjall
- Kverkfjöll
- Diamond Beach
Fun fact: The Vatnajökull Glacier hides Hvannadalshnjukur, the tallest peak in Europe, and several active volcanoes underneath its ice. That’s impressive, considering that it is also part of a national park!
Other Notable Glaciers in Europe
While the Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, it’s not the only one. There are many mighty and tall ice caps in the region, some of which include the following:
Aletsch Glacier
Considered the largest glacier in the Alps, the Aletsch Glacier stretches for about 23 kilometers, covering more than 81.7 square kilometers of area. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the vast diversity of ecosystems it features.
Sadly, it is also one of the many glaciers facing an average retreat of 30 meters each year. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to global warming, suggesting that we might risk losing the heart of one of the world’s most loved mountain ranges in the near future.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The melting of the Aletsch Glacier provides a consistent stream of fresh water for the region, constantly flowing into the Rhône River.
During my time in Switzerland, I was lucky enough to witness the Aletsch Glacier in all its glory. Its stunning beauty and unique environment attract mountaineers and climbers from all over the world.
Mer de Glace
Seven kilometers long and 200 meters deep, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. It is situated in the Mont Blanc massif, making it one of the greatest attractions in the Chamonix Valley. When you take into account all of the tributary glaciers, the Mer de Glace covers a total area of approximately 32 square kilometers.
If you’re in France, you can take the historic Montenvers Railway to access the Mer de Glace and the Ice Cave in Chamonix. Besides marveling at the glacier, there are many activities nearby that you can indulge in, some of which include the following:
- Enter a man-made ice grotto
- Visit the Glaciorium Museum to learn more about glaciers
- Dine at the Le Panoramique Mer de Glace or the restaurant at the Grand Hotel du Montenvers
Gorner Glacier
Although not as impressive as the Vatnajokull Glacier, the Gorner Glacier spans 57 square kilometers (total covered area) and stretches around 12 kilometers, making it one of the longest glaciers in the Alps. It has a greater retreat rate (35 meters per year) than the Aletsch Glacier.
For years, the Gorner Glacier has provided the region with fresh water and a constant source of electricity (hydroelectric generation) through the Gornera River. It is located on the west side of the Monte Rosa massif, and you can reach Gornergrat, a rocky ridge that overlooks this mighty glacier, by riding a train (journey time: 35 minutes) from Zermatt.
Writing about the breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers doesn’t do them justice. Standing on Gornergrat feels surreal, which is why, if you’re ever in Zermatt, don’t miss out on this opportunity.
Jostedalsbreen
Considered to be the largest glacier in mainland Europe, Jostedalsbreen, also known as the Jostedal Glacier, is located in four municipalities: Luster, Sogndal, Sunnfjord, and Stryn. Its highest peak, Lodalskåpa, stands at an impressive 2,083 meters.
The Jostedal Glacier consists of several arms, but unfortunately, due to climate change, each has been experiencing varying degrees of retreat.
While the Jostedalsbreen is not as large as the Vatnajokull Glacier, it’s worth visiting to get a glimpse of the spectacular ice formations and the unique glacial landscapes. You can take a guided tour to explore the area.
Svínafellsjokull
Extending from the larger Vatnajokull Glacier, Svínafellsjokull stretches for about eight kilometers and covers a total surface area of approximately six square kilometers. Its stunning ice formations and blue ice caves are worth experiencing in person.
In recent years, the melting of Svínafellsjokull has led to picturesque lagoons, making this place a popular location for filming movies and TV shows.
Fun fact: Svínafellsjokull was part of Skaftafell Nature Reserve before the government incorporated it into the larger Vatnajokull National Park. You can visit this place and the many other outlet glaciers by car.
Grossglockner
Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria and one of the largest glaciers in Europe. It lies on the borders of Carinthia and Tyrol (East Tyrol) and has ice formations that extend over four square kilometers.
While the Grossglockner has several arms, Pasterze is its longest glacier, which is accessible through the High Alpine Road.
FAQs
What Is the Largest Glacier in Europe?
The Vatnajokull Glacier is the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe.
Can Visitors Visit the Glaciers in Europe?
Most of the glaciers in Europe are easily accessible by road or rail. I highly recommend heading over to the Vatnajokull National Park before exploring the other ice formations.
What Is a Retreat Rate?
A retreat rate refers to a situation where a glacier loses more mass than it gains. This can happen due to several reasons, mainly climate change.
What Is the Second-largest National Park in Europe?
While the Vatnajökull National Park is the largest in Europe, there are many others that are just as impressive, some of which include the following:
- Sarek National Park, Sweden
- Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
- Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal
- Pyrenees National Park, France/Spain
Final Thoughts on the Biggest Glacier in Europe
Although the Vatnajokull Glacier is the biggest glacier in Europe, its massive canyons, outlet glaciers, and glacial rivers are more impressive than its mighty ice cap.
Your visit to the Vatnajökull National Park will leave you in awe and may even encourage you to explore the other mountain ranges on the continent.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
