Top 5 World Glaciers To Visit

POSTED BY Heather Johnson, UPDATED ON March 3rd, 2023
Top 5 World Glaciers to Visit

Glaciers provide some of the most unique vacation spots in the world and great tourist opportunities. There are a variety of walking and climbing tours available, and each of the five spots that made our list offers something different. Exploring these mammoth ice sheets provides hours of wonder and entertainment, whether you are planning a trip to Patagonia or a flight to Alaska. Adventurers will be drawn to the irresistible icy peaks in the distance and will be able to return to quality lodges and hotels at the end of the day. Here we take a look at the best glaciers in the world to visit:

 

Root Glacier, Alaska

Root Glacier, Alaska

The road to the glacier, through a ghost mining town, teems with beautiful plant life that changes with the seasons. The Root Glacier itself sluices down from Mount Blackburn, displaying a mile-high ice fall and stunning sculptured ice.

In the glacier, clear water gathers, like icy tide pools, intermingling with black caves. The office in Kennecott offers both half-day tours and, for the more adventurous, full-day tours where you can watch the glacier change color with the sunset.

 

Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia

Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia

If you take a trip to Patagonia, the Perito Moreno Glacier should be at the top of your list. One of the seven natural wonders of South America, the glacier covers 97 square miles and provides the world’s third-largest reserve of freshwater.

Still growing, it periodically covers Lago Argentino before the pressure causes a spectacular rupture roughly every 4-5 years. Water also causes enormous rifts in the glacier, and chunks of ice detach to become icebergs. Half-day and whole-day hikes are available.

 

Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Iceland

Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Iceland

This glacier covers a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano, and trails of lava are still visible. Snæfellsjökull is one of the most famous sites in Iceland due to Jules Verne’s novel A Journey to the Center of the Earth, where the protagonists find a gateway to the Earth’s center at the top of the glacier.

A wealth of caves varies the landscape of the ice behemoth, and verdant surroundings offer lovely contrast. Fishing has flourished there, and the summertime hiking day tours from Reykjavík end in a delicious bowl of Icelandic fish soup. Just imagine spending your day driving in Iceland just to end it with a nice hot bowl of fish soup, that would just be heaven.

 

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Fox Glacier New Zealand

The Fox Glacier is fed by four alpine glaciers and has been advancing since 1985 by a meter a week. Forming a river at its outflow, this glacier is one of the most easily accessible in the world.

A large variety of tours are available, including guided helicopter hikes, overnight treks, ice climbing, and half and full-day tour. Towering ice pinnacles, flowing waterfalls, and textured seracs make the scenery unforgettable. 

 

Indian Himalayas

Indian Himalayas

Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas, among many other mountains. Spring is the most popular season to go, as the flowers are in full bloom, creating a verdant background to the icy peaks of the Himalayan glaciers. Along with trips available for weeks at a time, you can pick your height; whether it’s below 7000 meters, or above 8000, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Each location offers something different for adventurers, from beautiful scenery to exciting climbs to air tours. There is something for everyone to discover.

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