The 10 most impressive famous glaciers in the world

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Did you know that glaciers are large masses of compressed ice? Maybe yes, but… that they form 75% of the planet’s fresh water and occupy 10% of the earth’s surface? If these data already sound surprising, it is even more so to visit the most impressive famous glaciers in the world.

Despite the fact that climate change has reduced the number of icebergs or their extension, there are still huge blocks of ice that will leave you speechless. If you’ve already read our post on the effects of climate change on the glaciers of Iceland you’ll already know a bit more.

Below we tell you the 10 most impressive famous glaciers in the world so you don’t miss them. So… 3 2 1 Let’s get started!

The Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Ifyou travel to Argentina, visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is a must and one of the favorite places for travelers. Above all, walking on top of it (don’t miss the famous minitrekking along the Perito Moreno”). That’s why it has the number one spot in our top 10.

The iceberg is part of the Glacier National Park in Argentina. The specific location is in the Andean Cordillera.

Its dimensions are impressive, it is 5 kilometers long and 60 meters high. It will make your hair stand on end. But, that’s not all, it forms huge “bridges” every 4 years, and every so often there is a ice detachment that is a real spectacle.

As we said before, it is located in the Glacier National Park, along with other ice blocks such as Upsala, Spegazzini, Heim and Seco that are worth visiting.

Vatnajökull the largest iceberg in Europe (Iceland)

In our top 2 is one of the famous glaciers that we like the most: iceberg Vatnajökull. It is the most impressive glacier and is southeast of Iceland, the land of icebergs and volcanoes.

Discovering its 8,000 km² of surface by Vatnajökull Glacier hike for a day is quite an adventure. In addition, spectacular caves are formed in this glacier, such as the Blue Ice Cave, highly recommended for a visit.

It’s easy to get confused by the names of the country’s ice blocks. The language can be confusing, so we recommend you know some Icelandic words before you go.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake, Iceland

On our podium is another Icelandic glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake. You’ll have to go visit Iceland if we want to observe them up close.

Jökulsárlón is the largest glacial lake and is located between the sea and the previously discussed glacier. Basically, it is the result of the melting of Vatnajökull.

If you read our post about the Northern Lights you will already know that it is one of the best places to enjoy them.

All in all, visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake is a must on your trip to Iceland. In addition, you have the option of kayaking through the icy waters of the glacier.

The amazing iceberg of Puerto Natales, Chile

Everyone who visits Chile also wants to visit Torres del Paine National Park. And is that this park is one of the wonders of Latin America that you can not miss.

Recommendations aside, very close to here are famous glaciers that can be visited as Serrano and Balmaceda.

Serrano is next to the Tempranos Lagoon and is surrounded by an immense forest. As for Balmaceda, it is located on the western slope of Mount Balmaceda.

Balmaceda is a hanging glacier of more than 2030 meters and it is a spectacle to see how the ice chunks fall into the water. A marvel!

All in all, these glaciers deserve the number 4 spot.

Alaska’s Taku Glacier

Taku is southeast of the town of Juneau and is the deepest and thickest glacier in the world. It seems to be less affected by global warming – it’s our top 5!

When we say it is deep we mean 1,400 meters thick and 55 km long. Unthinkable dimensions indeed.

That is why this impressive glacier has been studied by scientists and occupies the fourth position on the list.

The Furtwängler in Tanzania

In our top 6 is…. The Furtwängler Glacier, near Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

The atmosphere that accompanies this iceberg is magical, and you can always extend your visit and see the African savannah.

It is named after Walter Furtwängler, the fourth mountaineer to reach the summit of this mountain (1912).

Unfortunately, a bad outcome is predicted for this glacier, as the effects of climate change have wreaked havoc.

Each year its size is shrinking and in 2018 it occupied about 11,000 square meters (120,000 square feet).

Petermann, Greenland’s amazing ice

To the northeast of Greenland is the impressive Petermann Glacier. For its spectacular tongue alone, it deserves the seventh position.

This glacier tongue is one of the most spectacular on the planet, measuring 70 km. Although it suffers the consequences of global warming and is diminishing.

The impressive Mer de Glace glacier, France

Then we find the impressive Mer de Glace glacier. This iceberg also has an ice cave like Vatnajökull and is located in the French Alps (next to Mont Blanc).

We are talking about the longest block of ice in France at 2000 meters deep.

If you want to trek this iceberg be sure to wear the right clothing.

The Athabasca iceberg, Canada

The impressive Athabasca Glacier ranks ninth 🙂 It is located in the huge mountain range of Canada.

Unfortunately, like the Furtwängler iceberg, it has suffered greatly from the effects of climate change and so its 6 km are shrinking year by year.

Biafo, the glacier of Pakistan

The last place goes to Biafo, the most impressive glacier in Pakistan. And yes, it is located in the east, specifically in the northeast of the country.

Many know it as the ice highway for connecting the ancient mountains of Nagar and Baltistan. Also characteristic is the altitude at which it is located (around 5,200 meters).

So much for our list of the most impressive famous glaciers, or at least for us. We have yet to discover several, but they are on our checklist. And you, which glacier will be your next conquest?