Sunday, September 20, 2009

Europe’ largest glacier – Vatnajokull Glacier


It covers area of roughly 8,100 km² and an average thickness of 400 m and the greatest thickness of about 1100m. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier mass in Europe and the biggest glacier in Iceland. Anyone who ever wondered how Iceland got its name would likely find the answer in the fact that the country’s largest glacier alone covers more than 8% of the country. The total ice volume of the glacier is approximately 3300 km³.



It is a very volcanically active region. Under the ice-cap are still active volcanoes and in Grimsvot volcano, Iceland’s most active since the Middle Ages erupted in 1996, 1998 and 2004. Seven central volcanoes are situated underneath the Vatnajokull ice-cap and most of them are active. The icecap rises between 1400 and 1800 m above sea level.


Bright light, indescribable beauty, serenity – these words are often used by people to describe a near-death experience. Visitors can visit hot springs located within the glacier’s ice caves. Hiking or cross country skiing on the icecaps depends entirely on the travelers themselves. They decide where to go and are responsible for the preparations and the gear necessary for such endeavors. Such trips or tours have to be reported to the police authorities on beforehand.


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