Glaciers are formed over a long period of time, when snow falls, settles and compacts into ice. Over the space of several hundred years, enormous glaciers can form, creating some breath-taking scenery. These are ten of the most stunning glaciers you’ll ever come across; sadly, much of the Earth’s ice is melting, so visit these while you can! Want to try something different for your next adventure? You should definitely consider hiking some of the world’s most beautiful glaciers. There are opportunities for beginners, and the more experienced hikers can even try ice climbing on the glacier’s walls. Exploring the landscape from an helicopter is also another option. From the countless glaciers in Antarctica to the more famous on Mount Kilimanjaro, each and every one will offer you a unique experience.

Glaciers – before we get into it, let’s get a little definition of the thing. According to all those geology folks, they are essentially slow moving rivers of ice, formed at high altitude where the temperature is cold enough for the water to freeze.  To us, they are an incredible phenomenon to behold. Especially when carving, as great chunks of ice topple from the ice shelves and crash into the water below. The spectacle of the cycle of nature in action.Check Out 10 Most Stunning Glaciers in the World.

10 Most Stunning Glaciers in the World

Biafo Glacier, Pakistan

At 67km (42 miles) long, the Biafo Glacier is part of the longest glacial region in the world outside of the polar regions. It offers some awe-inspiring views for those who are brave enough to make the trek through it!

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, New Zealand

This is a pair of glaciers which can be found on the South island of New Zealand. The Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site surrounds these glaciers, which measure 13km (8 miles) long and 12km (7.5 miles) long respectively.

Furtwängler Glacier, Tanzania

An immense ice cap used to completely cover the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately, the vast majority has already melted, but this glacier remains. It’s been predicted that it will disappear completely within the next few decades, so make the most of its beauty before it’s too late!

Glacier Bay, Alaska

No less than 15 glaciers can be found in Glacier Bay, which is an Alaskan National Park. The easiest, most popular and most enjoyable way to visit this magnificent region is on a cruise ship.

Jostedalsbreen Glacier, Norway

This amazing glacier is actually the largest glacier in the European mainland, which makes it truly incredible to visit. Situated in Norway, it is 60km (37 miles) in length.

Lambert Glacier, Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the Earth’s icy poles, and this is one of its main glaciers. In fact, it is currently the world’s largest glacier according to Guinness World Records, as it measures 400km (250 miles) long, 100km (60 miles) wide and roughly 2.5km (1 mile) deep.

Pasterze Glacier, Austria

In English, the name of this glacier means ‘shepherdess’. At the moment it measures 8.4km (5 miles) long, but it is estimated that it loses 10m (33 feet) every year.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Situated in the Los Glaciares National Park, this spectacular glacier measures 30km (19 miles) long. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area, as well as being the third largest fresh water supply in the world.

Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland

When a country has the word ‘ice’ in its name, it’s not surprising that it is home to one of the largest glaciers in Europe! This glacier has an area of 8,100km², meaning that it takes up almost 10% of the island.

Yulong Glacier, China

This glacier sits atop Yulong Mountain in China. This peak is also known by the rather poetic title of ‘Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’. Sadly it is too remote to visit easily; any trekkers will need to take an extra oxygen supply at the very least!