|
|
 |
Jostedalsbreen is the largest mainland glacier on the European continent, measuring 487 sq. km (188 sq. miles) and has a total length of about 80 km (48 miles). The highest peaks of the glacier are 2000 m (6562 feet) above sea level, while some of its arms extend down to 100 m (328 feet) above sea level. In some parts, the ice is 500 m (1640 feet) thick.
The inhabitants of the valleys on either side of Jostedalsbreen did not allow themselves to be intimidated by the capricious mountains. According to old sources, both people and animals crossed the glacier. Before 1660, when Jostedalen got its own church, people crossed the glacier to Stryn for church services, funerals and weddings. On both side of the glacier there were so-called "drinking hollows", where travelers could sustain themselves with a wee dram after a successful crossing and change their clothes before church.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nigardsbreen has retreated dramatically during the last 250 years, and clear indications of the glacier's former extent is seen in the valley below the glacier. Briksdalsbreen, on the other hand, has recently been growing at the rate of 70-80 cm (2.3 - 2.6 feet) per year.
The lakes and river have a green color because they contain clay particles and stone dust that the glacier has ground loose from the mountainsides and that have remained floating in the water.
The first tourists turned up at the beginning of the 1860's or perhaps even earlier. They were mainly wealthy Englishmen who journeyed here at that time.
|
|
|
|
Top of page
|
|
|
