Svartisen - the black giant

The black ice that is slowly dying

Sounds gloomy. And it is. Svartisen simply translates as "The Black Ice." Not because it's actually black—but because it appears darker compared to the white snow. And darker means it melts faster. Bad luck for a glacier.

Located in Northern Norway, Svartisen stretches across the Arctic Circle like the tired carapace of an ancient turtle. It is Norway's second-largest glacier (after the Jostedalsbreen) and actually consists of two parts: the Westre Svartisen and the Østre Svartisen . Together, the glacier covers approximately 370 km². Well, roughly. Because it's shrinking every year.

To put it into perspective: It's about the size of Cologne. It's just made of ice. And year after year, the climate eats through the area like termites through old wood.

Svartisen was once a proud sight – one of the lowest glaciers in Europe. At just 20 meters above sea level, it's glacier tourism for the lazy. Today, you can watch the ice retreat. And think: If the black ice disappears, what will be left?

Perhaps just a name. And the sad irony that the "dark" ice is dying faster than the light ice.