Engabreen

Engabreen is the eastern outlet glacier of the Svartisen ice cap in Nordland county, Norway. It lies largely within Meløy municipality and is associated with the Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park area, contributing to the region’s glaciological and scenic significance.

The glacier originates on the Svartisen plateau at elevations well above 600 meters and flows down toward the Engabreen valley, reaching the coast where its terminus lies near sea level. Engabreen forms part of the Svartisen glacier system and is notable for its accessible front, meltwater features, and distinctive ice formations along its lower reach.

Engabreen has long been the subject of scientific study, with continuous measurements of mass balance, flow velocity, and front position contributing to the understanding of glacier dynamics and climate change. The terminus area includes clear meltwater streams and the possibility of an ice cave, which is sometimes accessible to guided visitors from the Svartisen region.

The site is a popular destination for ecotourism and education, supported by visitor facilities and guided glacier activities in the area. Its location within protected landscapes emphasizes conservation of natural conditions for wildlife and ongoing scientific work, as well as opportunities for observing glacial processes in a relatively accessible setting.

Like many glaciers in western Norway, Engabreen has retreated and thinned in recent decades in response to rising temperatures, with regional variability in the rate of change. The glacier remains an important benchmark for monitoring climate-related impacts on alpine ice.