Hardangerjøkulen

Hardangerjøkulen is a glacier located in the Hardangervidda mountain plateau in Vestland county, Norway. It is the sixth-largest glacier in mainland Norway, covering an area of approximately 70 square kilometers. The glacier is situated at an elevation ranging from 1,300 to 1,860 meters above sea level.

Historically, Hardangerjøkulen has been a subject of scientific interest, particularly in relation to climate change. Like many glaciers worldwide, it has experienced significant melting in recent decades, leading to a noticeable retreat in its ice margins. This phenomenon has been extensively studied by glaciologists.

The glacier is also known for its dramatic icy landscape and has served as a filming location for various productions, most notably for scenes in the Star Wars prequel film "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back," where it doubled for the ice planet Hoth. Access to Hardangerjøkulen is possible for guided tours and expeditions, offering visitors a chance to experience its unique environment. Several hiking trails lead to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the glacier.