Hike and history

Welcome to the beautiful Engenbreen, one of Norway’s few remaining coastal glacier arms. On Hike and History, you will encounter the magnificent fjord landscape of Northern Norway, with towering mountains and blue ice. The glacier has been a magnet for adventurous explorers and tourists since the 1800s.

The area around tells a dramatic story of human life alongside the majestic forces of nature. Engen, as the locals call it, has been home to several farms since the early 1700s.

Together with our guides, we will give you a direct encounter with a living glacier in the context of local history and culture. Life close to a capricious glacier in motion has not always been easy. We will take you on a journey back in time, from when the glacier felt the salty sea to today’s glacier arm high up in the valley. Along the way, we will observe the brutal power of the glacier and how it has shaped the landscape that is now a lush and verdant valley.

You can expect a deep dive into the ecology of the glacier and local history: Why do glaciers move? What are the consequences of climate change on a coastal glacier? What kind of life did the hardy farmers who chose to settle here live? Join us on a hike to Engen!

Hike and History is perfect for those who want activities with a historical perspective and a slightly slower pace.

If you are looking for a longer and more challenging hike, we also offer glacier walks on the ice. Check out our booking calendar to see if there are any available dates.

Is Historical Hike right for me?

Easy, 10 years

You must be able to walk for 3 hours on varying terrain with stones, mountains and ascents. If you can walk in uneven terrain, you will be able to manage the hike.

If you are a group with special requests, such as a slower pace or something else, it is possible to contact us to get a tailor-made tour adapted to your group’s wishes. We understand that every group is different, and we want to make sure that everyone has a great experience on their glacier tour. That’s why we offer tailor-made tours for groups of all sizes.

What should I bring on the Historical Hike?

• Hiking boots
• Water bottle
• Small backpack
• Snacks or lunch
• Extra clothes for the weather

Time:

3-3,5 hours

Meeting point:

We meet at Engen Kai. This means that you need to take the boat from Holandsvika over Holandsfjorden in Meløy municipality. The hike starts at 11:20.

You can find the ferry schedule by clicking here

The tour can be purchased up to departure, if there are available tickets for the tour.

Cancellations

Cancel your booking via email within 14 days of the tour date for a full refund. 13-7 days before the start date: 50% cancellation fee, 6-4 days before the start date: 75% cancellation fee. 2 days or less before the start date: 100% cancellation fee We offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 14 days or more before the start date of your tour. We understand that sometimes your plans change, so we offer a flexible policy for changing your booking date. You can change your booking date without any additional charges.

Price

Children 300,- NOK
Adults (16+) 500,- NOK

Book Hike and History

Ready to book your adventure? Contact us today to reserve your spot on our tour! We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have about the tour.

Tour Terms and Conditions

Please read the following terms and conditions carefully before booking your tour: You are responsible for ensuring that you are physically fit and able to complete the tour.

You must inform the guide of any medical conditions that may affect your safety.

You must follow the instructions of the guide at all times.

There is always an element of risk involved in outdoor activities, and we cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur. We provide competent guides, appropriate equipment, and a comprehensive safety plan to minimize risk during the tour.

We take the safety of our guests very seriously and strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. However, it is important to acknowledge that there is always an inherent risk involved in outdoor activities. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage to person or property that may occur during the tour, unless it is caused by our negligence.

Meet your guide

Markus is a certified glacier guide and instructor with a passion for sharing his love of Svartisen with others. He first came to Svartisen in 2016 and has been visiting the glacier regularly ever since. Over the past few years, he has worked as a glacier guide and instructor on Engenbreen and in Jostedalen. When he’s not guiding, Markus is studying atmosphere, ocean and climate dynamics in Bergen.

Markus has a wealth of experience in outdoor activities. Holds a bachelor in outdoor education and is a qualified Arctic Nature Guide from Svalbard and an NF-instructor bre-1 in glacier guiding.

He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of Svartisen and its unique landscape with visitors. Markus believes that Svartisen is one of the last extraordinary places on Earth that most people have not yet discovered. Svartisen is a place where everyone can find an adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a tour here that’s perfect for you.

I’m fascinated by glaciers. I love how they tell the story of our planet’s past and future. And I think they’re an incredibly cool place to explore. The ice is constantly changing, so you never know what you’re going to see. Glaciers also play a major role in shaping the mountains we love to hike in. When you’re up close to a glacier, you can see this process happening right before your eyes. It’s an amazing sight to behold.

This post is also available in: Norsk bokmål (Norwegian Bokmål)