Glacier Snowmobiling from Reykjavik

Venturing onto Langjokull Glacier on a snowmobile is one of those bucket-list activities that screams adventure. This tour from Reykjavik offers a chance to carve across Iceland’s second-largest glacier, surrounded by volcanic craters, mountain ranges, and panoramic icy vistas. Guided by experienced professionals, this roughly 8-hour experience combines scenic transport, expert instruction, and adrenaline-pumping snowmobile rides—making it a favorite for those craving a taste of Iceland’s wild side.

What we really love about this experience is how smoothly everything is organized—from the pick-up service in Reykjavik to the quality gear provided. Plus, the guides are notably friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their insights, which makes every moment feel safe and engaging. The stunning scenery—including views of Eiríksjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers—is genuinely awe-inspiring and makes the long drive worth it.

That said, one thing worth considering is that this tour involves a significant long van journey (around 2.5 hours each way), which could be tiring for some. Also, since lunch is not included, travelers should plan to bring snacks or buy something during a stop. Still, this is a superb choice for adventurers and nature lovers wanting a full-day, off-the-beaten-path Icelandic experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who are comfortable with outdoor winter activities and are looking for a high-adrenaline experience combined with gorgeous scenery. It’s ideal for first-timers since guides are very friendly and helpful, making snowmobiling accessible even for beginners. However, children under 8 are not permitted, so it’s best for families with older kids or solo explorers eager for some snow-fueled fun.

Key Points

• Enthusiastic Guides: Guides like John and Thomas are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and knowledge, which adds a reassuring touch to the adventure.
• Stunning Views: Expect vistas of glaciers, volcanic craters, and mountain ranges that are breathtaking and well worth the long drive.
• Quality Equipment: Provided snow suits, goggles, gloves, helmets, and balaclavas ensure warmth and safety during the ride.
• Organized Experience: Pick-up, transport, and the entire process run smoothly, especially appreciated during tight cruise schedules or tight timelines.
• Value for Money: The tour costs around $330 per person, which includes transport, equipment, and a one-hour snowmobile ride—offering a good balance of adventure and value.
• Long Journey, Short Ride: You’ll spend a good part of the day traveling, but most reviews agree that the scenery and exhilaration make up for it.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting in Reykjavik

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Reykjavik, making logistics simple and stress-free. From there, you hop into a Super Jeep, specially designed for Iceland’s rugged terrain. The drive up to Langjokull Glacier offers more than just transportation—it’s a scenic tour in itself, with views of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, craggy mountains, and open wilderness.

The Journey to the Glacier

This part of the trip is a highlight for many. Reviewers like Chris describe it as “very organized and on time,” which is crucial if you’re on a cruise or tight schedule. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, but the scenery more than makes up for the time, with some travelers noting that Iceland’s landscape never fails to “blow me away.”

Reaching the Base Camp & Gear Up

Once at the glacier, you’ll change into warm, waterproof gear—including snow suits, goggles, gloves, and helmets—so don’t worry about the cold. The guides are praised for their professionalism, taking time to explain how to operate the snowmobiles safely. One reviewer mentioned that first-timers felt comfortable after clear instructions from guide Mr. B, who not only made safety a priority but also kept the mood light and friendly.

Snowmobiling on Langjokull

The core of the experience is a one-hour snowmobile ride across the glacier. Expect to see volcanic craters, mountain ranges, and even the Eiríksjökull glacier from the slopes. While maneuvering can be trickier than anticipated, most guests find it manageable, especially with guides nearby. One reviewer noted that although it was “harder than they thought,” it was still “a lot of fun” and a memorable highlight.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

During the ride, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop for photos and take in the incredible panoramic views. Several guests mentioned how the landscape felt almost otherworldly—a true highlight for anyone eager to see Iceland’s pristine natural beauty.

Return Journey and Drop-off

After the snowmobiling, you’ll return to the base camp, where you can relax before heading back. The long drive back to Reykjavik is usually accompanied by friendly chatter and storytelling from guides, like Ingrid and Thomas, who share insights about Iceland’s geology and history. The entire experience wraps up with a drop-off in Reykjavik, often around 6 pm, leaving travelers exhausted but exhilarated.

Authentic Experiences From Travelers

Praveen_B shared that the guide was very friendly and helpful, even sharing goggles when they forgot theirs, which speaks to the level of personalized care. Many reviews highlight how safe and well-maintained the equipment was, giving confidence to even nervous first-timers.

Kris_M noted that while maneuvering the snowmobile was harder than expected, the overall experience was “still a lot of fun.” Others appreciated the scenic drive and said that the glacier views were “out of this world,” emphasizing how the landscape is the real star of this tour.

A reviewer named Mrsdeborah_H suggested that adding a light lunch would make the experience even better, as the current schedule involves a long travel time with no included meal—something to consider if you’re a foodie or need more sustenance.

The Value of the Tour

At around $330 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of adventure, scenery, and convenience. The price includes all necessary gear, transport, and a guided snowmobile ride—no hidden costs. Considering how much effort and equipment go into making this experience safe and enjoyable, most travelers agree it’s worth the cost.

While the long transportation time might seem daunting, many reviews mention that the landscape en route is captivating enough to keep you entertained. Plus, the expert guides and well-organized logistics make it a smooth, worry-free experience, especially for those new to snowmobiling.

Safety and Practical Tips

• Wear warm, layered clothing underneath the provided gear; it can get very cold on the glacier.
• Bring cash or a card if you plan to buy lunch during the stop—there’s no meal included.
• Be prepared for a long day: the trip includes about 2.5 hours each way in the vehicle, so bring snacks and water.
• Children under 8 are not allowed, so this adventure is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults.
• Listen carefully to safety instructions provided by guides—they’re crucial for a fun and safe ride.
• Expect a bit of a drive—but most find the scenery enchanting enough to make it worthwhile.

FAQ

Is pickup offered? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the overall experience? Expect around 8 hours in total, including transport, gear-up, snowmobiling, and breaks.

What is included in the price? The fee covers transportation, a Super Jeep ride to the glacier, all necessary snowmobile gear, and a guided snowmobile ride of about one hour.

Can beginners participate? Absolutely. Guides like John and Thomas are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, making it suitable for first-timers.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, but there is a stop where you can purchase food or bring your own packed lunch.

What about weather conditions? The tour is weather-dependent; if poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How cold will it be? Very cold, especially on the glacier. Dress in layers and use the provided gear to stay warm and dry.

Are there age restrictions? Yes, children under 8 are not permitted, so plan accordingly.

This snowmobiling tour from Reykjavik offers a thrilling blend of scenic beauty and adrenaline. The large glacier views, combined with the expertise of guides like John and Thomas, make it a safe, enjoyable, and visually stunning experience. The long drive might be a slight drawback for some, but most find the scenery and adventure more than make up for it.

If you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone wanting to tick off a unique activity during your Iceland trip, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well suited for those comfortable with outdoor winter conditions and who appreciate guides who are both professional and personable.

For anyone eager to add a snowy thrill to their Iceland itinerary, this snowmobile expedition stands out as a memorable and worthy adventure.

Note: Always check the latest details with the tour provider, especially regarding weather cancellations or updates, to ensure a smooth experience.