Gullfoss: Ice Cave and Glacier Tour in Glacier Monster Truck

Taking a journey across Iceland’s icy wilderness with a monster truck adventure and glacier exploration sounds like something out of a dream — and this tour makes it a reality. While we haven’t personally hit the snow-covered tracks, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of an experience packed with scenic views, authentic stories, and unique transportation. This 4-hour tour from Gullfoss combines the thrill of riding in a massive, comfortable monster truck with the wonder of exploring Langjökull’s icy depths, including a possible visit to an ice cave.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of fun and learning — local guides share stories and facts that deepen your appreciation of Iceland’s glaciers. The ride itself looks exhilarating, especially with the panoramic windows that give you a front-row seat to this rugged landscape. One potential drawback? The ice cave visit depends heavily on weather conditions, so there’s a chance it might be canceled, but the tour often offers an alternative activity that still packs a punch.

This experience is ideal for anyone craving an adventurous, authentic Icelandic outing. If you’re comfortable in cold weather, enjoy scenic drives, and want to see glaciers from a close perspective, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It also suits travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and great photo opportunities — because Iceland’s icy vistas are nothing short of spectacular.

Key Points

Unique transportation: Riding in a specially designed Glacier Monster Truck offers both adventure and comfort.
Authentic insights: Guides share fascinating facts about glaciers and local tales, enhancing the experience.
Spectacular scenery: Expect sweeping views of Langjökull Glacier, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Ice cave possibility: Conditions dictate whether you can visit the cave, but alternative activities are offered if not.
Good value for money: At $170, it combines transport, guiding, and a glacier experience in one package.
Weather variability: The tour’s success hinges on weather, so flexibility is key.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at Sleipnir Tours Iceland, located in the upper parking area of Gullfoss. The meeting spot is conveniently marked, and arriving around 11:45 AM ensures you’re ready to depart. Your transport to the glacier involves a ride in a highland bus that’s designed for Iceland’s rough terrain — think of it as a sturdy, comfortable vessel that gets you from the waterfall to the wilderness.

The highlight of this part of the journey is the monster truck ride itself. Known as Sleipnir, these trucks are built for extreme conditions with enormous tires and panoramic windows, giving you clear, unobstructed views of the landscape. The ride is touted as smooth, but be prepared for some bumpy Highland routes as you traverse highland tracks like Kjölur and Skalpanes, which add an authentic off-road feel.

The Scenic Drive to Langjökull

Once aboard the monster truck, your guides — often including knowledgeable local experts — will share stories and facts about Iceland’s glaciers and highland history. One reviewer, Laurie, pointed out how her guide kept the group engaged with fascinating stories and historical snippets, making the ride both fun and educational.

On the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views that look almost otherworldly. Expect sweeping vistas of snow and ice, with the chance to spot volcanic ash layers embedded in the ice — a reminder of Iceland’s fiery past. The drive lasts about an hour, so it’s the perfect time to soak in the scenery and snap photos.

The Glacier and Ice Cave

Arriving at Langjökull, you’ll have a chance for a guided tour of the glacier. Depending on the weather, you might step into an ice cave, where layers of blue ice are layered with volcanic ash, creating a surreal, shimmering landscape. Tour reviews highlight the cave’s stunning formations and the eerie beauty of the black ash frozen into the ice. However, weather can influence whether the cave is accessible — a common feature with glacier explorations — but the tour offers an alternative experience during less favorable conditions, including activities like golf, sledding, and hot cocoa.

One reviewer, Sara, mentioned how she was disappointed they couldn’t see the ice cave due to weather, but still found the overall trip worthwhile. She appreciated the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, which added value to the experience.

Additional Stops and Activities

Throughout the tour, there are multiple stops for photos and sightseeing. The final walk on the glacier lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to truly appreciate the grandeur of the ice and possibly capture some great photos. Many guests rave about the breathtaking landscapes — from shimmering ice formations to vast, snow-covered plains.

The Return Journey

After your glacier exploration, the return ride in the monster truck continues for about an hour, retracing your route back to the meeting point. The entire tour wraps up with a chance to reflect on the day and share photos with fellow travelers.

Practical Details and Tips

Price & Value: At $170 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package: transport, guided glacier walk, and the thrill of the monster truck. It’s a competitive price considering the included activities and scenic value.
Duration & Timing: Lasts about 4 hours with flexible start times, so check availability to fit it into your schedule.
What to Bring: Pack warm clothing, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, and a camera — the scenery warrants plenty of photos, and Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable.
Weather Dependency: The ice cave’s accessibility depends on conditions, so be prepared for possible cancellations or alternative activities.
Group Size & Comfort: The trucks are designed for comfort and panoramic views, accommodating groups comfortably while maintaining an intimate feel.
Age & Child Seats: Minimum age is 4 years, but note that child seats are not provided.
Accessibility & Safety: The tour is conducted with safety as a priority, but do follow guide instructions, especially when walking on the glacier.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. Sara, who was disappointed at missing the ice cave, still found the trip super worth it. Alexey appreciated the fun ride and suggested adding an audio guide for extra engagement. Laurie highlighted her guide’s storytelling, making what could have been just a scenic drive into a memorable experience. Nina called it a wonderful glacier experience, noting her guide’s friendliness and the fun activities like golf and sledding, which were available when weather prevented the cave visit.

The Sum Up

This tour strikes a great balance between adventure, scenic beauty, and education. The highlight is certainly the monster truck ride, which offers both comfort and excitement—a rare combination for an off-road experience. The chance to explore an ice cave adds a magical element, provided the weather cooperates. The knowledgeable guides and spectacular landscapes make this a highly engaging trip for those interested in Iceland’s glaciers but also looking for a touch of adrenaline.

While weather can be unpredictable, the tour’s flexibility and the offered alternative activities ensure you still walk away with memorable moments. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate stunning vistas, authentic storytelling, and a fun, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

This experience offers a worthwhile blend of thrill and insight, making it a standout choice for anyone wanting to see Iceland from a different perspective — comfortably and with a dash of excitement.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for this tour?
The tour starts at the upper Gullfoss waterfall parking area, with the Sleipnir transfer bus located on the opposite side of Gullfoss Kaffi. It’s best to arrive around 11:45 AM.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 4 hours, including transport, glacier activities, and sightseeing.

What transportation is used during the tour?
You’ll be transferred from Gullfoss in a Highland bus to the monster truck base, then ride the massive Sleipnir Glacier Trucks for the glacier journey.

Is the ice cave visit guaranteed?
No, the visit depends on weather conditions. If the ice cave isn’t accessible, an alternative activity like hot cocoa, golf, or sledding is offered instead.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, and a camera to make the most of the scenic views and capture memories.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 4 years. However, note that child seats are not available.

Does the tour include WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available on board the monster trucks, which can be handy for sharing photos or staying connected.

What’s the value of this tour?
At $170, it includes transport, a guided glacier walk, and the thrill of the monster truck ride — making it good value for an all-in adventure.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the trucks are designed for comfort, walking on the glacier or ice cave might require physical mobility, so check specific needs beforehand.