Langjökull is Iceland's second-largest ice cap, covering approximately 953 square kilometers in the western Highlands of Iceland. The glacier sits at elevations between 400-1,450 meters above sea level and reaches a maximum ice thickness of 580 meters.
The name translates to "long glacier" in Icelandic, referencing its elongated shape that stretches roughly 50 kilometers from southwest to northeast. Like all Icelandic glaciers, Langjökull has been retreating due to climate change, losing about 1.5 cubic kilometers of ice volume per year since the late 1990s.
The glacier feeds several major rivers including Hvítá, which creates the famous Gullfoss waterfall, making Langjökull a critical component of Iceland's freshwater ecosystem. Beneath the ice lies volcanic bedrock, and the glacier sits atop several active volcanic systems including Þórisjökull and Jarlhettur. Scientific research stations monitor the glacier's retreat and volcanic activity, with studies conducted here contributing to global glaciology research.
You can access Into the Glacier, a man-made ice tunnel system carved 30-40 meters into Langjökull, making it the world's largest artificial ice cave. The tunnel extends approximately 500 meters into the glacier and includes a chapel used for weddings and events.
Tours operate year-round with guides explaining glacier formation, ice layers, and climate science. The temperature inside remains around -1 to 0°C (30-32°F) throughout the year. Standard tours last 1.5-2 hours including the modified truck journey to the tunnel entrance and cost approximately €150-180 per person.
Snowmobiling on Langjökull operates from a base camp at Jaki or accessed via Húsafell, with tours ranging from 1-3 hours on the ice. You need no previous experience as guides provide instruction and safety equipment. Tours cost between €150-250 depending on duration. Some operators combine snowmobiling with visits to the ice tunnel. All glacier activities require booking with licensed tour operators as independent glacier access is dangerous without proper equipment and training.
Super jeep tours depart from Reykjavík (120 kilometers away), Húsafell (30 kilometers), and Gullfoss (40 kilometers). The glacier sits along the Kjölur highland route (Road F35), which connects southern and northern Iceland but is only accessible from approximately mid-June to mid-September when highland roads open. During this period, you can reach the glacier area in a 4x4 vehicle, though you cannot drive onto the ice itself. Winter access requires super jeeps or specialized glacier vehicles provided by tour operators.
The glacier is accessible year-round through organized tours, though experiences differ by season. Summer (June-August) offers midnight sun conditions and open highland roads, making it easier to combine with other attractions. Winter (November-March) provides dramatic lighting and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from the glacier, though weather can be more unpredictable with potential tour cancellations. Spring and autumn see fewer visitors and moderate conditions.
You must dress in warm, waterproof layers regardless of season, as temperatures on the glacier are significantly colder than in lowland areas. Tour operators provide specialized equipment including helmets, crampons for ice tunnel visits, and snowmobile suits. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended during summer months, while winter tours may have availability within 3-5 days. Tours may be cancelled due to severe weather, particularly in winter when conditions can change rapidly.
Langjökull is Iceland's second-largest ice cap, covering approximately 953 square kilometers in the western Highlands of Iceland. The glacier sits at elevations between 400-1,450 meters above sea level and reaches a maximum ice thickness of 580 meters.
The name translates to "long glacier" in Icelandic, referencing its elongated shape that stretches roughly 50 kilometers from southwest to northeast. Like all Icelandic glaciers, Langjökull has been retreating due to climate change, losing about 1.5 cubic kilometers of ice volume per year since the late 1990s.
The glacier feeds several major rivers including Hvítá, which creates the famous Gullfoss waterfall, making Langjökull a critical component of Iceland's freshwater ecosystem. Beneath the ice lies volcanic bedrock, and the glacier sits atop several active volcanic systems including Þórisjökull and Jarlhettur. Scientific research stations monitor the glacier's retreat and volcanic activity, with studies conducted here contributing to global glaciology research.
You can access Into the Glacier, a man-made ice tunnel system carved 30-40 meters into Langjökull, making it the world's largest artificial ice cave. The tunnel extends approximately 500 meters into the glacier and includes a chapel used for weddings and events.
Tours operate year-round with guides explaining glacier formation, ice layers, and climate science. The temperature inside remains around -1 to 0°C (30-32°F) throughout the year. Standard tours last 1.5-2 hours including the modified truck journey to the tunnel entrance and cost approximately €150-180 per person.
Snowmobiling on Langjökull operates from a base camp at Jaki or accessed via Húsafell, with tours ranging from 1-3 hours on the ice. You need no previous experience as guides provide instruction and safety equipment. Tours cost between €150-250 depending on duration. Some operators combine snowmobiling with visits to the ice tunnel. All glacier activities require booking with licensed tour operators as independent glacier access is dangerous without proper equipment and training.
Super jeep tours depart from Reykjavík (120 kilometers away), Húsafell (30 kilometers), and Gullfoss (40 kilometers). The glacier sits along the Kjölur highland route (Road F35), which connects southern and northern Iceland but is only accessible from approximately mid-June to mid-September when highland roads open. During this period, you can reach the glacier area in a 4x4 vehicle, though you cannot drive onto the ice itself. Winter access requires super jeeps or specialized glacier vehicles provided by tour operators.
The glacier is accessible year-round through organized tours, though experiences differ by season. Summer (June-August) offers midnight sun conditions and open highland roads, making it easier to combine with other attractions. Winter (November-March) provides dramatic lighting and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from the glacier, though weather can be more unpredictable with potential tour cancellations. Spring and autumn see fewer visitors and moderate conditions.
You must dress in warm, waterproof layers regardless of season, as temperatures on the glacier are significantly colder than in lowland areas. Tour operators provide specialized equipment including helmets, crampons for ice tunnel visits, and snowmobile suits. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended during summer months, while winter tours may have availability within 3-5 days. Tours may be cancelled due to severe weather, particularly in winter when conditions can change rapidly.
Langjokull Glacier offers various activities, including glacier hiking, snowmobiling, ice cave tours, and exploring the man-made ice tunnel, which provides a unique view of the glacier's interior.
Langjokull is located in the Highlands of Iceland and can be accessed via guided tours from Reykjavik or nearby towns. The glacier is not easily reachable by standard vehicles, so guided tours are recommended.
Yes, due to the challenging terrain and safety considerations, it is highly recommended to visit Langjökull Glacier as part of a guided tour. These tours provide specialized vehicles and experienced guides.
A typical tour to Langjokull Glacier can range from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the activities included. Some tours combine glacier visits with other attractions in the area.
Yes, many tours to Langjokull Glacier include visits to other nearby attractions such as Gullfoss Waterfall, Hraunfossar Falls, or the Deildartunguhver hot springs, making for a full day of adventure.
Why should you?
