Gullfoss: Ice cave tour by monster truck with local guide

Summary

Ride from Gullfoss to Langjökull for an ice cave adventure

You’ll ride a massive monster truck from Gullfoss up to Langjökull glacier with a local guide who shares stories along the way. Explore an actual ice cave lined with volcanic ash, feel the cold air on your face, and see Iceland’s wild highlands from inside panoramic windows — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the monster truck to be that big — I mean, you see photos, but standing next to it at the Gullfoss parking lot made me laugh out loud. The tires were taller than me. There was this cold wind coming off the waterfall, and people were shuffling around in their jackets, but our driver (I think his name was Jón) just grinned and waved us over like it was nothing special. He had that Icelandic way of being friendly without saying much, you know?

The drive up to Langjökull glacier felt almost unreal — one minute we’re bouncing along a rough road, then suddenly it’s all white outside, just endless snow and sky. Inside the Sleipnir truck it was warm enough that my glasses fogged up every time I leaned in for a photo. Jón told us stories about old eruptions and how the black ash gets trapped in the ice. At some point he pointed out a distant ridge and said something about trolls living there; I’m still not sure if he was joking or not.

Stepping into the ice cave itself was quieter than I expected. The air smelled clean and sharp, almost metallic, and my boots crunched on the frozen floor. The walls were streaked with black lines from ancient volcanic ash — I ran my hand along one just because I could. It’s colder inside but not freezing; more like standing in a walk-in fridge with blue light filtering through thick ice overhead. Everyone tried to take photos at once but honestly, none of mine really captured what it felt like to be there.

On the way back down toward Gullfoss, someone passed around chocolate from their backpack and we all just sat quietly for a bit, watching the white landscape slide by through those huge windows. It’s funny how quickly you get used to being somewhere so strange. I keep thinking about that silence inside the cave — it sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier Monster Truck and Ice Cave

• Meet at Gullfoss Waterfall parking
• Monster Truck ride to Langjökull Glacier and ice cave visit
• Return to Gullfoss Waterfall

Top questions

Where does the ice cave tour start?

The tour starts at Gullfoss waterfall’s upper parking area near the Panorama Restaurant & Cafe.

How do I find the monster truck at Gullfoss?

Look for the Sleipnir meeting point sign near the main road parking lot; in winter, spot the big red Monster Glacier Truck.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; this is a meet-on-location tour starting at Gullfoss.

How long does the tour last?

The guided tour lasts about 3–4 hours including transfer time between Gullfoss and Langjökull glacier.

What should I wear for an ice cave tour in Iceland?

Dress warmly in layers suitable for cold weather; crampons are provided for walking on ice.

Are children allowed on this glacier tour?

The minimum age is 6 years old for this experience.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or buy food at Gullfoss Cafe before departure.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this glacier & ice cave tour.

What’s included

Your day includes transfer by Highland bus from Gullfoss to the Sleipnir monster truck base, a guided 3–4 hour tour to Langjökull glacier in one of Iceland’s largest trucks with panoramic windows, entry into an actual ice cave (crampons provided), WiFi onboard, and restroom access during your journey before returning to Gullfoss waterfall at the end.