Reykjavik: Langjökull Glacier Snowmobile Tour & Super Jeep Ride

Summary

Langjökull’s icy silence, monster trucks rumbling, snowmobiles flying

You’ll ride out from Reykjavik in a monster truck before suiting up for an hour-long snowmobile adventure across Langjökull Glacier’s wild expanse. With your local guide leading the way, you’ll catch views of distant glaciers and mountain ranges—and maybe even swap stories over frosty air. The memory of that wide-open silence will stick with you long after you’re back in town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling Tour

• Depart from Reykjavík
• Drive to Skjol
• Ride Super Jeep to Langjökull Glacier
• Receive snowmobiling gear and instructions
• Snowmobile on Langjökull Glacier
• Admire volcanic craters and panoramic views

Top questions

How long is the snowmobile ride on Langjökull Glacier?

The snowmobile ride lasts about one hour on Langjökull Glacier.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included in this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop off in Reykjavik are included.

Do I need a driver’s license to operate a snowmobile?

Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to drive the snowmobile.

Can children join this glacier snowmobiling tour?

No, this tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

What equipment is provided for snowmobiling?

You’ll get a suit, gloves, balaclava, ski goggles, and helmet—everything needed for snowmobiling.

Can I ride solo or do we share snowmobiles?

The standard is two people per snowmobile; solo riding may be possible for an extra fee if available.

Is lunch included during this tour?

No lunch is included; only equipment and transportation are provided.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, an hour-long guided snowmobile ride across Langjökull Glacier sharing with another guest (or solo for an extra fee), all necessary gear like suits, gloves, goggles, balaclava and helmet—and that rumbling super jeep or monster truck drive up to base camp before heading back into town again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the monster truck growled as we left Reykjavik — not really a sound you expect to hear echoing off snowy hills. Our driver, Jón, kept up this steady stream of stories about his childhood winters and how he still can’t stand the taste of fermented shark. The road out to Skjol was longer than I thought, but honestly, watching those endless white fields slide past the window felt kind of hypnotic. I kept my face pressed to the glass until someone pointed out a herd of shaggy horses just standing there like they owned the place.

Getting suited up at base camp was half comedy show — everyone fumbling with zippers and oversized gloves. My balaclava made me look like some kind of awkward ninja (my friend took a photo and swore it’s going on her fridge). Our guide, Li, explained everything twice because I kept asking if I’d tip over the snowmobile. She laughed and said it’s harder than it looks to actually mess up that badly. When we finally started moving across Langjökull Glacier, I swear all I could hear was the engine and my own breathing inside the helmet — just this big blue sky overhead and nothing else for miles.

We stopped at one point where you could see Eiríksjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers off in the distance. The air tasted sharp — almost metallic — and my eyelashes got little beads of frost. Li pointed toward Kerlingafjöll Mountain range and told us about old stories from her grandparents; something about trolls living under the ice. I didn’t expect to feel so small out there or so awake. Even now, sometimes when things get loud back home, I think about that silence on top of Iceland’s second largest glacier… it makes me want to go back someday.