Snowmobile tour on Vatnajökull: ride Europe's biggest glacier

Three hours on the ice: snowmobile, peaks, and a stop halfway to breathe

A snowmobile tour on Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland puts you behind the handlebars to ride across Europe's biggest ice field, with an English-speaking guide, all protective gear, and transport up to 1,000 meters where the view opens onto Iceland's highest peaks. A valid driver's license is required, and participants on a shared snowmobile must weigh 180kg combined or less; solo riders book separately at additional cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snowmobile tour on Vatnajökull glacier

• Drive to 1000 meters mountain height
• Enjoy view of Iceland’s highest peaks
• Snowmobile journey on Vatnajökull glacier
• Stop to take pictures and enjoy scenery
• Guide shares information about glaciers
• Return to Base Camp

The Experience

You start at base camp, where the operator fits you with wind and waterproof insulated overalls, gloves, a bandana and a helmet. Then an air-conditioned vehicle carries you up the mountain to about 1,000 meters, and the glacier spreads below you—the scale of it becomes real only when you're standing there. Iceland's highest peaks and volcanoes sit buried under this icecap, and the guide points them out as you climb.

Once you're on the snowmobile, you power across the secret trails of the ice wilderness. The adrenaline is the point: you're not watching the glacier from a distance, you're riding it. Your guide leads the way and shares information about how the ice and icefields shape the landscape and the environment around them. About halfway through, you stop to take pictures and stand still long enough to actually absorb what you're looking at.

The ride back down to base camp takes you through the same terrain in reverse, and the guide stays with the group the whole time. The whole experience runs three hours from start to finish. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the tour suits all fitness levels—the snowmobile does the work, not your legs.

What’s included

• Wind and waterproof insulated overalls.
• gloves and bandana.
• helmet.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport up the mountain.
• English-speaking guide who shares facts about the glacier and the peaks.
• a midway stop for photos and rest.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Glacier Journey

Is this one for you?The snowmobile does the riding, so you don't need hiking fitness or endurance—you sit and steer. Book this if you want to cover the glacier's scale and secret trails in three hours without walking, and if you have a valid driver's license and can meet the weight requirements for your snowmobile.

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Top questions

Do I need a driver's license to ride a snowmobile on Vatnajökull?

Yes, a valid driver's license is required to operate the snowmobile. You'll need it when you arrive at base camp.

What happens if I'm traveling alone or in a group with an odd number of people?

The standard tour pairs two riders on one snowmobile. If you're solo or in a group of 1, 3, 5 or another odd number, you'll need to book at least one solo snowmobile, which costs an additional 10,000 ISK paid at base camp.

What's the weight limit for riding on a shared snowmobile?

Two riders on one snowmobile must weigh 180kg (390lbs) combined or less. If your combined weight exceeds that, you'll each need to book a solo snowmobile instead.

What gear is provided for the ride?

The tour includes wind and waterproof insulated overalls, gloves, a bandana or neck warmer, and a helmet. You'll wear all of it to stay warm and dry on the ice.

How high up the glacier does the tour go?

The vehicle takes you to about 1,000 meters up the mountain, where the view opens over Iceland's highest peaks and the expanse of Vatnajökull beneath them.

Can children ride on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age 6. They can ride as a passenger on a shared snowmobile with an adult or book their own solo snowmobile if they meet the driver's license requirement.