One of the most popular activities in Iceland: Glacier Snowmobiling. We offer tours with pickup in Reykjavik, and meet-on-location tours for those who have a car. Don't miss out on this glacier adventure during your stay in Iceland.
Iceland’s immense natural beauty and wintry wilderness are unparalleled and absolutely magical. It is the ultimate travel destination for adventurous souls! These captivating landscapes along with the rugged and varied terrains offer unlimited options for exciting outdoor activities.
Snowmobiling is the best way to connect with Iceland's innermost arctic soul. Gliding through the endless snowfields with a roaring engine between your legs could easily be one of the most amazing adventures you have ever had!
Iceland is among the very few places in the world where you can experience the thrill of snowmobiling on the surface of a glacier. Moreover, you can do this on top of active volcanoes, as most of them are covered by glacial ice. Imagine the feeling of speeding over a glacial ice sheet that is hundreds of meters thick hiding a rumbling volcano beneath its surface! This is something you can only experience in Iceland!
Thanks to the abundance of glaciers, snowmobiling is available year-round in Iceland. It is equally awesome during summer and winter. What adds even more to the fun is that the most popular snowmobiling area on Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Lagjökull, is located a mere two-hour drive from the capital.
Moreover, it also lies close to the most beloved tourist attractions. This ultimate snowmobile base camp is found a half an hour from the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, the superstar of the famous Golden Circle Route.
This may not be so obvious for everyone. If you are from a country that rarely has snow and does not have snow-capped mountains, you may have never heard of these vehicles.
Snowmobiles - also known as motor sleds, motor sledges, or snow machines - are defined as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). They are specially designed for traveling on ice and snow. Instead of wheels, they have rubber tracks and are steered with skis. The machines are powered by four-stroke engines and can reach up to 150 km/h (93 mph). The normal - and safe - maximum speed on to reach on a glacier is 70 km/h (43 mph). Believe us, that is more than enough.
Riding a snowmobile feels similar to riding a quad bike (four-wheeler) or motorcycle on snow, but is even more fun! It is no wonder why people who live in snowy areas are so obsessed with these beautiful beasts. Snowmobiling is an amazingly popular hobby and recreational sport in northern countries!
Iceland is one of the many countries where snowmobiles are an important part of people's lives. We have long winters, wide frozen plateaus, and a great number of glaciers that cover an amazing 11 percent of the total land area.
Many locals own snowmobiles and use them for recreational purposes. They even have their own slang! Snowmobilers call each other sledheads and refer to their vehicles as snow scooters, while snowmobiling is often shortened to ‘biling. When winter comes, these crazy sledders bite their nails while they wait for the snow to be deep enough for a ride!
Snowmobiles also play a major role in the work of the search and rescue teams. Iceland has more than a hundred rescue teams all over the country with thousands of volunteers. The ground units own a number of snowmobiles that save many lives and help to resolve innumerable dangerous situations.
With its year-round snowy slopes and expansive wildlands, Iceland is an ideal destination for adrenaline hunters. For the ultimate thrill, hop on a snowmobile atop some of the biggest glaciers in Europe! Zooming along at lightning speed in a sea of smooth-white snow is an unforgettable experience. There’s nowhere better to appreciate Iceland’s uninterrupted natural beauty and stillness than from the top of our Arctic snowmobiles, which can reach speeds of up to 70km per hour.
Our snowmobile guides are some of the most qualified adventurers in the country with years of experience leading groups on the slopes. Each of our tours is handcrafted to ensure that our guests stay safe and informed while having loads of fun! Whether you’re a real pro or a newbie testing out your metaphorical snow legs, we’ve got your back. The best part is that you don’t need to have any experience whatsoever to enjoy yourself on our snowmobiling trips. So don your gear and let’s hit the slopes!
Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe, covering about 8% of Iceland’s entire landmass! With 8,100 sq km (3,127 sq mi) and over 30 smaller outlet glaciers, that’s a large playground! As the main landmark of Vatnajökull National Park, the wild landscapes of towering mountains and snow-smothered plains are an unparalleled experience.
In the park, you can also hike on a glacier, check out the glacier lagoon, investigate an ice cave, or trek out on hiking paths. Vatnajökull also harbors the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur. It stands 2,110 m (7,000 ft) tall. Because of its distance from Reykjavik (approx. 260 km), we ask that you meet us on location in Vatnajokull National Park.
Langjokull. At a massive 953 sq km (368 sq mi) length and 500 meters height at some points, Langjokull is Iceland’s second largest glacier and the base for most of our snowmobile tours.
We recommend combining your ride with a magical visit to an ice cave within the glacier. Witness the majesty of sparkling blue ice up close and capture some breathtaking photos. Take note, the ice cave part of the tour is only available from November until June.
Our Langjokull tours are from Reykjavik, Gullfoss, or the Langjokull basecamp. Situated in West Iceland, they’re easily combinable with a Golden Circle tour to Thingvellir National Park and beyond.
Eyjafjallajokull. After earning world recognition in 2010 following its massive eruption, Eyjafjallajokull became a hotspot for adventure seekers. This gigantic ice cap is perfect for rides across glacier tongues in breathtaking natural beauty.
As soon as we approach the glacier, you’ll be struck by its magnitude--a pristine stretch of snow dotted with rock formations and ice sculptures. As we push deeper into the icy wilderness, be prepared for some incredible views of South Iceland’s lowlands and the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean.
The average snowmobile tour takes anywhere from 2-5 hours, depending on whether we pick you up in Reykjavik or you’re able to meet us at the base camp. If you're combining it with one of our other fantastic attractions, we offer tours that range from 4 hours to a jam-packed 16-hour thrill ride.
If extreme adventures are your thing, combine your snowmobiling day with a natural ice cave tour or glacier hike.
If you'd like to see the highlights of Iceland, combine it with a sightseeing adventure on the Golden Circle or the Northern Lights.
Golden Circle, Snowmobiling and Northern Lights on Langjokull
Typically, two passengers will share one snowmobile. If you’re traveling solo, with an odd number of people, or simply want to operate your snowmobile solo, you must book a solo snowmobile tour at an added cost.
If you don’t have a valid driver’s license, you can book an additional guide to operate your snowmobile. Please contact us for further information and booking.
With its year-round snowy slopes and expansive wildlands, Iceland is an ideal destination for adrenaline hunters. For the ultimate thrill, hop on a snowmobile atop some of the biggest glaciers in Europe! Zooming along at lightning speed in a sea of smooth-white snow is an unforgettable experience. There’s nowhere better to appreciate Iceland’s uninterrupted natural beauty and stillness than from the top of our Arctic snowmobiles, which can reach speeds of up to 70km per hour.
Our snowmobile guides are some of the most qualified adventurers in the country with years of experience leading groups on the slopes. Each of our tours is handcrafted to ensure that our guests stay safe and informed while having loads of fun! Whether you’re a real pro or a newbie testing out your metaphorical snow legs, we’ve got your back. The best part is that you don’t need to have any experience whatsoever to enjoy yourself on our snowmobiling trips. So don your gear and let’s hit the slopes!
Our snowmobile tours operate all year round. In the summer, temperatures are milder and days are longer, especially in June when the midnight sun gives us more time to explore. In the winter, you can combine a snowmobile afternoon with a hunt for the Northern Lights. There’s nothing quite like admiring the dancing colors of the Northern Lights above the vast emptiness of a winter wonderland. Find some more winter tours for your Arctic adventures here.
There are two different ways to get to Langjökull and Vatnajökull base camps. We can pick you up from Reykjavik, or you can meet up on location at the Gullfoss Cafe, behind the Gullfoss Waterfall, or at the basecamp itself.
For most tours, we’ll drive a minibus. To get to Langjökull basecamp, we’ll need to hop aboard a massive Super Jeep. Our Super Jeeps have been outfitted with tough engines and huge 4x4 wheels to access the highlands in West Iceland.
Once we arrive at our glacier basecamp, you’ll be outfitted with all the necessary gear and a top-notch vehicle. Your guide will run you through the safety instructions.
While guests of all levels of experience are welcome, we just ask that you have a valid driver’s license and are over 18 years old. Remember to stay alert, sober, and be responsible for your own actions. When riding on the slopes, follow the rules given to you before departure. They exist to keep everyone safe and having fun. The most important rule to remember is to drive behind your guide in a single line.
At last, it’s time for your awesome snowmobile ride! We’ll ride out for an hour tour on the middle of the glacier, on pure and untouched slopes. As snowmobiles in Iceland can go up to 70km per hour--more powerful than most standard issues--drive with caution. Don’t pull the throttle too hard or you’ll end up running aground in a snowfield.
It’s an exhilarating experience like no other--and yes, it can be a bit daunting if you’re not used to it, but don’t worry. Our guides will take care of you and give you all the required gear to instill the confidence to master the glacier.
After an hour driving through the white slopes, we’ll return to basecamp and heat up with some tasty hot drinks and cookies. Once we’ve rested a bit, we’ll climb aboard the Super Jeep and head back to the starting point.
At the basecamp, we’ll provide all the safety equipment: overall suits, gloves, helmets, and glasses. Overalls are usually polyester onesies.
Dress warmly, in comfortable but flexible layers, and be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. If you’ve forgotten your hiking boots at home, we can provide overshoes.
We highly recommend that you use our special snowmobile gloves even if you’ve brought your own. All of our snowmobiles have an interior heating system for the handles so your hands aren’t at any risk of freezing.
Don’t forget your lunch and your camera! Just be aware to only take photos when off your snowmobile.
All of our snowmobiling tours are available for everyone above 8 years old. Children can be passengers while only adults over 18 years old with a valid driving license are allowed to drive.
Still got questions about snowmobiling? Find the answer here!
You do not need a previous snowmobile driving experience. Your guide will provide you with operating instructions that you can easily follow.
However, you must have a valid driving license if you intend to drive the snowmobile.
Yes, Iceland is a cold country so our glaciers are here all year around and we can go snowmobiling in every season.
We do not have weight restriction but participants need to be able to fit in our winter overalls. The largest size we have is 5XL. Same goes for the physical level, the tour is listed as a moderate level and therefore anyone in average physical condition should be able to complete the tour without trouble.
Yes, we have toilet facilities at the base camp on Langjokull glacier, where the tour starts. However, bathroom breaks are not optional during the tour itself, therefore, we recommend you to use the bathroom before and/or after the tour.
We will provide you with an overall, a balaclava, goggles, gloves and a helmet.
First and foremost warm clothing.
Upper body: Thermal shirt and a fleece or a thick sweater over.
Lower body: Warm pants.
If you get easily cold, also thermals.
Shoes: It’s best to wear boots as it’s pretty cold on the glacier and they can get wet.
NOTE: You need to bring a lunch or some snacks. Lunch is not included in the tour.
Yes, if traveling solo you will need to purchase the single ride extra fee.
The age limit is 8 years old, of course in company with a guardian.
We do not recommend women who are pregnant to participate in our snowmobile tours. If you are traveling in a group, you are welcome to travel with them and stay at our basecamp while the group goes on the snowmobile part of the tour.
No, full drivers license is required to ride a snowmobile.
We provide you with an overall, a balaclava, goggles, gloves and a helmet. This Equipment is all included in the price of the tour.
