What is the Into the Glacier ice tunnel?

Into the Glacier is the world's largest man-made ice tunnel, carved into Langjökull glacier. The tunnel extends 500 meters into the glacier, reaching 30 meters below the surface. It's open year-round and accessible via modified glacier vehicles from Húsafell or the Klaki base camp.

Can you snowmobile on Langjökull?

Yes, Langjökull is one of the most popular glaciers in Iceland for snowmobiling. Tours operate year-round from the glacier's edge, offering rides across the vast ice cap with views of the surrounding highlands. No experience is needed as training is provided.

How do you get to Langjökull?

Langjökull is located in west-central Iceland, about 2 hours from Reykjavík. The Klaki base camp is accessible via Route 1 and then highland roads. Most visitors join guided tours that include transportation from Reykjavík or Húsafell, as the glacier itself requires specialized vehicles.

Langjökull

The Long Glacier - Most Accessible from Reykjavík

835 km² Total Area

2 hours from Reykjavík

580m Max Thickness

Last updated: February 2026

About Langjökull

Iceland's second-largest glacier and the most accessible for adventures. Home to the world's largest man-made ice tunnel and feeding two of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls - Gullfoss and Hraunfossar.

📏 Size & Location

Area: 835 km² (rapidly shrinking)
Length: 50 km long, 15-20 km wide
Elevation: 1,200-1,450 meters
Ice thickness: Up to 580 meters

💧 Water Source

Feeds Hvítá river (creates Gullfoss)
Source of Hraunfossar waterfalls
Fills lake Hvítárvatn
Critical freshwater reserve

🚨 Climate Impact

Losing volume rapidly
May disappear by 2150
85% volume loss projected by 2100
Retreat visible year-to-year

🚀 Historical Note

NASA used Langjökull as a training ground for Apollo astronauts in the 1960s. The glacier's terrain was considered similar to the lunar surface.

Gateway to the Golden Circle

Langjökull rises majestically on the horizon beyond Gullfoss waterfall, linking two of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders. The glacier's meltwater feeds the Hvítá river, which carves the famous Golden Falls.

This proximity to the Golden Circle route makes Langjökull the most accessible glacier for visitors based in Reykjavík, combining ice cap adventures with Iceland's most popular tourist circuit.

Into the Glacier - Ice Tunnel Experience

The world's largest man-made ice tunnel stretches 550 meters into the heart of Langjökull, offering a unique journey into the glacier's interior.

🧊 Tunnel Facts

Length: 550 meters
Depth: 30 meters below surface
Temperature: 0°C year-round
Features: Ice chapel, exhibition halls
Capacity: Small group tours

🚌 Tour Details

Duration: 3-4 hours total
Transport: Modified glacier vehicles
Season: Open year-round
Departure: Húsafell or Klaki base camp
Age limit: Suitable for all ages

Gullfoss - the "Golden Falls" powered entirely by Langjökull's glacial meltwater, plunging 32 meters into a dramatic canyon carved over millennia.

Glacier Activities

🏍️ Snowmobiling

Race across the glacier's vast white expanse.

1-2 hour tours available
No experience necessary
Combine with Golden Circle
Incredible views on clear days

🚙 Super Jeep Tours

4x4 expeditions onto the glacier.

Access remote areas
Professional drivers
Small group experience
Photography opportunities

🎿 Dog Sledding

Traditional transport meets glacier adventure.

Summer season available
Meet Greenland huskies
Family-friendly activity
Unique glacier experience

Planning Your Visit

📍 Getting There

From Reykjavík: 2 hours drive
Base camps: Húsafell or Gullfoss
Tours include: Transport from base
Self-drive: 4x4 required for glacier road

👕 What to Wear

Warm waterproof jacket
Insulated pants
Sturdy hiking boots
Gloves and warm hat
Sunglasses essential

💰 Costs

Ice tunnel: 19,500-29,500 ISK
Snowmobile: 22,000-35,000 ISK
Super jeep: 15,000-25,000 ISK
Combined tours: Better value

Langjökull Gallery

Langjökull from Gullfoss Iceland's second-largest glacier rises beyond the Golden Falls

Gullfoss Waterfall Powered by Langjökull's glacial meltwater

Into the Glacier The world's largest man-made ice tunnel stretches 550m into the ice