- Langjökull is 50 km long and sits in the western Highlands, the nearest large glacier to Reykjavík
- The ice cap is up to 580 m thick, with its highest point reaching 1,450 m above sea level
- The glacier offers activities such as glacier hiking, snowmobiling, monster truck ride, and exploring natural ice caves and man-made tunnels
- Check tour details on GetYourGuide for schedules and seasonal availability
Understanding Langjökull Glacier
Langjökull is the second largest ice cap in Iceland, covering 870 km2 in the western Highlands. The glacier measures about 50 km long and 15 to 20 km wide. Ice reaches 580 m thick in places.
The highest point sits at 1,450 m above sea level. Langjökull is the nearest large glacier to Reykjavík. The glacier offers activities such as glacier hiking, snowmobiling, and exploring natural ice caves and man-made tunnels.
Two highland tracks run alongside Langjökull during summer months: Kaldidalur (road 550) on the west side and F35 on the east. Kaldidalur is no longer classified as an F-road, but rental companies still require four-wheel drive vehicles.
The Golden Circle passes close to Langjökull. You can combine the glacier with stops at Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss on the same trip.
Into the Glacier Tours from Reykjavík and Húsafell
More on GetYourGuide
Top ratedGuided tour · 3 hoursJökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour★ 4.2 2 189 reviews✓ Free cancellationAvailable tomorrowfrom €147 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 3 hoursJökulsárlón: The Original Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull★ 4.5 1 217 reviews✓ Free cancellationfrom €152 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 4.5 - 5 hoursFrom Geysir: Snowmobiling & Ice Cave on Langjökull Glacier★ 4.4 136 reviews✓ Free cancellationfrom €243 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 10 hoursReykjavík: Langjökull Glacier Snowmobile Tour with Ice Cave★ 4.6 154 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €311 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 3 hoursFrom Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour★ 4.6 972 reviews✓ Free cancellationfrom €158 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 10 hoursReykjavik: Golden Circle, Glacier Truck & Ice Cave Tour★ 4.7 63 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €225 per personSee availability →How the Ice Tunnel Tour Works
The Into the Glacier experience takes you inside a man-made tunnel carved into the Langjökull ice cap. Unlike natural ice caves that form and collapse with meltwater, this tunnel is a permanent structure.
Check tour details on GetYourGuide for information about base locations and transport. Tours use modified vehicles designed to drive on ice.
Inside the tunnel, you walk through passages and chambers carved into ice. Warm clothing is essential.
The tunnel differs from natural ice caves found in southern Iceland, which are seasonal and require glacier hiking to access.
- Langjökull is the closest major glacier to Reykjavík
- Langjökull is located near popular tourist routes like the Golden Circle
- Check tour details for activity requirements and accessibility
- Weather can close highland roads - check road.is before you go
- Natural ice caves offer different experiences than man-made tunnels
- Check tour details for vehicle transport information
Departures from Húsafell and Reykjavík
Check tour details for information about starting points and transport options. Húsafell is a small settlement in Borgarfjörður.
Tours with Reykjavík pickup include transport in both directions. Check GetYourGuide for specific itineraries and stops.
Húsafell sits near the lava field Hallmundarhraun, which extends 50 km into the Hvítá valley. The waterfalls at Hraunfossar lie nearby, making a logical addition to your itinerary.
Check road conditions on road.is before departure, especially in winter when highland routes can close. The Kaldidalur road runs south towards Þingvellir and north to the Hvítá valley near Borgarnes.
| Starting Point | Journey Type | Allows |
|---|---|---|
| Húsafell | Self-drive or bus to base | Flexible timing, combine with west Iceland sights |
| Reykjavík | Included transport | No driving, guided commentary en route |
What to Expect on the Glacier
Modified vehicles transport visitors across the glacier surface, where you see crevasses, ice formations and distant peaks. The ride can be rough as vehicles navigate uneven ice.
At the tunnel entrance, you leave the vehicle and walk into the ice. The tunnel walls show layers of ice formed over centuries.
Lighting inside the tunnel highlights the blue ice and creates photo opportunities. Guides explain the glacier's formation.
Dress in layers with waterproof outer clothing. Sturdy boots with good grip are necessary for walking on ice inside the tunnel.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Combining with Other Activities
Langjökull lies near several popular routes and attractions. The Golden Circle tour passes within reach. You can visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall on the same day.
The Secret Lagoon and other hot springs in the area offer a warm soak after time in the ice. Some tours combine the glacier tunnel with snowmobile tours on Langjökull's surface.
From Húsafell, you can explore west Iceland attractions like Hraunfossar waterfalls and the Víðgelmir lava tunnel. Day trips from Reykjavík often bundle multiple stops into a full-day itinerary.
If you prefer structured touring, bus tours handle all logistics and timing.
Comparing Ice Cave Experiences
| Experience | Location | Season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Into the Glacier | Langjökull | Check tour details | Modified vehicle |
| Vatnajökull ice cave | Vatnajökull | Check tour details | Super jeep, short walk |
| Katla ice cave | Mýrdalsjökull | Check tour details | Super jeep, glacier walk |
| Sólheimajökull hike | South coast | Check tour details | Guided glacier hike |
The Langjökull tunnel is a man-made structure. Natural caves offer different formations and experiences.
Check safetravel.is for current glacier safety information before booking any ice cave tour.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Visit
Check tour availability on GetYourGuide and book ahead when demand is high. Allow a full day for the experience, especially when travelling from Reykjavík.
Winter weather can disrupt highland routes, so check road.is the morning of your tour. Tours may reschedule due to conditions, so build flexibility into your Iceland itinerary.
Bring warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves and a hat. The tunnel stays below freezing, and wind on the glacier surface adds to the chill.
Cameras work normally in the cold, but batteries drain faster. Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket.
If you want more active glacier experiences, consider super jeep tours or helicopter tours that land on Langjökull's surface.
Into the Glacier offers access to Iceland's second largest ice cap. Check GetYourGuide for tour details, availability and requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How thick is the ice at Langjökull glacier?
The ice at Langjökull reaches up to 580 m thick in places. The glacier covers 870 km2 and is about 50 km long.
Can you visit the Langjökull ice tunnel in summer?
Check tour details on GetYourGuide for seasonal availability. Summer highland roads are open, making access easier than in winter.
Where is Langjökull located in Iceland?
Langjökull sits in the western Highlands of Iceland. It is the nearest large glacier to Reykjavík, with access via the Kaldidalur road or from Húsafell.
Do you need to hike to reach the ice tunnel?
Check tour details for access requirements. Modified vehicles transport visitors onto the glacier.
What roads lead to Langjökull glacier?
Kaldidalur road (550) runs along the west side, and road F35 runs along the east. Both are highland tracks open in summer, with Kaldidalur requiring four-wheel drive despite not being classified as an F-road.
