Into the Glacier: Langjökull Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavík

Discover the Unique Ice Cave Inside Iceland’s Second Largest Glacier

The Into the Glacier: Langjökull Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavík offers a compelling way to explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. For $298.83 per person, this 10-hour small-group adventure takes you beyond the city limits, into the heart of Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. You’ll travel in a climate-controlled vehicle, visit scenic waterfalls and hot springs, and spend about four hours exploring the world’s largest man-made ice tunnel. The tour includes guided explanations, crampons, and snowsuits to help you navigate the icy environment.

While the journey involves a long drive from Reykjavík, the highlights compensate with incredible scenery and a chance to step inside a natural ice cave illuminated by bright LED lights. The tour is well-suited for those eager to see the glacier up close, enjoy scenic stops along the way, and learn about Iceland’s geology and natural wonders.

Key Points

• Price: $298.83 per person, with all major stops included
• Duration: Approximately 10 hours, with a long drive from Reykjavík
• Highlights: Inside Langjökull glacier’s ice tunnel, scenic waterfalls, hot springs, and expert-guided explanations
• Transport: Climate-controlled vehicle with WiFi, small-group size (max 15 people)
• Included gear: Crampons and snowsuits available to borrow
• Note: No food or drinks are included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase them during stops

Scenic Stops Before Reaching the Glacier

The tour begins with visits to some of Iceland’s most fascinating natural sites. First, Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring impresses with its high water flow rate, emerging at 97°C. This hot spring supplies water to nearby towns, and the admission is included in the tour. Next, the group visits Barnafoss, a striking waterfall on the river Hvítá, known for its turbulent flow near lava formations.

Following that, Hraunfossar waterfalls cascade over approximately 900 meters from the Hallmundarhraun lava field, offering stunning views of water streaming over the lava. These stops provide excellent opportunities for photos and a chance to stretch your legs before heading further into the Icelandic wilderness.

Journey to the Heart of the Glacier in a Special Vehicle

After the scenic stops, the tour continues with a drive in specially designed glacier trucks. This part of the trip is a highlight, as the vehicles are built to traverse ice and snow efficiently. The journey involves a transfer to base camp and a rough ride in a Monster Truck that takes you onto the glacier surface. The drive offers impressive views of Langjökull’s icy expanse, and the guides share insights about the glacier’s size, formation, and significance.

The long drive to the glacier is noted to be a bit tiring but is considered worthwhile for the scenery and the experience of approaching one of Iceland’s most impressive ice masses.

Exploring the World’s Largest Man-Made Ice Tunnel

The core of the tour is the exploration of the ice tunnel inside Langjökull, which measures approximately 600 meters in length. This man-made tunnel is the largest in the world and provides a rare chance to walk inside the glacier. The brightly lit ice caves are illuminated with LED lights, making the snow and ice appear surreal and revealing the crevasses and layers within the glacier.

Your guide leads you through the tunnel, explaining the glacier’s geology, formation, and the process behind creating this spectacular ice structure. The temperature inside the cave is comfortable enough to avoid excessive cold, making it accessible for most visitors.

Scenic Waterfalls and Hot Springs En Route

Throughout the journey, the tour offers several scenic stops that showcase Iceland’s volcanic activity and lush landscapes. The Deildartunguhver hot spring and waterfalls like Barnafoss and Hraunfossar stand out for their natural beauty. These sites provide ideal photo opportunities and moments of quiet reflection amid the vast Icelandic scenery.

The hot spring, in particular, is interesting because its water is channeled for heating local homes, demonstrating Iceland’s sustainable use of natural resources.

Practicalities of the Tour Experience

Participants are provided with WiFi on board, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long drive. The small-group size (maximum 15 travelers) promotes a more personalized experience, with plenty of space for questions and interaction with guides.

Crampons and ice spikes are included to help with stability inside the ice cave, and snowsuits and boot covers are available to borrow, making the cold environment manageable. Travelers should note that food and drinks are not included; planning for snacks is advisable, especially given the duration.

The Long Drive and Travel Logistics

The tour departs from Reykjavík at 8:30 am. The journey involves a long drive in a climate-controlled vehicle, and some reviews mention that the trip to the glacier can be lengthy and tiring. The stops at waterfalls and hot springs break up the drive and add value to the overall experience.

A key tip is that the tour requires a good weather window, as poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The cancellation policy offers free refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, which is helpful given Iceland’s variable weather.

Insights on Tour Reviews and Guide Quality

The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides who explain the glacier’s features and Icelandic geology clearly. Guides like Ingo are praised for their entertaining and informative narration. The ice cave itself receives high praise for its beauty and lighting, with many describing it as mind-blowing.

However, some reviews point out issues with pickup reliability, noting that missed pickups and poor communication have marred experiences for some guests. Despite this, the overall rating remains 4.1/5, indicating satisfaction when everything runs smoothly.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those interested in seeing inside an Icelandic glacier and experiencing a unique ice cave. It suits travelers who are comfortable with long drives and enjoy scenic stops along the way. The guided explanations add educational value, perfect for those curious about Iceland’s geology and natural landscapes.

The tour’s inclusion of gear and warm clothing enhances comfort, but those sensitive to cold environments should consider their tolerance. It’s especially suited for families with older children or adventurers seeking a memorable experience in Iceland’s icy terrain.

Final Thoughts on the Into the Glacier Tour

The Langjökull Ice Cave Day Tour offers a distinctive experience for visitors eager to reach inside a glacier and see its layered beauty. The scenic stops and informative guides make the long journey worthwhile, though the length of travel can be a challenge for some. The price reflects access to one of the world’s largest ice tunnels and numerous Icelandic sights.

For those ready for an adventure that combines nature, geology, and engineering marvels, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of Iceland’s icy heart. Just be mindful of the weather-dependent nature of the experience and ensure prompt communication with the providers to avoid logistical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can be enjoyed by families, especially since snowsuits and ice spikes are provided, making the cold environment manageable for kids of suitable age.

What should I bring for the trip?
Since food and drinks are not included, bringing snacks or purchases for the stops is recommended. Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera are essential for capturing the stunning scenery and glacier interior.

How long is the drive to the glacier?
The journey involves a long bus ride plus transfer times in different vehicles to reach the glacier base camp. Some reviews mention the trip as lengthy, but many find the scenery and stops enriching enough to justify the time.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, travelers will be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s vital to check weather conditions close to your planned tour date.

Are the ice caves cold inside?
The temperature inside the ice tunnel is managed with LED lighting, and the tour provides snowsuits and boot covers to keep visitors comfortable, so cold temperatures should not be a problem.