Touring the Frozen Landscape of Langjokull Glacier

Langjokull Glacier tour

blog author By Johanna Sigurðardóttir shield verificationVerified Expert

Part of being the Land of Fire and Ice is having icy giants such as Langjokull Glacier. Langjokull roughly translates to “Long Glacier,” and they weren’t kidding when naming it: it’s Iceland’s second-largest glacier (after Vatnajokull, which is the largest in all of Europe!). So, with ample space on this incredible natural wonder, you can rest assured that there are plenty of icy adventures to be had.

Due to safety concerns (and also because you won’t be able to bring all the gear and equipment needed on your flight to the island), the only way to traverse and explore the frozen landscape is via a guided tour. With an experienced and knowledgeable pro at the helm, you can rest assured that this will be an experience you’ll never forget (for all the right reasons).

In this article, we tell you a little more about Langjokull, what makes it so special, and what icy adventures you can look forward to.

Where is Langjokull Glacier in Iceland?

You will find Langjokull Glacier in the Highlands in the western part of Iceland. It’s just 150 kilometers (or a 2.5-hour drive) away from the capital city of Reykjavik. This makes it perfect as a day outing during the warmer months when you have plenty of daylight hours at your disposal.  

Langjokull: the Impressive and Interesting Facts

  • As far as glacier weigh-ins go, Langjokull certainly packs a punch. This glacier is an astounding 64 kilometers (40 miles) long and 24 kilometers (15 miles) wide and stretches across 1025 square kilometers. It also stands at 1450 meters (4757 feet) above sea level.
  • Langjokull is not just the second-largest glacier in Iceland, but like its Vatnajokull counterpart, also claims the European accolade of being the second-largest in all of Europe.
  • Langjokull sits on top of, not one, but two active volcanic systems (that we know of). This is also why you’ll find the Kjalhraun Volcano near the glacier. But don’t worry, we Icelanders are used to the island’s fiery side, can spot any potential eruption weeks away, and are well-prepared should anything ever happen.
  • Langjokull, despite the name making a lot of sense, wasn’t actually always called Langjokull. It used to be called Balljökull, which was derived from the old Icelandic word “böllur,” loosely translating to “orb” or “bubble.” Ironically, it is believed that the glacier’s original name was also based on its looks due to its rounded ice cap. After a while, the name evolved into Baldjokull, with “bald” referring to the white color. And eventually, it became Langjokull, even though no one knows exactly when or why.
  • When you visit the Langjokull Ice Cave, you will see strange black streaks within its icy walls. This is the perfect representation of being the Land of Fire and Ice since you’re looking at the ash and remnants of volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. One cannot encounter something like this and not be left in awe of Iceland and the power of nature.
  • Langjokull Glacier is directly responsible for many of the most famous attractions along Iceland’s popular Golden Circle route. For example, the water of Gullfoss Waterfall and the water that allows you to dive or snorkel the Silfra Fissure are glacial meltwater from Langjokull.
  • The Langjokull Glacier ice cave is actually man-made. Most ice caves in Iceland are kept closed during the warmer months of the year (this is because of safety concerns due to the melting). To sidestep this problem and offer tourists an all-year experience, a group of experts (which included engineers, architects, geophysicists, and more) created the 500-meter-long, 3x3.5 meter tunnel that’s nestled so deep within the glacier’s cold core that there are 25 meters of ice that will need to melt above it before the ice cave becomes impacted.

Langjokull Ice cave

Getting to Langjokull Glacier

As we already explained, traversing the glacier’s icy surface can only be done via a guided tour. But you’ll still have the option of traveling to the meet-up point. Just rent a car in Reykjavik, get that GPS going, and head north on Route 1 towards Borgarnes. The tours will also give you options.

Some tours will offer pick-up services at your accommodation in Reykjavik or have a designated meeting spot in the capital city from where you will depart. Others have meet-up points outside of the city and closer to the glacier. Whatever your preference, you will find a myriad of Langjokull Glacier tour options that will scratch your specific glacial adventure itch.

Monster truck on top of Langjokull Glacier

Picking the Perfect Tour for You: Icy Adventure Options at Langjokull Glacier

We weren’t kidding when we said there’s a myriad of Langjokull tour options offering various glacial experiences. You also don’t need to worry about the necessary gear and equipment for your chosen adventure – your tour operator and guide will provide you with everything you’ll need. Below are just a few unique and exciting Langjokull tour experiences you can look forward to:

Exploring Langjokull with a Monster Truck

This is pretty next-level cool. Exploring Langjokull with a monster truck is one of the few experiences that can be done all throughout the year without being impacted by the road conditions too much. During this tour, you can just sit back on your super comfy seat and enjoy the ride in one of these monster machines, with their monster windows providing you with spectacular panoramic views.

Of all the tours, this is probably the most convenient since all the responsibility is firmly in the hands (quite literally) of your professional driver and guide from Sleipnir Tours. With over 30 years of expertise, they prioritize safety and awe-inspiring experiences, taking you through the glacier’s pristine beauty in their iconic Red Monster Trucks. 

You don’t even need to worry about whenever nature calls since there is a bathroom on board! You also have a few different options when it comes to monster trucking your way across Langjokull:

Included Essentials

  • A 3-4 hour guided tour of Langjökull Glacier in one of their massive glacier trucks (including transfer to and from Gullfoss)
  • Sledding and Glacier Golf!! (weather permitting)
  • Drinks (Jökla, hot chocolate, and tea)
  • Kleinur (traditional Icelandic pastry)
  • Crampons for safe walking on ice
  • Onboard WiFi
  • Restroom facilities

Additional activities available depending on tour selection.

Red Monster truck tackling the Ice of Langjokull

Hiking Langjokull

Hiking glaciers in Iceland is just as incredible as it sounds. Feeling the crunch of the ice underneath your feet and exploring the icy landscape with its deep crevasses and interesting ice formations is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And while hiking a glacier is pretty easy with the right gear, equipment, and guide, it’s much more strenuous than many suspects (hence the age limits on most tours).

Just walking with crampons and the extra weight can be a challenge to get used to, so don’t expect this to be the equivalent of a leisurely stroll in a park. Still, this is the best way to get up close and personal with Langjokull. Some tours also combine a tour through Langjokull’s Ice Cave. If you’d like to give hiking Langjokull a go, the following tours come highly recommended:

Group of tourist walking on Langjokull Glacier

Snowmobiling Langjokull

This is an outing that’s sure to get your blood pumping. This fast-paced glacial sightseeing tour allows you to combine your love for adventure with incredible views, making it an unforgettable experience. All gear and equipment, such as an insulated jumpsuit, giant mittens, a helmet, and, of course, a snowmobile, will be provided by the tour company. The following are some of the Langjokull snowmobiling favorites:

Snowmobile on a row ready to be driven on Langjokull

When is the Best Time to Tour Langjokull Glacier?

Many expect glacier tours to be limited to our colder winter months (which, according to our icy knowledge, makes perfect sense). But you can book a spot on a glacier tour all throughout the year. Even though the glaciers in Iceland melt a bit more during the warmer months, and global warming has definitely had a significant impact on the rate at which our glaciers melt, the core of these frozen giants tends to stay the same, irrespective of the season.

For example, Langjokull’s core temperature remains between -2 and -3 degrees Celsius (28 and 26 degrees Fahrenheit). The only thing that throws a few spanners in the works is the road conditions. While the glacier is technically open all year round, the road conditions on Kjölur and Skalpanesvegur (the roads to the glacier) can be quite challenging, even during the warmer seasons.

So, we would not recommend visiting Langjokull if you don’t have a 4x4 vehicle. That being said, Kjölur becomes completely inaccessible during the winter, making some tour options (like the Monster Truck tours) the go-to.

Monster truck heading up a hill on Iceland's glaciers

What to Pack for Your Langjokull Glacier Adventure

As we already mentioned, your guide and tour operator will provide you with all the necessary gear and equipment when it comes to your chosen glacial activity. But there are a few other things you’ll need to keep in mind which you will be solely responsible for. This includes the following:

  • A waterproof backpack. This is especially important if you’re planning on going on a tour that includes a trip through the ice cave.
  • A waterproof jacket. Once again, this becomes even more important when exploring the ice cave.
  • Waterproof hiking boots with good grip. You will be exploring an icy landscape. If you don’t have waterproof hiking boots with good grip, it can turn into a pretty uncomfortable trip very quickly.
  • A warm hat. We recommend woolen beanies since they are super warm and comfy but also work exceptionally well when you have to wear a helmet over them.
  • Sufficient warm clothes. Rather than just packing a bunch of extra warm things, we recommend you wear layers. This is really helpful during the warmer months and will ensure that you’re prepared for any possible situation by simply taking something off or putting something on.
  • Sunblock and sunglasses. These items are often left behind since they are generally associated with summer conditions. But you can still get a nasty sunburn on your face even during the winter and while it’s cloudy. And the glare of the light on the snow and ice is an absolute killer on the eyes.
  • Refillable water bottle. Since Iceland has some of the highest quality water (glaciers, remember?), you’ll only need to refill as you go. In fact, our tap water will probably put most expensive bottled water to shame.

Tourist enjoying a Monster truck tour in Iceland

Langjokull’s Role in Sustaining the Island and Its Ecosystems

Langjokull Glacier is not just an impressive icy display where one can have loads of frozen fun. It also plays a vital role in Iceland’s various ecosystems. Glacial meltwater is where a lot of the water in our rivers and streams comes from, and the water seeping in and around the surrounding landscape is vital to sustaining life (whether fauna or flora).

But Langjokull’s meltwater also has a massive not-so-direct impact on the island. Iceland is huge on sustainability and boasts with 100% “green” power. Roughly 70% of all the electricity on the island is hydroelectricity, which is electricity that’s generated using water.  

Langjokull and its Role in Climate Change Research

This frozen giant has proved to be invaluable when it comes to climate change research. Its icy layers read like a book of the ages, detailing the climatic happenings over centuries.

Researchers take samples of these layers and can extrapolate critical data such as when major eruptions occurred, how much annual snowfall has changed throughout the years, and even when pollution entered the picture and how it’s increased over time. This not only gives us an insightful look into the past but allows us to make certain predictions for the future.  

Panoramic views of Langjokull Glacier Tongue

Time to Experience the Majestic Langjokull Glacier for Yourself

By using this guide, you’ll be able to prep and plan your perfect Langjokull Glacier adventure. Rent a car in Iceland (especially if you’re planning on road-tripping through the island further), drive to your tour’s meet-up spot, and have the ultimate Iceland monster truck, snowmobile, or glacier hiking experience. When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you can be sure that Langjokull Glacier won’t leave you out in the cold.

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