Langjökull
The Long Glacier — Most Accessible from Reykjavík
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
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.
NASA used Langjökull as a training ground for Apollo astronauts in the 1960s. The glacier's terrain was considered similar to the lunar surface.
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 length: 550 meters, 30 meters below the surface
- Temperature: 0°C year-round
- Features: Ice chapel, exhibition halls
- Tour duration: 3-4 hours total, open year-round
- Transport: Modified glacier vehicles from Húsafell or Klaki base camp
- Suitable for all ages
Glacier Activities
- Snowmobiling: 1-2 hour tours, no experience necessary, incredible views on clear days, can be combined with Golden Circle
- Super jeep tours: 4x4 expeditions onto the glacier, access remote areas, small group photography experience
- Dog sledding: traditional transport meets glacier adventure, meet Greenland huskies, family-friendly, available in summer
Planning Your Visit
- Getting there: 2 hours from Reykjavík; base camps at Húsafell or Gullfoss; 4x4 required for self-drive glacier road
- What to wear: warm waterproof jacket, insulated pants, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, 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 offer better value
Safety Information
Langjökull's highland roads require 4x4 vehicles and are only open in summer. The ice tunnel and glacier activities must be done with certified operators — never attempt independent glacier access. Check road conditions at Road.is and weather at vedur.is before your visit.