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
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
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.
- Length: 550 meters
- Depth: 30 meters below surface
- Temperature: 0°C year-round
- Features: Ice chapel, exhibition halls
- 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
Glacier Activities
- Snowmobiling: Race across the glacier. 1–2 hour tours, no experience necessary. Combine with Golden Circle. Incredible views on clear days.
- Super Jeep Tours: 4x4 expeditions onto the glacier. Access remote areas with professional drivers.
- Dog Sledding: Traditional transport meets glacier adventure. Summer season available. Meet Greenland huskies. Family-friendly.
Planning Your Visit
- From Reykjavík: 2 hours drive
- Base camps: Húsafell or Gullfoss
- Tours include transport from base
- Self-drive: 4x4 required for glacier road
- Ice tunnel: 19,500–29,500 ISK
- Snowmobile: 22,000–35,000 ISK
- Super jeep: 15,000–25,000 ISK