What is the Langjökull ice tunnel?

The Into the Glacier ice tunnel is a man-made tunnel carved into Langjökull, reaching about 300 meters into the glacier. It is open year-round and allows visitors to walk inside the glacier and see blue ice formations up close.

Can you go snowmobiling on Langjökull?

Yes, snowmobiling tours on Langjökull are among the most popular glacier activities in Iceland. Tours depart from a base camp on the glacier and run year-round, weather permitting.

How is Langjökull connected to Gullfoss waterfall?

Langjökull feeds the Hvítá river, which flows down to create Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls on the Golden Circle route. The glacier's meltwater is the source of the river's powerful flow.

How do you get to Langjökull?

Langjökull is accessible via highland roads that typically require a 4x4 or super jeep. Most visitors join organized tours from Reykjavik or Húsafell that include transport to the glacier base camp.

Is Langjökull shrinking?

Yes, Langjökull has been retreating significantly due to climate change. Scientists estimate it could largely disappear within the next 150–200 years if current warming trends continue.

Langjökull: Iceland's Second-Largest Glacier

Iceland's second-largest glacier at 953 km², with a man-made ice tunnel and popular snowmobiling tours. Its meltwater feeds the river that drops over Gullfoss.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

West Iceland Highlands

Close to the Golden Circle. Day trips from Reykjavik available.

Langjökull ("Long Glacier") stretches across 953 km² of Iceland's western highlands. It is best known for Into the Glacier, a man-made tunnel that lets visitors walk deep inside the ice cap. The glacier also feeds the Hvítá river, which drops over Gullfoss on the Golden Circle.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Highland roads to Langjökull require 4x4 vehicles and are closed in winter. Join organized tours for safe access to the glacier.

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Official sources to check

Best for

Ice tunnel + snowmobiling

Into the Glacier is open year-round; snowmobiling weather-dependent.

Access

Organized tours

Super jeep or snowcat from Húsafell or Reykjavik.

Pro tip

Combine with Golden Circle

Visit Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir on the same trip.

What to Expect at Langjökull

A vast white ice cap in the western highlands
Man-made ice tunnel with blue ice chambers and a chapel
Snowmobiling across the glacier surface
Super jeep ride up to the glacier base camp
Year-round accessibility for the Into the Glacier experience
Views across the highland plateau from the ice cap summit

Nearby Attractions

Gullfoss waterfall (fed by Langjökull meltwater)
Húsafell highland village and Hraunfossar lava waterfalls
Víðgelmir lava cave (one of Iceland's largest)
Þingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle route
Barnafoss (Children's Waterfall) next to Hraunfossar
Deildartunguhver (Europe's most powerful hot spring)

How to Get to Langjökull

About 140 km northeast of Reykjavik via highland roads
Accessible by super jeep or snowcat from Húsafell base camp
Day tours available from Reykjavik (8–12 hours)
Highland F-roads require 4x4 and are closed in winter
Into the Glacier tours include transport from Húsafell

Best Time to Visit Langjökull

Ice tunnel open year-round (weather permitting)
Summer for snowmobiling in midnight sun
Winter access is by snowcat only
Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds
Always book tours in advance; they fill up quickly

Planning help

Langjokull (Langjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers