Find Tours
Langjökull Glacier

Langjökull Glacier Hours & Fees

The glacier itself is open highland terrain with no entrance fee. Reaching the surface or the year-round ice tunnel requires booking a guided tour, which starts at 24,900 ISK.

Opening Hours

The ice tunnel operates year-round. Specific departure times depend on the tour you book. If you have a 4x4, you can drive directly to Klaki Base Camp between June 1 and October 15, but access outside those dates requires an operator shuttle from Húsafell.

Swipe to see more

Day Hours Note
Monday–Sunday Times set at booking Year-round operation; specific departure times vary by season and tour operator.
📅

The ice tunnel remains open year-round regardless of weather. But the highland access roads do not. Self-drive access to the glacier edge shuts down completely from mid-October through May, forcing all visitors to take an operator's shuttle from Húsafell.

Fees & Tickets

Walking on the glacier itself costs nothing, but accessing the ice tunnel or booking a snowmobile requires a paid tour. The standard Into the Glacier tunnel tour starts at 24,900 ISK from Húsafell or Klaki Base Camp. Full-day packages from Reykjavík push the price past $279.

Swipe to see more

Category Price Note
Glacier Surface Access (Independent) Free Open highland terrain; requires a 4x4 to reach Klaki Base Camp (June 1–Oct 15).
Into the Glacier Classic Tour From 24,900 ISK Departs Húsafell or Klaki; includes shuttle for those without a 4x4.
Ice Tunnel Day Tour (from Reykjavík) From ~$279 Full-day 9-11 hour coach tour including Golden Circle stops.
Snowmobile Tour (Meet-on-location) From 33,990 ISK 2026 pricing; 2-4 hours departing from Gullfoss or Geysir.
Golden Circle & Ice Tunnel Tour 38,000–60,000 ISK Full-day package with Reykjavík pickup.
Golden Circle & Snowmobile Tour 45,000–60,000 ISK Full-day package with Reykjavík pickup.

No regular free entry days.

Planning your visit to Langjökull Glacier? Find tours with free cancellation and skip-the-line options.

View All Tours

Best Time to Visit

June through August is the best time to visit Langjökull. The gravel Route 550 opens for 4x4 self-driving to Klaki Base Camp, and long daylight hours let you easily combine the ice tunnel with Golden Circle stops.

Summer brings the highest demand for limited truck seats, requiring advance booking. Winter has reliable snow for snowmobiling and Northern Lights pairings, though deep winter restricts visits to just four to five hours of daylight.

Swipe to see more

Period Crowd Level Recommendation
Morning departures High Full-day coach tours from Reykjavík leave early to complete the 9 to 11-hour round trip via the Golden Circle.
Midday departures High Truck seats are limited during the peak summer months. Book this slot well in advance for the three to four-hour Classic Tour.
Late afternoon (June–August) Moderate Maximum summer daylight leaves plenty of time to safely self-drive the rough highland track back from Klaki Base Camp.
Winter midday Moderate Deep winter restricts daylight to just four or five hours, compressing all activity into a short window but bringing the clearest air for snowmobiling.

How Long to Spend

Plan for three to four hours if you meet your tour at Húsafell or Klaki Base Camp. Your total time depends entirely on where you start. Full-day excursions from Reykjavík take up to 11 hours with transport and Golden Circle stops, but you'll spend about an hour on the core activities like snowmobiling or walking the tunnel.

Guided walk through the ice tunnel 1 hour
Glacier truck transfer to the ice cap 30–75 min each way
Guided snowmobile ride on the surface 1 hour
Classic Tour round-trip from Húsafell or Klaki 3–4 hours
Full-day glacier and Golden Circle tour from Reykjavík 9–11 hours

Visitor Tips

01

Book Trucks in Advance

Secure your seat on the modified glacier truck well before you arrive, especially during the summer peak. The Classic Tour from Húsafell or Klaki starts at 24,900 ISK, and you must show up 15 minutes early for the safety briefing. Miss the briefing and you risk losing your spot.

02

Dress for Freezing Temperatures

Pack thermal base layers, a windproof coat, and waterproof boots even if you visit in July. The 550-meter ice tunnel stays at exactly 0°C (32°F) year-round, and the glacier surface gets windy. Add sunglasses to your packing list to handle the intense glare off the snow.

03

Leave Standard Cars Behind

Drive your own car only as far as Húsafell if you lack a 4x4 vehicle, then take the operator shuttle to Klaki Base Camp. The gravel Route 550/518 leading to the glacier edge is rough and closes completely to self-drive traffic from mid-October through May. Do not attempt this drive in a standard rental.

04

Use the Base Restrooms

Go to the bathroom at Húsafell Center or the dry toilets at Klaki Base Camp before your tour begins. The tunnel entrance at 1,260 meters elevation only has an emergency portable toilet. You'll spend about 3 to 4 hours on the Classic Tour, so plan accordingly.

05

Know the Snowmobile Limits

Children under 8 cannot ride on the snowmobile tours. The sleds lack safety harnesses, meaning passengers must be strong enough to hold on unaided for the roughly 1-hour ride over the ice cap. Anyone planning to drive the snowmobile needs a valid driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Into the Glacier ice tunnel cost?

The Classic Tour from Húsafell or Klaki Base Camp starts at 24,900 ISK per person. Full-day trips with transportation from Reykjavík run longer and cost roughly $279 or more. Prices vary depending on the season and your departure point.

What are the fees for snowmobiling on Langjökull?

Meet-on-location snowmobile tours start around 33,990 ISK per person. If you book a package combining the Golden Circle with a snowmobile ride, expect to pay between 45,000 and 60,000 ISK. Those full-day combo tours usually take 8 to 10 hours including pickup from Reykjavík.

Is the Langjökull ice tunnel open year-round?

Yes, the tunnel operates in all seasons. Specific departure times change depending on the time of year and are set when you book. The tour itself takes about three to four hours, with roughly one hour spent walking inside the ice.

When can I drive myself to the glacier?

You can only self-drive to Klaki Base Camp between June 1 and October 15. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle to handle the rough gravel on Route 550/518. Outside those dates, the road is closed and you have to take an operator shuttle from Húsafell.

Do I have to pay to walk on Langjökull?

The glacier is open highland terrain with no entrance fee, but walking on the ice without a certified guide is highly dangerous due to hidden crevasses. You need to book a paid tour to go inside the ice tunnel or ride snowmobiles. Safetravel.is specifically warns against independent travel on the ice cap.

Are there age restrictions for Langjökull tours?

The Classic ice tunnel tour has no minimum age limit, though toddlers aged 0 to 2 should be carried in a baby carrier over the uneven snow. Snowmobile tours require passengers to be at least 8 years old. Sleds lack safety harnesses, so riders must hold on with their own strength.

What should I wear for the ice tunnel tour?

The tunnel stays at a constant 0°C year-round, so you need warm, waterproof layers even in July. Wear a windproof coat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Guides provide the required crampons to help you walk on the slushy ice floor.

4.6 · 2,522 reviews

Find Tours

Ready to visit Langjökull Glacier?

Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.

Find Tours