Snowmobiling in Iceland

VUHU! You're on your way to Iceland!

I'm so happy for you and I hope from the bottom of my heart that you're super excited for your incredible trip ahead!

If you ask me...

The perfect trip to Iceland isn't complete without a mix of incredible sightseeing and excitement!

And no tour combines those things better then a Snowmobile adventure on a huge Icelandic glacier!

Below I'll tell you everything you need to know for your snowmobile adventure in Iceland!

Egill Fannar
Egill Fannar
Last updated: June 29, 2020

snowmobiling on langjokull glacier

WHERE CAN YOU GO SNOWMOBILING IN ICELAND?

Iceland is home to a number of glaciers.

In fact, every place that ends in -jökull is a glacier (yes, Eyjafjallajökull as well!)

Glaciers and ice caps cover around 11% of the entire country, but unfortunately they are rapidly melting due to climate change.

One glacier in West Iceland, Okjökull, has actually lost its glacier status, and is now known as Ok. That is because much of its mass melted, and it is not big enough to classify as a glacier anymore.

There are 11 more glaciers currently in Iceland​, with the biggest one being Vatnajökull (second biggest in Europe), which accounts for a staggering 8% of the land! The next biggest in Iceland is called Langjökull, and at 195 km³, it is considerably smaller than Vatnajökull.​

As far as snowmobiling is concerned, Langjökull (pictured above) is the most popular destination. Its convenient location near the Golden Circle makes it ideal for tourists, as one can easily combine the two!

In fact, we have a tour dedicated to just that, but more on that later.

Click here to view our Golden Circle & Snowmobile Glacier tour.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SNOWMOBILE ON A GLACIER?

There is no experience quite like snowmobiling on an Icelandic glacier.

The landscape is unbeatable, with stunning views that you can't find anywhere else in the world! Imagine white as far as the eye can see, over slopes and mountain tops, silhouetted in the distance. It's easy to forget that you are still on Earth!​

The experience itself is unforgettable. Driving a snowmobile is easy and very fun, especially if you enjoy driving in general! It's quite active, as well, as you need to use your body to steer better.

There is nothing quite like zooming past a majestic, pure white landscape, surrounded by snow and ice for hundreds of kilometers.

Whether you are a fast daredevil or you prefer to take it slow and easy, the guides will make sure you have the time of your life!​

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WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO SNOWMOBILING IN ICELAND?

You might wonder what you need to bring with you when you go snowmobiling in Iceland. The whole area and activity sounds pretty cold, right? You would think you'd have to bundle up!

While that is true, the tour operators will give you everything you need to safely enjoy your snowmobile ride!

  • Snowsuit
  • Gloves
  • Ski Mask
  • Helmet
  • Shoe Covers (if you need them)

However, I would suggest that you wear sturdy boots, as well as warm socks to keep your feet warm.

You can wear any clothes you like under the snowsuit, but comfortable, stretchy clothes like sweatpants, jeans or leggings are your best option.

As you are provided with warm clothes and gear, you don't need to worry about getting cold! The snowsuits are incredibly effective, and they will keep you warm even on the top of a glacier!​

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THE BEST SNOWMOBILE TOUR IN ICELAND

I am sure you are convinced by now that snowmobiling in Iceland is the best adventure you can have in this country!

So, what is the best snowmobile tour you can do?

​Our snowmobile tour is simply incredible!

We have handpicked this for you, because we believe our partners are the best at what they do! From personal service to knowledgeable guides, who will keep you safe on the glacier, our tour has it all! 

We will pick you up from your accommodation and take you up to the glacier in a Super Jeep truck (which is very fun to ride!), and from there, you will be given your equipment and taken up to the glacier!

Our guides will take you around the best snowmobile routes on the glacier, and will take care of everything so that you can have an amazing time!

You will stop at the top of the glacier to take some pictures, and switch drivers if you so wish, and then head back to the city the same way!​

For those of you who have not yet seen the Golden Circle, I highly recommend ​the Golden Circle and snowmobile tour!

You get the same experience, plus a tour of the Golden Circle!

It is not only convenient, but also a great way to save a little bit on your trip!

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Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall), one of my favorite stops on the Golden Circle & Snowmobile tour.

A FEW TIPS FROM A LOCAL

Snowmobiling is a great activity for the whole family. It is also a unique way to spend some time on your vacation, and experience the Icelandic nature in the best possible way!

To make your trip even better, I have some tips for you!​

  • Follow the guides. The glacier can be treacherous, and the guides are the ones who know where to go and how to navigate them. Don't stray from the path!
  • Don't wear too many layers. I usually recommend that tourists wear several layers to keep warm. However, since you will be wearing a snowsuit, one or two layers are enough!
  • Wear a moisture-wicking base layer. You will get sweaty, and that is perfectly normal. However, you don't want to catch a cold! So, make sure that you keep as dry as possible!
  • Stay loose. Don't be rigid and don't stiffen up. The looser your body is, the easier it will be to steer the snowmobile.
  • Change drivers or get a single snowmobile ride. It's so much more fun driving the snowmobile than being a passenger! Thankfully, you can get a single ride or change drivers halfway through!
  • Eat before the tour. The cold and the activity will take a lot of energy out of you, so make sure you have eaten and have had enough water.

SOME FINAL WORDS

Did you enjoy my blog on snowmobiling in Iceland?

I hope I gave you all the information you need for an unforgettable trip and an amazing adventure!

Have you gone snowmobiling? Is there anything you want your fellow travelers to know?

Let me know in the comments!

And, as always, don't forget to share!​