Iceland is one big, giant playground for adventure, and snowmobiling is one of the best ways to experience its breathtaking scenery, from gliding across pristine glaciers to taking in the landscape near a volcano.
Riding snowmobiles over Europe’s largest glacier or making a panoramic view near the Katla volcano, Iceland offers snowmobiling tours that are unique and can’t be compared with anything else.
If you plan on organizing your trip to Iceland, it’s best to do so with a rental car. Hertz Iceland can help you have the most comfortable trip and reach every snowmobiling location around the country.
Why Snowmobiling in Iceland is Special
Many tourists choose to snowmobile when visiting Iceland, as this gives them a unique approach and a chance to experience this beautiful country fully. Here are a few of the things that make snowmobiling in Iceland so special.
Exploring Glaciers and Volcanic Landscapes
Iceland is a land of contrasts, and snowmobiling gives you a front-row seat to the dynamic natural landscape that the country is known for.
Gliding across wonders such as Langjökull Glacier and Vatnajökull National Park, you get to explore Iceland’s icy wilderness, all with the knowledge that there are active volcanoes beneath you (Grímsvötn actually has the highest eruption frequently in Iceland, but don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted since 2011).
Snowmobiling tours often go hand-in-hand with access to Iceland ice caves, where shimmering blue walls make it look like you’re in another world. These icy chambers were shaped by the glacier’s movement over thousands of years, adding even more magic to the experience.
An Experience for All Seasons
Another high point is that, believe it or not, snowmobiling is an all-year-round sport. During winter in Iceland, the landscapes change into a lovely, clean, snowy land, creating a magic wonderland that offers a real taste of the north with its cold winds and quiet expanses of white.
During summer, tours shift to higher-altitude glaciers that enable snowmobiling in the clear light of the Iceland midnight sun, when endless daylight adds a magical dimension to the adventure. This seasonal versatility makes snowmobiling an absolute must-do whenever you visit Iceland.
Best Locations for Snowmobile Tours in Iceland
Riding a snowmobile is something you can do throughout most of Iceland. Still, some locations are better than others. Here are our suggestions for the best places for snowmobiling in Iceland:
Langjökull Glacier: Snowmobiling on the Golden Circle
Langjökull is Iceland’s second-largest glacier in Iceland. It is also one of those places that is snowmobiler’s heaven, and it’s very conveniently located near to the Iceland Golden Circle, so you can easily add it to your itinerary. From Reykjavik, it’s fairly easily accessible, with golden circle tour often combining it with visiting other iconic sights like the þingvellir national park and Gullfoss.
Base camps for the tours around Langjökull usually sit around popular tourist routes and are, therefore, convenient to add to your schedule. Snowmobiling on this glacier promises an epic adventure and breathtaking views, providing an escape into the icy heart of Iceland.
Location of Langjokull glaceir
Vatnajökull National Park: Iceland’s Largest Glacier
Vatnajökull National Park houses the largest glacier in Europe and unlimited routes across the vast expanses of its ice fields, so if you want to go snowmobiling in Iceland, this is arguably the best location to do so.
Most of the tours also include a visit to the ice caves located deep inside the glacier. The fact that Vatnajökull is so huge makes any snowmobiling tour here a great adventure, as you have the chance to witness how the sunlight and ice play together while also admiring the geological features.
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier: Snowmobiling near Katla Volcano
No other combination of volcanic and glacial scenery is as unique as Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Its close proximity to the active Katla Volcano results in an exceptionally dramatic contrast between scenery sculpted by fire and ice. Many of the snowmobiling tours on Mýrdalsjökull also offer to add excursions to ice caves, which were formed by the glacier’s movement and volcanic heat. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the massive natural forces that shape Iceland’s ever-changing landscape.
Myrdalsjokull glacier location
Vatnajokull glaceir location
How to Reach These Snowmobile Tours
If you’re planning on visiting either of these Icelandic locations, here’s how you can reach them:
- Langjökull Glacier is about 1.5 hours by car from the capital city of Reykjavik. Many tours start from Gullfoss waterfall, making it easy to incorporate into a day trip.
- Vatnajökull National Park is located on Iceland’s South Coast and requires a longer journey, around 4-5 hours from Reykjavik. The drive along the south coast is breathtaking, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire some of the iconic waterfalls of Iceland, black sand beaches, and glaciers.
- Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is roughly a two-hour drive from Reykjavik via the Ring Road. This route passes through southern Iceland’s striking landscapes and Iceland attractions, such as Skógafoss waterfall, making it a scenic adventure in itself.
Preparing for a Snowmobile Tour in Iceland
When embarking on a snowmobiling adventure in Iceland, proper preparation is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Essential Clothing and Gear
Although most snowmobile tours will provide helmets and insulated overalls, proper personal preparation will be the key to your comfortable and safe ride. Make sure you add several layers of warm, waterproof clothes to your Iceland packing list for insulation against Iceland’s icy winds.
The better the quality of gloves and the thicker the scarf, the more your hands and neck will be protected. It is essential to wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes, depending on the intensity of sunlight reflecting off the snow. Sturdy, insulated boots are also key to keeping your feet warm during the ride.
Valid Driver’s License
If you intend to drive a snowmobile, you will need a valid driver’s license. Most tour operators will require you to present it before embarking on the tour, so make sure you have it with you. A few of them will have minimum or maximum age requirements, so confirm this when you book your trip. Most tours allow passengers, which may include children, but age limits for passengers vary between operators, and you may need to inquire about the specific requirements.
Physical Fitness and Health Considerations
While snowmobiling does not require high levels of physical fitness, the rides can be quite physically demanding, particularly on rough, uneven and often icy surfaces that can be found on glaciers. Cold temperatures can make it more difficult, and one should thus be prepared for bumpy rides with occasional, short bursts of effort in steering and controlling the snowmobile. If you have specific health concerns, discussing them with your tour provider is a good idea to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Who Is Best Suited for Snowmobiling in Iceland?
Snowmobiling tours in Iceland cater to a wide range of visitors, but specific requirements and preferences make the experience more enjoyable for certain groups of people. Here’s who is best suited for snowmobiling in Iceland:
Age and Health Requirements
Most tours have minimum age requirements. Usually, passengers should be at least 8-12 years of age, and drivers must be over 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. While this activity is generally safe and has no specific health requirements, participants should be healthy enough to handle the demands of riding on icy terrain.
Certain health conditions may present challenges or risks for snowmobiling, given the nature of the physical demands of the activity and the cold, rugged environment in which it takes place.
Though snowmobiling is generally safe and doesn’t require extreme physical fitness, the following health conditions might need consideration:
- Heart and cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory problems
- Joint or musculoskeletal issues
- Motion sickness
- Cold sensitivity
- Pregnancy
Snowmobiling might also be tricky for people with specific phobias or increased anxiety, as they might feel overwhelmed. This can create an unsafe environment for affected people and maybe even those around them.
Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers
Snowmobiling is perfect for adventure-seekers looking forward to a thrilling experience showcasing Iceland’s prime beauty. It allows you to explore the country’s untamed wilderness in an exciting and deeply immersive way, offering close encounters with glaciers and volcanic landscapes.
Families with children can also be catered for in this experience, with many tour operators offering tours specially designed for younger passengers, ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Be it an adrenaline junkie or a nature enthusiast, snowmobiling promises a memorable experience—one that will connect with the incredible Icelandic environment.
Day Tour Options for Short Trips
For travelers who are limited on time, many snowmobile tours are designed as part of a self-drive day trip from Reykjavik, combining adventure and sightseeing. These tours often include stops at attractions like the Gullfoss waterfall or other sights along the Golden Circle.
Typically, you’ll begin with a scenic drive to the base camp near Langjökull Glacier for your snowmobiling experience. You will then head off to view local landmarks afterward. This enables you to experience both the thrill of the glacier and the experience of Iceland’s diverse natural wonders in one unforgettable day.
Driving, Weather, and Staying Safe in Iceland
Driving in Iceland, especially during winter, requires caution and preparation. Iceland’s weather can vary, and conditions can be quite harsh depending on the time of the year. Here’s what you need to know:
Winter Driving in Iceland
The roads leading to popular glaciers like Langjökull and Vatnajökull often become icy and slippery, particularly during the colder months. Renting a car equipped with winter tires is essential for ensuring traction and stability. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, providing added safety, especially if your route involves steep or unpaved terrain.
Checking weather conditions via vedur.is before you set out is crucial. Sudden snowstorms, strong winds, or icy rain can appear unexpectedly and significantly impact road safety.
Websites like the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s portal (road.is) offer real-time updates on road conditions and closures, helping you plan your journey. Always allow extra time for travel, as conditions might slow you down more than expected.
Navigating to Snowmobile Base Camps
Many snowmobiling tour base camps are located in remote or high areas requiring gravel or unpaved roads. A GPS device or offline maps might be very handy since some areas have poor cell service. Be prepared to drive through rugged landscapes, and if the conditions seem too challenging, consider opting for a tour package that includes transportation from Reykjavik or nearby locations.
Locals and tour operators frequently use Super Jeeps or similar vehicles to navigate the rough terrain leading to glaciers. If you’re unfamiliar with driving in these conditions, relying on professional transport services provided by your snowmobiling tour operator may be safer.
Staying Safe on a Snowmobile
Safety in snowmobiling is always a priority, and you should always follow the guide’s instructions. Keep to marked paths and avoid hidden crevasses, thin ice, or other perils. Set a reasonable speed at which complete control of the snowmobile is possible.
Weather on glaciers can change fast, giving way to sudden whiteouts or freezing winds. Wearing multiple layers with insulated gear and having essentials such as gloves and goggles on hand will keep you both comfortable and safe. But above all, be alert and prepared for the challenges of Iceland’s climate while enjoying the thrilling snowmobiling.
Enjoy a Thrilling Iceland Snowmobile Experience
Snowmobiling in Iceland offers an unforgettable experience of the extraordinary landscapes that range from towering glaciers to active volcanoes.
Start planning your snowmobiling journey by exploring tour options and securing a reliable rental car equipped for Iceland’s winter conditions.
