6 Amazing Snowmobile Tours in Iceland (2024)
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One of the best experiences you can have in Iceland, aside from seeing the Northern Lights, is snowmobiling! Whether you’re snowmobiling on a glacier or through an ice cave, the experience is truly unforgettable. I visited Iceland with my mom for the first time in November of 2018 and while researching things to do in Iceland, I kept reading more and more about what a great experience snowmobiling in Iceland is, so I made sure I added it to our itinerary. My mom was a little skeptical at first, but afterward, she admitted that it was one of the best things she’s done and was so happy I encouraged her to do it! Snowmobiling in Iceland was completely worth it and one of the best experiences I've had in all my travels. So, is snowmobiling in Iceland worth it? Absolutely, yes! Most tours depart from Reykjavik as this is primarily the tourist hub and the most popular place to stay for visitors. Now let’s get into the list!
Best Snowmobile Tours in Iceland
1. Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik
Tour duration: 11 hours
Cost per person: $266
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Meeting Point: Pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavik between 7:30 am and 8 am
This is the tour I went on and highly recommend it! It’s a full-day tour that lasts 11 hours and it includes major sites such as Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall. End your day with a 1-hour snowmobile tour on Langjökull Glacier, the second-largest glacier in Iceland. The snowmobile gear is provided by the tour company and the key to staying warm is to dress in layers.
2. Snowmobiling & Thermal Hot Spring Day Trip
Tour duration: 10 hours
Cost per person: $392
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Meeting Point: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
The perfect blend of adventure and relaxation! Get picked up in a super jeep from your hotel and begin your journey to Langjökull Glacier where you’ll ride snowmobiles on this small-group guided tour. Afterward, the group will break for lunch (not provided so bring some snacks!) and then head to the Secret Lagoon where you and your small group of 10 or less will spend time relaxing in the hot spring. Snowmobile gear is provided, but you will need to make sure to bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs. The entrance fee to the thermal hot spring is not included in your tour price.
3. Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling from Gullfoss
Tour duration: 4 hours
Cost per person: $238
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Meeting Point: Departure from Gullfoss waterfall upper parking lot (2-hour drive from Reykjavik)
If you’re renting a car and doing self-drives through Iceland, then this might be a great option for you. This 4-hour, snowmobile tour leaves from Gullfoss and is perfect for a half-day activity. You’ll ride in the big, fun, super truck out to Langjökull glacier where you’ll suit up and hit the trails! Note that this can be a larger group tour so be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 20-minutes early.
4. Mýrdalsjökull Snowmobile Tour
Tour duration: 2.5 hours
Cost per person: $250
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Meeting Point: Arcanum Adventure Tours - Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp in Vik
Explore Icelands South Coast on this tour near Vik! This ice cap is just North of the popular town of Vik. You’ll meet your tour guide at the Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp, gear up, and board the glacier truck. Once you and your tour group have reached Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, you will spend an hour snowmobiling and taking in the sights! During the tour, there will be stops along the way to stretch your legs and take in the stunning views. Fun fact: Katla Volcano lies beneath this ice cap!
5. Langjökull Ice Cave and Snowmobile Tour
Tour duration: 4 hours
Cost per person: $284
Rating: 4 out of 5
Meeting Point: Departure from Gullfoss waterfall upper parking lot (2-hour drive from Reykjavik)
Depart for this tour from the Gullfoss waterfall parking lot and travel with your group on a super jeep to Langjökull glacier. Gear up in the snowsuit provided by the tour company and start your engines! Ride over the snowy glacier to a recently discovered ice cave where you’ll safely explore with your tour guide. This tour is a great option for someone who is visiting Gulfoss from Reykjavik for the day and wants to add-on a snowmobile tour to their agenda.
6. Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull
Tour duration: 3 hours
Cost per person: $252
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Meeting Point: Southcoast Adventure at Brú Base Camp in Hvolsvöllur (2-hour drive from Reykjavik)
Eyjafjallajökull is Iceland’s most well known volcano and you’ll experience it up close and personal on this snowmobile tour! Begin your snowmobile tour at the glacier base of the volcano and ride up its slopes. This area of Iceland’s South Coast is jaw-droppingly beautiful and on a clear day you can see Westman Islands and more. The duration of this tour is dependent on the seasons as the trek from the base camp to the snowmobiles takes almost double the time when the snow is thick and heavy.
What to Expect on a Snowmobiling Tour in Iceland
Our snowmobile tour in Iceland was an add-on to the Golden Circle tour which started early in the morning around 8am. We loaded up on the tour bus and headed Northeast from Reykjavik to see some of the most iconic sites in Iceland, including the 105’ Gullfoss waterfall, geysers, and a World UNESCO heritage site, Thingvellir National Park . After lunch, those that added on the snowmobile excursion boarded a separate bus…which really wasn’t your typical bus. This bus was one of the wildest things I’ve seen! It was a mix between a tour bus, a monster truck, and a bulldozer! It was obviously built this way so that it can transport people to the glacier, so it was lifted and decked out with huge treads so that it doesn’t get stuck in the snow or ice. Once on board, the tour company provided us with warm hot cocoa, and we were on our way! The drive from Gullfoss was about an hour and once we arrived the excitement was oozing out of everyone in the group. We stepped off the bus into an all-white, snow-covered wonderland. Everyone suited up in their snow gear, which was provided by the tour company, and we gathered around our snowmobiles to watch a demonstration on how to drive and how to stay safe. Once the tour was underway, we followed our instructor over small hills until we were further on Langjokull Glacier. About halfway through our ride, we took a break for some photo ops and the continued on. The actual ride lasted maybe 45 minutes and the glacier and landscape was absolutely breathtaking. Langjökull Glacier is the second largest glacier in Iceland and it’s 30 miles long and the thickness of the ice is an astonishing 1,900 feet!
Tips for Riding a Snowmobile in Iceland
Most snowmobile tours in Iceland have options to ride solo or tandem if you’re with a partner or friend. My mom and I rode tandem and the snowmobile offers ample room for two people when seated so you’re not bumping into one another the whole time. If you’ve never driven a snowmobile, don’t worry, it’s not difficult and the instructor will give everyone an overview before starting the tour. It’s very similar to driving an ATV or jet ski, but I will note that it’s much more difficult to steer. When turning your snowmobile, you’ll want to lean slightly into the turn to help get a better angle and you’ll want to approach your turn early to set up for a wide turn, as sharp turns are almost impossible to achieve on a snowmobile. Another thing you’ll want to consider if you’re riding tandem is that it might be beneficial to switch off drivers throughout the tour. This is not only to let both people get the driving experience but also because your hands will start cramping about 10-15 minutes into your tour! My hands cramped so many times from holding down the gas lever on the handle that we switched off every time the tour stopped to take a break or take in the sights.
What to Wear on a Snowmobile Tour in Iceland
Snow boots
Gloves
Merino wool base layers (top and bottom)
Wool socks (I doubled up!)
Gloves. Most tour companies provide gloves but you’ll want a pair for before and after.
Beanie & scarf
Fleece lined leggings
Waterproof insulated coat (make sure you have enough room to move around in it)
Handwarmers for your pockets!
FAQ’s About Snowmobile Tours in Iceland
When is the best time to snowmobile in Iceland?
Many people think that Iceland is cold and covered in snow all year round, but it’s not at all. While Iceland doesn’t have your typical warm Summer season, it does warm up to a moderate temperature in the Summer months revealing tons of greenery and gorgeous landscapes. The best time to snowmobile in Iceland would be in the colder Winter months, but you can find areas in Iceland throughout the year that are still covered in snow so it is possible to do this activity at any time. Fresh snow falls through the Spring months of March through early June which makes for a great time to snowmobile, but you’ll probably see more tour options in the Winter months when lakes are frozen over. When we visited in November the temperature hovered in the mid to low 40’s and it was very windy at times, especially at night. It didn’t snow during our visit, but the glacier where we snowmobiled had plenty of snow!
Do you need a driver's license to drive a snowmobile in Iceland?
Yes. You must have a valid driver's license with you if you are planning on driving the snowmobile yourself. The minimum age for participants is six years old. Most of these tours use tandem snowmobiles meaning that there are two people on each snowmobile. Of course, if you're traveling solo, there may be a chance that the tour group has an odd number so you could ride by yourself.
What is the weight limit for snowmobiling in Iceland?
The combined weight limit for most snowmobile tours in Iceland is 390 lbs. This is a combined weight as most snowmobiles are tandem and two passengers can ride together.
Where is the best place to go snowmobiling in Iceland?
As one might expect, numerous glaciers can be find throughout Iceland and those locations make for the best place to go snowmobiling, and they’re the most unique!
Langjökull glacier
Lake Mývatn
Mýrdalsjökull glacier
Vatnajökull glacier
Langjökull
Mýrdalsjökull
In conclusion, Iceland truly offers an exhilarating winter experience with its snowmobile tours. From the majestic Langjökull glacier to the stunning landscapes of the South Coast, there is no shortage of adventure and natural beauty. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, these tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the winter wonderland of Iceland on the back of a snowmobile. So, bundle up and embark on an unforgettable journey, as you create lasting memories, chase the adrenaline rush, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking views that only Iceland can offer. Don't miss out on an opportunity to make your winter getaway truly extraordinary!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
