Langjökull, meaning "The Long Glacier" in Icelandic, is the second-largest of glaciers in Iceland, covering an area of approximately 950 square kilometers (367 square miles). Located in the western part of the Icelandic Highlands, Langjökull is a vast expanse of ice and snow, stretching over 50 kilometers (31 miles) in length and up to 15 kilometers (9 miles) in width. The glacier is a popular destination for adventurers, offering a range of activities such as snowmobiling, ice climbing, and glacier hiking.
One of the most unique attractions on Langjökull is the man-made ice tunnel, which allows visitors to journey deep inside the glacier and explore its stunning blue ice caves. This remarkable feat of engineering offers a rare opportunity to see the glacier from within, where the interplay of light and ice creates an ethereal, almost magical atmosphere. The glacier also serves as a significant source of freshwater, feeding several major rivers in Iceland, including the Hvítá River, which flows into the famous Gullfoss waterfall.
Langjökull’s remote and pristine environment, combined with the thrilling activities available, makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the raw and majestic beauty of Iceland’s glaciers.
Langjökull Glacier Facts
- Size: Langjökull spans approximately 953 square kilometers (368 square miles), making it Iceland's second-largest glacier.
- Elevation: The highest point reaches 1,450 meters (4,757 feet) above sea level.
- Name Meaning: "Langjökull" translates to "Long Glacier" in Icelandic.
- Location: Located in the Icelandic Highlands, between the Hvítá River and Borgarfjörður.
- Ice Thickness: The glacier's ice can be up to 580 meters thick in some areas.
Can You Drive to Langjökull Glacier?
Driving directly to the glacier is not possible unless you have a 4x4 vehicle and are experienced in Iceland’s rugged terrain. Most visitors opt for guided tours to access the glacier safely, most of which depart from Húsafell.
Distance from Reykjavík
Langjökull is located approximately 130 km (81 miles) from Reykjavík, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to drive. The closest location and where Into the Ice departs from is Húsafell.
Map of Langjökull & Surroundings
Langjökull Glacier significantly shapes the surrounding landscape and hydrology. It feeds important rivers like the Hvítá River, which forms the iconic Gullfoss Waterfall. The glacier also supplies fresh water to the region. The meltwater from Langjökull impacts Þingvellir National Park and the Silfra Fissure, contributing to the crystal-clear waters in this famous diving and snorkeling spot.
Into the Glacier: The Ice Tunnel Adventure
The highlight and probably the most important reason for visiting Langjökull Glacier is the artificial tunnel carved directly into the ice — the so-called Into the Glacier experience, which offers a chance to explore this glacier from the inside, something few are fortunate enough to get to see.
The ambitious venture was a brainchild of Hallgrímur Örn Arngrímsson civil engineer and Baldvin Einarsson tour operator in Norway. Building the ice tunnel kicked off in 2010 and opened its doors to travelers in 2015, after many years of planning and construction. Construction was a major engineering feat that took several years for a team of experts, including renowned geologist Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, to build with an extensive network of chambers and passageways deep inside the glacier's ice. Hundreds of meters long, this tunnel allows visitors to approach the old blue ice full of air bubbles and fissures telling the story about the formation of a glacier over centuries.
It is open all year around, making it possible for visitors to see the summer and winter beauty of the glacier. The landscape during winter is filled with snow, while during summer the glacier stands against the green color of the highlands. Whichever season it is, the interior of the glacier is a breathtaking view because of its translucent blue ice.
The Into the Glacier tunnel can be visited only on a guided tour. These guided tours launch from either Húsafell or Kaldidalur Valley and provide special transportation over the glacier landscape. It also offers a chance to gain insight into the glacier's construction, how climate change has affected the ice, and the technical challenges involved in creating and maintaining the tunnel.
Inside the tunnel, a few chambers exist, including an ice-carved chapel, which makes this place a popular spot for special events such as weddings. The surreal beauty of the glowing blue ice when artificially lit is breathtaking in this humbling setting.
Langjökull in Summer
Though Langjökull is renowned for winter sports, it is also a spectacular summer destination. The glacier’s surroundings come alive with greenery, contrasting with the icy expanse. Summer activities include ice cave tours and glacier hikes, and even snowmobiling is available year round. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Icelandic Highlands.
Exploring Langjökull Glacier
There is a number of adventurous activities to take part in on the Langjökull Glacier. During any time of the year, taking in snowmobile tours over the vast expanses of ice fields on this glacier is an adventurous quest; during winter, guided tours of ice caves allow guests to make their way into stunning natural formations of ice that are at the base of the glacier. Guided glacier hikes are ideal for summertime and for those who would want a more personal experience of the glacier through exploring its surface on foot. A man-made miracle, the Into the Glacier Ice Tunnel offers an unforgettable journey inside the glacier, available during the year, all seasons.
In winter, the remote location of Langjökull makes it an excellent spot for viewing Northern Lights.
Location and Directions
Langjökull Glacier is in Southwest Iceland, nestled in the Highlands between Borgarfjörður and the Hvítá River. It is close to attractions like Gullfoss Waterfall, Hraunfossar, Þingvellir National Park, Deildartunguhver, and Húsafell.
To get there from Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) north towards Borgarnes, then follow Route 50 and Route 518 to Húsafell, a base for glacier tours. The drive takes around 2-2.5 hours. Most visitors join guided tours, which include transportation from Húsafell to the glacier.