Langjokull Ice Tunnel & Glacier Monster Truck Tour from Husafell

Langjökull glacier

Langjökull is Iceland's second-largest glacier, an ice cap in the western highlands, about one and a half to two hours' drive from Reykjavik. It covers hundreds of square kilometres, and beneath it lie volcanic systems, so ash from past eruptions is trapped in its layers. Its name means Long Glacier, which describes the shape well.

On this trip you climb onto the ice cap in a vehicle made for it, since the surface is only reachable with a guide. On clear days the views stretch across the highlands. Glaciers are shrinking, so a visit with a guide who explains the science is also a chance to understand climate change in Iceland.

The ice tunnel inside the glacier

The ice tunnel is a man-made passage carved into the glacier and reaching deep beneath the surface, which allows you to walk in and see the ice from the inside. Lights make the walls glow in shades of blue, and in some chambers the ice is layered with bands of dark ash that show past eruptions.

Your guide leads you through the tunnel's corridors and explains how snow becomes ice over decades, how glaciers move and how the tunnel is maintained. Crampons help you walk safely on the ice. The tunnel is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and is suitable for the whole family.

The monster truck ride

The journey to the tunnel is part of the adventure. In winter the monster truck drives from the base near Húsafell across the glacier to the tunnel entrance, and in summer a mountain bus takes guests from Húsafell to the edge of the glacier, where you switch to the truck. The 8x8 truck has huge tyres that grip snow and ice.

Before you board, you put on a snowsuit, jacket and boot covers, so you stay warm even on summer days, when the temperature on the ice is still low. Since the ride can be bumpy, it is a good idea to hold on and enjoy it. Weather can change the route, and the guides adapt.

Húsafell and how to get there

Húsafell is a small settlement in western Iceland, about two hours from Reykjavik, surrounded by forest and lava fields. Many people ask how to get to Húsafell without a car; the tour price excludes transfers from Reykjavik, so most guests drive themselves or arrange a private transfer through us.

On the way, consider stopping at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two waterfalls that flow out of a lava field close to Húsafell, or at Deildartunguhver, a powerful hot spring. Because this is a half-day activity, it combines well with a day of driving through the west of Iceland.