26 November 2025

The Langjökull Glacier

Langjökull is a colossal glacier in central Iceland, located in the western part of the highlands. There is also a section of a volcanic system in the area.

This is the closest ice cap to the capital Reykjavík, so it's rather easy to get to, and Langjökull has become quite famous for its superb ice caves and other tourist activities.

Langjökull: Iceland's second largest glacier
How do I get to Langjökull?
Langjökull Excursions

Langjökull: Iceland's second largest glacier

Langjökull

Langjökull Summit - Julien Lanoy @unslpash

Langjökull, “the long glacier”, was named so by the locals because of its elongated shape. While only 20 km wide, it stretches out nearly 55 km in length. Boasting a total area of about 950 km², Langjökull is, after the huge Vatnajökull, the second largest glacier in Iceland and the 4th largest in Europe.

Its altitude is roughly between 1,000 and 1,300 meters and the highest point, Baldjökull, stands at 1,450 meters. South of Langjökull lies the Þórisjökull, another glacier with an area of only 30 km² that recently broke off from Langjökull.

Affecting all glaciers, global warming is has already had a significant impact on the Langjökull. Experts estimate that it could disappear within 100 years, or even 50 in the worst case scenario.

In fact, not far from here you will find (or rather not find) the site of the former Okjökull (Ök), the first glacier in Iceland to disappear completely due to climate change in 2014.

Like all Icelandic glaciers, Langjökull meltwaters feeds several large lakes, such as Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, or Hvítárvatn, located east of the glacier.

How old is Langjokull?

Langjökull

Langjökull - Ulrich Knoll @unslpash

The Langjökull ice sheet was formed 3,500 years ago. For centuries, snow accumulated in the region, layering and freezing to form the glacier.

Langjökull is also home to a volcanic system called Oddnýjarhnjúkur Langjökull, made up of two subglacial calderas. Experts found traces of two eruptions about 5,500 years ago.

How to get to Langjökull

The glacier is remote and quite isolated in central Iceland, but you can still get there via two trails that run inland:

The F35 (Kjölur)
The F550 (Kaldidalur)

The F550 will get you closest to it in an off-road 4x4. From Húsafell, it takes approximately 20 km to reach the glacier by taking the F550 southwards and branching off east on the F551.

About a hundred kilometers from Reykjavik, it takes 2 hours to reach the glacier from the capital.

Langjökull tours and excursions

Langjökull grotte glace

Langjökull Ice Tunnel - Matt Kochar @unslpash

In recent years, Langjökull has become famous for its many tours and excursions: ice caves, glacier hikes, helicopter flights, snowmobiling... Everyone can find their perfect activity.

The Langjökull Ice Tunnel

Carved into the most stable part of the glacier, Into the Glacier is the largest man-made ice tunnel in the world. Opened in 2015, it runs about 500 meters into the ice cap, tens of meters below the surface. Inside you’ll see layers of ice built up over centuries, a crevasse lit up from within, and a small ice chapel where weddings are even held.

Where tours start

Húsafell: the easiest starting point, reachable all year round on a paved road in any car. The transfer up to the glacier is included.
Klaki base camp, at the foot of the glacier and about 30 minutes from Húsafell: it is reached via the gravel Road 550 and then the F551. This route only opens in summer (usually 1 June to 15 October) and is for 4x4s only. If you don’t have a 4x4, book a tour from Húsafell instead.
Reykjavík: day tours include transport, so you don’t need to worry about roads or vehicles.

What to expect
From the meeting point, an eight-wheel-drive glacier truck, a real monster truck, drives you up onto the ice to the tunnel entrance. The classic tour takes about 2.5 hours, including an hour walking through the tunnels with a guide. The guide explains how the glacier formed, how it moves and why it is shrinking. Inside, the ice glows in shades of blue, and you may hear it creak as the glacier slowly shifts.

Langjökull excursion

Langjökull - Claire Nolan @unslpash

Tour options
The classic tour leaves from Húsafell or Klaki. The official website also offers combos: ice tunnel and snowmobiling, ice tunnel and the Krauma geothermal baths, a full day trip from Reykjavík, a northern lights tour in winter, or a private super jeep tour. Expect to pay from around ISK 25,000 per adult for the classic tour (price listed on the official website in October 2026). Tours from Reykjavík cost more.

Our tips

Dress warmly, even in summer: the tunnel is cold and damp. Bring a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and sturdy walking shoes. Crampons are provided.
Book ahead in peak season, as July and August slots sell out fast.
The tunnel is sheltered, so tours run in bad weather, but the glacier transfer can be cancelled in a storm. Check the forecast on vedur.is the day before.
Combine your visit with the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss falls, a few minutes from Húsafell (link /guide/west/hraunfossar), or the Krauma baths (link: EN URI of art-415).

Practical info box

Departures: Húsafell (all year), Klaki base camp (summer, 4x4 only), Reykjavík (day tours)
Duration: about 2.5 hours for the classic tour, including 1 hour in the tunnel
Price: from around ISK 25,000 per adult (October 2026)
Gear: warm, waterproof clothing and walking shoes; crampons provided
Booking: through our partner links below