Learn About the Second Largest Glacier
It’s hard to rival the behemoth of the Langjökull glacier. The “Long Glacier” is the second-largest glacier in Iceland. This white oasis of ice has become a popular site for skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
So, put on your snowshoes, grab a hot cup of hot cocoa, and journey to our in-depth guide to this location. You’ll learn everything you need to know about Langjökull – its history, weather, and location. You’ll also discover how fun the glacier can be and other fun places you should visit.
About Langjökull Glacier
Langjökull glacier formed around 3500 years ago. It started as an ice sheet. However, the ice caught snow for centuries, creating layers and freezing them to form this giant glacier.
It’s known as the “Long Glacier” for a reason. At 31 mi (50 km) long and 12 mi (20 km) wide, it’s one-third the size of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. The ice is around 1903 ft (580 m) thick in the deeper parts. Baldjökull, the highest point, is 4757 ft (1450 m) above sea level.
It’s a glacier of ice and fire – literally. Langjökull lies on two subglacial calderas. Both make up the Oddnýjarhnjúkur Langjökull volcanic system. However, the last eruption happened 5,550 years ago, and only 32 eruptions occurred in the previous 10,000 years.
While they are not volcanically active, the volcanoes still impact the local geography. One system heats the geothermal area east of Baldjökull. Another, more on the northwest side of the glacier, created the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Iceland’s largest lava cave, Surtshellir, is located near it.
Langjökull Glacier: Iceland’s Melting Giant
Iceland’s glaciers are at risk of melting due to global warming. A few decades ago, Okjökull melted away, becoming the first glacier in Iceland to disappear. As the glacier water melts, it feeds into lakes and rivers. Floods can happen, and the overall sea level can rise.
The same tragic faith awaits Langjökull, too. Scientists project that one of Iceland’s largest glaciers will completely disappear in 100 years. Of course, this is in the best case. If the situation worsens, then it will disappear in 50 years. Either way, the situation is dire. However, businesses and governments are taking steps to fight climate change.
Businesses usually offset their carbon emissions by planting trees. For example, if a company produces a lot of carbon dioxide, it will plant trees to offset the footprint. Also, Swiss company Climeworks started to operate a plant that sucks up carbon from the air.
However, the government plays the most important role. Iceland introduced a carbon tax in 2009 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. In 2020, the government updated a Climate Action Plan containing 48 steps to fight climate problems.
Where Is Langjökull Glacier Located?
Langjökull is located in West Iceland. It is the closest glacier to Reykjavik, only 93 mi (150 km) away.
What To Do on Langjökull Glacier?
You can visit the glacier all year round and enjoy its various activities. However, the season might limit some of them. For example, you might not be able to go inside a glacier ice cave in the summer, but you could go into a man-made one.
Ice Cave Exploration
Ice cave tours are a must for a winter vacation. Langjökull has its very own natural caves that are just magical. The most jaw-dropping part of these caves is the blue ice and the wonderful formations that are formed by melting water. They’re accessible in winter.
However, you can always visit a man-made ice tunnel. An engineering feat like no other, the “Into The Glacier” tunnel differs from the natural ones. First, it’s accessible all year round. Second, it’s much more interesting than it sounds. People have weddings there, and there are guided tours that take people there.
Langjökull Snowmobile Tour
Snowmobiling is a must for this glacier. You get to ride through the snowy landscape and see the wonderful views with your very own eyes. It’s fun and safe, and it doesn’t take a day to do so. Guided snowmobile tours usually start from Gullfoss, and then you get taken to a starting base camp.
If you’re going snowmobiling, it’s best to go on a guided tour. They’re usually guided by professionals who know their way of getting around the glacier. Also, guides can take people to the most awe-inspiring locations, where you can see lava fields and ice caves.
Hiking
Test your endurance in a hike across the Langjökull. Imagine walking on ice and snow with your very own feet. It’s a moment that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Of course, you shouldn’t do it alone. Hiking through a glacier alone creates some major problems.
- It’s easy to get lost without prior experience or knowledge of the area.
- There are a lot of sinkholes and hidden crevasses to look out for.
For this reason, we suggest sticking to guided tours. Not only will you have a fun and informative adventure, but you’ll also see the beautiful sites this glacier has to offer.
Planning Your Visit
Langjökull is a popular tourist destination. So, whether you’re planning to visit it as part of a tour or just for a day’s adventure, it’s important to plan ahead.
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Glacier?
If you want to enter natural ice caves and see the northern lights with your own eyes, it’s best to go between November and March. However, the weather in this season is a lot harsher.
Summer also offers its own fun. It’s the perfect time to go on a guided hike of the glacier and see the marvel of the man-made ice tunnel. Also, thanks to the warmer weather, the roads are more accessible.
How to Get to the Langjökull Glacier?
Two main highland tracks lead to the glacier:
- Kaldidalur Highland Road (F550) is located between Langjökull and the previous Okjökul glacier. It’s the westernmost road. It’s best to drive on this road with a 4×4, not only for convenience but safety, too.
- Kjölur Highland Road (F35) is a mountain pass east of Reykjavik, located between Hofsjokull and Langjökull. It connects the north and south parts of Iceland.
However, glacier’s accessibility depends on the season. In winter, heavy snow blows and blocks the road. Most tours overcome this problem by using jeeps, 4×4 to get reach Húsafell.
In summer, the snow might still linger on the road. All in all, if you’re planning to go to Húsafell, it’s best to do it with a car that can overcome multiple road problems.
When you get to the camp, a super jeep will take you up the glacier. No more cars from this point.
Accommodations Near Langjökull
You don’t have to return to Reykjavik right away. If you have the time and opportunity to do so, make sure to visit a hotel to relax in, a restaurant to eat at, or a campground to relax in the natural environment. Below, we compiled the accommodations that are relatively close to Langjökull.
Hotels:
- Torfhús Retreat
- Hotel Husafell
- Fosshotel Reykholt
- Hraunsnef Sveitahotel
Restaurants:
- Hotel Husafell Restaurant
- Krauma Restaurant
- Hraunfossar Restaurant
- Restaurant Reykholt
Campgrounds:
- Húsafell Campsite
- Skaftafell Campsite
- Geysir Campsite
- Reykjavik Eco Campsite
- Skjól Camping site
Attractions Near Langjökull
Langjökull is just one of the attractions in West Iceland. There is still a lot to see and experience around the glacier.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO heritage site. It’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a unique view. Located perfectly between Reykjavik and Langjökull, chances are that you will drive by it. So, if you’re planning to visit the glacier, you might as well stop and grab some pictures here.
Gullfoss Waterfall
It’s one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls near Langjökull. The Hvítá, nicknamed the White River, supplies Gullfoss with the glacier’s meltwater. The 104 ft (32 m) fall only intensifies its natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to relax after a hike or a long ice cave tour.
Haukadalur Geothermal Area
It’s one of the major attractions of the Golden Circle route. Have you heard of the Great Geysir or Strokkur? They’re found in the Haukadalur geothermal area near the Skjól Camping site. The erupting geysers and bubbling hot springs make this place a fascinating stop on your journey.
Secret Lagoon
Looking for the perfect place to counter the coldness of the glacier? Take a dip in the soothing water of the Secret Lagoon. This natural hot spring, located in the village of Flúðir, is often overlooked by tourists. What makes this place perfect for relaxation is the 100-104°F (38-40°F) water. If you’re planning to explore the Golden Circle, don’t forget to take a beat and take a moment to relax here.
Langjökull Glacier Tours
Ready to explore the icy wonders of Langjökull? Book your snowmobiling glacier tour now and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Combine a tour of the glacier with the Golden Circle. In one day, you’ll get to explore places like Thingvellir National Park and explore Langjökull with a snowmobile for one hour. It takes around 10 hours from start to finish. It’s the perfect tour for your summer vacation.
Sticking to just the glacier? Combine snowmobiling with ice caving. Our tour will take you from Reykjavik to the mesmerizing views of Langjökull. In the 10-hour adventure, you’ll snowmobile on the snow, walk through ice caves, and form life-long memories. It’s a perfect way to spend one day of your winter vacation.
FAQs About Langjökull Glacier
Is Langjökull Glacier Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The glacier offers a wonderful adventure to anyone who visits it. You can see it yourself or with a guided tour. Snowmobiling, hiking, and ice caving – Langjökull is massive enough to try out every activity you want.
Can You Drive to Langjökull Glacier?
Theoretically, yes. However, you’ll need to have a 4×4 to reach the camp of Húsafell. From there, a super jeep will take you up the glacier.
How Do I Get From Reykjavik to Langjökull?
Two highland tracks lead to the glacier. However, it’s important to understand that some parts of the roads can be under maintained and dangerous.
Kaldidalur (road 550) is the westmost of the two. It passes through a gap between Okjökul (a now-melted-away glacier) and Langjökull.
Kjölur (road F35) is a mountain pass connecting north and south Iceland. It goes between the Hofsjokull and Langjökull glaciers. This road leads to
If you don’t want to go solo, glacier tours take people from point A (Reykjavik) to point B (Húsafell or Klaki base camp). It’s the safest and easiest way to get to Langjökull.
What Is the Closest Ice Cave to Reykjavik?
Langjökull has the closest ice cave near Reykjavik. It houses natural caves in winter and a man-made ice tunnel at any time of the year. The glacier is 93 mi (150 km) from the capital city.
What Is the Closest Glacier to Reykjavik?
Langjökull is the closest glacier to Reykjavik, only 93 mi (150 km) away.