Snowmobiling in Iceland

Small group of people on snowmobiles in front of huge Langjokull glacier with blue skies.

Snowmobile Tours in Iceland—thrill and excitement linger in the air. Captured during one of our rides.

Approximately 11% of Iceland’s territory is made up of glaciers. These snow-covered giants offer endless opportunities for adventure-seeking souls. The most exciting winter activities, such as glacier hiking, caving, and ice climbing, take place in the frosty expanse of Iceland's snowy ice fields. One of the most popular winter tours in Iceland is snowmobiling, which is possible on most of Iceland's glaciers in the north, south, and west of the country. 

Snow, speed, and a taste of absolute freedom—that’s what Iceland’s snowmobile tours are all about. Originally invented to replace sled dogs, these environmentally friendly vehicles are now mainly used for sport and recreation. But in an emergency, they can still save lives. 

If you want to test your strength on a mighty snowmobile in Iceland, join one of our snowmobile excursions that provide all the necessary equipment, including helmets, goggles, and snowsuits. Our snowmobiling trips run all year round and are carefully curated by certified local glacier guides.  

A snowmobile tour usually starts in Reykjavik. Some tours include additional attractions, such as the Golden Circle and snowmobile tour, while others take you straight to the glacier. 

Choosing the best place to snowmobile in Iceland is a difficult task. Each glacier has a unique face, and there's no better way to explore its rugged beauty than from the back of a snowmobile. Whether you head to Vatnajökull in the southeast, Langjökull in the west, or Eyjafjallajökull in the country's south, thrill and adventure are guaranteed. 

Arctic Adventures Snowmobile Locations

 

Iceland's glaciers are easily accessible from the capital, especially with organized tour transfers. Northeast of the Vik Village, about 320 km (200 mi) from Reykjavik, lies the biggest in Iceland, Vatnajökull Glacier—8.100 km2 (3.127 sq mi) of white, shimmering expanse that seems to stretch beyond the horizon. Snowmobiling on Vatnajökull feels like sailing through smooth whipped cream sprinkled with stripes of black volcanic ash.  

If you’re looking for snowmobiling near Reykjavik, 103 km (64 mi) northeast of the capital, nests the long glacier—Langjökull. Full of crystal ice tunnels, Langjokull Glacier is one of the best places to enjoy a snowmobile and ice cave tour in Iceland.  

On the South Coast, 128 km (80 mi) from Reykjavik, northwest of Vik, is another unique location—Eyjafjallajokull volcano and glacier. Here, beneath the snowy ice field, lies a massive volcano that erupted in 2010. Feel its dormant power when snowmobiling on a rugged Eyjafjallajokull glacier.  

Parallel to Eyjafjallajokull, just an hour's drive from Akureyri, is another snowmobiling paradise—Lake Myvatn. Available from November to May, a ride on Lake Myvatn offers a glimpse of raw Icelandic nature in the cold season. 

Our Top-Rated Snowmobile Tours

FAQs

Yes! You can snowmobile in Iceland all year round. Glaciers like Vatnajökull, Langjökull, or Eyjafjallajokull are perfect for snowmobiling. Additionally, you can snowmobile in the Lake Myvatn area.  

Snowmobiling in Iceland is worth the trip! You can explore the rugged terrain of the glacier with all its cracks and crevasses while riding through the powdery snow and enjoying the feeling of freedom. It’s an unforgettable experience! 

Snowmobiling is a fun and generally low-risk activity, but it can pose some risks if done recklessly. First of all, find a trustworthy operator and never snowmobile alone. Listen carefully to your guide's instructions, and wear the safety equipment provided. If you're driving, keep your distance from others, don't drive recklessly, and be aware of your surroundings. Keeping these things in mind will make snowmobiling an easy and safe experience. 

Snowmobiling is an exciting and relatively easy activity. The challenging part might be getting used to steering and maintaining a steady speed, but most riders adapt to it very quickly after the first riding experience. Your guide will provide clear instructions and explain safety guidelines. 

Snowmobiling in Iceland is available all year round! Glaciers are covered in snow for all 12 months of the year, providing an excellent playground for snowmobiling adventures. In winter, pair your snowmobiling trip with the Northern Lights hunt, and in summer, combine it with the Golden Circle tour.  

Warm clothing is essential when snowmobiling on a glacier. This means several layers, including a thermal shirt with a thick sweater or fleece and a pair of snow pants. Wear thermal trousers if you tend to get cold quickly. Don't forget a warm hat and gloves. It's also best to wear sturdy and comfortable walking boots. 

All tour participants are provided with a snowsuit, a balaclava, goggles, gloves, and a helmet. This equipment is included in the price of the tour. 

The most important thing to bring is warm clothing, as the temperature on a glacier can drop significantly. You may also want to bring a packed lunch or a snack, as the tour does not include lunch. Everything else, including a snowsuit, a balaclava, goggles, and a helmet, is provided during the tour.

As of 2025, snowmobile tours in Iceland are usually priced for two people sharing one snowmobile, and the total cost depends on the location and any added activities, like glacier hikes or ice cave visits. Prices typically start around 36,900 ISK (approx. €254 / $291 USD per person). For odd-numbered groups or solo riders, there’s an extra fee of 10,000 ISK (about €69 / $79). If you don’t have a valid driver’s license—and don’t have a partner with one—you’ll need to book an extra driver-guide, which costs around 60,000 ISK (approx. €414 / $474). 

Yes, there are toilets at the base camp where the tour starts, which you are more than welcome to use before and after the tour. However, there aren't any bathroom breaks during the tour itself. 

You can take pictures during the snowmobile tour, but only when you're not driving the snowmobile. Be aware of your surroundings, be mindful of safety, and act accordingly.  

Snowmobiles in Iceland are pretty fast and can exceed speeds of around 70 kilometers (44 miles) an hour. Always listen to the guide’s instructions, and don't drive fast in areas with deep crevasses or limited visibility.  

On a snowmobile tour in Iceland, you'll see beautiful glacial landscapes, incredible ice formations, deep cracks and crevasses, and lots of white powdery snow! Depending on where you're snowmobiling and which glacier you're snowmobiling on, you'll see more or less of one glacier feature or another.  

There is no specific weight limit for snowmobiling. Our winter overalls go up to size 5XL, so the only requirement would be to fit into them. In terms of physical condition, snowmobiling is classified as moderate, and anyone in average physical condition should be able to complete the tour. 

Previous snowmobile driving experience is not required for these tours. Your guide will provide easy-to-follow operating instructions. However, you need a valid driver's license to drive a snowmobile 

Yes, you can. The good thing about being a cold country is that our glaciers are here all year round, and we can snowmobile in any season. 

Yes, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a snowmobile in Iceland. If you don’t have one, and your travel partner doesn’t either, you’ll need to book a certified driver-guide to operate the snowmobile for you. This service costs around 60,000 ISK (approx. €414 / $474 USD). It’s a great option if you still want to enjoy the ride—just sit back and take in the views while your guide handles the driving. 

Yes, if you’re traveling solo and want your own snowmobile, you’ll need to pay the single-ride supplement, which costs 10,000 ISK (approx. €69 / $79 USD). This fee covers the cost of riding without a second passenger to share the vehicle. 

For safety reasons, the age limit for snowmobiling as a passenger is 8 years old. Additionally, a parent or guardian must always accompany children. 

We do not recommend pregnant women to participate in our snowmobile tours. If you are traveling with a group, you’re welcome to stay at our base camp while the group does the snowmobiling part of the tour. 

Why Travel With Us?

  • Award-winning tours
  • Only small groups
  • Trusted by travelers for 40+ years
  • Modern, comfortable vehicles
  • Expert local guides
  • Reliable 7-days-a-week support

 

Discover More Winter Tours

Need more information or assistance? We are here to help!