Langjokull Glacier: Travel Guide to Iceland's Second-Largest Glacier

On the border with the rocky Icelandic highlands, the icy plains of Langjokull Glacier - the second-largest glacier in Iceland - await. The snowy peaks can be seen from popular attractions like Húsafell and Haukadalur. True to its Icelandic name, Langjökull, or “long glacier,” stretches in length, not width. Because of its proximity to the Golden Circle and the capital city of Reykjavik, it has become a top destination for tourists.

The open plains are home to never-ending adventures that range from snowmobiling expeditions to the ice caves - natural or engineered - journeys. Let's learn more about the second-largest glacier in Iceland and why it’s so special together!

Langjokull Glacier, Iceland's second-largest ice cap, spans 361 square miles (935 square km). The only Icelandic glacier that surpasses it is the famous Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Europe. Langjokull stretches approximately 12 miles (20 km) in width and 31 miles (50 km) in length. Once a round glacier, parts of it melted away, with some experts believing it lost 29% of its mass from 1890 to 2019. Some scientists predict it will disappear in the next 150 years.

The glacier’s landscape combines vast snowfields and fascinating icy formations. During winter, natural ice caves form beneath the ice, creating unique sights yearly. Great mountain peaks rise from beneath the glacier, helping create natural borders for explorers. While the views are magnificent, the weather is unforgiving. Strong Icelandic winds pick up light snow from the surface, creating challenging conditions. Temperatures range from 10.4°F (-12°C) in winter to 46.4°F (8°C) in summer.

Langjokull is closely linked to the Golden Circle through its meltwater. Like one of many of the country’s glaciers, it supplies surrounding waterfalls, including Gullfoss, through rivers. The glacier's groundwater takes centuries to emerge at Silfra, a fissure renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Strokkur, a regularly erupting geyser, also owes its activity to Langjokull’s meltwater, which is heated by magma beneath the earth’s surface.

What truly sets Langjokull apart is its accessibility and popularity. With its thrilling experiences and stunning views, Langjokull has become a playground for adventurers and glacier enthusiasts. Snowmobiling, ice caving, and exploring the glacier’s tunnels go perfectly with sightseeing tours and more!

Langjökull is not just a massive glacier—it's a fascinating natural wonder full of hidden secrets. Want to learn more about it? Here are some fascinating facts about Langjökull:

» Eruptions - The glacier sits atop two active volcanoes that erupt beneath the ice.

» Name - Langjökull was once known as Baldjökull, meaning "round glacier," a nod to its original shape.

» Highest point - The tallest peak of Langjökull reaches an impressive 4,760 feet (1,450 m).

» Historical capsule - The layers of ice hold centuries of history, including ash and pollution from volcanic eruptions over time.

» Eco-system - The glacier's melt-water feeds into Icelandic rivers, while animals have adapted to survive in the harsh, cold environment.

» Into the Glacier - one of the glacier's most remarkable features is the engineered and explorable tunnel.

Are you dreaming of stepping inside the glacier? Ice cave tours in Iceland make the idea of exploring icy chambers a reality. Among the many glaciers you can visit, Langjökull Glacier stands out for giving travelers two distinct ways to explore its frozen world — a naturally formed ice cave that appears each winter and a man-made ice tunnel open year-round.

Every winter, a natural ice cave freezes inside Langjökull, sculpted entirely by the glacier’s movement and meltwater streams. The result is a glowing blue den streaked with black volcanic ash and crystal-clear ice. These caves change every year, making each visit completely unique. The 2025 winter season cave is one of the most beautiful yet, with vivid colors and smooth, sculpted walls that seem to glow from within.

Access to the natural cave is an adventure in itself. Guests travel across Iceland’s second-largest glacier in a powerful Super Jeep, then continue by snowmobile to reach the hidden entrance. This experience is available only from November to April and offers a rare, close-up encounter with Iceland’s natural ice formations.

>Join the Langjokull glacier ice cave tour to explore the naturally-formed cave that opens every winter.

For those visiting outside the winter months — or anyone preferring an easy, year-round option — Langjökull also houses the world’s largest engineered ice tunnel. This remarkable engineering project was carved directly into the glacier and allows safe, guided exploration in any season. The tunnel maintains steady conditions year-round, with illuminated blue corridors, educational exhibits, and wide walkways suitable for families and all ages.

> See the engineered ice tunnel in Langjökull Glacier and explore it all year round.

To summarize the two ice cave options at Langjokull:

• Natural Ice Cave (Winter Only) — wild, ever-changing, formed by nature, reached by snowmobile, with brilliant translucent ice and a real sense of discovery.
• Man-Made Ice Tunnel (Year-Round) — stable, accessible, educational, and one of a kind in the world.

Langjokull's otherworldly experience is only rivaled by the beauty that surrounds it. Descend the icy slopes back onto the solid ground, and you’ll find the attractions of the Golden Circle, Silver Circle, and numerous waterfalls. So many tourist attractions in Iceland are found around the glacier, but you only need to know the main ones.

Silfra Fissure

Located in Thingvellir National Park in southwest Iceland, Silfra Fissure is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and seeing the tectonic divide underwater. The clear waters are the meltwaters of Langjokull that take 100 years to emerge. Many visitors stop here as part of the Golden Circle route, making it an unforgettable first destination.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Feeling a chill? Haukadalur Geothermal Area is a mesmerizing stop where the Strokkur geyser erupts spectacularly every few minutes. The boiling water originates from Langjokull, warming up as it passes through magma rocks before bursting through the Earth’s surface. It's hard to miss it as it’s part of the Golden Circle, the second stop on the route.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Where Langjokull woos visitors with its space and excitement, Gullfoss Waterfall wins their hearts with nature's raw power. The roaring cascades, framed by a dramatic canyon, are fueled by the Hvítá River and help create a one-of-a-kind sight. Located on Road 35, Gullfoss marks the final highlight of the Golden Circle route.

Hraunfossar Waterfall

What Hraunfossar Waterfall lacks in force, it makes up for in elegance. Known as the “Lava Falls of West Iceland,” the water flows gently through narrow channels of the solidified magma, creating a calming scene. It lies near Husafell and pairs beautifully with Barnafoss.

Barnafoss Waterfalls

A two-for-one deal - can there be a better sightseeing deal? Located west of the glacier, right by Hraunfossar, Barnafoss Waterfalls sees water weaving through small, narrow ravines. Local legends speak of a tragedy here, hence the nickname “Children Falls. Whether it is true or a simple grandma story - we’ll let you decide!

Húsafell

Tucked into a woodland area west of the glacier, the Husafell settlement is a remote paradise. In addition to the few houses and farms hidden behind lines of trees and connected by dirt roads, Húsafell Canyon Baths and Hotel present leisure opportunities for those looking to relax after a snowmobiling or ice-caving experience.

While the glacier's snowy landscape is uninhabitable and harsh, the towns and areas around it host several hotels. Most accommodation options around Langjökull are in Húsafel and near the Golden Circle. Here are the best options:

Hotel Husafell - in the charming village of Húsafell, this hotel combines comfort with adventure. Guests can enjoy various leisure activities, from soaking in nearby hot springs to hiking and outdoor games, making it an ideal base for exploration.

Hotel Gullfoss - between the warm waters of the Geysir area and the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, this hotel boasts over 30 years of experience. It blends Nordic charm with contemporary design, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere.

Hotel Geysir - across the road from the iconic Strokkur geyser and the Haukadalur Geothermal Area, the hotel is more than just a place to stay. Visitors can indulge in its cafe and restaurant or browse the Geysir Center for clothes and souvenirs, even if they pass through.

Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort - tucked away in the highlands near the dramatic volcanic massif of Kerlingarfjöll, this year-round resort is a haven for nature enthusiasts. While reaching it in winter can be challenging due to snowed-in roads, the reward is unparalleled views and an excellent chance to spot the Northern Lights.