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Snowmobiling in Iceland

Iceland

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

For the more adventurous-minded, racing across icy wilderness, surrounded by nothing but mountains and fresh powder, is a heart-in-the-mouth thrill.

Snowmobiles (also known as a skidoo) are surprisingly fast (you can hit speeds up to around 45mph/70kph), and they enable you to reach remote areas inaccessible on foot.

Best places to do it

Vatnajokull is the best glacier for snowmobile adventures, with large expanses of ice and snow to race across, and several offshoot glaciers in addition to the main ice sheet. Its size means it can accommodate a number of different operators, all of who offer slightly different routes. Trips onto Vatnajokull can easily be arranged in Skaftafell and the surrounding areas.

Langjokull, the ‘Long Glacier’, is another great place. Tour companies like Arctic Adventures combine a snowmobile trip with a visit to one of the glacier’s many ice caves.

Myrdalsjokull is a glacier on the south coast, often used for day trips from Reykjavik. Snaefellsjokull on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula also has tours.

If you want to see the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano up close (or at least as much as you can see of it, since it’s buried under ice), the easiest way to do it is by skidoo. South Adventure offers a couple of possible trips.

Logistics

Price from: £60

Minimum age: 6

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Duration: 2+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Trips onto Vatnajokull can easily be arranged in Skaftafell and the surrounding areas.

Most tours last half a day, while others take up a full day, and combine the snowmobiling with glacier walks or ice cave visits. Generally you’ll be in a small group of between three and eight other riders.

You’ll need to wear warm base layers, but the snowmobiling company will supply the other necessary equipment.

Note that you will need a driving licence to be able to drive a snowmobile. Children over 6 can sit on the back of your snowmobile but obviously are not allowed to drive their own.

When to do it

Snowmobiling tours theoretically are possible year round, but it does depend heavily on location and seasonal conditions – some glaciers (e.g. Vatnajokull) are often too extreme for beginners to explore safely in winter. Langjokull and Myrdalsjokull are ordinarily accessible most of the year, but do enquire ahead when you book.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik

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Riding the Icelandic horse is must-do at least once during your visit. It connects you to Icelandic history and allows you to experience the most authentic travel method there is in Iceland. Lava tour is a more popular and ideal adventure for beginners as well as experienced. During the tour you will ride in beautiful landscape with the view of lava, lakes, and mountains around you. For 1.5 to 2 hours, or 4 hours with transfer, your tour offers you a relaxing coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Included are riding helmets, rubber boots, rain wear, or warm outfit for your ride.

Price €124

Min age 7

Rating 4.81 / 5 [1000 ratings]

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Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Viator

Explore Iceland's iconic Golden Circle on an unforgettable journey that blends natural wonders with thrilling adventure. Begin with the awe-inspiring sights of Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Marvel at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, cascading dramatically into a rugged canyon. Then, experience the geothermal activity at the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. But the excitement doesn't end there – embark on an exhilarating one-hour snowmobile ride across the vast Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest ice cap. Feel the rush as you traverse pristine snowfields and panoramic icy landscapes, guided by expert instructors ensuring both safety and thrills. This tour promises the perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping action, offering an unparalleled Icelandic experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this breathtaking land.

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Rating 4.48 / 5 [853 ratings]

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Black Sand Beach Horse Riding Tour from Vik

Viator

We offer scenic riding tours on the beautiful black sand beaches of Vík, South Iceland. Our Black Beach Riding Tour is an easy-going one hour ride perfectly suited for beginners and people who don’t go horse riding often, but we welcome riders of all abilities. Our horses are friendly and sure-footed, perfect to enjoy the wild Icelandic terrain. In the summer there is a chance to spot puffins flying above us, and in winter the ever-changing weather highlights the rugged beauty of the landscape. The tours are mostly at walking speed, but for those who are capable there is the chance to try some tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse. Please note we have a weight limit of 100kg / 220lb, and riders must be aged 10+. We are committed to the welfare of our horses and reserve the right to ask riders to step on a scale. We ask you to arrive at the stable 15 minutes before departure.

Price €105

Min age 10

Rating 4.78 / 5 [391 ratings]

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Snowmobiling Adventure on Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss

Reykjavik

Viator

The Icelandic Highlands is a unique area with some rugged landscape and that is exactly where this tour takes you. This 4-hour snowmobile adventure tour departs from Gullfoss. Marvel at the Icelandic scenery during your ride to the glacier in a 4x4 monster truck, then hop on your snowmobile after a brief instruction lecture and drive along and on-top of Langjökull glacier. Perfect for the independent traveler which just happens to be in the Golden Circle and wants to add a little extra to their sightseeing tour.

Price €220

Min age 6

Rating 4.31 / 5 [317 ratings]

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