My review of the Into the Glacier Combo offers a look at an adventure that combines wild snowmobiling with a walk into one of Iceland’s magnificent ice caves. Priced at around $284 per person, this roughly three-hour tour from Húsafell is packed with scenic drives, educational insights, and adrenaline-pumping moments—ideal for those who crave a taste of Iceland’s raw natural beauty. The tour gets rave reviews, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 51 travelers and a 96% recommendation rate, making it clear that many visitors found this experience both worthwhile and unforgettable.
What I particularly love about this outing is the expert guidance—your guides, like Mariano, or Ollie, are praised for being knowledgeable, funny, and personable. Their stories and humor make even the coldest moments fun and engaging. Plus, the stunning views of the Langjökull glacier as you drive up are repeatedly highlighted as breathtaking, with many reviewers remarking on the sheer size and beauty of the second largest glacier in Iceland. The other highlight I appreciate is how all gear—helmets, overalls, masks, gloves—is included, meaning you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about costs or packing extra equipment.
One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour’s length can vary significantly depending on weather and terrain. Several reviews mention the actual duration sometimes extending well beyond the expected 3-4 hours, which might be a surprise for some travelers. This is largely due to safety precautions in harsh conditions, but if you’re on a tight schedule or have limited flexibility, it’s worth planning for some potential delays.
Key Points
- Incredible scenery: Snowmobiling across the enormous Langjökull glacier offers panoramic views that are hard to match.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable and humorous guides make the experience both safe and enjoyable.
- All-inclusive gear: Helmets, overalls, masks, and gloves are provided, simplifying the logistics.
- Inside the ice cave: You get about an hour to explore the stunning, large-scale ice tunnel carved into the glacier.
- Good value: Combining snowmobiling with an ice cave visit provides a comprehensive glacier experience at a reasonable price.
- Potential for longer trips: Weather and terrain can stretch the tour well beyond three hours, so be prepared for some possible delays.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Starting Point and Transportation
The tour begins at the Húsafell Activity Center, a convenient base for exploring the region. The transportation to the glacier’s snowline is included, often with a comfortable, scenic drive that sets the tone. Expect most trips to start early in the day, and good news—most travelers praise the pick-up as smooth and well-organized. If you’re coming from Reykjavik, some additional options include a full-day trip, but this particular experience is designed for those eager to maximize their glacier time without too long a journey.
The Snowmobiling Adventure
Driving a snowmobile across Langjökull is something you won’t forget. It’s designed to be accessible—drivers need a valid license to operate, but passengers without licenses, especially children aged 8 and older, can join on double sleds. Reviewers like “Marciano and Ollie” are praised for making the ride fun and safe, and some mention the thrill of going fast on the snow without feeling unsafe. This part of the trip is all about feeling the power of the vehicle against a backdrop of stark white, endless snow, and blue ice.
The Ice Cave Tour
Once you arrive at the ice tunnel, you’ll spend about an hour exploring inside the glacier. The tunnel is described as large and impressive, with guides sharing insights into the glacier’s formation and ongoing changes. Many comments highlight how walking through the glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, especially for those who enjoy learning in an active setting. Several reviews mention how educational and fun the guides are, making complex glaciology accessible and engaging for all ages.
The Return Ride
After the exploration, you hop back on your snowmobile for the return trip across the glacier, offering a different perspective on the icy landscape. The drive back often offers more stunning views, with some travelers mentioning how the scenery changes as you descend.
The Value for the Price
At around $284, this tour consolidates two major glacier experiences—snowmobiling and ice cave exploration—into a compact package. Reviewers frequently note how well-organized the package is, with all equipment included, removing the hassle of sourcing gear on your own. The inclusion of transportation plus guides makes it a comprehensive, stress-free way to experience Iceland’s ice.
Accessibility and Group Size
With a maximum of 17 travelers per group, the experience stays intimate enough to enjoy personalized attention. Children aged 8 and older are welcome as passengers, making it family-friendly. The requirement for a driver’s license is clear, but those without licenses can still join as passengers, making it accessible for many.
Weather and Duration Considerations
One of the downsides, as some reviews point out, is how weather and terrain can lengthen the tour unexpectedly. Some travelers lament that the trip sometimes takes 7–9 hours, far longer than the advertised 3 hours. While this is beyond the control of Arctic Adventures, it’s a reminder to be flexible and prepared for potential delays—dress warmly, and plan your day accordingly.
Authentic and Fun
Repeatedly, travelers mention guides like Mariano or Ryan, who make the trip engaging with stories and humor. These personal touches make the experience memorable beyond just the landscape. The environment itself is awe-inspiring, with some describing it as “not to be missed” and “a once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Western Region.
Perfect For
This tour suits adventure lovers who enjoy driving and physical activity, as well as families with children over 8. If you’re eager to see the interior of a glacier and want to try snowmobiling, this tour offers fantastic value and a guaranteed adrenaline rush. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided tours but want a substantial, authentic experience, not just sightseeing from afar. While it’s accessible for most, keep in mind that strong winter gear and a good attitude toward possible delays will enhance your trip.
Who Might Want to Think Twice
If your schedule is tight, or if you prefer a shorter, more weather-proof activity, this might not be your best pick. The potential for extended trip durations due to weather and terrain conditions means flexibility is key. Also, if you’re not comfortable operating a snowmobile or don’t want to deal with cold-weather gear, consider whether this kind of adventure suits you.
Final Thoughts
This Into the Glacier Combo provides a robust, authentic taste of Iceland’s icy wilderness. The combination of snowmobiling and walking inside a glacier delivers excitement, awe, and education all in one neat package. Guides like Mariano and Ollie are repeatedly praised for their professionalism and humor, helping make the cold environment warm with their stories. The views of Langjökull are stunning and large enough to make you feel tiny, a humbling reminder of Earth’s icy majesty.
At a fair price, especially considering the all-inclusive gear, this tour offers good value for an adventure packed with highlights. It’s best suited for active travelers, families with older children, and anyone eager for a truly memorable experience amid Iceland’s spectacular glacial landscape.
FAQ
Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is required if you want to operate a snowmobile during the tour. Passengers without licenses, including children over 8, can join as double riders.
What gear is included?
All necessary safety equipment is provided, including helmets, overalls, masks, and gloves. This removes any need to pack bulky gear and ensures you stay warm and safe.
How long does the tour last?
Typically, it lasts about three hours. However, some reviews mention that weather and terrain conditions can extend it up to 7–9 hours, so flexibility is essential.
Is the ice cave inside the glacier well-lit?
The tour includes an hour inside the ice tunnel, which is large and impressive. Guides share insights about its formation, and it’s suitable for all ages over 8.
Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 8 and older can join as passengers on double snowmobiles. The tour is family-friendly, provided children meet the age requirements.
What’s the biggest highlight of this experience?
For many, it’s the stunning panoramic views from the snowmobile ride and walking inside an ice cave carved out of one of Iceland’s largest glaciers—truly a bucket-list-worthy combo.
To sum it up, if you’re after a thrilling, educational, and visually spectacular adventure in Iceland, the Into the Glacier Combo hits most marks. It’s perfect if you don’t mind a bit of cold, love active exploration, and want to take home stories about driving across a glacier and walking inside a giant ice cavern. Just remember to stay flexible and prepare for those weather-dependent surprises, and you’ll find this tour a highlight of your Iceland trip.