There aren't many days when you can rumble across the rugged Icelandic wilderness before riding a snowmobile across a glacier. From Reykjavík, you'll travel out towards Langjökull, where mountains, snowfields and ice take over the view. “What I love about crossing Langjökull by snowmobile is the sense of scale. Out here, surrounded by nothing but snow, ice and sky, you get a real feeling for just how wild Iceland still is.” says Einar, our local guide.
Your adventure begins as you're picked up from Reykjavík in a 4x4 that's been specially adapted to tackle the landscape – think Icelandic mini monster truck and you won't be far off. With enormous tyres crunching over the ice, the journey out to the base of the glacier is all part of the experience.
Arrive at the glacier hut for a quick safety briefing, then swap four wheels for the skis of a snowmobile. Warm overalls, gloves, a balaclava and helmet are all included to keep you wrapped up along the way. Yet you'll still feel the cold air flash past as you ride across Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, with the open Highlands stretching out around you. The ride is at a comfortable pace for everyone to enjoy and lasts about an hour. And although the thrill of the snowmobile is what attracts most people, Einar points out, “It's the moment when we stop along the way, turn off the engine and pause to appreciate the calm and quiet of the glacier that I like best.” It's a great chance to snap some pics before heading back to base.
