Snowmobiling Experience on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

If you’re heading to South Iceland and want to switch up your sightseeing routine, a snowmobiling trip on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier offers a truly immersive and exhilarating experience. This tour, priced at about $260 per person and lasting roughly three hours, transports you to the icy crown covering the volcano Katla. You’ll zip across the glacier’s surface, enjoy spectacular views over South Iceland, and learn plenty from expert guides—specifically, a guide named Oskar seems to earn high praise for friendliness and professionalism.

What we like most is how this tour balances adventure and education—your guides don’t just drive you around, they offer fascinating insights into the glacier, the volcano, and the landscape. Plus, with group sizes capped at 15, you won’t be stuck in a crowd, making for a more personal and relaxed experience. The only thing to keep in mind is that this experience requires warm clothing and a valid driver’s license for snowmobile operation, so pack accordingly.

A potential drawback for some might be the cost relative to time on the snowmobile—some reviews mention that only about 45 minutes on the snowmobiles is the core experience, with the rest spent on transportation and gearing up. However, many find the high-quality gear and breathtaking scenery make it well worth the price. This trip suits adventurous travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those wanting a unique perspective of Iceland’s icy wilderness.

Key Points

• Unique glacier snowmobiling in South Iceland offers a rare thrill
• Expert guides enhance the experience with educational insights
• Stunning views and excellent photo opportunities abound
• Group size limit of 15 ensures a less crowded, more intimate experience
• Gear included keeps you warm and safe in cold conditions
• Weather-dependent; cancellations are possible for safety reasons

An In-Depth Look at the Mýrdalsjökull Snowmobiling Tour

This tour begins at the Icelandic Mountain Guides base camp in Vík, where you’ll be greeted and fitted with insulated coveralls, a helmet, and a face mask—gear that reviewers say makes a huge difference in staying warm and comfortable, even in Iceland’s chill. The initial part of the experience involves a round-trip glacier truck ride—about an hour each way—that takes you from the base to the glacier’s edge. This transportation method is key, as it allows for a scenic approach through the rugged Icelandic landscape, setting the tone for what’s ahead.

Once at the glacier, your professional snowmobile guide—possibly a friendly expert like Oskar—will show you how to operate the snowmobile. We found that the guides are very knowledgeable and eager to share their understanding of the glacier’s geology, volcanic activity, and environment. They’ll demonstrate how to maneuver the snowmobile, ensuring even first-timers feel confident before heading out. Many reviews highlight how helpful and friendly these guides are, making even nervous travelers feel at ease.

The actual snowmobiling lasts around one hour, during which you’ll traverse the ice cap, stopping at spectacular spots for photos and quick educational talks. Some travelers, like those quoted, found that riding the snowmobile was the highlight, especially with opportunities to drop back and test the vehicle or test your speed—if the group allows. The views from the top are said to be breathtaking, with expansive white ice, volcanic ash, and rugged peaks creating a surreal landscape.

Because this tour is capped at 15 participants, you’re unlikely to feel overwhelmed by crowds. This smaller group size allows guides to give more personalized attention, answer questions, and facilitate a flexible pace—a big plus for those who want a more intimate experience. Several reviews mention how friendly and helpful the guides are, with some even going out of their way to ensure everyone gets the best shots and safe riding conditions.

Gear and Safety

Included in the package are insulated coveralls, helmets, and face masks, all designed to safeguard from the wind and cold. Reviewers note that these provided outfits are top-notch, making the experience much more comfortable even in Iceland’s icy environment. Still, travelers are advised to wear warm layers underneath and prepare for potentially cold, windy weather.

Transportation and Duration

The tour’s round-trip transportation is a big part of the experience—your glacier ride is about an hour each way. Many reviewers comment that the gearing up and transportation take a significant amount of time, meaning you’re not spending the entire trip on the snowmobile. Some critics feel that this makes the per-minute cost quite high; for example, some mention about 45 minutes of actual riding versus the total time.

Cost and Value

While $260 may seem steep at first glance, many travelers report that the quality of the gear, the professional guides, and the extraordinary scenery justify the cost. Those who have done similar tours elsewhere often say this one is particularly well-organized and safe, which is crucial when dealing with snowmobiles on a glacier. For some, the experience’s exclusivity and educational element elevate it beyond just a thrill ride.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Because Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, this tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled, with a full refund or alternative offered. Several reviews mention that cancellations happen due to warm weather or melting ice, but the company’s responsive communication—notifying travelers in advance and offering alternative activities—keeps customers satisfied even when plans change.

What to Expect at Each Stage

• Check-in and Gear Up: Expect a thorough fitting process with insulated clothing, helmets, and masks. Reviews praise how well these are provided.
• Transport to the Glacier: A scenic, roughly one-hour ride in a glacier truck sets the mood, giving a taste of the rugged landscape.
• Snowmobile Riding: One hour of actual driving, with stops for photos, education, and just enjoying the vast icy landscape.
• Return Trip: The journey back in the glacier truck, often accompanied by more photo opportunities and discussions about the glacier or volcano.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re an adventure seeker or photography enthusiast, this tour offers ample opportunities to capture stunning images of Iceland’s icy wilderness. The small group size and professional guides make it ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience and to learn more about the landscape. You need to have a driver’s license to operate the snowmobile, so it’s perfect for those confident behind the wheel and craving a thrilling ride.

However, if your main concern is value for time versus cost, be aware that the actual snowmobiling may be less than an hour, and the transportation and gear-up time take up a significant portion of the experience. For travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a more relaxed, less physically demanding activity, this might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to operate the snowmobile—this is a safety and legal requirement.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old, mainly because of the safety and physical demands of snowmobiling.

What clothes should I wear?
It’s best to wear warm, layered clothing, including thermal layers, as the gear provided is insulated but you’ll want extra warmth for the cold environment.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather conditions might lead to cancellations for safety reasons, but you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

How long is the actual snowmobiling time?
Most reviews indicate about 45 minutes of riding, with the rest of the time spent on transportation, gear-up, and stops.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, snowmobile rental, gear (coveralls, helmets, masks), and guides.

Can I ride alone or with a partner?
You can have a single rider if you book a single ride, payable on location. Otherwise, snowmobiles can typically accommodate two persons.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, children 8 and under are generally not recommended due to safety concerns.

What should I expect from the guides?
Guides like Oskar are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, making the tour safer and more educational.

Final Thoughts

This snowmobiling tour on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier offers a unique way to experience Iceland’s icy wilderness. While the cost might seem high given the time on the snowmobile, the stunning views, professional guides, and quality gear ensure you get a memorable adventure. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers, photography buffs, and small groups looking for an authentic, hands-on experience in one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush combined with education and incredible photo ops, this tour is a solid choice. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for a chilly but rewarding day on the ice.

This snowmobiling experience strikes a good balance of adventure and learning, with enough flexibility and safety measures to make it worthwhile. Whether you’re celebrating a special trip or just looking to do something truly different, it’s a memorable way to see South Iceland’s glaciers—up close and personal.