Iceland's Into The Glacier Tour
If you’ve been researching activities to do in Iceland, you’ve probably seen giant monster truck buses driving on the snow covered mountain. This is the Into the Glacier excursion based in Husafell, Iceland. As the operator of the world’s largest man-made ice tunnel, this company provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of Langjökull (Long Glacier), Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
The whole family inside the glacier at Into The Glacier
What Is Into the Glacier?
Fun fact: these images were taken in just about the same place before and after entering the tunnel. One minute we were climbing off the monster truck, the next minute we turned around and a snow storm had enveloped the entire sky. A snow storm in June!
Into the Glacier is one of Iceland’s most unique adventures—a guided tour through a man-made ice tunnel carved inside Langjökull Glacier, the second-largest glacier in Iceland. This surreal experience takes you beneath the ice cap to walk through centuries of compressed ice in a massive blue tunnel system.
Unlike natural ice caves (which are seasonal and weather-dependent), Into the Glacier is accessible year-round and offers a safe, stable environment for glacier exploration. To reach the man-made ice tunnel deep inside Langjökull Glacier, you’ll board a specially modified vehicle designed to handle the extreme conditions of the glacier’s surface.
Love this candid shot of London waiting for the tour to start.
The ride itself is an adventure—bouncing across the stark, white expanse of Langjökull while feeling completely dwarfed by the scale of the glacier. It’s a bit like riding in a cross between a monster truck and a moon rover. In winter, these trucks are essential, as the access roads are often buried under thick snow. In summer, they add an element of fun and scale that sets this experience apart from any other glacier tour in Iceland.
What the Tour Includes
Into the Glacier tour monster truck
Your journey begins at the base camp (usually Húsafell or Klaki base camp, depending on the season). From there, you’ll board a modified glacier truck—a massive, monster-style vehicle designed to handle Iceland’s rugged glacial terrain.
These aren’t ordinary trucks—these are massive, custom-built glacier trucks equipped with:
Enormous tires (up to 8 feet tall!) designed for traction on snow and ice
Hydraulic lifts and reinforcements to handle uneven glacial terrain
GPS and communication systems for navigating safely in remote, icy conditions
Elevated passenger cabins with windows for panoramic glacier views
We visited in June 2023 and you can already see how far the glacier is from the 2020 sign.
As you drive toward the glacier, signs marking each decade reveal just how far the ice has receded—it is both breathtaking and sobering as you see the effects of climate change unfold before your eyes.
Map of the glacier tunnel system
Once inside the glacier tunnel, you'll walk through a 500-meter-long ice cave carved deep within Langjökull, surrounded by walls of ancient ice that have been forming for hundreds of years. As you explore, you'll learn about glacial formation, climate patterns, and the slow, powerful movement of ice over time. The tunnel glows with the mesmerizing blue tones unique to deep glacier ice—a surreal experience that feels otherworldly. One of the highlights is a small ice chapel hidden within the glacier, a serene and unexpected space that's become a popular spot for proposals and even weddings.
Getting There
Taking a rest on one of the ice benches
From Reykjavik: About 2–2.5 hours by car
Closest Base Camps:
Húsafell (summer departure point with paved road access)
Klaki Base Camp (used in winter; requires driving gravel roads)
Open Year-Round: Unlike natural ice caves, Into the Glacier operates in all seasons.
Best in Summer for Easier Access: Roads are clearer, and the surrounding highlands are more scenic.
Brandon standing in front of one of the tunnels
We booked this specific tour through GetYourGuide, which required us to drive ourselves to the meeting point, however, if you’re not driving yourself, you can book combo tours that include transportation from Reykjavik like this one. You can also book directly through their website at intotheglacier.is
What to Bring
Walking into the tunnel
Warm layers, even in summer, it’s cold inside the glacier! They’ll provide you with a waterproof jacket to protect you from any water falling within the glacier, but it’s not warm or insulated.
For our children, we used one piece snowsuits that we brought with us, which was great because it kept them warm and dry without needing the Into The Glacier jacket.
Sturdy boots - crampons will be provided!
Gloves, hat, and any other cold weather accessories.
Camera or phone because you want to share these views with everyone back home!
What Makes It Different?
Into the Glacier is a surprisingly kid-friendly adventure, making it an excellent choice for families exploring Iceland. The tour is guided, well-paced, and designed with safety in mind. Inside the glacier, the tunnels are wide, well-lit, and mostly flat, making them easy to navigate even for younger children or older travelers. There’s no technical hiking required, so it’s accessible for most fitness levels. For families with very young children, there’s even the option to pull them through the tunnel on a small sled, making the experience both manageable and fun for little ones. This is also one of the only tours that allow children under 10 years old on glaciers in Iceland.
Kids especially love the thrilling ride up the glacier in the giant modified truck, the glowing blue ice walls, and the unforgettable feeling of walking deep inside a glacier. Unlike natural ice caves, this tunnel was man-made with precision, allowing for safe, year-round access. It’s a stable, spacious environment that blends adventure with education—you’re literally walking through centuries of frozen history while learning about climate change, glacial movement, and Iceland’s ever-evolving landscape.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime Icelandic experience that goes beyond the usual waterfalls and hot springs, Into the Glacier is a must. From the surreal truck ride to the shimmering ice walls, it's a chance to walk beneath a living glacier and see Iceland from the inside out.
Into the Glacier was hands-down one of our favorite tours of the entire Iceland trip. From the moment we climbed into the massive glacier truck to the surreal experience of walking through glowing blue ice tunnels deep inside Langjökull Glacier, every part of the adventure felt unforgettable. It's not every day you get to explore the inside of a glacier—and this tour makes it completely accessible. We’ve recommended it to friends and family planning a trip to Iceland, and we genuinely believe it's a must-do activity Whether you're a first-time traveler or a return visitor to Iceland, Into the Glacier offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on the country’s wild and icy interior.
Iceland was one of the trips that my husband (and our families!) talk about all the time and would love to revisit - it’s rare that Brandon and I agree on that! If you’re planning a trip to Iceland in the future, please check out my other Iceland blogs!
5-Days in Iceland (home basing in Reykjavik!)
What I Packed: Iceland in June
Silfra Snorkeling - snorkeling in between continents!
My favorite day - Day Trip Around Snæfellsnes PeninsulaA Day Trip Around Snaefellness Peninsula
Visit the diamond ice at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The Golden Circle day tour (on your own with guided audio!)
