Snowmobiling in Iceland with Mountaineers of Iceland - Is It Worth It?

Our Experience Snowmobiling with Mountaineers of Iceland

We opted to go Snowmobiling with Mountaineers of Iceland, and they’ve been doing this a long time- since 1996! 

We chose their “Meet us at Gulfoss” tour, because it’s a super convenient way to go snowmobiling and combine seeing the epic GullFoss waterfall as part of a Golden Circle adventure. 

This tour starts at either 12 o'clock or 2 o'clock, and you’ll be snowmobiling on the second largest ice cap in Iceland Langjökull.

What’s really great about this tour and snowmobiling in Iceland in general, is that it’s an activity that you can do ALL year round! 

So if you’re thinking, oh it looks like such fun, but I’m visiting in summer, don’t worry, you can still go snowmobiling on an icecap in the summer months! 

After parking at Gullfoss Café, we hopped into a massive super truck that looked like it was built to handle anything.

The ride itself was an adventure—we drove through Iceland’s wild, otherworldly highlands, surrounded by endless rugged landscapes and due to the amount of snow, we actually got stuck in the snow. It was quite funny, and took our driver a good few attempts to get unstuck (I mean, it’s a challenge, look at the size of the super truck!)

But finally, we arrived and just getting to the glacier felt like something out of a movie.

When we arrived at the glacier hut, they provided all the necessary snowmobile gear—warm overalls, gloves, a helmet, everything.

Before heading out, we got a quick but thorough lesson on how to operate the snowmobiles and some safety instructions. Then, it was time to hit the snow.

Riding across the glacier was absolutely unreal.

The vast, untouched expanse of white stretched out in every direction, with the icy blue hues of the glacier peeking through in some spots. The wind, the speed, the sheer scale of the landscape—it was pure adrenaline and awe all at once.

By the time we wrapped up the ride and made our way back, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life!

You ride for about 30 minutes, then you stop, get off your snow mobiles and take photos, make snow angels, that sort of thing, and then you head back.

The stop off is also a good time to switch partners. Brad drove us out and I drove us back, and we both had such fun!

You all travel in a convoy sort of manner, but that doesn’t mean you go super slow, you go fast enough to get a thrill, BUT, if you want to consistently go fast, then they do have another tour called "Glacier Rush”, where they have one person to a snow mobile because they’re more powerful! 

But in both tours you get 1 hour of snowmobiling.

How long does it take to get to Gulfoss from Reykjavik?

It takes around 2 hours. I recommend you rent a car.

Honestly, self driving the Golden Circle route is the best way to see it, and it’s not a difficult drive. I’ve done the Golden Circle twice by car. 

Do I need a drivers licence to go snowmobiling in Iceland?

Yes, if you plan on driving the snow mobile, you’ll need a valid driving licence. Although, I will say, we weren’t asked for ours. 

What is the best month to snowmobile in Iceland?

As I previously mentioned, you can go snowmobiling year round in Iceland, but naturally some months present better conditions than others.

The best months for snowmobiling in Iceland are November to May, with the absolute peak conditions typically found between February and April.

Here's why:

• November – January: The winter months offer fresh snowfall and a true Arctic experience, but shorter daylight hours (especially in December) mean you’ll have limited time for activities.
• February – April: This is often the best time for snowmobiling because daylight hours are longer, snow conditions are excellent, and the weather is relatively stable.
• May: Spring snowmobiling is still possible on glaciers like Langjökull and Vatnajökull, but lower-altitude areas may start to lose snow.
• June – October: Some tour operators offer glacier-only snowmobiling in summer, but natural snow cover is much less reliable.

For the best experience, aim for February to April when you get a mix of perfect snow conditions, longer daylight hours, and breathtaking winter landscapes.

We did ours in April and the conditions were perfect. 

Where can you go snowmobiling in Iceland?

In Iceland, snowmobiling is mainly done on glaciers, as they provide the best and most consistent snow conditions year-round. Here are the top places where you can go snowmobiling:

1. Langjökull Glacier (Most Popular)

• Location: West Iceland, near the Golden Circle
• Why Go: This is the most accessible and popular glacier for snowmobiling, with daily tours departing from Gullfoss, Reykjavík, or nearby locations. It offers vast snowy landscapes and stunning views.
• Best Time: Year-round, but peak conditions from November to May.

2. Vatnajökull Glacier (Largest Glacier in Europe)

• Location: Southeast Iceland, near Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Why Go: It’s the biggest glacier in Iceland and offers breathtaking views of ice caps, mountains, and deep crevasses. Tours here often combine snowmobiling with glacier hikes or ice cave explorations.
• Best Time: Mainly from October to May, but some tours operate in summer on specific areas of the glacier.

3. Mýrdalsjökull Glacier (Closest to South Coast)

• Location: South Iceland, near Vík and Skógar
• Why Go: This glacier sits atop Katla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, making for a dramatic and thrilling experience. It’s a great option if you're exploring Iceland’s South Coast and want a quick snowmobiling adventure.
• Best Time: Mostly available from November to May.

4. Eyjafjallajökull Glacier (Famous for the 2010 Eruption)

• Location: South Iceland
• Why Go: This glacier is famous for the 2010 volcanic eruption that disrupted air travel worldwide. Snowmobiling here gives you a rare chance to ride over a volcano while enjoying panoramic views of the South Coast.
• Best Time: Mostly available in winter and early spring.

5. Tröllaskagi Peninsula (For Backcountry Snowmobiling)

• Location: North Iceland, near Akureyri
• Why Go: Unlike the other options, Tröllaskagi offers a backcountry snowmobiling experience with deep powder, mountains, and fjords. This is ideal for experienced riders looking for a wilder adventure.
• Best Time: December to April.

If you're short on time, Langjökull is the best and most convenient option, while Vatnajökull offers the most dramatic landscapes. For something unique, Mýrdalsjökull lets you ride over an active volcano!

So there you have it, my mini overview of snowmobiling in Iceland. If you’re thinking, is it worth it? Then yes, the answer is yes. It’s truly a unique experience, and something you’ll remember for a long time.

Have you been snowmobiling in Iceland? Or anywhere else in the world? Tell me in the comments below! 

Love, 

Cazzy 

Other Iceland posts: 

• Iceland packing list
• Diamond Circle Road Trip