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Golden Circle & Snowmobile Tour

About 10 hoursGroup: Small group, by super jeepEasySuper jeep or monster truck and minibus from ReykjavíkAge 8+All year
5.0(1 review)

This Golden Circle and snowmobile tour combines the three classic Golden Circle stops with an hour riding a snowmobile across Langjökull glacier, so you get the sightseeing and the adventure in one day.

Þingvellir National ParkGeysir geothermal areaGullfoss waterfallLangjökull glacier snowmobiling
  • All three Golden Circle classics: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
  • An hour on a snowmobile on Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier
  • A lunch stop at Skjól Bistro before heading onto the glacier
  • Snowmobile safety gear included
  • Runs all year, with pick-up in Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkPick-up from your accommodation in Reykjavík at 8:30 (can take up to 30 minutes).
2Path through the Almannagjá gorge at ÞingvellirÞingvellir National ParkWhere the tectonic plates meet and the Vikings held their parliament.
Path through the Almannagjá gorge at ÞingvellirÞingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, first met in 930, and it lies in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates are pulling apart. Chieftains gathered here every summer, laws were recited from the Lögberg (Law Rock), and the plain below still shows where the assembly booths stood. The lake beside it, Þingvallavatn, is the largest natural lake in Iceland. The park is free to enter and open all year. You walk through the Almannagjá rift on the edge of the North American plate.

Time here · about 45–60 minutesWalking · easy, flat pathsFacilities · visitor centre and toilets
Read our Þingvellir National Park guide →
3Geysir geothermal areaGeysir geothermal areaWatch Strokkur erupt every few minutes.
Geysir geothermal areaGeysir geothermal areaStrokkur geyser erupting at sunrise

Geysir gave every geyser in the world its name. The original Great Geysir now erupts only rarely, sometimes after earthquakes, so the show is Strokkur, a short walk away. It throws boiling water 15 to 20 metres into the air every 5 to 10 minutes, and sometimes a good deal higher, so you will see several eruptions while you are here. Keep to the paths between the pools and stay behind the ropes, as the water is very hot.

Time here · about 30–45 minutesFacilities · visitor centre, café, restaurant and toilets
Read our Geysir guide →
4Gullfoss waterfallGullfoss waterfallThe great two-step waterfall in its canyon.
Gullfoss waterfallGullfoss waterfallGullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss, the Golden Falls, drops about 32 metres in two steps into a narrow canyon roughly 70 metres deep and 2.5 kilometres long. The water comes from the Hvítá river, which is fed by the glacier Langjökull. Glacial water often turns golden-brown in sunlight, and rainbows hang in the spray on bright days. A path with stairs leads down to a lower level, closer to the water.

Facilities · café, shop and toiletsLunch · time to buy lunch at Skjól Bistro before the glacier
Read our Gullfoss guide →
5Rider on a snowmobile on the glacierLangjökull glacier snowmobilingAbout an hour riding a snowmobile across the ice.
Rider on a snowmobile on the glacierGroup of riders in orange suitsTwo snowmobiles below snowy mountains

The route climbs onto Iceland's second-largest ice cap, after a safety briefing and gear fitting. You ride for about an hour, two people to a snowmobile, and you need a valid driver's licence if you want to drive. This is the most physical part of the day.

Time here · about 1 hour on the snowmobile, plus briefingRequirement · valid driver's licence to drive
Read our Langjökull guide →
6Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off in central Reykjavík.

About the Golden Circle snowmobile tour

This is a full day out that adds glacier snowmobiling to the standard Golden Circle route. You start at Þingvellir, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, then move on to the Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt.

After Gullfoss waterfall and a lunch stop at Skjól Bistro, the tour heads up onto Langjökull glacier for about an hour on a snowmobile, riding across the ice behind your guide. Snowmobiles are shared two to a machine; a solo snowmobile costs an extra 10,000 ISK per person.

Because it covers a lot of ground and includes the glacier detour, this is a long day, about 10 hours door to door. It runs all year, but the glacier road and snow conditions can shift the exact route and timing, especially in shoulder seasons.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
Solo snowmobile upgrade
Solo snowmobile upgrade

Included

  • Guide
  • Transport by coach or super jeep
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík
  • Snowmobile ride with gear (helmet, overalls, gloves)
  • Entry to Golden Circle stops

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Solo snowmobile upgrade

What to bring

  • Warm, waterproof clothing
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Snacks and water

Good to know

  • Runs all year, though the snowmobile route depends on glacier and snow conditions
  • Minimum age 8
  • Easy pace overall, with the snowmobile section being the most physical part
  • A valid driver's licence is needed to drive the snowmobile; tours are priced for two sharing, and a solo snowmobile is an extra 10,000 ISK per person
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, on most bookings

Questions people ask

How long is the day?

About 10 hours from pick-up to drop-off in Reykjavík, since it covers the full Golden Circle plus time on the glacier.

Do I need snowmobile experience?

No, you get a briefing and gear before setting out, though you do need a valid driver's licence to drive.

Does it run in summer?

Yes, this tour runs all year, though the exact glacier route can vary with the season.

Is lunch included?

No, but there is a stop at Skjól Bistro where you can buy lunch.

Can children join?

Yes, from age 8, though the day is long and includes a physical snowmobile section.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 1 review
5 stars1
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1 star0
Highlight of my Iceland trip

I recently went on the Golden Circle Snowmobiling tour with Iceland Travel Guide and it was an incredible experience. The tour takes you to some of Iceland's most famous landmarks, such as the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall, but the highlight for me was definitely snowmobiling on the Langjökull glacier.
The tour guides were very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information about the history and geology of the area. They were also very friendly and accommodating care of us throughout the tour. The snowmobiles were in great condition and easy to drive. It was a great way to explore the glacier and see the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Overall, I highly recommend the Golden Circle Snowmobiling tour for anyone looking for a unique and adventurous way to experience Iceland's natural beauty. The tour was well-organized and the guides were great. It's a must-do tour for anyone visiting Iceland.

Michael J. · January 2023
From51,990 ISKPer person

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