{"id":1885,"date":"2024-07-29T11:33:41","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T09:33:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/visit-tunnel-glace-langjokull-island\/"},"modified":"2024-07-29T13:01:33","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T11:01:33","slug":"visit-tunnel-ice-langjokull-iceland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/en\/visit-tunnel-ice-langjokull-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"Langj\u00f6kull ice tunnel (Iceland): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever visited an ice tunnel?\nWinter and summer alike, we’ve found this tour to be original and completely different from other natural ice cave tours!\nThe one we’re talking about is none other than the Langj\u00f6kull Ice Tunnel<\/strong> in Iceland, Europe’s 2nd largest glacier.\nAccess is open all year round.Here are our useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to Iceland’s “Into The Glacier” ice tunnel. <\/p>\n\n

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This opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n

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<\/span>Is a visit to the Langj\u00f6kull Glacier Tunnel worthwhile?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

Yes, the Langj\u00f6kull Glacier Tunnel is well worth a visit in our eyes.\nIf you’re visiting natural ice caves<\/a> in Iceland, the comparison with this experience will be interesting because it’s really quite different!\nThe Langj\u00f6kull glacier is the 2nd largest in Europe, after the Vatnaj\u00f6kull, also in Iceland.\nDid you know that this tunnel was dug into the glacier with human intervention over a period of 14 months?\nOne of our most emotional moments on site was undoubtedly the sight of a crevasse in the glacier right beneath our feet!\nThe moment seemed surreal.\nThe Vidgelmir lava cave is only a 20-minute drive from the tunnel, if you wish to combine this activity with the tour.\nOnce again, a unique experience! <\/p>\n\n

It’s also one of the best attractions in Iceland’s Silver Circle!<\/p>\n\n

<\/a>Book your place for the Langj\u00f6kull Ice Tunnel tour from Husafell in winter!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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<\/span>What you can see<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

The Langj\u00f6kull glacier: snow, ice and lunar landscapes<\/h3>\n\n

As we mentioned earlier, the Langj\u00f6kull glacier is the 2nd largest in Europe after the Vatnaj\u00f6kull, both located in Iceland.\nThey offer us unique options for visiting caves, but above all this famous tunnel carved out of the ice!\nThe Langj\u00f6kull glacier alone covers an impressive 950 km2.\nOn the way, we were overwhelmed by the magnificent glacial panoramas, giving us the impression of twirling between snow, ice and lunar landscapes.\nThe views of the glacier were truly breathtaking! <\/p>\n\n

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The all-terrain vehicle, an experience in itself<\/h3>\n\n

To reach the ice tunnel, you’ll climb aboard an 8-wheeled all-terrain vehicle, as we did.\nNote that in winter, you’ll need to take this shuttle from Husafell.\nIn summer, you can take mountain road 550 between Husafell and Thingvellir National Park to reach the Klaki base.\nThis “super truck” can tackle the slopes in ice and snow.\nDon’t worry, the drivers are locals who are used to driving in extremely cold conditions! <\/p>\n\n

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RENTING A CAR IN Iceland<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Discover the best offers on Discovercars<\/a>, our preferred platform!On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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See available cars >><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read all our tips<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

The entrance to the ice tunnel<\/h3>\n\n

Once we arrived at the tunnel entrance, it didn’t seem so big to us, but we still had no idea what it hid inside.\nThe mystery was still unsolved at that point! <\/p>\n\n

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We put on the ice crampons provided by the tour organizers.\nThey’ll be essential for making your way serenely through the ice tunnel, limiting your efforts and conserving your energy as you make your way across the ice. <\/p>\n\n

Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing.<\/a><\/p>\n\n

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Inside Europe’s 2nd largest glacier<\/h3>\n\n

We’re off to discover what the inside of Europe’s largest glacier is made of.\nIn our opinion, this attraction is an excellent way to see inside a glacier and marvel at the walls of ice.\nIf you compare it with a visit to a natural ice cave<\/a>, you’ll find that here the tunnels are smooth and the ice different.\nThe part of the Langj\u00f6kull glacier that can be visited through the tunnel is between 30 and 35 years old. <\/p>\n\n

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White ice with intense blue inside<\/h3>\n\n

As you enter the 1st part of the tunnel, you’ll notice that the ice is very white and so polished that it looks almost satiny!\nIt’s very different from natural ice caves in that the ice here has not been sculpted by water.\nThe melting of glaciers in summer and their crystallization in winter are not at all responsible for this man-made ice tunnel. <\/p>\n\n

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As we made our way through the various corridors and vast cavities, we observed deep shades of blue.\nBecause ice is thicker and denser in a glacier, it is compressed and absorbs all the colors of light (visible spectrum) except blue.\nAnd that’s what your eyes will pick up as color. <\/p>\n\n

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The secrets of the tunnel: the chapel<\/h3>\n\n

We also entered the tunnel to learn more about its secrets.\nDid you know that it houses a chapel carved out of the ice?\nIn fact, it’s even possible to get married 25m below the surface of the glacier!\nThis immense blue cavity, where we could stop along the way, took us by surprise. <\/p>\n\n

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A surreal moment: the glacier crevasse beneath our feet<\/h3>\n\n

Admittedly, a visit to the Langj\u00f6kull ice tunnel can’t be compared to a visit to a natural cave, but we did experience one surreal moment.\nWe saw a 40m-deep crevasse in the glacier right beneath our feet!\nIt was definitely an emotional moment that we could never have experienced in a natural ice cave! <\/p>\n\n

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1st man-made ice cave<\/h3>\n\n

Some people have crazy ideas… and sometimes they work!\nFor a long time, visitors were taken to the top of the Langj\u00f6kull glacier<\/a> to discover it.\nBut some people thought it would be intriguing to accompany them to explore the inside of a glacier!\nDid you know that this tunnel was dug into the glacier with human intervention over a period of 14 months, excavating 5500m3 of ice? In fact, it’s the 1st and largest glacier ice cave built by human intervention.\nIt may not be as beautiful as the natural ice caves you can see in winter, but it’s a great way to see inside a glacier and be impressed by the ice walls.\nAnd you can visit it all year round! <\/p>\n\n

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Unique colored lights<\/h3>\n\n

Along the way, take time to contemplate the many ice formations and their shades of color, each more beautiful than the last!\nWe found the experience magical. <\/p>\n\n

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Teaching the importance of glaciers<\/h3>\n\n

You’ll notice a number of educational panels along the way.\nThese informed us about glaciers and the impact of climate change.\nIndeed, we learned that glaciers and post-glacial ecosystems play a major role in countering global warming. <\/p>\n\n

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Several panels also explain the life cycle of glaciers in Iceland, from their formation (some 7500 years ago!) to projections in a few decades’ time of their complete disappearance.\nIn 2018, for example, climate change caused the Okj\u00f6kull, the volcanic island’s 1st glacier, to disappear. <\/p>\n\n

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WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n