Glacier Tours

The Glacier...

... is 1446 meters (over 4800 feet) above sea level and one of the world's best-known glaciers. Besides its singular beauty, it boasts a tremendous energy level. Many people, all around the world, claim it to be one of the earth's seven energy centers.

It has been a prominent theme of authors and inspired the composition of impressive works of literature. Worthy of mention is the novel written by Nobel-prize winning author Halldor Laxness, "Christianity Under the Glacier," which describes the special way of living here in the past. Also, the well-known story, "Journey to the Center of the Earth," by French author, Jules Verne, describes the glacier as the entry used by his characters to travel to the center of the earth.

Snowmobile and snow cats - Short description of an excursion

Snowmobiles or snow cats are used (snow cats have bench space for 24 passengers, in addition to being open, so riders can enjoy the views along the way). In many cases, both snowmobiles and snow cats are used for larger groups. The company has 12 snowmobiles plus 2 snow cats making it possible to take as many as 45 at a time on the glacier. Scheduled tours departure: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 21:00 and 23:00.

After stopping at Arnarstapi, we go to snow-line where the equipment awaits us, along with snow-suits, gloves and helmets. From here, under careful supervision of a guide, we drive up on the glacier, between snow mounds, to about 1,410 meters (over 4,600 feet) above sea level. We pause for goodly while here to take in the view.

From here there is a vast and incredible panorama: Hellissandur, Rif, the wide bay Breidafjordur, and as far as the West fjords (Latrabjarg cliffs). The mountain's rugged terrain is also impressive, as is the view south encompassing all of the gulf of Faxafloa, to Reykjavik and even beyond to Keflavik. Finally, we return down the mountain and at the end of the trip, we stop at the restaurant Arnarbaer, where refreshments are available.

These are always fascinating excursions, but it is important for travelers to realize that views from the glacier are naturally dependent upon local whether conditions at the given moment.