Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull

What makes this outing special is the change in viewpoint. From the road, Eyjafjallajökull is a dramatic ice cap on the horizon. From a snowmobile, you reach its slopes and look across southern Iceland from above. I like the 35-minute Super Jeep climb and the chance to ride on a real glacier rather than simply view one from a roadside stop.

I also like the practical length for first-time riders, plus the warm outer layers supplied at Brú Base Camp. The main catch is that the timing is not fixed in every season. Snowmobile riding lasts about an hour, but reaching the snowline can make the whole outing take roughly two to four hours.

Key points at a glance

• The glacier ride lasts about one hour: The rest of the trip is spent reaching the snowline and returning by Super Jeep.
• The Super Jeep is part of the fun: You ride up Eyjafjallajökull’s slopes in a modified vehicle before reaching the snowmobiles.
• Views depend on the weather: On a clear day, you may see the Westman Islands, much of the South Coast, and part of Iceland’s highlands.
• One snowmobile is shared by two people: Odd-numbered bookings require a single-rider supplement for the extra person.
• Warm gear is supplied: You receive an insulated cover-all, helmet, and snowmobile balaclava.
• Bring proper footwear: Hiking boots or other waterproof outdoor shoes are required, and sandals, jeans, and high heels are not allowed.

Reaching Eyjafjallajökull from Brú Base Camp

The tour begins at Southcoast Adventure’s Brú Base Camp on Road 249, about five minutes beyond Seljalandsfoss. That location works well if you are already following the South Coast, since the waterfall is one of the area’s best-known stops.

At the base camp, your guide explains the safety rules before you change into the supplied snowmobile gear. You receive an insulated cover-all, helmet, and face mask. You still need your own warm clothes and suitable boots, so do not treat the provided suit as a complete winter wardrobe.

The starting routine is simple, but it matters. You are not left to work out the controls or clothing on your own. Guides speak English and Icelandic, and the briefing is aimed at people who may never have driven a snowmobile before.

You must bring a driver’s license and an ID card, with a copy accepted for the ID requirement. The information provided does not state a separate driving age, so check the conditions at booking if you are planning to drive rather than ride as a passenger.

The 35-minute Super Jeep climb

Once everyone is dressed, you board a modified Super Jeep and head toward Eyjafjallajökull. This drive takes about 35 minutes each way, though the exact timing can change with conditions and the position of the snowline.

I consider this more than simple transport. The vehicle carries you from the low country toward the glacier, giving the outing a sense of progress before you ever touch the throttle. You also avoid spending the entire tour on a snowmobile, which helps keep the three-hour format manageable for first-time riders.

The ride can be especially useful for anyone who wants glacier scenery without committing to a full-day mountain trip. You get a short, focused introduction to the high country, then return to the base in the same vehicle after the snowmobile section.

The trade-off is that the ride time depends on snow conditions. In winter, snow is generally easier to reach, and the complete outing may take around two hours. In summer, the vehicle may need to go higher before reaching usable snow, and the tour can stretch to four hours. The advertised duration is three hours, so keep your wider South Coast schedule flexible.

One hour on the snowmobile

At the glacier base, you transfer to the snowmobiles. One snowmobile is provided for every two people, so you normally share a sled with your companion. The price is charged per person, not per snowmobile.

This point deserves attention when you book. If your party has an odd number, the third person is automatically assigned a single ride and needs the single supplement. You do not share a snowmobile with someone you do not know, and each sled can carry no more than two people.

The snowmobile portion lasts about one hour. That is enough time to get a feel for the machine, travel across the snow, and stop at viewpoints without turning the outing into an exhausting all-day ride.

For a first-time rider, the shorter format is sensible. You have time to enjoy the movement and scenery, but you are not committed to many hours of cold, wind, and engine noise. If you already ride snowmobiles often, you may find the driving portion brief. This tour is built more around access and views than a long technical ride.

Your guide leads the group and keeps everyone together. One account describes a small group of three riders and a guide, with the guide adjusting the pace so the family could stay together. That kind of attention matters more than speed on a glacier. The purpose is to enjoy the setting safely, not to race across it.

The view from the glacier

The reward for climbing Eyjafjallajökull is the outlook. In clear conditions, you may see the Westman Islands, the South Coast as far as Ingólfsfjall, and a substantial section of the highlands.

That view is highly weather-dependent. Iceland can give you bright skies, low cloud, wind, or changing visibility in the same outing. You should book this for the combination of snowmobile riding and mountain access, not for a guaranteed postcard view.

The viewpoints are also a good reason to bring a phone or camera, provided you can keep it secure and operate it with gloved hands. Guides may stop for photographs, but the amount of time available depends on weather, snow conditions, and the group.

I like that the stops are not treated as an afterthought. The glacier ride gives you the thrill of moving through the snow, while the pauses let you understand where you are. Looking down toward the South Coast helps connect this trip with the waterfalls, beaches, and villages you may have visited at lower elevation.

What the provided gear does and does not cover

Southcoast Adventure supplies a warm cover-all, helmet, and snowmobile balaclava. These are valuable pieces of equipment because snowmobile clothing needs to block wind as well as cold.

You still need to dress properly underneath. Bring comfortable clothes, a long-sleeved shirt, and weather-appropriate layers. Wear hiking boots or waterproof outdoor shoes with good support. The instructions specifically rule out sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and high heels.

Jeans are also not allowed. That may seem strict, but denim is a poor choice for a cold outdoor activity because it does not handle moisture well and can become uncomfortable quickly. Backpacks are not allowed either, so keep your personal items to what you can safely carry without one.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. The age limit for passengers is six years old. The supplied information does not give a minimum age for driving, so ask the operator directly if a child or young teenager hopes to take the controls.

How the guides shape the outing

The guide is important here because the trip combines a Super Jeep climb, changing snow conditions, glacier travel, and snowmobile handling. You need clear instructions and a guide who watches the pace.

Guide Iggy is specifically named by one participant as a highlight. Another account describes a guide answering questions during the drive to the snow cap, stopping at scenic viewpoints, and making sure the group remained together. You can reasonably expect a friendly, hands-on style rather than a rushed transfer from base camp to sled.

Small groups can make a difference, though the exact group size is not guaranteed in the information provided. If the group is small, the guide may have more room to adjust speed and pause for photographs. If conditions change, the guide also decides how to handle the route and snowline.

The activity is offered in English and Icelandic. If you have never operated a snowmobile, pay close attention during the briefing and ask questions before setting out. The one-hour ride is short enough that you should not need a long learning period, but the glacier is not the place to guess at the controls.

Is $250 a fair price?

At $250 per person, this is not a casual add-on like a short viewpoint stop. You are paying for a guided glacier outing, a Super Jeep transfer up the mountain, snowmobile use, safety equipment, and the experience of reaching terrain that is not available from the main road.

The value is strongest if you want several elements in one trip. You get a scenic mountain drive, outdoor gear, about an hour of snowmobiling, and the possibility of far-reaching views. You also return to the original meeting point, which keeps the plan simple if you are touring the South Coast by car.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is a long snowmobile ride. About one hour on the sled is the central riding time, and the remainder goes to transport, preparation, and stops. Riders with substantial snowmobile experience may want a longer or more technical outing.

Sharing one snowmobile between two people also affects the value. Couples or friends who are happy to alternate driving can make good use of the arrangement. If everyone in your party wants a private sled, calculate the single-rider supplements before booking.

Planning around the season and schedule

The three-hour estimate is useful for planning, but it is not a hard promise. In winter, the snowline may be lower and the full outing may take closer to two hours. In summer, the Super Jeep can need more time to reach snow, bringing the trip closer to four hours.

That variation matters if you are also planning Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, or a long drive toward Reykjavík. Do not place a strict restaurant reservation immediately after the tour. Check the available starting times and leave room for seasonal changes.

The tour ends back at Brú Base Camp. This makes it easy to continue along Road 249 or return toward the main South Coast route. Since the activity begins near Seljalandsfoss, you can pair it with waterfall sightseeing, but allow enough time for the outing to run longer than the advertised three hours.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful when Iceland’s weather makes firm planning difficult.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a first-time snowmobile rider who wants a memorable mountain outing without spending a full day on a sled. The one-hour ride gives you a taste of glacier travel, while the Super Jeep adds another form of adventure.

It also suits couples and small groups who are comfortable sharing a snowmobile. Families can consider it too, since passengers may be as young as six, but check the driving rules for children before making assumptions about who can operate a sled.

This is less suited to anyone looking for guaranteed clear views, a long ride, or a completely fixed schedule. Weather and snow conditions control the route and timing. You should also skip it if you do not have suitable waterproof footwear or if your party cannot manage the shared-snowmobile arrangement.

Should you book Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull?

I would book this if you want to experience the South Coast from high above the road and like the idea of combining a Super Jeep ride with a compact glacier adventure. The broad views, supplied outer gear, and friendly guide service make it a strong choice for first-time riders.

Before paying, check the snowmobile arrangement for your group, allow two to four hours in your schedule, and bring proper hiking boots rather than ordinary sneakers. If you want a long day of driving a snowmobile, this will feel short. If you want an efficient, scenic introduction to glacier riding, the $250 price can make good sense.

FAQ

Where does the snowmobiling tour begin?

It begins at Southcoast Adventure’s Brú Base Camp on Road 249, Hvolsvöllur, about five minutes down the road from Seljalandsfoss.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at Southcoast Adventure’s Brú Base Camp, the same place where you meet the operator.

How long does the activity last?

The listed duration is three hours, but the total time changes with the season and snowline. It may take about two hours in winter or up to four hours in summer.

How long do I spend snowmobiling?

The snowmobile ride itself lasts about one hour. The remaining time covers preparation, the Super Jeep drive, viewpoints, and the return journey.

How many people share one snowmobile?

One snowmobile is provided for every two people. The operator does not place you on a sled with strangers.

What happens if my booking has an odd number of people?

The third person in an odd-numbered group is assigned a single ride and must pay the single supplement.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a guided service, one snowmobile per two people, an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a snowmobile balaclava face mask.

What should I bring?

Bring a driver’s license, ID card or an accepted copy, hiking boots or waterproof shoes, comfortable clothes, a long-sleeved shirt, and clothing suited to the weather.

Can children join the tour?

Passengers must be at least six years old. The provided information does not state the minimum age for driving a snowmobile, so check with the operator if a child plans to drive.