A Day in the Life of a Glacier Guide on Langjökull
Easter in Iceland: Chocolate Eggs, Traditions & Spring Adventures
Chocolate Eggs in Iceland
Easter in Iceland is unlike anywhere else in the world. While many countries celebrate with egg hunts and spring flowers, Iceland combines old traditions, mountains of chocolate, cozy family gatherings, and breathtaking nature that still feels like winter.
For travelers, Easter is also one of the most underrated times to visit Iceland. The days are getting longer, the landscapes are dramatic with snow-covered mountains, and the country slows down for one of the most important holidays of the year. It’s also the perfect time to experience Iceland’s wild landscapes — from glacier adventures to quiet countryside escapes.
Here’s what makes Easter in Iceland so unique and why it’s a wonderful time to visit.
The Famous Icelandic Chocolate Eggs (Páskaegg)
One of the most beloved Easter traditions in Iceland is the
Páskaegg, giant chocolate eggs filled with candy. These eggs appear everywhere in the weeks leading up to Easter. Supermarkets, bakeries, and shops across the country fill their shelves with colorful chocolate eggs in all sizes; from small treats to enormous eggs that could easily feed an entire family.
Inside each egg is not just candy but also a small paper with a traditional Icelandic proverb (called a málsháttur). These sayings range from wise life lessons to playful phrases and are part of what makes the tradition so special. On Easter morning, families break open their eggs and read the proverb inside, often laughing or discussing what it might mean.
For visitors, buying a Páskaegg is one of the easiest and most fun ways to take part in an Icelandic culture.
Escaping to Summerhouses
One of the most popular ways Icelanders celebrate Easter is by traveling to a summerhouse (sumarbústaður)
in the countryside. These cozy cabins are often surrounded by lava fields, mountains, or forests and usually include hot tubs, fireplaces, and large windows with incredible views.
Families spend the holiday cooking meals together, playing games, going for walks, and relaxing in hot tubs under the evening sky. Even though spring has arrived, Iceland often still has snow in many areas, making the landscapes especially beautiful.
For visitors, renting a countryside cabin during Easter can be an unforgettable way to experience Icelandic life.
Easter Food in Iceland
Like many holidays, Easter in Iceland also revolves around food. The traditional Easter meal often includes
roast lamb, served with potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Lamb has long been a staple in Icelandic cuisine, and many families gather for a large Sunday dinner.
Desserts are equally important. Especially all the chocolate from the famous Easter eggs. Many bakeries also create special Easter pastries and cakes during the holiday season.
Why Easter Is a Great Time to Visit Iceland
For travelers, Easter sits right between winter and summer, creating a unique and beautiful time to explore the country.
Here’s why many visitors love Iceland in early spring:
Longer daylight hours
By Easter, Iceland is quickly gaining daylight after the dark winter months. Days become longer, making sightseeing easier.
Dramatic landscapes
Snow still covers mountains and glaciers, while signs of spring begin appearing in the valleys.
Fewer crowds
Compared to the busy summer season, Easter can feel much calmer at many popular attractions.
Perfect conditions for glacier adventures
Spring is still an excellent time to explore Iceland’s glaciers. One of the most memorable ways to do this is by visiting
Langjökull glacier with Sleipnir Tours. Their custom-built glacier trucks take visitors high onto the glacier itself, offering an unforgettable experience surrounded by endless snowfields and views across Iceland’s highlands. It’s a comfortable and accessible adventure that suits travelers of many ages and fitness levels.
During Easter, when the landscapes are still covered in snow and the days are getting brighter, a glacier tour becomes even more magical.
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A Day in the Life of a Glacier Guide on Langjökull
The Best Office in Iceland
After nine years of guiding, life on Langjökull still hasn’t become routine—and that’s exactly the point. At Sleipnir Tours, that feeling is part of the experience. Meet Karen, calm, a little nerdy, and a bit goofy—someone who grew up watching her father work as a fishing guide and quickly knew she’d follow a similar path. Today, that path leads her on top of one of Iceland’s largest glaciers, where every day looks and feels different depending on the weather, the light and the people stepping on board the Sleipnir truck. But before anything begins, there’s one simple rule: Coffee first. Always. Because up here, preparation and safety go hand in hand—and making sure every guest feels secure is just as important as the views.
Closer Than You Think
One of the most rewarding parts of guiding with Sleipnir Tours is breaking down the idea that glaciers are out of reach. Many guests arrive expecting to admire Langjökull from afar, but instead find themselves riding comfortably across the ice in one of Sleipnir’s custom-built monster trucks—getting closer than they ever imagined. In that moment, when it really sinks in, it is an experience that never gets old. For many, it’s a bucket list experience brought to life. Spending so much time on the glacier has also changed Karen’s perspective. She’s more aware of her influence and more conscious of the environment around her. “Even the small things matter. It’s better to do something than nothing,” she says. Over time, Langjökull has started to feel like a personality of its own. Steady and reliable, but sometimes a little unpredictable, like someone you respect and don’t take lightly.
The Moments That Make It Worth It
Even after nearly a decade, the “wow” moments are still there in a variety of forms. Karen still remembers her first shift with Sleipnir Tours, realizing how lucky she was to call this her job. Now, it’s often the guests who make the day unforgettable, their reactions, laughter and last but not least the quiet moments taking it all in. Some moments stand out more than others, like helping a guest propose on the glacier, turning an already surreal setting into something deeply personal and unforgettable. Winter remains her favorite season, when ice caves open and the glacier feels even more alive. With Sleipnir’s access and comfort, guests can experience it all without needing technical skills. All they need to bring is their curiosity and sense of adventure.
Fallegur dagur
At the end of every tour, there’s a moment Karen looks forward to the most: Watching guests step off the Sleipnir truck smiling, often a little quieter than before, taking in what they’ve just experienced. That’s when she knows the experience landed. Off the glacier, life slows down—she enjoys road trips, reading, cooking, and even the occasional board game—but those moments up on the glacier stay with her.
There’s a phrase she often comes back to—Fallegur dagur, from a song by Bubbi Morthens. It means “a beautiful day.”, And with Sleipnir Tours on Langjökull, that is a phrase that doesn't depend on sunshine or perfect weather. Because when you’re out there, experiencing everything the glacier has to offer, it becomes just that: A beautiful day.
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