A Day in the Life of a Glacier Guide on Langjökull
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is more than just sweeping lava fields, glacial rivers, and volcanic peaks. The landscapes are alive with stories and for centuries, Icelanders have explained unusual rock formations, remote valleys, and geothermal springs through folklore. When you travel through the highlands with Sleipnir, you won't only see nature, you will pass through areas where the trolls, elves, and the hidden people (Huldufólk) reside.
Trolls in the stones
An old folklore tells tales of the trolls, creatures of immense size and strength who roam the mountains after dark. The myth says that the trolls cannot survive in sunlight and if they are caught in it by dawn, they turn to stone. Many of the odd-shaped cliffs and boulders you see scattered across the highlands are said to be unlucky trolls frozen in time.
The Hidden People
The hidden people, called Huldufólk in Icelandic, are a huge part of Icelandic folklore. They are very mysterious, elf-like beings who live inside the lava rocks and rolling hills. They guard their homes fiercely and therefore the locals sometimes hesitate before moving boulders or disturbing certain landscapes, fearing the displeasure of their unseen neighbors. Travelers often hear stories of farmers who have had a series of misfortunes after ignoring these warnings. So when you are up in the highlands, where moss-covered stones stretch to the horizon, you can try and imagine where the Huldufólk could possibly be hiding out.
Read also: Fun facts about Iceland!
Hot springs & talking cows
Many geothermal springs and curious rock formations in the Highlands are wrapped in folklore about elves and spirits. Locals say some hot springs are blessed with supernatural power, if you bathe with respect you may gain good health and fortune. But mistreat the waters, and you risk a curse that could follow you for life. The elves and Huldufólk carry great respect for the hot springs, as should you.
One of the most enchanting traditions tells of Midsummer’s Eve, the summer solstice. On this night, the veil between worlds is said to grow thin. Elves step out from their rocky homes to dance by rivers and across open fields, cows are said to speak with human voices, and anyone bold enough to roll in the morning dew might gain luck that lasts forever. Wekk worth a try, isn't it?
The myths of the mountains
What makes Icelandic folklore so captivating is the way it ties the stories to the land itself. A mountain isn’t just a mountain if it’s said to hide a frozen troll, and a lava field isn’t just hardened rock with moss if it might be the home to the hidden people. As Sleipnir’s glacier trucks roll through the highlands of Iceland, every part of the drive can reveal landscapes steeped in local myth and folklore. Hearing these tales along the journey adds an extra layer of wonder as well, turning raw nature into living stories where imagination and reality meet.
Read also: What does Sleipnir mean?
Next time you journey into the Highlands, keep an eye on the stones and shadows around you, you never know who is lurking around…
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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