Experience the magic of Iceland’s midnight sun of top of Langjökull Glacier
Engineering for Iceland’s Extreme Environments
Sleipnir Tours' Tatra truck stands as a monumental example of engineering and adaptation to Iceland's extreme environments. This vehicle, specifically tailored for glacier tours, combines robust design with advanced technology, making it an essential asset for navigating the challenging terrains of Langjökull glacier, the second-largest glacier in Europe.
Why Tatra?
Chosen for its exceptional engineering, the Tatra truck features independent suspension on each tyre, a smooth ride, and a durable chassis capable of carrying significant weight without additional modifications. The choice was further solidified by Tatra’s historical reliability and the integration of Euro 6 DAF technology, ensuring a blend of tradition and modern efficiency.
Book your trip on Langjökull Glacier onboard the biggest monster truck in the world
Design and Construction
The Tatra was custom-built with a specific chassis from Tatra, designed to accommodate large, 65-inch tires on 30.5-inch rims with a double beet lock system. This setup allows the truck to operate in rough terrain with air pressures as low as 4 psi. Sleipnir Tours constructed the passenger cabin in Hafnafjörður, Iceland, focusing on strength (using Steel 52) and excellent insulation, essential for the cold Icelandic climate.
Engine and Modifications
The truck is equipped with a powerful 530 HP DAF engine and an Allison 4700 automatic transmission, which includes a torque converter and retarder to enhance both power and control. Although the truck is modified, its 26-ton weight provides enough stability and traction that no additional steering or wheel adjustments are needed.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
The Tatra truck is equipped with a unique Pacto dry toilet system from Danfo, which uses a biodegradable flushing foil made of corn starch instead of plastic, reflecting Sleipnir Tours' commitment to sustainability. This system encapsulates waste without the need for water or electricity, making it ideal for the environmentally sensitive areas where the truck operates.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 12 meters (39 ft)
- Width: 3.3 meters (10.8 ft)
- Height: 4 meters (13 ft)
- Max Speed: 85 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 40-60 liters per hour, depending on offroad conditions
- Capacity: 47 passengers seats, plus a driver and guide
- Special Features:
WiFi, low-range transfer case, steering on the last axle, and an ecological toilet, Skyline windows.
Usage and Capabilities
The Tatra truck is primarily used for tours to Langjökull glacier starting from Gullfoss Cafe. Taking visitor's all year round to the glacier, with a summer and a winter program, see more about that here.
The large tires are specially designed to cross crevasses up to 2 meters wide! However, during our standard tours, we only visit areas of the glacier where there are no crevasses at all, making it a very safe experience.
The Sleipnir Legacy
Named after the mythical horse Sleipnir, Sleipnir 1 and Sleipnir 2 represent the company’s quest to build the ultimate glacier tour vehicles. Sleipnir 1, completed in 2017, marked the first major milestone with its massive 75-inch tires and a powerful 630-horsepower engine, specially designed for challenging glacier conditions.
Sleipnir 2, "our" Tatra, was completed in 2020. With its exceptional performance, it has exceeded the expectations of Sleipnir Tours and set a new standard for glacier exploration.
Experience the magic of Iceland’s midnight sun of top of Langjökull Glacier
Imagine standing on top of Langjökull Glacier late in the evening while the midnight sun paints the sky in soft gold, pink, and blue tones that never fully fade into darkness. Snow stretches endlessly around you, the air feels impossibly fresh and beneath you sits one of the biggest glacier trucks in the world, ready to take you deep into Iceland’s Highlands.
This isn’t just another sightseeing stop. This is the kind of Icelandic adventure people remember for the rest of their lives.
The Most Magical Night of the Icelandic Summer
On June 21st, Iceland celebrates the longest day of the year. The sun stays above the horizon for over 21 hours, and even during “nighttime,” the sky never truly gets dark. Instead, Iceland glows in soft twilight through the entire night, creating one of the most magical natural spectacles you can experience in the country.
And honestly? There are few better places to witness it than on top of Langjökull Glacier.
Why Sleipnir Tours Is Different?
Sleipnir Tours has become one of Iceland’s most iconic glacier experiences for a reason.
The family-run company built the famous red Sleipnir Monster Trucks specifically for Icelandic glacier conditions, creating an experience that combines adventure, comfort, storytelling and incredible scenery all in one.
The trucks themselves are part of the adventure. Massive tires glide smoothly across snow and ice while huge panoramic windows give guests unbeatable views throughout the journey. Despite their enormous size, the ride feels surprisingly comfortable. Making the glacier accessible for families, couples, solo travelers and anyone wanting adventure without difficult hiking.
The Journey Begins at Gullfoss
The tour starts at Gullfoss waterfall before heading deeper into Iceland’s rugged Highlands.
As the trucks begin climbing higher, the scenery changes quickly. Roads become rougher, snowfields start appearing, and before long, the giant Sleipnir tires roll directly onto the ice cap of Europe’s second-largest glacier. And that’s when the real adventure begins.
Driving across Langjökull under the midnight sun feels almost surreal. The glacier reflects the evening light in every direction while the Highlands stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
Stories, Legends & Glacier Life
One of the things guests love most about Sleipnir Tours is the atmosphere created by the guides. This isn’t just about reaching a viewpoint and taking photos.
Throughout the journey, local guides share stories about Icelandic glaciers, hidden places in the Highlands, life near Langjökull and even Nordic mythology connected to the landscapes surrounding you.It turns the glacier from “beautiful scenery” into something alive with history, stories, and Icelandic culture.
Hot Chocolate on a Glacier at Midnight
One of the highlights of the tour is stopping in the middle of the glacier for Sleipnir’s famous glacier pop-up café.Guests can warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea while enjoying traditional Icelandic kleinur surrounded by snow-covered landscapes and endless evening light.
And somehow, hot chocolate tastes even better when you’re standing on top of a glacier close to midnight.
A Bucket List Iceland Experience
Some experiences in Iceland stay with you forever. Seeing waterfalls powerful enough to shake the ground. Driving through the Highlands. Watching the midnight sun glow across a glacier at midnight.
Sleipnir Tours brings all of those moments together into one unforgettable evening adventure on Langjökull.
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