A Day in the Life of a Glacier Guide on Langjökull
There’s a quiet art to packing for a day in the Icelandic Highlands. Most locals don’t overthink it—we’ve just learned the hard way. We’ve been caught in sideways rain in July, sunburned in September, and snowed on in August. So if you’re planning to hop in a monster truck and head toward Langjökull or the wild interior, here’s a peek into what Icelanders actually bring along—and what tourists usually wish they had.
Layers. Always layers.
Forget about dressing for a season. In the Highlands, you dress for every season. Most of us throw on a decent base layer (no cotton), a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof shell. We’re not trying to look cute—we’re trying not to freeze while looking at a glacier and sweat while walking 100 meters uphill. Bonus points for having a puffy jacket in your bag. Windproof gear? Essential.
Most tourists nail the outer layers… but forget the basics. Bring extra socks. You’ll thank us later.
A hat, gloves, and a buff — even in summer
There’s something about Highland wind that goes straight to your bones. Doesn’t matter if it’s 14°C in Reykjavík. Up here, the wind doesn’t care. A lightweight hat and gloves take up almost no space, and a buff or neck gaiter is great for blocking cold air—or covering your face during a wind gust that brings a mouthful of sand with it.
And yeah, we wear them year-round. That’s just how it is.
Read also: What to wear in Iceland?
Food that doesn’t need cutlery
This might be the most Icelandic advice of all: pack a sandwich, an energy bar, and some chocolate. Maybe a dried fish snack if you’re feeling bold. We’ve seen tourists bring pasta salad in Tupperware and try to eat it with a fork while standing in a snowdrift. Don’t be that person. You’ll want food that’s easy to eat, doesn’t freeze instantly, and ideally doesn’t require a table.
Oh, and always bring more snacks than you think you’ll need. The Highlands have a way of extending your day without warning.
A full water bottle (or thermos with coffee)
You won’t find convenience stores or vending machines out there. Icelanders almost always bring a refillable water bottle or, better yet, a thermos full of coffee. A warm drink hits different when you’re halfway through a glacier tour and the wind’s picking up.
Want to go full local? Add a bit of hot cocoa powder into your coffee. We call it kaffisúkkulaði and it tastes like heaven in a cup!
Sunglasses and sunscreen
This one always surprises people. Even in winter, glacier light is no joke. The sun reflects off the snow and ice like it’s trying to prove a point. Icelanders know: snowblindness isn’t just a mountaineer’s problem. Throw a pair of sunglasses in your bag and a small tube of sunscreen in your pocket—especially if you’re touring Langjökull in spring or early summer.
A power bank (but prepare to not need your phone)
Reception out in the Highlands is spotty at best—and that’s part of the charm. Icelanders tend to put the phone away and enjoy the silence, but we still bring a power bank just in case. You’ll want juice for photos, even if you’re just using airplane mode and your camera app. You’d be amazed how quickly batteries drain in the cold.
Toilet paper. Yes, seriously.
You’ll laugh now, but this is gold out there. Even on a guided tour, nature sometimes calls in the middle of nowhere. We keep a roll in a ziplock bag and call it the emergency kit. Wet wipes too, if you’re fancy. Don’t ask us how we know—it’s just good practice.
Optional, but highly recommended: Icelandic chocolate
There’s no scientific reason for this, only emotional truth. A bit of Síríus or Appolo Lakkrís in your pocket can turn a cold, windy moment into something you smile about. Icelanders don’t just hike or travel—we snack our way through it.
Bring some sugar, you’ll see why!
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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