Silke Freudenberger leads you to the white wilderness of Langjokull glacier

From a personal experience, I can tell you that few experiences in Iceland rival the thrill of standing atop a vast glacier surrounded by pristine snowfields and volcanic landscapes. The feeling of purity and vastness is overwhelming. That’s precisely what Sleipnir Glacial Tours offers—a one-of-a-kind adventure across the Langjokull glacier aboard the huge glacier trucks. These massive, custom-built vehicles, named after Odin’s legendary eight-legged horse, bring guests deep into the icy wilderness, making the experience safe and unforgettable.

Silke Freudenberger, the General Manager of Sleipnir Glacial Tours, is at the helm of this operation. Silke and her team ensure guests get an authentic Icelandic glacier experience when they explore surreal blue ice caves and reach the summit of Iceland’s second-largest glacier.

The touching founding story of Sleipnir Glacial Tours

Founder Ástvaldur was inspired to create the world’s largest glacier truck after watching the film Intouchables with his son, Ingvi, who lived with a degenerative disease. Determined to bring adventure into Ingvi’s life, Ástvaldur drew on his expertise in modifying vehicles to design a luxurious, all-terrain monster truck capable of cruising across Iceland’s glaciers in any weather. The first Sleipnir truck was built in 2017, followed by a second in 2020, making the country’s icy wilderness more accessible—especially for those with reduced mobility. Though Ingvi sadly passed away in 2021, his adventurous spirit lives on in Sleipnir Glacial Tours, which continues to bring the magic of Iceland’s glaciers to travelers from all walks of life.

Save on your Langjokull glacier tour

For Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine readers, there’s an exclusive bonus—sign up for the newsletter and receive a 20% discount on two top-rated Sleipnir tours: Red Glacier Monster Truck Tour and Ice Cave and Glacier Tour in Glacier Monster Truck from Gullfoss.

In this interview, Silke shares her insights into glacier travel, which gives guests experiences they can hardly find anywhere else.

Hey Silke, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. What is your background, and what brought you to Iceland?

My background is diverse, with learning about environmental science, housekeeping & farm help for German farmers, and traveling through the world. Iceland popped up as an opportunity for work in a small countryside hotel in the South of Iceland. What was first just for 6 months has now become 20 years.

How did it come about that you joined Sleipnir Glacial Tours?

Living for 20 years in Iceland, I always admired the glaciers. I worked as a licensed guide for many years, worked in an office, and planned private tours for groups and individuals around Iceland. That was interesting and fun to help guests plan to see the best highlights in Iceland. When I was offered to work for Sleipnir Glacier Tours, I was intrigued by working on Iceland’s second-largest Glacier, with the largest Monster Truck. It is fun and exciting, and while I am in the office mostly, I do guide some tours.

What makes the Langjokull glacier such a unique destination for visitors?

Langjökull is Iceland’s second-largest glacier. The area we visit is a very safe area to be in, offering the guests to enjoy the glacier, the stunning scenery of the glacier, and the Icelandic highlands. The area is not on the main road. Therefore, only a few guests travel there. It is really off the beaten path.

What’s the most common reaction from guests when they step onto the glacier for the first time?

Excitement and joy! And this “Wow!”

What measures do you take to make your tours accessible for all guests?

The area of the glacier where we stop is rather flat and, therefore, easy to walk on. We have crampons that can easily be fitted over the shoes, and most times in summer, the ice is so dry that you can walk even without the crampons safely. Our tours do not involve any high exercises; it is up to the guests if they want to join the sledding fun we offer. Our trucks are equipped with a toilet, so no worries about that.

What is your favorite part of the glacier experience that most visitors might not expect?

The wide open space. Standing on Langjokull glacier, you can see the spectacular Jarlhettur mountains with their dark grey color, the view to the central highlands with the barren brown and green color, and so much sky! While we sometimes meet a snowmobiling group, there is no one else there. It is just us and this raw wilderness. The location is not on the main road, there are not many that visit that place.

How do the seasons affect the experience of Langjokull? Is there a best time to visit?

Every season has its special touch. While in winter, the glacier and surrounding area are covered in snow, during summer, we drive and walk directly on the ice. The part of the glacier we drive to has a beautiful color range from white to blue to the black volcanic ash that is embedded in the ice. My personal favorite time is June to October.

Can you share a memorable or surprising moment from a past tour?

We offer sledding on these little plastic saucers, and not only the children like that. I had one lady with me on a tour; she was in her late 60s, and she could not get enough! This enjoyment of feeling young and silly, no matter the age! I still think about that, and we all should do more things that make us feel young again.

What are your favorite places and activities in Iceland?

While the glaciers do fascinate me the most, I love waterfalls. Iceland has so many and in all shapes and sizes! Standing right at the edge of the majestic Gullfoss waterfall still impresses me, even after many visits. Exploring the hidden ones, like Gjúlfrabúi and Kvernufoss waterfall in south Iceland, is always a treat. A lot of fun is driving a Quad bike or a horseback riding tour, and yes, taking the Jeep and heading to the highlands in the summer. Thorsmörk and the Fjallabak region are some of my favorite places.

What advice do you have for those visiting Iceland for the first time?

While each season offers something while traveling in Iceland, early autumn, September, and October are great as you already have the chance to see the Northern Lights, and the days still have enough daylight for exploring. Don´t miss out on the local swimming pools in the countryside! Bring rain gear and sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots with you! Weather is changeable 😉 Taste local food such as Plokkfiskur, a fish stew, and the Icelandic Liquorice covered in chocolate!