Ice-tunnels such as this have been constructed in a number of places around the world, but none into an ice cap the size of Langjökull. The construction means visitors will have a new and totally different view of the glacier. Additionally visitors will be granted unique insights into the impact global warming has on the environment.
The project is owned by the investment vehicle Icelandic Tourism Fund but preparations have been placed in the hands of Efla Engineer’s office in cooperation with Borgarbyggð community and land owners on the west coast of Iceland, glaciologists from the National University, the Icelandic Meteorological Office as well as numerous other government institutes. Part of the project was to design and build a specialized, one-of-a-kind drill capable of boring through the glacier´s ice and snow crust.
The Icelandic Environment Agency is positive towards the project while members of the local Department of Health and Environment worry air pollution will increase significantly in connection with an increase in traffic.
An estimated twenty thousand guests are expected to visit the glacier when the tunnel becomes a reality.
Plans are to dig a five hundred metre (1,640 feet) long tunnel into Langjökull Glacier, Iceland’s second largest ice cap. The idea is the brainchild of the various travel companies operating on Langjökull Glacier.
Ice-tunnels such as this have been constructed in a number of places around the world, but none into an ice cap the size of Langjökull. The construction means visitors will have a new and totally different view of the glacier. Additionally visitors will be granted unique insights into the impact global warming has on the environment.
The project is owned by the investment vehicle Icelandic Tourism Fund but preparations have been placed in the hands of Efla Engineer’s office in cooperation with Borgarbyggð community and land owners on the west coast of Iceland, glaciologists from the National University, the Icelandic Meteorological Office as well as numerous other government institutes. Part of the project was to design and build a specialized, one-of-a-kind drill capable of boring through the glacier´s ice and snow crust.
The Icelandic Environment Agency is positive towards the project while members of the local Department of Health and Environment worry air pollution will increase significantly in connection with an increase in traffic.
An estimated twenty thousand guests are expected to visit the glacier when the tunnel becomes a reality.
