Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, July 16, 2024 – One evening in Iceland, Ástvaldur, the founder of Sleipnir Tours, sat down to watch the movie “Intouchables” with his young son, who was living with a degenerative disease. The film, which tells the story of a French disabled man and his assistant embarking on life’s adventures, inspired Ástvaldur to bring more joy and adventure into his own son’s life. This moment of enlightenment sparked the creation of Sleipnir Tours, transforming a life of limitations into one filled with movement and joy.
Ástvaldur was no stranger to transforming trucks and vehicles. His passion for big vehicles and snow began in 1990 when he built a 15-passenger Unimog truck capable of driving on snow. This passion grew further in 1997 when he explored glacier trucks in Canada. By 2000, he had built a 4-axle truck that could float on snow, though it was quite slow.
Determined to create a luxurious truck that could take travellers to the top of glaciers, Ástvaldur and his family embarked on an incredible journey. They spent months exploring glacier routes and travelling the world to find parts that would become the first Sleipnir truck, completed in 2017.
The Sleipnir truck is an engineering marvel. It can cruise faster than most monster trucks, float on snow, and drive in any weather conditions—essential for Iceland’s unpredictable climate. With independent suspensions on all wheels, the Sleipnir truck makes glacier travel accessible, especially for those with reduced mobility. The chassis for Sleipnir 2, the vehicle’s frame, is from the Czech company Tatra, modified to fit the specifications for glacier driving. The passenger cabin was designed and built in Iceland by Sleipnir Glacier Tours.
“Our journey with Sleipnir Tours has been one of passion, innovation, and resilience. Inspired by my father’s determination to bring joy and adventure to my brother’s life, we’ve transformed challenges into opportunities, making Iceland’s breathtaking glaciers accessible to all. It’s been an incredible path of exploration and growth, and we’re proud to continue this legacy, sharing the beauty of our homeland with the world.”
Ástvaldur’s creation was driven by his desire to bring adventure to his son, Ingvi, and make Iceland’s glaciers accessible to many others. The second Sleipnir truck was built in 2020, but sadly, Ingvi passed away in March 2021. Despite this profound loss, the legacy of Ingvi’s adventurous spirit lives on. Sleipnir Tours continues to fulfil the dream of making Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes accessible to all, especially those with reduced mobility.
Today, Sleipnir Tours remains a family-run company, with the third monster truck soon to be ready. The company continues to bring joy and adventure to countless tourists, honouring the vision and determination that started it all.
This story is a part of the 100 Stories from Iceland.
Contact Information:
- Margrét Björg Ástvaldsdóttir
- Position: General Manager
- Tel: +354 820 9412
- Email: margret@sleipnirtours.is
- Website: www.sleipnirtours.is
About:
Inspired by the movie “Intouchables” and a desire to bring joy to his son with a degenerative disease, Ástvaldur founded Sleipnir Tours, creating innovative glacier trucks that make Iceland’s stunning landscapes accessible to all, including those with reduced mobility. Despite the personal loss, the family-run company continues to offer unique adventures, with the third monster truck soon ready, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of Iceland remains accessible to everyone.
