ATV riding in Skaftafell: Cross glacial rivers and black sand

Two hours on an ATV through river valleys, glacial crossings, and mountain views

A two-hour ATV ride in Skaftafell where you operate the machine across winding river beds, glacial crossings and black sand terrain in East Iceland. You ride solo or double on the ATV (your choice at checkout), wear protective gear including helmet and insulated overall, and follow an English-speaking guide through views of Skaftafellsjökull glacier and Skaftafell National Park. Children from age 8 are welcome. A valid B-category driving license is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV adventure in Skaftafell area

• Set off on ATV tour
• Drive down winding river beds
• Cross glacial river Morsá
• Approach historic Skeiðarárbrú bridge
• Drive on black sand of Skeiðarársandur
• View glaciers and surrounding mountains
• Return to base

The experience

What does it feel like to drive an ATV across a glacial river? You'll find out when you cross the Morsá, one of the centerpieces of this two-hour ride through the Skaftafell area. The route takes you down winding river beds carved through the landscape, then onto the black sand of Skeiðarársandur, with the glacier visible throughout. You pass the old Skeiðarárbrú bridge, a historic structure that marks the region's story, before heading back to base. The whole ride stays within Vatnajokull National Park and Skaftafell National Park, so the terrain and the views are locked into one of Iceland's most dramatic corners.

You get a helmet, insulated overall, balaclava and gloves: gear that matters when you're exposed to wind and the raw Icelandic climate. An English-speaking guide leads the ride and handles the route. You handle the ATV. The choice between a solo ride (one person per machine) or a shared ride (two people per ATV) is yours at checkout, and both options run the same two-hour loop. Drivers need a valid B-category license. Children from age 8 can ride as passengers on a shared ATV.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide leading the ride.
• approximately two hours on the ATV.
• helmet, insulated overall, balaclava and gloves.
• views of Skaftafellsjökull glacier, Skaftafell National Park and the historic Skeiðarárbrú bridge.

Options for this experience

2 options

A 2-hour ATV adventure around the Skaftafell areaGuide in English · 13:00

Single rideGuide in English · 13:00Single ride

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (8 to 16 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Skaftafell Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose a solo ride if you want to operate the ATV yourself through the river beds and glacial terrain. Choose a shared ride if you prefer to experience the crossing and the black sand as a passenger at a lower cost per person.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 16 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride an ATV in Skaftafell if I've never done it before?

Yes. The ride suits all physical fitness levels, and the guide leads the route so you follow rather than navigate. You do need a valid B-category driving license and basic comfort operating a machine, but prior ATV experience is not required.

What is the Morsá river crossing actually like?

The Morsá is a glacial river that cuts through the Skaftafell landscape, and crossing it is one of the main thrills of the ride. The crossing is part of the standard two-hour route, and the guide leads you through it as part of the terrain you navigate.

Should I book a solo ride or a shared ride?

A solo ride puts you alone on the ATV. A shared ride has two people on one machine. Both cover the same route and duration. Solo riding gives you full control of the machine. Shared riding costs less per person and works well if you want to experience the terrain without operating the ATV yourself.

How cold is it on an ATV in Skaftafell?

The insulated overall, balaclava and gloves are included because the wind and exposure matter at this altitude and latitude. The gear is designed for the conditions. Bring warm layers underneath and expect the temperature to feel colder than it would standing still.