ATV riding in Skaftafell: Glacier views and river beds

Pause at a historic bridge and capture moments few get to see on this rugged ride

ATV riding in the Skaftafell area near Vatnajökull National Park puts you on an ATV for approximately one hour, navigating rugged terrain and river beds with a stop at Skeiðarárbrú bridge. You get a helmet, insulated overall, balaclava and gloves; a live English-speaking guide leads the ride; children from age 8 are welcome, and you'll need a valid B-category driver's license.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV Adventure in Skaftafell Area

• Start ATV tour in Skaftafell
• Drive along river beds
• Stop at historic Skeiðarárbrú bridge
• Take photos and enjoy views
• Continue ATV ride back
• View nearby glacier panorama
• End ATV tour at base

The experience

You operate the ATV yourself across the landscape around Skaftafell, driving along the river beds that cut through the terrain. The route takes you to Skeiðarárbrú, an old bridge with historical significance, where you stop to take in the surroundings and photograph the area. From there you head back toward the base, and as you ride the glacier comes into view: Skaftafellsjökull framed against the mountains and the wider Vatnajökull National Park.

The ride runs about an hour of actual driving time. You'll wear a helmet, insulated overall, balaclava and gloves for protection against the Icelandic weather. A guide in English accompanies the group and leads the way through the terrain. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. Drivers must hold a valid B-category license. Children from age 8 can ride.

You choose between a single ride, one person per ATV, or a shared ride with two people on each machine. Both options are priced per person, so the cost structure depends on which setup you select at checkout.

What’s included

• Approximately one hour of ATV riding.
• helmet, insulated overall, balaclava and gloves.
• English-speaking guide leading the group.
• stop at Skeiðarárbrú bridge with views of Skaftafellsjökull glacier.

Options for this experience

2 options

Quad biking adventure on ATVs in the Skaftafell areaGuide in English · 10:00Shared ride

Single rideGuide in English · 10:00Each person rides their own bike

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 10:00

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 the single-ride option if you want your own ATV and full control of the machine. Pick the shared ride if you're traveling with a partner and want to split the 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 activity suits all fitness levels and no prior experience is required. You'll need a valid B-category driver's license, and the guide will lead you through the terrain.

What is Skeiðarárbrú and why do we stop there?

Skeiðarárbrú is a historic old bridge in the area. The stop gives you a chance to take in the surrounding landscape and photograph the bridge and the views around it before heading back.

Will I see the glacier during the ride?

Yes. Skaftafellsjökull glacier comes into view as you make your way back to the base, offering views of the ice against the mountains of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park.

What's the difference between a single ride and a shared ride?

A single ride means one person per ATV. A shared ride has two people on each machine. Both are priced per person, so you choose the setup that suits your group at checkout.