ATV riding near Reykjahlíð: Glacier River Jökulsá á Fjöllum

Drive an ATV between a glacier river and the lava lake it carved, watching seals haul out on the rocks below.

Ride an ATV along the Glacier River Jökulsá á Fjöllum near Reykjahlíð with a local guide who lives in the area. You drive the quad yourself on terrain suitable for beginners, following the river as it runs toward the sea and the waterfalls Dettifoss and Selfoss. Groups stay under eight riders, and the guide brings a telescope so you can watch seals and seabirds up close.

The experience

The river you'll follow was shaped by volcanic eruptions between 1972 and 1976, and the guide explains how glaciers and lava flows carved the landscape over decades. You ride between the Glacier River Jökulsá á Fjöllum and the massive lake that eruption created, staying on terrain that works for ATV beginners of any age. The guide makes sure everyone who wants to drive gets a turn at the handlebars.

Where the river reaches the sea, seals gather on the rocks during summer months. The guide carries a telescope so you can see them without disturbing the colony. You'll also learn about the local culture and the waterfalls in the area (Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss), and how the river connects them all. The ride covers roughly an hour, and the guide answers questions throughout.

What’s included

• Helmet, gloves and waterclothes.
• local guide who lives in the area and speaks English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Local Tours ATV Iceland

Is this one for you?The guide picks you up near Reykjahlíð and leads a small group, so you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach the river. Just show up and ride. Children are welcome from age 8.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 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.

What is the Glacier River Jökulsá á Fjöllum and why does the guide take you there?

The Glacier River Jökulsá á Fjöllum is the same river that powers Dettifoss and other major waterfalls in the area. The guide takes you to follow it from the lava lake where it begins down to the sea, so you see how the river shaped the entire landscape and where it flows into the ocean with seals and seabirds living on the rocks.

Do I need ATV experience to ride on this trip?

No. The terrain is suitable for ATV beginners of all ages, and the guide makes sure everyone who wants to drive gets a chance to operate the quad. The guide takes care of anyone trying it for the first time.

Will I see wildlife on this ride?

Yes. Seals haul out on the rocks where the river meets the sea during summer, and the guide brings a telescope so you can watch them and the seabirds without getting close. You'll also see the landscape shaped by glaciers and volcanic eruptions.

How many people ride together on this trip?

Groups stay under eight riders, so you get personal guidance from the local guide and can ask questions throughout the ride. Larger groups can be arranged by contacting the operator.