ATV Riding on Mýrdalsjökull: Drive Your Own Glacier Buggy

Drive across volcanic black sand to the glacier's edge and back

ATV riding on Mýrdalsjökull is a two-hour glacier buggy adventure in South Iceland where you operate your own vehicle across black-sand terrain, shallow rivers and gravel tracks to reach the glacier's edge. You drive or ride as a passenger in a two-person buggy, with an English-speaking guide, safety briefing and all gear included. A valid driver's license is required to drive. Children from age 8 are welcome, and solo drivers can upgrade to a one-person buggy for an additional fee.

The experience

You start at the base camp, where the guide walks you through the safety briefing and shows you how to operate the buggy: no prior experience needed, only a valid driver's license if you want to take the controls. From there you head out into the black-sand landscapes of Sólheimasandur, splashing through shallow rivers and racing along gravel tracks with the surrounding mountains and valleys opening up around you. The contrast between the dark volcanic desert and the glowing ice cap of Mýrdalsjökull builds as you approach, and the guide stops at scenic points so you can switch drivers, take photos and hear about the glacier's geology and the area's volcanic history.

The buggy seats two people, so you can share the drive or one person can operate while the other rides. If you prefer to ride solo, you can upgrade to a one-person buggy at checkout for an extra fee. All the gear is provided: helmet, balaclava, insulated overalls and the buggy itself. The two-hour window gives you time to cover the terrain without rushing, and the guide's stops break up the ride so you're not driving the whole time. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple or with friends, the mix of action and scenery is built into the route itself.

What’s included

• Helmet, balaclava and insulated overalls.
• English-speaking guide.
• two-person glacier buggy with your choice to drive or ride.
• safety briefing and instruction on buggy operation at the base camp.
• stops at scenic points for photos and geology information.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:30, 13:30 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (8 to 16 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 36

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 83

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Icelandic Mountain Guides

Is this one for you?Book the two-seat buggy if you're traveling with a partner or friend and want to take turns driving. Choose the single-seat option if you prefer to drive continuously without sharing control.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 16 years). Under 8: they 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 drive the buggy if I've never done this before?

Yes. The guide gives a safety briefing and shows you how to operate the buggy at the base camp before you set out, and no prior experience is required: only a valid driver's license if you want to drive.

What is Mýrdalsjökull glacier like when you reach it?

Mýrdalsjökull sits at the edge of a vast black-sand desert, so the contrast between the glowing ice cap and the dark volcanic terrain is stark and visible from the approach. The guide stops at the glacier's edge so you can take in the landscape and photograph it.

What's included in the buggy ride?

The buggy, helmet, balaclava, insulated overalls and an English-speaking guide are all included. The guide also stops at scenic points for photos and to share information about the glacier and geology.

Is this ride rough on the body?

The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. It is suitable for all other fitness levels, though the terrain is uneven and the ride involves splashing through rivers and driving across gravel and sand.