Lake Myvatn UTV Buggy Tour: Volcanoes, Lava & Local Guide

Summary

Ride through Myvatn’s wild lava fields with a local guide

You’ll drive your own UTV buggy across Lake Mývatn’s volcanic landscapes with a local guide leading the way. Expect crunchy lava underfoot at Dimmuborgir, sulfur-scented air near Námafjall, and stories from someone who grew up here. Includes helmet and warm overalls if you need them—plus plenty of moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to drive straight into the heart of Iceland’s volcanic playground? I didn’t, honestly — not until we pulled up to the base camp by Lake Mývatn and saw those chunky UTV buggies lined up, looking way more inviting than I expected. Our guide, Jónas, handed out helmets and cracked a joke about Icelandic weather (which was… well, let’s just say my cheeks still remember that wind). After a quick rundown on how these things work — surprisingly easy — we set off rumbling down gravel tracks that felt like they belonged on another planet.

The first thing that hit me was the smell — kind of earthy, almost metallic from the wet black sand after last night’s rain. We zipped past low mossy rocks and patches of steam rising from somewhere deep underground. Jónas kept pointing out weird shapes in the lava fields (“That one looks like a troll,” he said. I squinted. Maybe?). We stopped near Dimmuborgir, where the ground crunches under your boots and you can actually see how the lava once flowed here. He told us about the old legends tied to these rocks — I tried repeating one of the names in Icelandic and got it so wrong he laughed for a good minute.

We skirted around Hverfjall mountain, taking back roads where we didn’t see another soul except for some sheep staring at us like we were lost tourists (which… fair enough). The wind picked up as we got closer to Námafjall; it carried this sulfur tang that clung to my scarf for hours after. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet — nothing but engine hum and that endless stretch of black desert ahead. Kind of eerie but also peaceful? Hard to explain unless you’re there.

I keep thinking about how small I felt out there, surrounded by all that raw geology and sky. The whole day trip around Mývatn was only two hours but somehow it stretched time in my head. If you’re even half-curious about what Iceland looks like beyond postcards, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — UTV tour around Lake Mývatn area

• Start at Snowmobile and Buggy base camp
• Introduction to UTV ride
• Drive to Hverfjall crossing
• Drive around Hverfjall mountain
• Explore hidden gems of nature reserve
• Drive through volcanic region
• Drive by south side of Dimmuborgir lava fields
• Drive by less visited side of Námafjall mountain
• Drive through Reykjahlíð area via back roads

Top questions

How long is the UTV buggy tour at Lake Myvatn?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is a driver’s license required for the UTV buggy tour?

Yes, you need a valid driver’s license to drive the UTV buggy.

Are helmets provided on the Lake Myvatn buggy tour?

Yes, helmets are included for all participants during the tour.

What attractions do you see on this Myvatn UTV tour?

You’ll visit areas around Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall crossing, Námafjall mountain (less-visited side), and Reykjahlíð region.

Is warm clothing provided if needed?

Yes, warm overalls are available if you need extra protection against the weather.

Are there sightseeing stops during the buggy ride?

Yes, there are several stops where you can get out and explore or learn about geology and history from your guide.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your experience includes use of a helmet throughout the ride plus warm overalls if needed for comfort; you’ll be guided by a local expert who leads sightseeing stops at volcanic sites before returning to base camp by Lake Mývatn.