ATV Riding near Reykjavik: Volcanic Springs & Lava Fields

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/11

Duration4h

GroupUp to 60

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Lava fields, a geothermal power plant, mountain steam vents, and a natural hot spring—all from the seat of your own quad bike.

Ride an ATV through volcanic terrain near Reykjavik, operating your own quad bike across lava fields, past the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, and up Hengill Mountain to see geothermal steam rising from the ground. A professional guide teaches you safety and operation before departure, provides all protective gear, and leads the group to a final walk down to Volcanic Springs, where you can soak in the natural hot water. The adventure runs 3.5 hours with pickup and drop-off included; you choose to ride solo or share an ATV with a passenger.

The Experience

You start at the operator's headquarters in Reykjavik, where you'll get a free coffee, put on your protective gear—helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear—and learn how to handle the quad bike from your guide. Once you're comfortable with the controls, you head out across the lava fields with views of green and blue mountains surrounding you. The route takes you past the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, which supplies electricity and hot water to the entire capital, so you're seeing the infrastructure that keeps the city running.

The ride climbs toward Hengill Mountain, where geothermal steam rises visibly from vents across the landscape—a sight the operator notes you won't see on other tours in the area. You pass through the Instidalur valley and ride the Thousand Water Route, staying on your bike the whole time and controlling your own pace within the group. The terrain is off-road and uneven, which is why the operator requires at least moderate fitness and a valid driver's license to operate the ATV.

At the end of the ride, you park the bikes and walk five minutes down to Volcanic Springs, where hot natural water pools in the landscape. Many riders strip down and soak in the spring water before heading back. Pickup happens at 1 p.m., and the whole experience—instruction, ride, and return to Reykjavik—takes about four hours.

What’s included

Professional guide instruction in English.
all protective gear including helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear.
pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik location at 1 p.m.
the 3.5-hour ATV ride across lava fields, past the geothermal power plant, up Hengill Mountain, and down to Volcanic Springs.
access to soak in the natural hot spring at the end.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Safari Quads

Is this one for you?Book solo if you want to control the bike and navigate the terrain at your own pace; book the two-rider option if you prefer a passenger seat while someone else operates the ATV.