ATV Riding near Reykjavik: Volcanic Springs & Lava Fields

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Two persons per ATV (sharing)Guide in English · Available from 1 May 2027The price is charged per person: this is a sharing option, so you share the ATV with another person (a minimum of 2 participants is needed to book this option). Shared: if the number of persons is odd, one person must book the single-rider option, since the vehicle only fits two riders at a time. Pickup is included.

One person per ATV (single rider)Guide in English · Available from 1 May 20273-hour ATV adventure, single rider: This is a single-rider option, so you ride on your own. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (8 to 16 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

Traveler reviews

4.92★★★★★★★★★★

48 verified traveler reviews

5 ★47

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 16 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need a driver's license to ride the ATV?

Yes, a valid driver's license is required to operate the quad bike. Passengers can ride without one if you choose the two-person-per-ATV option and let someone else drive.

What happens at Volcanic Springs at the end of the ride?

Volcanic Springs is a natural hot water pool where the ride ends. You walk five minutes from where you park the bikes, and many riders choose to soak in the hot spring water before returning to Reykjavik.

What gear do I get, and do I need to bring my own?

The operator provides helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear, so you don't need to bring protective equipment. Wear warm layers underneath and closed-toe shoes.

What's the difference between riding solo and sharing an ATV?

You can book a single-rider option to operate your own quad bike, or a two-person option to share one ATV with a passenger. Both follow the same route and include the same instruction and gear.

Is the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant something I visit, or just pass by?

You pass the power plant during the ride and see it up close as part of the route. It's not a stop where you get off the bike, but the operator points it out because it supplies electricity and hot water to all of Reykjavik.