ATV Riding Reykjavik: Lava Fields & Geothermal Tour

You drive the buggy across moon-like lava, past the geothermal power plant that heats all of Reykjavik.

ATV riding near Reykjavik puts you behind the wheel of your own buggy for 3.5 hours through lava fields, geothermal areas and the Blue Mountains, with a professional guide leading the route. You choose between driving solo or sharing the buggy with one other person. Pickup starts at 1 p.m. from the operator's base camp, where you get a safety briefing and free coffee before heading out. Helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear are provided; a full valid driver's license is required to operate the buggy.

The Experience

You start at the operator's headquarters in Reykjavik, where you'll get a safety briefing, grab a free cup of coffee, and gear up with helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear. Then you drive your own buggy onto a lonely trail into the backlands, following your guide through terrain that shifts from lava fields to geothermal landscape. The route takes you to Hengill mountain range and past Hellisheiðarvirkjun, the geothermal power plant that supplies electricity and hot water to the entire capital.

Your first major stop is a geothermal area next to the power plant—the same location used as a film set for "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." The landscape here looks lunar, with steam rising around you. From there you head back toward Reykjavik on a gravel road that cuts through the Blue Mountains, the skiing range visible from the city. Your final stop is Vífilsfell mountain, named after a slave of Iceland's first permanent settler, Ingólfur Arnarson. The whole drive takes 3.5 hours, with your guide navigating the route while you operate the buggy.

You can book as a single rider (one person per buggy) or share a buggy with one other person—both options include the same terrain, guide and gear. A minimum of two adults is required for the shared option; one adult for the single rider option. Children can join as passengers from age 6, though the driver must hold a full valid license. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the ride.

What’s included

• 3.5-hour buggy adventure with professional guide.
• helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear.
• pickup and drop-off from the operator's base camp in Reykjavik at 1 p.m.
• free coffee at base camp before departure.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Safari Quads

Is this one for you?Choose the single rider option if you want full control of the buggy the entire drive; pick the shared option if you'd rather split the experience and the cost with another person. Both routes cover the same terrain and stops—the difference is who's at the wheel.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

80 verified traveler reviews

5 ★79

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the geothermal area near Hellisheiðarvirkjun actually like when you get there?

The geothermal area sits next to the power plant and has a lunar appearance, with steam venting from the ground around you. It's the same location used as a filming location for "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Your guide will stop here so you can see the landscape up close before heading back toward Reykjavik.

Do I need a driver's license to do this ATV riding?

Yes, a full valid driver's license is required to operate the buggy. If you're joining as a passenger, no license is needed, but passengers must be at least 6 years old.

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

The operator provides helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask and rain gear—everything you need to stay protected and dry on the lava fields. You don't need to bring protective equipment.

Can I choose between driving alone or sharing the buggy with someone else?

Yes, you pick either the single rider option (one person per buggy) or the shared option (two people in one buggy) at checkout. Both follow the same route with the same guide and include all the same stops.

What time does the pickup happen, and where do I meet the operator?

Pickup is at 1 p.m. from the operator's base camp in Reykjavik. You'll be briefed on safety, given a free cup of coffee, and geared up before you head out onto the trails.

Is this ATV riding suitable if I'm not very fit?

The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness for this activity. You're operating the buggy for 3.5 hours across uneven terrain, so some stamina helps. Pregnant travelers should not participate.