Reykjavik: Buggy Off-Road Tour with Mountain Views & Pickup

Summary

Buggy ride from Reykjavik to wild peaks and volcanic views

You’ll feel Iceland’s wild side on this buggy tour from Reykjavik—hotel pickup included—racing over muddy trails with a local guide, stopping for windswept views over Faxaflói bay and volcanic peaks. Expect cold air on your face, muddy boots, some laughter (maybe nerves), and that feeling you get when nature suddenly feels much bigger than you remembered.

What’s the experience like?

Gloves on, helmet a bit crooked—someone’s laughing (probably at me) as I try to tighten the strap under my chin. Our guide, Jónas, grins and waves us closer, handing out the rain gear like it’s candy. It’s colder than I expected, even for Iceland in spring, and I can smell that sharp, wet earth right before we climb into the buggy. The engine coughs to life—honestly louder than I thought—and then we’re rolling out of Reykjavik, past houses with bright roofs and a sky that can’t decide if it wants to drizzle or not.

The asphalt turns to gravel almost too fast. Suddenly it’s just us and this weird silence between engine growls—the kind where you hear your own breath inside the helmet. Jónas shouts something about Hafravatn Lake but the wind steals half his words. We bounce over puddles (I might’ve squealed once), mud splattering everywhere. There’s this moment when we stop on a ridge and he points—there’s Faxaflói bay in the distance, all silver under low clouds, and Esja mountain just sitting there like it owns the place. I didn’t expect to feel so small up here.

We take turns driving—my hands are numb but I don’t care. The trail climbs toward Reykjavik Peak Mountain; mossy rocks blur past and I catch a whiff of sulfur now and then (Jónas says Hengill is one of Iceland’s most active volcano systems—he sounds proud). At the top, everyone goes quiet for a second—the view is just… big. Bláfjöll mountains on one side, city way down below. Someone tries to take a selfie but gives up because their gloves are too thick. We laugh about it all the way back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy off-road adventure near Reykjavik

• Pick up from Reykjavik hotel
• Arrive at base camp
• Receive safety instructions
• Drive short asphalt road
• Begin off-road buggy tour
• Drive around Hafravatn Lake
• Reach Reykjavik Peak Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Conquer Hafrafell mountain heights
• Return to base camp

Top questions

How long is the buggy tour from Reykjavik?

The buggy tour lasts 1.5 hours total, including about 1 hour on off-road trails.

Is hotel pickup included in this Reykjavik buggy tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included in your booking.

Do I need a driver’s license for this buggy adventure?

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

What should I wear for the off-road buggy tour?

You’ll be given helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask & rain gear—but dress warmly underneath.

Can kids join this buggy adventure near Reykjavik?

The minimum age as a passenger is 6 years old; drivers must have a valid license.

Is lunch or food included during the buggy trip?

No meals are included; only gear and guiding are provided during the 1.5 hour tour.

Are there health restrictions for joining this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Reykjavik about 30 minutes before departure time, all necessary safety gear like helmets and rain suits (which you’ll appreciate), plus guiding from a local instructor who knows every twist in those mountain trails before dropping you back at your hotel after the ride.