THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Drive an off-road buggy through Iceland’s steam-hazed lava fields to the Hengill range and Hellisheiði geothermal plant. Expect loose gravel, wide views of Blue Mountains, and a short, rugged half-day with a local guide.
Drive an off-road buggy through Iceland’s steam-hazed lava fields to the Hengill range and Hellisheiði geothermal plant. Expect loose gravel, wide views of Blue Mountains, and a short, rugged half-day with a local guide.
You leave Reykjavik behind and the city shrinks into a low ribbon of rooftops as the buggy hums onto a gravel track. Wind and steam take turns sniffing at the visor; black lava rolls out like a broken sea and the ground exhales warm breaths from fumaroles. The trail climbs toward the Hengill massif, and from the ridge you can see the Blue Mountains and the geometric roofs of the Hellisheiði geothermal plant, steam columns marking where the earth still moves.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Safari Quads · Reykjavik, Capital Region
You leave Reykjavik behind and the city shrinks into a low ribbon of rooftops as the buggy hums onto a gravel track. Wind and steam take turns sniffing at the visor; black lava rolls out like a broken sea and the ground exhales warm breaths from fumaroles. The trail climbs toward the Hengill massif, and from the ridge you can see the Blue Mountains and the geometric roofs of the Hellisheiði geothermal plant, steam columns marking where the earth still moves.
This land is young: recent geology shaped by the Hengill volcanic system and frequent geothermal activity. Vífilsfell, visible from the route, is tied to settlement-era stories — named for a slave of Ingólfur Arnarson — while modern Iceland taps this heat for power at Hellisheiði, a facility that supplies Reykjavik with electricity and hot water.
On the ride expect tight single-track sections, open lava plains, loose gravel and short rocky climbs; dust will coat boots and camera lenses. Guides brief on safety, fit helmets and overalls, and point out film locations used in contemporary movies. Drivers need a valid licence; passengers should be steady getting in and out of low-slung buggies.
Practical tips: dress in windproof layers, bring gloves and goggles, secure small items in zip pockets, and keep to the vehicle route — the moss is fragile and slow to recover. Tours run year-round but weather dictates cancellations; afternoon pickups from Reykjavik mean daylight planning is important in winter. This is a hands-on half-day adventure that pairs raw geology with practical safety and tidy logistics.
Yes — a full, valid driver’s licence is required to drive a single-rider buggy; passengers do not need a licence.
Passengers must be at least 6 years old; age and weight restrictions may apply for drivers — check operator rules when booking.
Tours can be cancelled for bad weather; the provider usually confirms day-of and offers refunds per their 24-hour cancellation policy.
The buggy covers rough gravel and bumpy lava tracks; those prone to motion sickness should take precautions or choose the shared passenger option rather than driving.
Safari Quads operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You leave Reykjavik behind and the city shrinks into a low ribbon of rooftops as the buggy hums onto a gravel track. Wind and steam take turns sniffing at the visor; black lava rolls out like a broken sea and the ground exhales warm breaths from fumaroles. The trail climbs toward the Hengill massif, and from the ridge you can see the Blue Mountains and the geometric roofs of the Hellisheiði geothermal plant, steam columns marking where the earth still moves.
You leave Reykjavik behind and the city shrinks into a low ribbon of rooftops as the buggy hums onto a gravel track. Wind and steam take turns sniffing at the visor; black lava rolls out like a broken sea and the ground exhales warm breaths from fumaroles. The trail climbs toward the Hengill massif, and from the ridge you can see the Blue Mountains and the geometric roofs of the Hellisheiði geothermal plant, steam columns marking where the earth still moves.
This land is young: recent geology shaped by the Hengill volcanic system and frequent geothermal activity. Vífilsfell, visible from the route, is tied to settlement-era stories — named for a slave of Ingólfur Arnarson — while modern Iceland taps this heat for power at Hellisheiði, a facility that supplies Reykjavik with electricity and hot water.
On the ride expect tight single-track sections, open lava plains, loose gravel and short rocky climbs; dust will coat boots and camera lenses. Guides brief on safety, fit helmets and overalls, and point out film locations used in contemporary movies. Drivers need a valid licence; passengers should be steady getting in and out of low-slung buggies.
Practical tips: dress in windproof layers, bring gloves and goggles, secure small items in zip pockets, and keep to the vehicle route — the moss is fragile and slow to recover. Tours run year-round but weather dictates cancellations; afternoon pickups from Reykjavik mean daylight planning is important in winter. This is a hands-on half-day adventure that pairs raw geology with practical safety and tidy logistics.