THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Race over black lava and past fumaroles to Hengill, feel geothermal steam on your face, and end the ride at a natural hot spring—this ATV trip from Reykjavik blends industrial-scale geothermal power with raw volcanic landscape.
Race over black lava and past fumaroles to Hengill, feel geothermal steam on your face, and end the ride at a natural hot spring—this ATV trip from Reykjavik blends industrial-scale geothermal power with raw volcanic landscape.
You start before dawn or in the low afternoon light, pulled out of Reykjavik and onto a ribbon of asphalt that gives way to black rock and wind. The ATVs hum under you as the city drops behind and the world becomes basalt and steam. Ahead rise green-grey slopes of Hengill, steam leaking from fumaroles like a slow-breathing animal. The scent of sulfur is sharp; the ground beneath you is older than most nations. A few minutes off the track you dismount at a steaming pool—Volcanic Springs—where other riders lower their shoulders and let the heated water take the edge off.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Safari Quads · Reykjavik, Capital Region
You start before dawn or in the low afternoon light, pulled out of Reykjavik and onto a ribbon of asphalt that gives way to black rock and wind. The ATVs hum under you as the city drops behind and the world becomes basalt and steam. Ahead rise green-grey slopes of Hengill, steam leaking from fumaroles like a slow-breathing animal. The scent of sulfur is sharp; the ground beneath you is older than most nations. A few minutes off the track you dismount at a steaming pool—Volcanic Springs—where other riders lower their shoulders and let the heated water take the edge off.
This route threads modern Icelandic industry into an ancient volcanic landscape. The Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant—one of the largest of its kind—appears along the way, its pipes and turbines a reminder that the country’s energy comes from the very heat spitting from the earth. The Hengill volcanic system that frames the ride is a basaltic ridge carved by eruptions and tectonic pull; lava fields here are often cloaked in a fragile green moss that takes centuries to grow back after disturbance.
Local culture on this drive is pragmatic and outdoorsy. Icelanders harness geothermal power for homes, pools, and greenhouses; they also know the land’s limits, keeping to tracks to protect moss and soil. Small clusters of Icelandic horses and grazing sheep occasionally lift their heads as you pass—curious, not startled.
The experience is tactile: gravel kicking under tires, steam that dares you to get closer, the taste of mineral air. Guides teach ATV handling and safety at a well-equipped base with bathrooms and coffee; helmets, gloves, overalls, and rain gear are provided. Most groups cover lava fields, the Instidalur valley, Hengill viewpoints, geothermal vents, and a short walk to the hot Volcanic Springs.
Practical notes: allow 3–4 hours total; departures commonly at 09:00, 13:00, and 17:00 with pick-up starting 30 minutes prior. You must be at least a moderate level of fitness; drivers need a valid driver’s license. Clothing should be windproof and layered—weather changes fast even on a summer afternoon. Respect signage and stay on marked trails: Iceland’s moss is easily destroyed and slow to recover. If you plan to dip in the springs, bring a swimsuit and a towel in a waterproof bag; the hot water can be surprisingly hot and uneven.
This is a high-reward, low-fuss way to see Iceland’s geothermal heart: workmanlike infrastructure rubbing shoulders with raw geology, and the kind of landscape that makes you feel both small and well-located. Come prepared, follow your guide, and let the land do the rest.
Yes—drivers must present a valid driver’s license; passengers can join from age 6 but may not drive.
Tours run in most weather; guides provide rain gear, but severe weather may prompt rescheduling—check the cancellation policy for refunds.
Yes—there’s a short 5-minute walk to the Volcanic Springs; bring a swimsuit and towel, but be cautious of hot spots.
Yes—the operator supplies helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear.
Basecamp is in Reykjavik (Lambhagavegur 19); pick-up options exist for many hotels but some central zones require walking to a nearby bus stop.
No—riding is confined to permitted tracks to protect delicate vegetation and avoid geothermal hazards.
Safari Quads operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You start before dawn or in the low afternoon light, pulled out of Reykjavik and onto a ribbon of asphalt that gives way to black rock and wind. The ATVs hum under you as the city drops behind and the world becomes basalt and steam. Ahead rise green-grey slopes of Hengill, steam leaking from fumaroles like a slow-breathing animal. The scent of sulfur is sharp; the ground beneath you is older than most nations. A few minutes off the track you dismount at a steaming pool—Volcanic Springs—where other riders lower their shoulders and let the heated water take the edge off.
You start before dawn or in the low afternoon light, pulled out of Reykjavik and onto a ribbon of asphalt that gives way to black rock and wind. The ATVs hum under you as the city drops behind and the world becomes basalt and steam. Ahead rise green-grey slopes of Hengill, steam leaking from fumaroles like a slow-breathing animal. The scent of sulfur is sharp; the ground beneath you is older than most nations. A few minutes off the track you dismount at a steaming pool—Volcanic Springs—where other riders lower their shoulders and let the heated water take the edge off.
This route threads modern Icelandic industry into an ancient volcanic landscape. The Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant—one of the largest of its kind—appears along the way, its pipes and turbines a reminder that the country’s energy comes from the very heat spitting from the earth. The Hengill volcanic system that frames the ride is a basaltic ridge carved by eruptions and tectonic pull; lava fields here are often cloaked in a fragile green moss that takes centuries to grow back after disturbance.
Local culture on this drive is pragmatic and outdoorsy. Icelanders harness geothermal power for homes, pools, and greenhouses; they also know the land’s limits, keeping to tracks to protect moss and soil. Small clusters of Icelandic horses and grazing sheep occasionally lift their heads as you pass—curious, not startled.
The experience is tactile: gravel kicking under tires, steam that dares you to get closer, the taste of mineral air. Guides teach ATV handling and safety at a well-equipped base with bathrooms and coffee; helmets, gloves, overalls, and rain gear are provided. Most groups cover lava fields, the Instidalur valley, Hengill viewpoints, geothermal vents, and a short walk to the hot Volcanic Springs.
Practical notes: allow 3–4 hours total; departures commonly at 09:00, 13:00, and 17:00 with pick-up starting 30 minutes prior. You must be at least a moderate level of fitness; drivers need a valid driver’s license. Clothing should be windproof and layered—weather changes fast even on a summer afternoon. Respect signage and stay on marked trails: Iceland’s moss is easily destroyed and slow to recover. If you plan to dip in the springs, bring a swimsuit and a towel in a waterproof bag; the hot water can be surprisingly hot and uneven.
This is a high-reward, low-fuss way to see Iceland’s geothermal heart: workmanlike infrastructure rubbing shoulders with raw geology, and the kind of landscape that makes you feel both small and well-located. Come prepared, follow your guide, and let the land do the rest.