Buggy ‘Lava Field Adventure’ from Reykjavik

A buggy ride is a lively way to leave Reykjavik’s streets behind. You’ll bounce over lava, splash through puddles and climb toward a summit with views of the city, the North Atlantic and Esja Mountain. I like the contrast between the hands-on driving and the big, open views from above.

The other practical plus is that the tour includes hotel-area pickup, a guide and protective gear, so you don’t need to arrange transport or bring specialist clothing. One thing to weigh: the ride can be fast and bumpy, and some of the time is spent moving between stops rather than pausing for long stretches of sightseeing.

At a glance

• Two hours behind the wheel: The guided buggy ride is the main event, within a roughly three-and-a-half-hour experience.
• Rough terrain, not a paved scenic drive: Expect rocky lava trails, mud, water and possibly snow, with a mountain climb along the way.
• A view from above Reykjavik: From the summit, you can look toward the city, the North Atlantic and Esja Mountain.
• Warm gear is provided: Helmets, gloves, coveralls, ski masks and rain gear help keep the weather from spoiling the ride.
• A two-seat buggy: You can take turns driving with your companion, but only a full, valid driver’s licence holder can drive.
• Pickup has a small catch: Some central Reykjavik hotels sit in no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk a few minutes to a nearby bus stop.

Leaving Reykjavik for the lava tracks

The experience begins with pickup in Reykjavik and a transfer to Safari Quads, at Lambhagavegur 19, on the city’s outskirts. The advertised experience lasts about three hours and thirty minutes, including transport, preparation and the ride itself. The buggy portion lasts about two hours.

Once at the base, you get a safety briefing and instructions on how to operate the vehicle. The team supplies a helmet, gloves, thermal coveralls, a ski mask and rain gear. That matters in Iceland, where wind, wet tracks and cold conditions can make a short ride feel long if you’re dressed for a city stroll.

The buggies seat a driver and one passenger. You can share the driving if both people have a valid full licence, but only a licensed driver may take the wheel. If you’re booking as a pair, make sure you understand which shared or single-rider option you’re selecting. The listed price is $314 per person, and the standard buggy is described as priced on the basis of two people sharing one vehicle. The exact price for a solo vehicle is not specified here, so check the option details before paying.

After the briefing, you buckle in and follow your guide out onto the trails. The guide leads the group, sets the pace and helps you handle the changing ground. If you’re nervous about driving, say so before setting off. Guides including Lisa, Gonzalo and Louis have been praised for clear instruction and helping people feel safe. You’re not expected to know how to drive an off-road buggy before arriving, but you should be comfortable following directions and reacting to uneven ground.

Bouncing over lava, mud and water

The route takes you through lowland trails over rocky lava fields, muddy pools, water and, depending on conditions, snow. The surface can change quickly, so this is not a smooth ride with a view attached. You’ll feel the bumps through the buggy, and the challenge is part of the fun.

Mud and water are a real feature, not a remote possibility. Expect to get splashed, even with protective gear, and don’t wear anything you would be upset to soil. The supplied coveralls and rain gear are useful protection, but they don’t turn an outdoor ride into a dry one. A ride in rain can still be enjoyable, but the weather will shape how comfortable you feel and what you can see.

The buggies are described as fast, and the route can feel exhilarating if you like motorsports. At the same time, speed is a point to consider. Some people would rather stop more often for scenery, while the ride itself puts considerable emphasis on driving from one stretch of trail to the next. If you prefer a slow nature outing, this may not be the best fit. If you enjoy a bumpy, active excursion, the moving terrain is the attraction.

Listen closely to the guide and keep a sensible distance from the vehicle ahead. The group’s pace depends in part on everyone following instructions. One guide, Lisa, was praised for reassuring a nervous driver and keeping the group safe; that’s the kind of steady leadership you want when the track gets rough. Don’t try to prove anything by charging ahead. The point is to enjoy the terrain, not to win a race.

Climbing toward the summit

The ride includes a demanding ascent of Úlfarsfell Mountain. You follow the guide up the slope, then tackle the final ridge before reaching the top. The climb gives the ride a clear goal, and the view is a fine reward after the jolting ride up.

From the summit, look out over Reykjavik, the North Atlantic and Esja Mountain. It’s a different perspective from the city’s streets: you can take in the built-up area and the open country around it at once. The stop also gives you a chance to catch your breath and take photos before heading back down.

This is a weather-dependent view. A clear day can make the city, sea and mountain stand out sharply; cloud, mist or rain may soften the panorama. But poor weather doesn’t automatically ruin the ride. The supplied gear helps, and some riders have enjoyed the experience in rain, cloud and snow. If your main priority is a long, unobstructed view, keep in mind that Iceland’s weather can be changeable.

The route information also refers to a stop at Hengill, while the ride description names Úlfarsfell for the climb. The exact route and stopping points may depend on the day’s conditions. What’s consistent is the combination of rough tracks, a mountain ride and wide views around Reykjavik.

Geothermal details and Hafravatn Lake

The ride is primarily about driving, but there can be short stops that add context to the terrain. Depending on the route, you may see steam vents, a boiling mud feature, geothermal pipes or a natural spring and pool. These details help explain why Iceland’s ground is more than just black rock and mud. The heat beneath the surface is visible in the steam and working geothermal infrastructure.

Your guide can connect what you see with the country’s volcanic activity and geothermal energy. Guides have been praised for explaining the terrain and for pointing out environmental changes they see regularly. Don’t expect a long geology lecture, though. The outing is an active buggy ride, and stops are brief.

Hafravatn Lake is another scenic pause on the way back. Its still water can reflect the surrounding slopes, offering a calmer contrast to the mud and engine noise. The stop is a chance to look around and take a few pictures, but the overall tour is not designed as a lengthy lakeside visit.

Some riders particularly value the contrast between the fast ride and these short explanatory stops. Others would prefer more time to absorb the scenery. If you want a dedicated nature or geology tour, choose one built around walking and longer stops. If you want an afternoon that mixes a little local context with a lot of driving, this format makes sense.

What the price buys you

At $314 per person, this is a substantial half-day activity, especially if you’re comparing it with a bus tour or a simple city excursion. The price covers Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, a two-hour buggy adventure, a professional guide and the protective equipment. You’re paying for the vehicle, the guided route and the chance to drive across terrain you couldn’t reach in a standard rental car.

The value is strongest if you plan to drive and enjoy off-road activities. You get a distinct change of pace from the long road trips and sightseeing tours that often fill an Iceland visit. The buggy gives you an active role, while the guide handles route-finding and explains what you encounter. Couples and friends can share one vehicle and take turns driving, making the cost easier to justify if both are keen.

The value is less clear if you’re mainly after the scenery. The route has excellent views, but the buggy ride is the central attraction, and the stops are not the focus. If you’d rather spend an afternoon walking, looking around and taking photographs, another excursion may give you more time for that.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly. The tour lasts around three and a half hours, but the pickup process may take up to thirty minutes. The stated pickup time is 13:00. For some central hotels, the vehicle cannot collect directly at the door because of local no-pickup zones. You may be asked to walk two to five minutes to a nearby bus stop, so confirm your pickup point in advance and be ready at the stated time.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a good match if you like driving, don’t mind getting dirty and want a guided outdoor activity close to Reykjavik. It also works well for couples or family groups who want to take turns behind the wheel. Children aged six and older may ride as passengers, though they cannot drive. A parent or adult should consider how the child will handle a bumpy, fast ride before booking.

You need a moderate level of physical fitness, a full valid driver’s licence to drive, and the willingness to follow the guide’s directions. This is not a strenuous hike, but it is not a passive sightseeing trip either. The ride is noisy and jolting, and you’ll be out in the elements.

If you’re travelling alone, the booking information allows one adult to book the single-rider option. Shared bookings require at least two adults. The tour can take up to 60 people, so the experience may feel more like a group outing than a private drive. When a group is small, the ride may feel more flexible, but don’t count on having a private guide or an individual pace.

Safety is a recurring strength of the experience. The briefing, supplied gear and guide-led route are important, particularly for first-time buggy drivers. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should take the rules seriously. If you’re worried about speed, tell your guide at the start and follow their instructions throughout.

Should you book the Reykjavik buggy tour?

Book it if you want an active, messy and memorable change from sightseeing by bus. The strongest reasons are the chance to drive across lava and muddy tracks, the summit view over Reykjavik and Esja, and the guide-led format with protective gear and transport included. The warm, safety-minded approach from guides such as Gonzalo, Louis and Lisa has helped make the ride comfortable even for people who start out nervous.

Skip it if you want a quiet afternoon, long photo stops or a slow-paced introduction to Icelandic geology. The ride is built around driving, and the terrain can be wet, rough and fast. At $314 per person, it makes the most sense when the driving itself is what you came for.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about three hours and thirty minutes. The guided buggy ride takes about two hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a two-hour buggy ride, a professional guide, helmet, gloves, coveralls, ski mask and rain gear. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need a driver’s licence?

Yes, you need a full, valid driver’s licence to drive the buggy. Children aged six and older may ride as passengers.

How many people fit in one buggy?

Each buggy seats two people: one driver and one passenger. The pair can take turns driving if both have valid licences.

Can I be picked up at my Reykjavik hotel?

Pickup is offered, but some central Reykjavik locations are in no-pickup zones. In that case, you’ll need to walk to a nearby bus stop, usually two to five minutes away.

What should I expect from the weather and terrain?

The route can include rocky lava, mud, water and snow. The tour supplies protective clothing and rain gear, but you should still expect a bumpy outdoor ride and possible splashes.

Is there a longer version of the tour?

Yes. You can upgrade to an extreme ride lasting three hours, described as more challenging than the standard option.