Buggy ‘Lava Field Adventure’ from Reykjavik

The best part of this outing is its change of pace. Instead of sitting in a coach all afternoon, you take the wheel of a 4×4 mountain buggy and follow a guide across black lava, wet trails, snow, and rocky ground. At the top of Úlfarsfell, Reykjavik spreads below you, with Esja Mountain and the North Atlantic beyond.

I like the warm protective gear, since Iceland can turn a sunny ride into a cold, wet one in minutes. I also like the mix of driving and stops, including geothermal ground, hot springs, and views around Hafravatn Lake. The main drawback is that the ride leans more toward speed and rough driving than a slow scenic tour, so you may not stop as often as you hope.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours behind the wheel: The active riding portion covers lava fields, mud, water, snow, and a mountain ascent.
• A real view from Úlfarsfell: The summit gives you wide views of Reykjavik, the North Atlantic, and Esja Mountain.
• Protective clothing is supplied: You receive a helmet, gloves, thermal coveralls, ski mask, and rain gear.
• Pickup begins around 13:00: Hotel pickup is offered, though some central hotels require a short walk to a designated bus stop.
• Two people share one buggy: Each vehicle seats one driver and one passenger, with single-rider options available.
• The pace is lively: This suits you if muddy tracks, bumps, and fast sections sound better than a quiet sightseeing drive.

Leaving Reykjavik for the lava fields

The outing takes about three and a half hours from pickup to return. Pickup starts around 13:00 and can take up to 30 minutes, so keep your phone nearby and be ready before the stated time.

Central Reykjavik has restricted pickup areas. If your hotel sits inside one of those zones, you will walk to the nearest approved bus stop, usually two to five minutes away. That is not a major problem, but it is worth checking before you book, especially if you have bulky luggage or a tired child in tow.

From the city, you travel to the Safari Quads base at Lambhagavegur 19. The setting quickly changes from urban streets to Icelandic countryside. The base is where you receive your equipment, listen to the safety talk, and get familiar with the buggy controls.

The tour can hold up to 60 people. That does not mean 60 people will always ride together, but you should expect a group operation rather than a private outing. The guide leads the convoy, sets the pace, and decides where it is safe to stop.

Getting ready for a two-seat buggy

The buggies are built for two people, one driver and one passenger. The listed price is per person, and you need two adults for a shared booking. A single-rider option is available if you want your own vehicle and meet the booking requirements.

Before setting off, you receive a helmet, gloves, thermal coveralls, ski mask, and rain gear. This equipment matters. The ride can be wet and exposed, and several people found that the supplied clothing kept them comfortable even in rain, mist, snow, and cold wind.

You need a full valid driver’s licence to drive. The minimum passenger age is six, so families can bring younger children as passengers, but the driver still needs to meet the licence requirement. The tour also calls for a moderate level of fitness. You are not hiking for hours, but climbing into a buggy, bracing over bumps, and handling a rough route takes some effort.

The guide explains how to operate the vehicle before you leave. Pay close attention here. The ride becomes much more enjoyable when you understand the controls, your safety buckles are secure, and you know how to follow the buggy ahead without crowding it.

The first two hours: mud, lava, water, and snow

Once the convoy leaves the base, you head onto lowland trails. The route crosses rocky lava fields, muddy pools, standing water, and snow, depending on conditions. Each surface feels different under the buggy, which is part of the appeal.

This is not a polished road trip. You will bounce over uneven ground, steer around rough sections, and sometimes hit water hard enough to get soaked. The vehicles are made for this sort of driving, so the roughness is not a fault. It is the point of the activity.

The ride also gives you a different way to see Iceland’s volcanic terrain. From a coach window, black lava can look stark and distant. From a buggy, you notice the texture of the ground, the way water collects in hollows, and the constant work required to choose a line through the trail.

Your guide leads from the front and provides context at the stops. Guides who have led this outing include Gonzalo, Louis, Lisa, Marco, Thomas, and Guillermo, though you should not book expecting a particular person. The strongest part of the guiding is the combination of safety instructions, local explanation, and a friendly hand when someone feels nervous.

Some guides also point out geothermal pipes, hot ground, and areas linked to Iceland’s volcanic heat. One stop may include steam vents, a boiling mud pit, or a natural hot spring area. These brief pauses add meaning to the ride, showing that the heat under Iceland is not just a story from a map or museum.

The Úlfarsfell climb and the reward at the top

The most demanding section is the ascent of Úlfarsfell Mountain. You follow the guide uphill, handling a steeper route before reaching the final ridge.

The climb is where the buggy earns its keep. You need to stay focused, use the controls properly, and trust the vehicle over rough ground. If you are anxious about driving, tell the guide. Lisa, for example, was praised for helping nervous riders feel calm while still keeping the experience exciting.

At the summit, the mood changes. You park and have time to take in the view over Reykjavik, the North Atlantic, and Esja Mountain. This is the clearest scenic payoff of the tour. The city looks small from above, while the open water and mountain give you a strong sense of Iceland’s setting.

Do not expect a long summit picnic or a slow photography session. The tour is built around moving through varied terrain, not lingering at one viewpoint. Still, this stop provides the kind of wide view that makes the rough ride feel worthwhile.

Weather can change the character of the scene. Snow and mist may soften the view, while a clear day gives you a sharper look across the city and water. The supplied gear helps with comfort, but no clothing can guarantee a dry face when you hit a large puddle.

Hafravatn Lake and the geothermal stops

After the mountain descent, the route continues toward Hafravatn Lake. The water can reflect the surrounding scenery like a mirror, giving you a quieter moment after the noisy, bumpy climb.

This is one of the better contrasts in the outing. You get fast sections and rough trails, then a lake view that asks you to slow down for a moment. The stop is scenic rather than elaborate, so your experience depends on the weather and how much time the group has.

The geothermal features are also worth noticing. Steam vents, warm ground, and hot pools help explain Iceland’s power system and volcanic activity in a direct way. You may pass hydroelectric infrastructure and geothermal pipes, which connect the scenery to the heat and water beneath the country.

The stops are not a substitute for a full geothermal day tour. They are short additions to an off-road ride. If your priority is learning about volcanoes, you may want a more detailed geology-focused excursion as well.

Speed, scenery, and the right expectation

The biggest decision is simple: do you want to drive, or do you want to sightsee? This experience gives you both, but driving comes first.

The guides generally keep the ride safe and organized, yet the route can be fast. Some sections encourage you to use the buggy’s power, and the rough ground adds a jolt of excitement. One weakness is that the group may spend more time moving quickly from one section to the next than stopping for photographs.

If you prefer a calm ride with frequent explanations, this may feel rushed. If you like off-road vehicles, mud, and a little controlled fear, the pace will probably feel right. Listen to the guide and follow the rules. Safe spacing and sensible speed improve the ride for everyone, especially when a large group is on the trail.

The vehicles can feel very fast on open ground. That is thrilling, but it also means you should not treat the excursion as a casual drive. You need to stay alert, keep both hands ready, and respect the conditions.

Is $314 a fair price?

At $314 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an afternoon. The price makes more sense when you count the transport from Reykjavik, the supplied gear, the professional guide, the two-hour buggy ride, and the access to terrain you would not reach in an ordinary rental car.

The value is strongest for two adults who want to share a buggy and make the ride a main activity. You are paying for the vehicle, equipment, route planning, and a managed experience in difficult terrain. You also avoid the cost and risk of trying to find suitable off-road routes yourself.

The value is weaker if you mainly want mountain views. A standard sightseeing outing will usually give you more time at viewpoints for less money. This tour earns its price through the physical fun of driving, not through the number of formal attractions.

There is also an extreme option with a three-hour ride. Choose that only if the standard two-hour route sounds too short and you want a greater driving challenge. For many first-time buggy drivers, the regular tour already provides plenty of mud, speed, bumps, and mountain work.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this for couples, friends, families with children aged six and up, and solo visitors who want an active afternoon. It works especially well as a break from long coach tours around Iceland. You get outside, use your hands, and see volcanic ground from close range.

It is also a good choice if one person in your group loves driving while the other prefers riding. You can take turns, as long as the driver is licensed and the vehicle’s two-person setup is respected.

I would think twice if you dislike speed, rough trails, wet clothing, or group travel. You might also prefer another activity if your main goal is a detailed lesson in geology or a long, quiet stop beside a lake.

Bring practical layers under the supplied coveralls. You do not need to pack specialist riding gear, but comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear will make the outing easier. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand and plan your afternoon accordingly.

Pickup and drop-off are included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Lava Field Adventure?

Book it if you want Iceland to feel physical: mud splashing, lava under your wheels, a mountain climb, hot ground, and a big view at the top. The guides place strong emphasis on safety, and names such as Gonzalo, Louis, Lisa, and Thomas have been associated with warm, reassuring instruction.

Skip it if you want a slow scenic tour with many photo stops. The route is exciting because it is rough and fast, but that same pace can limit the time you spend quietly taking in the scenery.

For an active half-day from Reykjavik, I think the regular two-hour ride is the sensible choice. It gives you enough time to experience the terrain without turning the afternoon into an endurance test.

FAQ

How long does the Buggy Lava Field Adventure last?

The full experience takes about three and a half hours. The guided buggy ride itself lasts about two hours.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup begins around 13:00 and can take up to 30 minutes. You should be ready at the stated pickup point before that time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included. Some hotels in central Reykjavik are in no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk two to five minutes to the nearest approved bus stop.

Where does the tour start?

The activity starts at Lambhagavegur 19, 113 Reykjavik, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people fit in one buggy?

Each buggy seats two people, one driver and one passenger. The price is based on two people per vehicle, and a single-rider option is available.

Can children join the tour?

Children aged six and older may ride as passengers. A full valid driver’s licence is required for anyone who drives.

What equipment is provided?

Safari Quads provides a helmet, gloves, thermal coveralls, ski mask, and rain gear.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires suitable weather. If the company cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.