Hengill Geothermal ATV Tour in Iceland Near Reykjavik

Ride an ATV across lava fields and into the geothermal landscape of the Hengill Volcanic Area on this tour, a short drive from Reykjavik. The tour ends with a taste of traditional rye bread baked in the ground by a hot spring.

The tour suits first-time ATV riders, couples, small groups, and travelers with limited time. No previous ATV experience is needed.

After a safety briefing, you gear up in insulated overalls, a balaclava, and a helmet, plus waterproof boots if you need them.

Then your English-speaking guide leads you across the Hellisheidi Plateau and over the dark Svinahraun Lava Field. It formed around the year 1000 and is also known as the "Lava of Christianization." On the way across the plateau, you pass several climate and sustainability projects.

Hengill Volcano rises 2,634 feet (803 meters) above sea level and sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. This makes the area one of the most geothermal-rich regions in Iceland.

As you ride higher, steam vents and geothermal formations appear. On clear days, you may see Lake Thingvallavatn to the north and the Reykjanes Peninsula stretching toward the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

Higher up, you stop near an active geothermal borehole, where you can safely watch powerful steam rising from deep underground. You also pass Hellisheidi Power Plant, one of the largest geothermal plants in the world, which uses underground heat to produce electricity and hot water for Reykjavik and nearby towns.

Your final stop is Skidaskalinn, a historic mountain lodge built in 1934 in Hveradalir Valley, a steaming geothermal area with bubbling hot springs and mud pools. Here, you taste hverabraud, a traditional sweet rye bread baked for hours in the warm earth near a hot spring, served with butter.

Check availability by choosing a date.