Volcano Valley ATV Tour Near Reykjavík – 2 Hours

Just 20 minutes from Reykjavík, take a break from city streets to embrace lava fields and volcanic peaks on this thrilling 2-hour ATV adventure.

Ride Through Iceland’s Lava Fields, Valleys and Volcanic Landscapes

Experience the raw volcanic terrain just outside Reykjavík on this 2-hour ATV adventure through the Hengill geothermal region and Jósepsdalur volcano valley. Only 20 minutes from the city, this tour takes you deep into Iceland’s rugged lava landscapes, where towering volcanoes, sweeping mountain views and dramatic valleys create the perfect playground for off-road exploration.

Ride across the black lava fields of Svínahraun, climb into the historic valley of Jósepsdalur, and take in breathtaking views toward Hengill, Bláfjöll and the iconic volcano Vífilsfell.

This is one of the most exciting ATV tours near Reykjavík, combining epic scenery, Icelandic folklore, traditional lava-bread tasting and unforgettable off-road riding.

Why Choose the Volcano Valley ATV Tour?

This adventure is perfect if you want to experience Iceland’s wild nature without travelling far from Reykjavík.

Tour highlights

• Ride through the dramatic lava fields of Svínahraun

• See the slopes of Hengill, one of Iceland’s volcanic geothermal regions

• Pass the Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant, one of the largest geothermal energy plants in the world

• Learn how Iceland harnesses renewable geothermal energy, including innovative carbon capture projects

• Visit the geothermal area of Hveradalir, where hot springs, steaming vents and bubbling mud pools reveal the earth’s energy beneath the surface

• Taste traditional Icelandic hot spring bread (rúgbrauð) baked underground using natural geothermal heat

• Pass beneath the striking volcano Vífilsfell

• Explore the historic and mysterious Jósepsdalur Valley

• Stop for panoramic views over lava fields and the Reykjavík area

• Enjoy a longer, more adventurous ride than typical ATV tours near the city

With two full hours of riding time, this tour lets you travel deeper into the landscape than shorter ATV experiences.

Your ATV Adventure Begins Near Reykjavík

Your journey begins at our Litla Kaffistofan base, located about 25 minutes from the BSÍ Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík.

After a safety briefing and gearing up in insulated overalls, helmet and gloves, you’ll set off directly into Iceland’s rugged volcanic terrain.

Within minutes, the city disappears behind you and the landscape opens into vast black lava fields stretching toward distant mountain ranges.

Explore the Lava Fields of Svínahraun

The first stage of the tour takes you across the dramatic Svínahraun lava field, a landscape shaped by powerful volcanic eruptions and centuries of geological activity.

Here you’ll experience the raw beauty that makes Iceland famous: endless lava formations, rugged terrain and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

This terrain is ideal for ATV riding, offering wide trails and incredible scenery.

Experience Iceland’s Geothermal Energy

The Hengill region is not only volcanic, but also one of Iceland’s most important geothermal energy areas.

During the tour you’ll pass the impressive Hellisheiðarvirkjun power plant. This facility harnesses underground heat from volcanic activity to produce renewable electricity and hot water for Reykjavík and surrounding communities.

Your guide will explain how geothermal energy works and how Iceland has become a global leader in sustainable power.

You’ll also learn about the groundbreaking Climeworks project, a pioneering carbon capture technology that permanently stores CO₂ underground by turning it into stone within basalt rock.

Hveradalir Geothermal Area

The tour also stops near Hveradalir, an active geothermal field where steaming vents, colorful mineral deposits and bubbling mud pools show the powerful forces shaping Iceland beneath the surface.

Here you’ll experience geothermal energy up close and even sample a traditional Icelandic treat — rúgbrauð, a dense rye bread slow-baked underground using natural geothermal heat.

It’s a uniquely Icelandic combination of nature, culture and science.

Discover the Legends of Jósepsdalur Valley

Next, you’ll ride into Jósepsdalur, a secluded valley nestled between volcanic ridges and mountain slopes.

In earlier centuries this valley served as an important mountain pass connecting Reykjavík with the southern regions of Iceland. According to folklore, a troll once lived in a cave nearby, while later stories tell of a blacksmith named Jósep whose constant swearing supposedly caused his farm to sink into the ground.

In the early 20th century, the valley became one of Iceland’s first ski areas. Members of the Ármann ski club carried building materials into the valley to construct their ski lodge in the 1930s. Despite fires and storms destroying their early buildings, the determined skiers rebuilt again and again, leaving a legacy of adventure that still defines the area today.

Today, Jósepsdalur remains a rugged playground for hikers, climbers, motorcross-enthusiasts and off-road explorers.

Ride Beneath the Volcano Vífilsfell

One of the most striking landmarks on the tour is Vífilsfell, a steep volcanic mountain rising 655 meters above the surrounding lava fields. This volcano was formed beneath a glacier during the Ice Age, when eruptions occurred under thick ice, creating the distinctive palagonite rock that shapes its dramatic slopes. The mountain is named after Vífill, a loyal servant of Iceland’s first settler Ingólfur Arnarson. Today it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks near Reykjavík.

Panoramic Views at Draugahlíðar – Ghost Hill

One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at Draugahlíðar, or “Ghost Hill”. The name comes from the eerie lava formations and deep cracks in the landscape that naturally inspires stories of the chilling variety. There may also be a proper ghost in these parts, but we’ll leave that story to the guide once you arrive. From this viewpoint you’ll enjoy sweeping views over lava fields and toward Reykjavík in the distance. This is the perfect place to pause for a moment, take photos and appreciate Iceland’s volcanic wilderness.