About this experience
Explore the Hengill geothermal area on an ATV tour close to Reykjavik. Ride through the Svínahraun lava field, see the Hellisheiði power plant, and taste traditional geothermal-baked rye bread.
Highlights
- Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour tour to suit your schedule
- See the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant and steam vents
- Ride an ATV through the Svínahraun lava field and Hengill geothermal area
- Learn about Iceland’s geothermal energy and sustainability projects
- Taste traditional Icelandic rye bread baked using geothermal heat
What's included
- 1-hour guided ATV ride on Hellisheiði
- Visit to Svínahraun lava field
- Views of Hengill volcano and geothermal valleys
- Visit to an active geothermal borehole
- See Hellisheiði Power Plant
- Stop at Skíðaskálinn in Hveradölum
- Taste traditional geothermal-baked rye bread
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Begin your experience at Litla Kaffistofan, located about 20 minutes from Reykjavík. After check-in, receive a safety briefing and be provided with insulated overalls, a helmet, and gloves before setting off into the Hengill geothermal region.
Ride an ATV across the Svínahraun lava field, a rugged landscape formed around the year 1000 AD during a volcanic eruption. Follow established gravel tracks through black lava formations covered in moss, offering an accessible but adventurous ride through one of Iceland’s historic volcanic areas.
As you continue into the Hengill volcanic system, pass through an active geothermal region where steam vents, hot ground, and mineral formations are visible in the landscape. See the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, where underground heat is used to generate electricity and hot water for Reykjavík. Along the way, your guide will explain how Iceland uses geothermal energy, as well as point out nearby carbon capture and sustainability projects such as Climeworks and Carbfix.
Stop in the Hveradalir geothermal area, where you will experience one of Iceland’s unique food traditions. Taste traditional Icelandic rúgbrauð (rye bread), baked in an oven heated entirely by natural geothermal energy, without electricity. Using heat from the ground, the bread slowly bakes to create its distinctive flavor. During the stop, learn how this method works and see geothermal activity up close, including steam vents and hot ground. For safety, all guests must remain on marked paths.
Depending on the option selected, the tour will either focus on the lava fields and geothermal area (1-hour option) or continue deeper into the landscape (2-hour option), including areas such as Jósepsdalur valley, views toward Vífilsfell volcano, and additional scenic viewpoints.
The experience combines off-road ATV riding with geothermal landscapes, renewable energy, and traditional Icelandic food culture, before returning to the starting point at Litla Kaffistofan.
Things to note
- Comfortable clothes
- Driver's license
- Warm clothing
Terms & conditions
Each adult may accompany one youth only
A valid driver’s license is required to operate an ATV