Hvolsvöllur: Scenic Buggy Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and craving a unique way to see the country’s spectacular scenery, the Hvolsvöllur: Scenic Buggy Adventure might just catch your eye. We haven’t personally been on this tour, but with solid reviews and detailed descriptions, it sounds like a fantastic option for those who want to add some adrenaline to their Iceland itinerary.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the opportunity to ride in fully automatic, road-legal buggies that are built for safety and comfort. Second, the chance to explore majestic waterfalls and breathtaking vistas in a way that’s both fun and immersive. However, one thing to consider is that it’s a short tour—just about an hour—so if you’re looking for a lengthy adventure, you’ll want to combine it with other activities.

This tour appears well-suited for adventurous travelers who appreciate good safety standards and want a memorable photo-op amidst Iceland’s nature. It’s also worth noting that it’s not suitable for children under 5 or pregnant women, which is common with such off-road activities.

Key Points

• Short and exciting: A one-hour buggy adventure that offers a quick but memorable taste of Icelandic nature.
• Safety-focused: Fully inspected, road-legal buggies with safety features like roll cages and safety belts.
• Spectacular scenery: Expect views of waterfalls and rugged gravel roads that show Iceland’s wild side.
• All-inclusive gear: Your price covers safety equipment like helmets, insulated coveralls, and face masks.
• Limited group size: Each buggy seats two, making for an intimate experience.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours before the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Hvolsvöllur Buggy Tour

What the Tour Entails

This one-hour buggy adventure begins from the Brú base near Road 249, right at the doorstep of some of Iceland’s most stunning scenery. After a brief safety briefing—an essential step to make sure everyone is comfortable and informed—you’ll be outfitted in warm, insulated coveralls, helmets, and face masks. The gear ensures you’re protected from the cold and dust, making the experience much more comfortable and safe.

Once suited up, you’ll hop into a 2-person buggy, a 4×4 automatic vehicle designed specifically for Icelandic terrain. These buggies are well-equipped with safety features such as roll cages, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension, all of which help you feel secure while navigating the gravel roads and uneven terrain. This equipment is reassuring, especially if you’re new to off-road driving.

The Route and Scenery

The actual route is designed to maximize views of Icelandic nature, especially the area’s majestic waterfalls. While the tour’s main highlight is the scenery, the experience itself involves driving through rugged gravel roads and open landscapes, giving you that off-the-beaten-path feeling.

The tour is tailored to give you a glimpse of the surrounding area’s natural beauty—think sweeping views of the Icelandic wilderness, with the option to get close to waterfalls that might be difficult to access via standard tours. The route likely includes stops or viewpoints to take photos, and the guides ensure that everyone gets plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery.

What You Need to Know

It’s important to bring your driver’s license, as you’ll need it to operate the buggy. You should also come prepared with warm outdoor clothing, rain gear, and sturdy hiking shoes—the Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, and layers are always a good idea. Although the tour provides gear, dressing appropriately will make your experience more enjoyable.

The activity is suitable for most travelers aged 5 and up, but not for pregnant women or children under five. This is primarily because of safety considerations around the off-road driving.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers the actual buggy ride, safety gear, and face masks. There are no snacks included, so if you’re hungry afterward, plan to grab something nearby. Remember, you’ll need to bring your own waterproof jacket and pants, warm layers, gloves, and hats—especially if the weather turns colder or wetter.

How to Book and What to Expect

Reservations are straightforward, offering the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, which is handy if your plans shift unexpectedly. The tour typically runs at various times, so you can choose a slot that fits your schedule.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, the guides are highly praised. One reviewer mentioned, “the guide was extremely personable and very knowledgeable about the area and the history,” which adds a lot of value if you enjoy learning as you go. Another reviewer called the staff “great” and said the adventure was “awesome,” indicating that the experience is well-managed and enjoyable.

Although some travelers find the one-hour duration a bit brief**, they also note that it’s a unique and exhilarating way to see parts of Iceland that might otherwise be hidden from typical tours. The views of waterfalls and nature are consistently highlighted as some of the most memorable parts.

The Value of the Tour

At $147 per person, the price is reasonable considering the high safety standards, the quality of the equipment, and the scenic value. For those looking to spice up their Iceland trip with something active and fun, this tour offers an accessible entry point into off-road adventure. Keep in mind, the cost covers a single ride—if you’re traveling with an odd number of people, you’ll need to pay the single supplement or accept a solo ride.

Who Is It Best For?

This adventure is ideal for adventurers and nature lovers who crave a quick, exciting way to see Iceland’s wild landscapes. It’s also perfect if you want to try something different from the usual sightseeing bus tours. The experience’s emphasis on safety and the small group format makes it suitable for those who prefer a more intimate, controlled environment.

However, it’s not suited for very young children or pregnant women, so if you’re traveling with those groups, you’ll need to consider alternative ways to explore Iceland’s scenery.

Final Thoughts

The Hvolsvöllur Scenic Buggy Adventure offers a safe, fun, and scenic way to experience Iceland’s rugged beauty. With friendly guides, top-notch safety features, and views of waterfalls that you won’t forget, it’s a solid choice for thrill-seekers eager to add some off-road excitement to their trip.

While it’s a brief experience, it’s packed with enough thrill and gorgeous scenery to make it worth considering. Just make sure you’re dressed properly, book in advance, and be ready to enjoy an exhilarating ride through Iceland’s extraordinary landscape.

If you love the idea of zipping across gravel roads with a guide who knows the area, and you’re after an adventure that’s both safe and memorable, this tour could be just right.

FAQ

Is the buggy ride suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old. It’s designed with safety features appropriate for older children and adults.

Do I need any special skills to drive the buggy?
No prior experience is required. The buggies are fully automatic, and your guide will give a safety briefing before you start.

What should I wear for the tour?
Bring warm outdoor clothing, rain gear, gloves, a hat, and hiking shoes. The tour provides insulated coveralls and helmets, but dressing in layers is recommended.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the one-hour buggy adventure, safety gear, helmet, and face mask.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins from Southcoast Adventure/Brú Base Camp on Road 249 and ends back at the same meeting point.

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to see Iceland’s waterfalls and landscapes, and you’re comfortable in a small off-road vehicle, this buggy tour is a solid pick. It’s quick, scenic, and led by guides who know their stuff. Just remember to dress warmly and prepare for an exhilarating ride.

You can check availability for your dates here: