Buggy Golden Circle: Drive Across Tectonic Plates to Iceland's Most Iconic Landmarks
Ten hours behind the wheel of a 4x4 buggy through volcanic highlands, ancient parliamentary grounds, and the waterfalls that define Iceland.
The Buggy Golden Circle tour takes you off the tourist buses and onto gravel tracks, highland trails, and lava fields, covering Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir in a single full-day adventure from Reykjavík.
Departing from the base at Lambhagavegur 13, the route winds through Mosfellsdalur, climbs along the salmon river Leirvogsá, and crosses the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates before reaching Þingvellir National Park. The landscape shifts from farmland to raw highland terrain as the day progresses.
At Gullfoss, the Hvítá River drops in two dramatic stages into a canyon 70 meters deep, fed by meltwater from Langjökull glacier. The scale of the waterfall is difficult to appreciate from a screen — standing beside it is a different experience entirely.
The return leg follows Lyngdalsheiði westward, passing the abandoned farm of Gjábakki near Þingvellir before rejoining the original trail back to Reykjavík. The full loop covers terrain that ranges from forested valleys to open volcanic plateaus.
Tour Highlights
Drive a fully automatic 4x4 buggy with roll cage, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension across Iceland's most varied landscapes.
Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world's oldest parliament, the Alþingi, was established in 930 AD.
Stand beside Gullfoss, where the Hvítá River plunges 11 meters then 21 meters into a canyon with average summer flows of 141 cubic meters per second.
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes to heights of up to 35 meters in the geothermally active Haukadalur valley.
Cross the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, a geological boundary visible from ground level.
Travel through the Icelandic highlands past glaciers Vestari and Eystri Hagafellsjökull and the landmark Jarlhettur, featured in the film Oblivion.
All equipment — insulated overall, helmet, balaclava face mask — is provided, and every buggy is fully inspected and road legal before departure.
Route Itinerary
The tour departs from Lambhagavegur 13, following gravel tracks through Hafravatn, Skammidalur, and Mosfellsdalur. The route ascends gradually along the salmon river Leirvogsá, passing Sámsstaðir, Stardalur, and Sauðafellsflói on the way up to Mosfellsheiði.
Driving through Stíflisdalur, Selkot, and Brúsastaðir, you cross from the North American tectonic plate to the Eurasian plate past basalt column formations. Þingvellir sits beside Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake, within a 24,000-hectare national park.
Leaving Þingvellir, the route enters rougher terrain at Meyjarsæti and follows the sandy Eyfirðingaleið trail past Hagavatn, Sandvatn, and the highland landmark Jarlhettur. The glaciers Vestari and Eystri Hagafellsjökull come into view to the north before the trail descends to the Hvítá river.
Gullfoss descends in two stages — 11 meters then 21 meters — into a crevice 32 meters deep, 20 meters wide, and 2.5 kilometers long. The waterfall is fed by Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier.
A forested trail leads south from Gullfoss into Haukadalur, home to the Great Geysir and Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every few minutes without warning, reaching up to 35 meters, while the surrounding area contains around thirty additional hot springs and smaller geysers.
The return route ascends into the lower highlands along Lyngdalsheiði, heading westward past the abandoned farm of Gjábakki near Þingvellir. From there, the trail rejoins the original outbound route back to the Reykjavík base.
What Is Included
Included
- 10-hour buggy adventure ride
- Insulated overall
- Helmet
- Buggy balaclava face mask
- Fully automatic 4x4 buggy (1–4 passengers)
- Fully inspected, road-legal vehicle
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Transportation to the starting point
Important Information
Book Your Buggy Golden Circle Adventure
Secure your place on one of Iceland's most immersive off-road day tours. Single and shared buggy options are available to suit solo travelers, couples, and small groups.
Book Now
