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Take the wheel on a two-hour guided buggy route around Snæfellsjökull, weaving through black lava, coastal tracks and open valleys on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Your guide sets the pace, keeps the group together and points out landmarks tied to local folklore and the national park. It is an active way to see west Iceland without a long hike.
You meet your guide at Arnarstapi for a safety briefing, helmet fitting and an introduction to the buggies. After a short practice on easy ground, the convoy heads onto mountain roads and trails chosen for the day's conditions, with regular stops for photos and to swap drivers when your ticket allows.
The route highlights lava fields, viewpoints towards the glacier cap and glimpses of Faxaflói Bay. Your guide leads the convoy so you can focus on steering while hearing commentary about geology and local stories, then returns to Arnarstapi with time to hand back kit and ask questions. Exact loops vary with season and weather; see the step-by-step itinerary below for how the session flows.
Arnarstapi sits on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a short drive from fishing villages and cliff walks famous for basalt arches and seabirds. From here, tracks climb towards Snæfellsjökull National Park, where the glacier dominates the horizon and lava from past eruptions shapes the ground under your wheels.
Riding in this part of Iceland means shifting light, Atlantic weather and wide-open views in every direction. The buggy route is designed to show coastal and inland scenery in one session, so you experience how the peninsula changes from sea cliffs to mountain foothills within a single afternoon.
Drivers should be comfortable operating a buggy after the briefing; your guide will confirm licence and age rules on the day. Passengers can join without driving experience. Minimum age is 8 years unless the team confirms otherwise in advance.
You need sturdy, warm clothing and closed shoes suitable for dust, wind and cool temperatures even in summer. If you have back or neck concerns, pregnancy or recent surgery, ask the team before travel so they can advise on suitability for off-road travel.
Local guides know which trails are open, how wind affects visibility on the glacier slopes and where the best photo stops are for the current season. Briefings are thorough, helmets and protective overalls are provided, and convoy spacing is managed so newer drivers feel supported rather than rushed.
Guests often describe the mix of adrenaline and landscape as the highlight of their Snæfellsnes trip: you cover more ground than on foot, yet still feel close to the lava, beaches and ice cap that make this region famous. The team aims for a personal, well-organised session from meet-up to hand-back of equipment.
Meet at Arnarstapi on the Snæfellsnes peninsula (postcode 356). Arnarstapi is reached by car from Reykjavík via Route 54; allow roughly two to two-and-a-half hours in good conditions. Parking is available in the village near the harbour and cliff paths; your confirmation will note the exact meet-up spot.
GPS coordinates and any last-minute meeting adjustments will be confirmed before your session. In winter, allow extra time for ice on roads and check road.is for closures on mountain passes. If you are travelling from Ólafsvík or Grundarfjörður, follow local signage towards Arnarstapi and arrive at least fifteen minutes before your scheduled start.
Valid driving licence requirements depend on the buggy type and Icelandic regulations for your session. Your guide will confirm at check-in whether a licence is needed for drivers and what ID to bring.
If you prefer not to drive, you can usually join as a passenger in a shared buggy, subject to availability and seating rules for that departure.
The minimum age for this experience is 8 years. Younger children cannot take part unless the operator explicitly confirms an exception before travel.
Family tickets may be available for different age bands; passengers must meet height and seating requirements so helmets fit correctly.
Dress for cool, windy conditions even on sunny days: thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer and a waterproof jacket are ideal. Closed-toe shoes with ankle support work best on uneven ground when getting in and out of the buggy.
We provide helmets and protective overalls. Bring gloves, a hat and eye protection against dust and glare.
Off-road routes need reasonable visibility and safe track conditions. If wind, ice or heavy rain makes driving unsafe, the team may shorten the route, delay start times or reschedule your session.
They will contact you using the details on your reservation if plans change. It is worth building flexibility into your Snæfellsnes itinerary during winter months.
Buggies are designed for trail and mountain road use rather than extreme rock crawling, but you will feel bumps, dust and vibration. You steer, brake and throttle for up to two hours with breaks, so a basic level of comfort sitting and holding controls helps.
Passengers experience the same terrain without operating the vehicle. Tell your guide about injuries or mobility concerns before you set off.
Many departures offer shared and single-rider options with different pricing. Shared rides typically seat a driver plus passenger when the buggy is built for two places.
Select the option that matches your group so the right vehicle is prepared. If you want to swap drivers mid-route, ask the guide at the briefing.
All guests meet at Arnarstapi unless your confirmation states another point on the peninsula. Arnarstapi is a well-known village on Route 54 with parking near the coast.
Arrive early to find parking and complete paperwork. Late arrival may shorten your driving time so the group can stay on schedule.
Yes, guides pause at viewpoints for photos. Secure phones and cameras while driving; only take shots when the vehicle is stopped unless the guide says otherwise.
Action cameras may be used with a secure mount that does not interfere with helmets or straps. Drones are not usually permitted in the national park without special permission.
Your fee covers the guided convoy, buggy hire for the selected option, helmet, overall and the pre-drive safety briefing. Fuel for the route is included.
Personal insurance, meals, transfers to Arnarstapi and extra clothing are not included. Optional extras, if offered on the day, are paid separately.
No prior buggy experience is required. The briefing covers controls, following distance and how to read the guide's signals on the trail.
If you are nervous, say so at the start; guides can pair you near the front of the convoy and choose easier sections while you build confidence.
About the centre
Arnarstapi
Operated by Glacier Paradise, a partner of adventuro.