If you’re looking for a thrilling way to see Iceland beyond the usual coach tour, then the Buggy & Golden Circle combination is your perfect match. This unique tour gives you the rush of off-road adventure and the awe of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders—all in one unforgettable day.
From the seat of an open-air buggy roaring across wild Icelandic landscapes to the quiet marvel of watching geysers erupt and waterfalls plunge into ancient canyons, this tour blends action with awe. And with TPO.Travel managing your logistics, transfers, and accommodations, all you have to do is show up ready to explore.
A Morning Full of Adrenaline: Buggy Ride Through Hafrafell
The day begins with an exhilarating buggy ride through the rugged outskirts of Reykjavík. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, buggies are a fun, easy, and surprisingly safe way to explore Iceland’s backcountry. Each vehicle is fully automatic and designed for beginners—no special driving license or previous experience required.
After a quick safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll follow your expert guide on a ride through lava fields, gravel paths, and winding mountain trails. The trail leads toward Hafrafell mountain, one of Reykjavík’s most scenic lookout points. As you climb higher, the landscape opens up to reveal panoramic views of the capital city, the ocean, and nearby volcanic peaks.
This is the ultimate off-road experience, where adrenaline meets Iceland’s untouched beauty. Don’t forget your camera—Hafrafell offers some of the best photo ops in southwestern Iceland.
Continue the Adventure: The Golden Circle
After your off-road adrenaline rush, it’s time to switch gears and journey along Iceland’s famed Golden Circle. This is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, and for good reason. With TPO.Travel’s seamless coordination and transfer services, you’ll travel comfortably from one natural wonder to the next—with multilingual guides, modern vehicles, and all-day support if needed.
Þingvellir National Park – Walk Between Continents
The first stop is the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, a geological and historical marvel. Here, you’ll literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which drift apart a few centimeters every year. The rift valley, Almannagjá gorge, and the surrounding volcanic formations are like something from another world.
Þingvellir is also where Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi, was founded in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest still-functioning parliaments in the world. Your guide will walk you through its political history and geological significance as you take in the surreal surroundings.
Geysir Geothermal Area – Fire from the Earth
Next, you’ll head to the Geysir Hot Spring Area, where Strokkur geyser erupts like clockwork every 5–10 minutes, shooting steaming water up to 35 meters high. The landscape bubbles with geothermal energy—fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and hissing vents dot the area.
This is the place that gave the word “geyser” to the world, and it’s easy to see why. The power of Iceland’s geothermal force is on full display here, and the feeling of standing near Strokkur just before it explodes is both nerve-wracking and magical.
If you’re hungry, nearby cafés and restaurants offer delicious Icelandic meals—something warm to enjoy before continuing the tour.
Gullfoss Waterfall – The Golden Wonder
The final Golden Circle stop is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall.” Fed by the Hvítá River, Gullfoss drops dramatically in two stages, plunging over 30 meters into a rugged canyon. On sunny days, mist from the waterfall often creates double rainbows, making it a photographer’s dream.
What sets Gullfoss apart isn’t just its scale, but the raw, untamed energy of the water thundering into the abyss. There are several viewpoints and trails to explore, each offering a unique perspective of the falls.
Travel Made Easy with TPO.Travel
What makes this Buggy & Golden Circle combo even more accessible and enriching is TPO.Travel’s integrated services. As a global travel partner, TPO.Travel helps visitors explore Iceland with confidence, comfort, and customization.
Here’s what TPO can do for you on this tour:
- Hotel Bookings: Need a cozy stay near Reykjavik before or after your tour? TPO.Travel partners with trusted hotel providers around the globe and can ensure your accommodation is booked in advance.
- Private Transfers: Don’t want to rent a car? TPO offers private transportation services from your hotel to the buggy base camp and through the Golden Circle—ideal for luxury travelers and families.
- Multilingual Audioguides: If English isn’t your preferred language, TPO.Travel provides GPS-synced audio guides in multiple languages for the Golden Circle segment.
- Custom Itineraries: Want to combine this tour with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, or glacier hiking? Just let the TPO team know—they’ll curate a full Iceland itinerary tailored to your needs.
What to Bring
- Driver’s license (for the buggy ride; minimum age for drivers is typically 18)
- Warm, waterproof outerwear (Icelandic weather is unpredictable)
- Good hiking boots or shoes
- Camera or smartphone
- A sense of adventure!
Helmets, gloves, and overalls are typically provided for the buggy ride, and local guides ensure that all safety regulations are followed strictly.
Family-Friendly and Adrenaline-Approved
The Buggy & Golden Circle Tour is suitable for almost all ages, though buggy drivers must have a valid license and passengers should meet age requirements (typically 6+). It’s perfect for couples, families, and even small groups of friends looking to add an adventurous twist to their Iceland trip.
Unlike standard Golden Circle tours, this one offers both natural beauty and off-road excitement—a combination that elevates the typical sightseeing experience.
There’s something magical about seeing Iceland’s raw wilderness from the seat of a buggy, then witnessing geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic shifts all in one day. This tour gives you the best of both worlds—an adrenaline-pumping ride in the morning and soul-stirring sights in the afternoon.
Whether you’re planning a short visit to Iceland or designing a full multi-day itinerary with TPO.Travel, the Buggy & Golden Circle Tour is a must-add to your adventure list.
Let TPO.Travel take care of the logistics, and all that’s left for you to do is… start your engine.