“Up for some splashes?” I ask. The engine is roaring and the wind beating at the visors of our helmets as we approach a deep, icy pool of muddy water in the middle of the road. The noise and hellish turmoil turns the answer of my passenger into a muffled whisper. A mischievous smile visits my lips. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Buggy Adventures offer a thrilling experience only a 20-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. At first, the offer of being strapped into a tiny vehicle to willingly spend an hour of your life speeding along a bumpy and damaged road doesn’t sound very enticing. But once you sign up: oh boy, you’re in for so much fun.
Gear up
The adventure begins in a large hall filled with fierce looking buggies, along with suits and helmets that cover the participants from head to toe. The final getup invites worries about what lies ahead, as a thick jumpsuit, rubber boots with wool socks, two pairs of gloves, a ski-mask and a full helmet may seem a bit much for a little car ride. But hats off to the organisers, because the deliberate preparation really lets you make the most of the drive.
To be honest, being quite far from the speed-loving-car-crazy type of person, I was a bit doubtful about the upcoming buggy experience, which sounded like a life or death ride with endless possibilities for embarrassment. But from the moment I put my foot on the gas pedal and felt how easily the car followed my demands, and after witnessing the amazing hill climbing and pit surviving capabilities of the buggie car, my worries were left in the dust.
Aim for the pits
In a thundering convey of vehicles, we’re led through all sorts of fun and spine-tingling awfulness. It’s funny, how at the beginning your drivers instincts urge you to meticulously avoid the puddles, pits and rocks. But soon comes the revelation—these everyday obstacles are the true causes of joy. Clench the steering wheel tightly and let the road throw you up and down, make the biggest splashes possible, and cover your partner with icy mud—go wild!
You shouldn’t completely lose your mind, however, as even these little magic cars can roll over. But they’re equipped with roll-cages, and the drivers are led by experienced guides, so there’s no real danger. And don’t take the description “off-road car” too literally, as no off-roading is allowed—the tours are eco-friendly and don’t damage nature.
All the senior ladies
One of the owners of Buggy Adventures, Harpa Groiss, says that these tours really are for everybody. They’re popular not only with tourists but Icelanders as well, enjoyed by families, and groups of women, bachelors and seniors alike. For those who aren’t going for the driving experience, there’s the chance to enjoy scenery. The route is located between the slopes of mountain Esja and the beautiful nature and characteristically vast fields of Iceland.
The company is only 1.5 years old, but has had more than 4.5 thousand clients, without a single complaint. The tours vary in length and difficulty, but all manage to put an excited grin on the face of each participant.
Wanna shake up your week? Find your inner crazy person, and get ready to buggy.
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