Northern Lights ATV Quad Adventure from Reykjavik

An aurora hunt is a waiting game. This one gives you something to do while the sky makes up its mind: you drive an ATV through Icelandic countryside near Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell, with a guide leading the way. If conditions allow, you may ride higher for a broad view over Reykjavik and nearby towns.

I like driving the route instead of watching it through a coach window, and I like that the small group, with a maximum of 10 people, can make the night feel less like a convoy. There’s also a useful fallback: even without northern lights, the ride and nighttime views can make the outing worthwhile.

The catch is the one no tour operator can fix: the aurora is unpredictable. Cloud, rain, and bright moonlight can spoil the show. Dress for a cold ride, and book this for the adventure as well as the chance of seeing the lights.

At a glance: what you’re signing up for

• ATV ride near Hafravatn Lake: Follow rugged trails outside Reykjavik toward the lake and Mount Hafrafell.
• A small group: The tour has a maximum of 10 participants, giving the guide room to help riders and adjust the pace.
• A night out even without aurora: Expect country trails, stars, and possible views across Reykjavik and Mosfellsbær.
• Pickup is offered: The tour starts from its base in Mosfellsbær, with pickup options in Reykjavik. Confirm your exact location and pickup details before the night.
• Two people usually share one quad: Double ride is the standard option. You can pay extra to ride solo.
• Plan for cold: Wear layers, warm footwear, and gloves or handwarmers. A phone with a night mode or long-exposure setting is useful for photos.

From Reykjavik to the ATV base

The outing begins with pickup in Reykjavik, then a transfer to the ATV base at Flugumýri 18 in Mosfellsbær. The listed start time is 9:30 pm, and the ride itself is described as about three hours, though the overall experience may run two to three hours.

Pickup is offered at various city hotels and designated bus stops. The options are numerous, but some locations have changed or may require you to meet at a nearby stop. The pickup information may be confirmed later, so don’t assume the vehicle will collect you right outside your accommodation. Check the final message carefully and be ready at the stated location.

At the base, you’ll get safety equipment and a briefing before setting off. You don’t need to arrive as an experienced quad rider: the tour is intended for people with moderate fitness, and a guide can help you get comfortable with the vehicle. One rider described getting patient support with stopping, turning, and switching the ATV on and off. Still, you need to be willing to drive on uneven trails in the dark.

Riding the trails around Hafravatn

Once the group is ready, you follow the guide along country tracks toward Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell. The terrain and darkness make this more active than a bus-based aurora outing. You are operating the vehicle, watching the trail, and keeping enough attention for the guide’s instructions. If you enjoy a little adrenaline, that is part of the appeal. If you would rather sit back and focus only on the sky, a coach tour may suit you better.

The landscape changes the mood of the outing. Reykjavik’s city glow fades as you head into open country, and the guide may take the group to scenic overlooks. When conditions and access allow, riding toward the mountain can bring views over Reykjavik, Mosfellsbær, and other nearby towns. Even with no aurora, that nighttime outlook can be a good reason to go.

The route is not a promise of reaching a particular summit or viewpoint. The tour goes to the mountain only if conditions make it possible, and the operator says it proceeds when there is a possibility of clear sky. Treat the exact route as weather-dependent, not as a fixed sightseeing circuit.

Waiting for the aurora, and making the most of the sky

The guide’s job is to take you to places with a better chance of seeing the northern lights, but nobody can schedule the aurora. If it appears, you may see it above the hills or reflected in Hafravatn, with Mount Hafrafell helping frame the view. The contrast between a dark countryside sky and the city lights below can make the setting special.

If the lights don’t show, the guide may turn the wait into stargazing, looking for stars and possible shooting stars. That is a pleasant alternative, but it is not the same as seeing a strong aurora display. One night may bring a vivid show; another may be cloudy, rainy, or too bright from the moon. Keep that uncertainty in mind when deciding how much of the tour’s value depends on the lights.

The guide can also help with photos. Bring a phone with a good camera, ideally one with night mode or the ability to keep its shutter open for a few seconds. The operator recommends an iPhone 11 or newer, or a recent Google phone with suitable night settings. Even with a capable camera, don’t spend the entire stop staring at your screen. A phone can record the colors, but it can’t replace looking up.

Cold hands, warm layers, and riding safely

A moving ATV can feel colder than standing outdoors, especially when you stop to watch the sky. Wear all your layers, warm shoes and socks, and bring handwarmers and footwarmers if you have them. A scarf or buff around your neck helps too. Warm kit has been provided on some outings, but bring your own extra layers rather than relying on borrowed gear to keep you comfortable.

You need a full driver’s license to operate an ATV. Passengers can be from age 6, so the tour can work for a family with an older child, provided an adult is driving and everyone is comfortable with a night ride. The supplied information does not specify a minimum age for drivers, so confirm that directly if you’re booking for a younger driver.

Double ride is the standard arrangement, with two people on each quad. If you don’t want to share, you can choose a single ride during booking for an additional charge; the exact surcharge is not provided. Sharing may suit couples or families, but remember that one person drives while the other rides as passenger.

Is $199 a fair price?

At $199 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for northern lights. You are paying for more than a ride out of town: the price includes an active ATV outing, a guide, safety equipment, and pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik. The small group and the chance to see the countryside from a mountain trail add value that a standard coach chase does not offer.

The value depends on what you want from the evening. If you love driving, want a more adventurous way to get out of the city, and would still enjoy the outing without an aurora, the cost is easier to justify. If your sole goal is to see the lights as cheaply as possible, consider a less specialized aurora tour and keep the ATV budget for another activity.

Double ride is the standard rate, while solo driving costs extra. Factor that in if you’re traveling alone or don’t want to share a quad. The tour is often booked well ahead, on average around 44 days before departure, so leaving it until the last minute may limit your options.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I’d choose this outing if you want an activity as well as an aurora search. It suits confident drivers who like a bit of rough trail, couples or friends who are happy to share a quad, and families with a passenger aged 6 or older. It can also work for a first-time ATV rider, as long as you’re prepared to listen to the briefing and take the guide’s help.

It is less suitable if you dislike cold, feel uneasy driving in the dark, or would be disappointed by a night without northern lights. A moderate level of fitness is advised, but the main question is comfort with the vehicle and conditions, not athletic ability.

The experience has a strong chance of being fun even when the sky refuses to cooperate. The most compelling accounts describe the guide as friendly and attentive, the ATV ride as exciting and easy to learn, and the view back toward Reykjavik as worth the trip on its own. One guide, Helga, was singled out for her help and for sharing interesting facts about Iceland. Guide assignments can vary, so don’t count on meeting a particular person.

Booking and weather details

You receive confirmation at booking. The tour may be canceled if poor weather makes it unsuitable, in which case you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants; if that minimum is not met, you’ll be offered a different date or experience, or a refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Because pickup details may be sent later, check your messages and confirm where you need to meet.

Should you book it?

Book the Northern Lights ATV Quad Adventure if the idea of driving through dark country trails sounds appealing even before the aurora appears. You get a small group, a guide, a possible mountain viewpoint, and a lively alternative to sitting on a bus. Dress warmly, choose your single or double ride with care, and treat the lights as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

If you mainly want the best chance of seeing the aurora and would rather avoid driving, this may not be your best fit. But if you like the outdoors, don’t mind a little cold, and would enjoy a night ride under the stars regardless of the forecast, it’s a memorable way to leave Reykjavik behind.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience is listed as approximately two to three hours. The ATV itinerary is described as three hours, with pickup and return travel included in the overall outing.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:30 pm.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The base meeting point is Flugumýri 18 in Mosfellsbær. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with pickup and drop-off offered in Reykjavik.

Is pickup in Reykjavik included?

Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are offered. Pickup points include selected hotels and bus stops, so confirm your exact location and meeting instructions.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride?

You need a full driver’s license to drive an ATV. Passengers can be from age 6.

Can I ride alone on a quad?

Yes. Double ride is the standard option, with two people on each ATV. You can select a single ride for an additional charge.

Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The aurora is unpredictable, and cloud, rain, or bright moonlight can affect visibility. The guide may take you stargazing if the lights do not appear.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you’ll be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.