Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

Reykjavik’s city lights and bay look very different from the top of a mountain track. On this 3.5-hour outing, you leave the streets behind, skirt Lake Hafravatn, and ride up to two peaks for views of the capital and the surrounding high ground. On a clear day, the far-off Snæfellsjökull Glacier may even come into view.

I like two things in particular: the route mixes gravel roads with rougher mountain terrain, so the ride feels like an outing rather than a simple scenic drive; and the guides work to keep the group comfortable, adjusting the challenge to people’s experience. One consideration: you spend much of the two-hour ride focused on driving, so this is better for hands-on adventure than for stopping often to admire the scenery.

The essentials at a glance

• Two mountain viewpoints: Ride to Reykjavik Peak and Lava Field Peak for broad views over the city, bay, surrounding mountains, and, in clear weather, distant Snæfellsjökull.
• Lake Hafravatn on the route: Begin on a gravel road beside the lake, then climb into the rougher upland tracks.
• A real mix of surfaces: Expect gravel, rocky paths, mountain tracks, and a steep ascent, with the exact feel affected by weather and conditions.
• Two hours on the ATV: The full outing takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, including pickup, transfer, and the safety briefing.
• A guide-led ride for varied skill levels: Guides explain the controls and adapt the pace and route to the group. You do not need prior ATV experience.
• Plan the rider and footwear details: Drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driver’s license. Bring closed-toe shoes, and check the single-rider arrangement before booking.

Leaving Reykjavik for the Hafravatn tracks

Pickup is offered from central Reykjavik locations, including selected bus stops and hotels. Many city-center hotels are in a no-pickup zone, so you may need to meet the shuttle at a designated stop instead. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the tour departure, so be ready at the stated time rather than assuming the van will arrive at the start time.

The drive to base camp takes about 30 minutes. It gives you a short transition from the city to the open country around Reykjavik, though the transfer is part of the tour’s overall time, not extra ATV riding. Once at base camp, you’ll get ready, hear the safety instructions, and learn how to operate the quad.

The briefing is listed as about 30 minutes. That’s useful if you have never driven an ATV: the controls and group procedure are explained before you set off, and guides can help you get comfortable. You do not need previous experience, but you do need to listen closely and follow the guide’s directions on the trail.

Layering up before the ride

The tour supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. This is practical equipment for Icelandic weather, which can change quickly, and for a ride where wind and spray can make you feel colder than you expect. Some riders have appreciated the extra warmth of the supplied gear, including heated hand grips on some ATVs, but don’t count on any one piece of equipment unless the operator confirms it.

Wear outdoor clothing underneath the overalls, and bring your own closed-toe shoes. Rental shoes are not included, and sturdy footwear is a sensible choice for getting on and off the ATV and standing around at the viewpoints. Sunglasses can also be useful under the helmet, particularly if the sky is bright or the trail is dusty.

Coffee is available at base camp, but food is not included. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal, and bring any snacks you want for later. The ride is active, but there is no meal stop described as part of the outing.

Starting beside Lake Hafravatn

The ride begins on a gravel road along Lake Hafravatn. This first stretch gives you time to get used to the ATV before the route turns toward the mountain tracks. The lake adds a quieter opening to an activity that becomes more focused on handling the terrain as you climb.

From there, the route heads uphill toward Reykjavik Peak. The tour combines more manageable gravel with rocky paths and a steep ascent, so expect changes in pace and surface rather than a smooth, fast circuit. If you are new to quad biking, the guide’s instructions and the opportunity to build confidence over the first part of the ride matter. If you have experience, the varied ground should keep the outing engaging, though the group still rides under the guide’s direction.

The trail is not simply a chance to race around at your own pace. You follow the guide and the group, with safety shaping how the ride unfolds. That structure suits beginners and mixed-ability parties, but it means you may not have much freedom to stop or explore whenever you like. The guide can make the route more or less challenging as appropriate, but this is a group ride, not an independent ATV rental.

Pausing at Reykjavik Peak

At the first high point, you get a broad look across Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains. This is the sort of view that helps you understand the city’s setting: the built-up area, the bay, and the open uplands are all part of the same picture. On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull Glacier may be visible far away, but visibility depends on the weather.

The viewpoint also gives you a break from concentrating on the controls. The ride is the main event, but those pauses are important: they let you catch your breath, take photographs, and get a better sense of where you are. Expect the guide to manage the group’s stops and timing, rather than a long, leisurely stay at each peak.

Crossing toward Lava Field Peak

After roughly the first hour on the ATV, the route continues past the lake toward Lava Field Peak. The second part takes you into more varied mountain terrain, with views toward the Hengill Geothermal mountain park and the surrounding high ground. The combination of rocky paths, mountain tracks, and steeper sections is what gives the tour its adventurous feel.

Conditions can change the character of the ride. In winter, snow or ice may be part of the experience; in wetter weather, the ground can feel different under the wheels. Past outings have included streams and snowy stretches, but those are not guaranteed features of every departure. What you can count on is a route designed to include more than paved roads and a pair of mountain viewpoints.

The tour description calls the two destinations Reykjavik Peak and Lava Field Peak, while the highlight is the contrast between the city views and the wider geothermal region. Don’t expect an extended hike at either stop: this is an ATV trip, and most of your time is spent riding.

What the ride feels like for beginners and experienced drivers

You can join without having driven an ATV before. The guide explains the controls and leads the group, and the route gives you a chance to settle in before the more demanding sections. If a particular stretch makes you uneasy, tell the guide; the tour is guided, and the route can be adapted to the group’s ability.

Experienced ATV drivers may find the trip enjoyable rather than extreme. It offers multi-track terrain and some challenging sections, but it is not a free-form ride or a technical test. One useful expectation to set is that you’ll ride in a line behind the guide and will not be able to roam off on your own. That helps the group stay together and safe, but it can feel restrictive if independence is your main goal.

Group size can vary. Some departures may be small, while others include a larger mix of riders. The guide’s role is especially important when experience levels differ, and the tour has been led by guides including Daria, Kaktuz, Gonzalo, and Arthur. Names and assignments can change, but the guide-led format remains central to the experience.

Sorting out seats, licenses, and age limits

The ATVs are two-seaters. If two people share a vehicle, both can take a turn driving as long as each has a full valid driver’s license and meets the age requirement. This sharing option can make the ride more flexible for a couple or friends who both want a turn behind the handlebars.

Drivers must be at least 17 and have a full valid driver’s license. A motorcycle license or learner’s permit is not accepted for operating the ATVs. Passengers do not need a license, and the minimum passenger age is six. The tour is not suitable for children under six or for pregnant women.

Check the booking carefully if your party has an odd number of participants. The operator requires a single-rider option for one person when the group count is odd, and an additional charge may apply if the reservation is not made correctly. The stated weight limit is 220 kilograms (485 pounds) per person when riding solo, or 220 kilograms combined for two people sharing one ATV.

What $232 buys you

At $232 per person, this is a substantial spend for a half-day activity. The price covers pickup and drop-off at a central location, a professional guide, a two-hour ATV ride, protective gear, and coffee at base camp. The value rests mainly on the amount of riding time, the range of terrain, and access to viewpoints that would take more effort to reach on foot.

It is not the cheapest way to see Icelandic scenery, and it is not a quiet sightseeing tour. You pay for the ATV experience as much as the views. If you want a relaxed drive with frequent photo stops, you may feel that the riding takes up too much of the outing. If you want something active and different from the usual bus excursion, the combination of city views, mountain tracks, and equipment makes the cost easier to justify.

There is one price detail worth checking before you reserve: the extra charge for a single rider is not specified here. Because the vehicles are two-seaters, solo travelers and parties with an odd headcount should confirm the correct option and total cost in advance. That avoids a surprise at the start of an otherwise well-organized outing.

Making the pickup work

The tour lists a range of pickup and drop-off points, including hotels, selected Reykjavik bus stops, and Skarfabakki cruise terminal. Since many central hotels cannot be served directly, use the designated bus-stop system and tell the operator which pickup point you plan to use. The pickup window begins 30 minutes before departure; arrive at the assigned point on time.

The total tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, with two hours of ATV driving. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. Pickup and drop-off are included, but the precise meeting point matters, especially if you are staying in the center or joining from a cruise ship.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those terms can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting, but confirm the details when booking.

Is the Twin Peaks ride right for you?

Book this tour if you want an active half-day, are curious about driving an ATV, and would like to see Reykjavik from beyond its streets. It works well for first-timers as well as experienced drivers, provided you are comfortable following a guide and riding as part of a group. The strongest reasons to go are the varied tracks, the two high viewpoints, and the chance to pair city panoramas with a closer look at the country around Lake Hafravatn and Hengill.

Think twice if you mainly want quiet time for photographs, a long stop at each viewpoint, or a low-cost sightseeing option. The ride takes most of the tour, weather can affect comfort and visibility, and the single-rider fee deserves a check before booking. For an adventurous change of pace from Reykjavik’s museums and walking routes, though, this is a distinctive way to spend a few hours.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time is spent riding?

The full outing takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, including pickup, transfer, and the safety briefing. The guided ATV ride lasts two hours.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No. The guide explains how to operate the ATV before the ride, and the route can be adjusted to the group’s ability.

What license and age do I need to drive?

Drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driver’s license. A motorcycle license or learner’s permit is not enough.

Can children ride as passengers?

Passengers do not need a driver’s license, and the minimum passenger age is six. Children under six are not suitable for this tour.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license if you plan to drive, outdoor clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Rental shoes are not included; helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are provided.

What if I am traveling alone or my group has an odd number?

The ATVs are two-seaters, and an odd-numbered party requires a single-rider booking option for one participant. An extra charge may apply if the booking is not made correctly, so confirm the arrangement and cost before reserving.