Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

The best part of this tour is the quick change from city hotel to Icelandic backcountry. Within about 30 minutes of pickup, you are at the basecamp, suited up, and riding beside Lake Hafravatn, then climbing rough tracks toward two broad viewpoints above Reykjavík. The route gives you more than a pretty drive: you handle gravel, stones, mud, steep slopes, and sometimes snow or ice.

I like the mix of scenery and driving. You get views toward Reykjavík, the bay, Hengill Geothermal Mountain Park, and distant mountains, but you also get a real ATV ride. I also like the guides’ patient approach. Daria, Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Arthur, and others have been praised for clear instruction, humor, and adjusting the pace to suit beginners and experienced riders.

The main drawback is price. At $232 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend three and a half hours, and some of the route can feel like a guided line rather than free riding. Solo riders may also pay extra because the ATVs are built for two.

Key points to know before you book

• Two peaks, two kinds of views: Reykjavík Peak gives you a broad city panorama, while Lava Field Peak brings mountain and geothermal scenery.
• A proper off-road route: Expect gravel roads, rocky tracks, steep climbs, streams, lava fields, and changing conditions rather than a gentle sightseeing ride.
• Two hours on the ATV: The full outing lasts about three to three and a half hours, including a 30-minute van ride and safety briefing.
• Warm equipment is supplied: Helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear are included. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes because footwear is not supplied.
• Drivers need a full license: You must be at least 17 and hold a valid full driving license. Passengers can be as young as six.
• Strong guide service: Guides including Daria, Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Arthur, and Mariann have been praised for safety, friendliness, and adapting the ride to different abilities.

Leaving Reykjavík for Lake Hafravatn

Pickup is arranged from central Reykjavík locations, including selected bus stops, hotels, the cruise terminal at Skarfabakki 312, and several larger hotels. Many central hotels sit in no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk to a designated bus stop. That sounds like a minor detail, but it matters in cold or wet weather, so check your meeting point carefully.

Pickup begins 30 minutes before the stated tour time. For a 9:30 departure, you should be ready at 9:00. The van ride to basecamp takes about 30 minutes, giving you a short transition from urban Reykjavík to open ground and mountain views.

At basecamp, you receive the riding gear and store anything you do not want to take onto the ATV. The supplied kit includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. Several riders have especially liked the warm outer clothing and heated ATV handle grips in winter. Even with the provided gear, I would wear thermal layers, a warm coat, thick socks, and proper outdoor shoes.

The first part of the ride follows a gravel road beside Lake Hafravatn. This is a useful opening stretch because you can get used to the controls before the route becomes rougher. The ATVs are two-seater machines, so you either drive alone or share with another licensed driver and passenger.

The 30-minute safety briefing matters

You do not need previous ATV experience. The guides explain the controls, riding position, and basic safety rules before the group leaves. Beginners have found the machines easy to handle once they get moving, while experienced drivers have still enjoyed the rougher sections later in the route.

All drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driving license. A motorcycle license or learner permit is not enough. Passengers do not need a license, and the minimum passenger age is six. Pregnant people and children under six cannot take part.

If two people share an ATV, you can swap drivers during the experience as long as both people have valid full licenses. This is a good way to keep the cost down and let both people drive, but it also means each person gets less continuous time at the controls.

Pay attention to the weight rules when booking. The limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per ATV for shared riders, and the same total limit applies to a solo rider. If your group has an odd number of participants, one person must be booked as a single rider. Failing to select that option can lead to an additional charge at the basecamp.

Riding toward Reykjavík Peak

After the briefing, the route leaves the easier gravel section and turns onto mountain tracks. This is where the outing becomes more than a scenic transfer. You may handle loose gravel, rocky ground, muddy sections, steep climbs, and uneven surfaces. The exact feel of the route changes with the season and weather.

The guide leads from the front and sets a pace for the group. That means you are not free to race or wander off on your own, but it also keeps the ride controlled. This suits first-time drivers particularly well. The guides have been praised for stopping to help people who feel unsure and for offering a harder section when the group is comfortable.

The climb to Reykjavík Peak is the first major reward. From the top, you can look across Reykjavík, the bay, and the surrounding mountain range. On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull Glacier may be visible far across the country. That distant view depends entirely on weather, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed glacier sighting.

The stop also gives your hands and shoulders a rest. Two hours of ATV riding is active, especially on rough ground, and the viewpoints break up the driving. You have time for photographs, but the length of each stop depends on weather, group pace, and the guide’s judgment.

The second half: Lava Field Peak and geothermal views

After roughly an hour on the ATV, you should be more comfortable with the steering and throttle. The ride then continues toward Lava Field Peak, with more varied ground and views toward the Hengill Geothermal Mountain Park.

The name describes the setting well. Lava fields give the ride a rough, dark Icelandic character, while the nearby mountain and geothermal areas add scale to the view. The route may include ice, snow, water, or streams depending on the season. In winter, some riders have found the combination of frozen ground and changing weather especially memorable, though it can also make the track colder and more demanding.

This section is where experienced ATV drivers may want more freedom. The route is guided and usually follows a set path, so you ride in a line behind the guide rather than choosing your own turns. One experience is described as fun but not as adventurous as expected, while another found the off-road sections properly challenging. That difference likely comes down to weather, group ability, and the route selected that day.

You should expect fun and controlled difficulty, not a race or technical expedition. The guide can adjust the pace and, when appropriate, offer more challenging terrain. If you are nervous, tell the guide early. If you are experienced, explain that too, but do not assume the group will be split into separate ability levels.

What the views are really like

This is a driving experience first and a viewpoint tour second. You will see broad views from the peaks, but much of the two-hour period is spent watching the track, steering around rough ground, and keeping a safe distance from the ATV ahead.

That is not a flaw if you want an active outing. It is worth knowing because someone hoping to sit back and photograph Iceland for two hours may prefer a minibus tour or a dedicated viewpoint trip. Here, the scenery is the reward between sections of driving, and your attention belongs on the route when the ground gets steep or uneven.

The city views are the most distinctive feature. From the peaks, Reykjavík appears in a different context, set beside the bay and backed by mountains. You also get a look toward Hengill and the surrounding wilderness without committing to a full-day excursion.

Weather can change the experience sharply. On clear days, the distant views may be excellent. In wind, rain, snow, or low cloud, the scenery can shrink, but the ride itself may become more atmospheric and demanding. Wear sunglasses if you have them. They can fit beneath the helmet and help in bright conditions, blowing grit, or reflected snow.

Gear, comfort, and cold-weather planning

The company supplies the main protective clothing, including waterproof overalls and rain gear. Gloves, helmets, and ski masks are included too. Winter riders have appreciated the insulated clothing and heated hand grips, which are especially useful when the ATV is moving through exposed mountain areas.

Do not treat the supplied kit as a substitute for your own layers. Wear warm clothes underneath, since you can become cold during photo stops even if the riding keeps you active. Closed-toe shoes are required, and rental shoes are not included. Waterproof boots are the sensible choice, especially if the route is wet or snowy.

Food is not included. Coffee is available at basecamp, which is welcome after the ride, but you should eat before departure if you need more than a hot drink. The total outing is short enough to fit around other Reykjavík plans, but the pickup, equipment change, briefing, and drop-off make it longer than the advertised two hours on the ATV.

Guide quality and group atmosphere

The guides are a major part of the experience. The guiding team has included Daria, Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Arthur, Mariann, Hannah, Lisa, Thomas, Sven, and others. The most consistent praise has gone to their friendly manner, clear safety instruction, local information, and ability to keep nervous riders comfortable.

Sir Kaktuz has been singled out for humor and for pointing out interesting places along the way. Daria has been praised for giving beginners confidence while still challenging experienced ATV drivers. Gonzalo has been described as engaging and patient. These names do not guarantee who will lead your departure, but they give you a sense of the company’s guiding style.

Group size can vary. One departure had only two people, while another had six riders plus the guide. A small group can feel more personal and may allow the guide to respond more closely to your ability. A larger group can mean more waiting at tricky spots and less freedom to set your own pace.

The overall approach is safety first. That is reassuring on steep ground and changing weather, though it may disappoint anyone expecting a fast, unsupervised ride. The best fit is someone who wants a real taste of off-road driving with a guide close by.

Is $232 good value?

At $232 per person, this is one of the more expensive short activities around Reykjavík. The price includes central pickup and drop-off, the van transfer, a professional guide, two hours of ATV time, protective clothing, and coffee at basecamp.

The value depends on what you want from Iceland. If you only want mountain views, a less expensive sightseeing trip may give you more time to look around. If you want to drive through rough terrain and reach places that are awkward to visit on foot, the price makes more sense. You are paying for the machine, guide, equipment, transport, and access to a route that combines activity with scenery.

Solo riders should check the booking terms closely. Since the ATVs are two-seaters, an odd-numbered group needs a single-rider booking, which can add to the cost. That extra fee has frustrated some participants because the ATV itself does not change, so include it in your budget before paying.

The cancellation policy is helpful: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful in Iceland, where weather can change quickly, but they do not remove the need to check the forecast and dress properly.

Who should book this ATV tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a hands-on way to see the countryside near Reykjavík and you are happy to accept a guided route. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who want an active half-day without renting a car.

Beginners should not be put off. The briefing is clear, the machines are manageable, and the guides adjust their approach. Experienced ATV or four-wheel-drive drivers will enjoy the rocky tracks and steep sections, though they should not expect unlimited speed or independent trail choice.

I would think twice if your priority is quiet sightseeing, a long stop at every viewpoint, or the lowest possible price. The route can include developed or industrial-looking areas near the city, and one part of the experience may feel like riding out to a point and returning rather than following a large circular route.

My recommendation

Book it if the phrase two hours of active Icelandic driving sounds better than another bus ride. You get Lake Hafravatn, two mountain viewpoints, lava fields, geothermal views, and a well-supported introduction to ATV riding in one compact outing.

Skip it if you dislike cold, mud, uneven ground, or riding in a guided line. For everyone else, the Twin Peaks route offers a memorable change of pace from Reykjavík’s museums, pools, and cafés. Bring layers, sturdy shoes, a full license, and realistic expectations about the price. The views are excellent, but the real point is earning them from behind the handlebars.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour last?

The total outing takes about three to three and a half hours. This includes pickup, a roughly 30-minute van ride, a 30-minute safety briefing, and about two hours of ATV riding.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included at central locations. Some central Reykjavík hotels are in no-pickup zones, so you may need to use a designated bus stop. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the tour departure time.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. Every ATV driver must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driving license. A motorcycle license or learner permit is not enough. Passengers do not need a license.

Can two people share one quad bike?

Yes. The ATVs are two-seaters, and two licensed drivers can swap during the ride. A passenger does not need a license, but the minimum passenger age is six.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. You must bring outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes. Rental shoes are not included.

What places will I see during the ride?

The route goes beside Lake Hafravatn, up to Reykjavík Peak and Lava Field Peak, and toward views of Reykjavík, the surrounding mountains, and Hengill Geothermal Mountain Park. On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull Glacier may be visible.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under six cannot take part. Children aged six or older may ride as passengers. Drivers must be at least 17 and meet the license requirement.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve and pay later, subject to availability.