Twin Peaks ATV Iceland Adventure from Reykjavik

Iceland’s mountain tracks give you a side of Reykjavik that buses and rental cars cannot reach. This two-hour ATV ride climbs rough gravel paths toward Reykjavik Peak and Lava Fields Mountain, with wide views of Mt. Esja, the Blue Mountains, and the city below.

I like the easy hotel transfer and included cold-weather gear, which matter in Iceland’s changeable weather. I also like that you can pay extra for a solo ATV instead of sharing, and that guides such as Daria, Gonzalo, Veronica, and Sir Kaktus have earned strong praise for keeping the ride safe, lively, and flexible.

The main drawback is comfort. This is true off-road riding, with steep, bumpy, and sometimes icy sections. A passenger on the back may find it rougher than the driver, and cold fingers and toes can still be a problem despite the supplied gear.

Key points to know before booking

• Lake Hafravatn starts the scenic side of the ride: The route leaves Reykjavik quickly and reaches quiet countryside, pastures, and mountain views.
• Reykjavik Peak and Lava Fields Mountain provide the big views: You stop at both high points for photos and views toward Mt. Esja, the Blue Mountains, and Reykjavik.
• Solo riding costs more but gives you control: Shared two-person ATVs are available, though the back seat can feel much bumpier.
• Warm gear is supplied: You receive a helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. Wear waterproof shoes and bring warm socks.
• The ride is genuinely rough off road: Expect gravel, hills, ice, streams, and jolts rather than a gentle sightseeing trip.
• Pickup needs planning in central Reykjavik: Some hotels sit in no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk two to five minutes to a designated bus stop.

Leaving Reykjavik for the mountain tracks

The total outing lasts about three and a half hours, including transport. The ATV portion takes roughly two hours, which is long enough to feel like a real activity rather than a quick photo stop, but short enough to fit into a busy Reykjavik day.

Pickup begins 30 minutes before departure. The listed departure times are 9:00 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon, so be ready early. The collection process itself can take up to 30 minutes, depending on where you are staying.

Central Reykjavik has a small catch. City rules prevent pickup in certain hotel zones, so you may be sent to the nearest approved bus stop. In practice, that usually means a two to five minute walk. Check the exact stop before the morning of your ride, especially if you are carrying bulky winter clothes.

The drive to the base at Lambhagavegur 19 takes only about 10 to 15 minutes from Reykjavik, according to the timing supplied for the experience. At the base, you meet the instructor-guides, sort your equipment, and prepare for the ride. Hot coffee is available on arrival, which is a useful touch on an early Icelandic morning.

Getting fitted with helmets, overalls, and rain gear

Safari Quads supplies the main protective and cold-weather equipment. That includes a helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. Some of the supplied gear has been praised for being warm and good quality, and the ATVs may have heated handles.

You still need to dress sensibly underneath. Wear layers, warm socks, and waterproof shoes. The overalls help with wind and rain, but your hands and feet can still get cold, particularly during stops or on a wet, windy day.

The guide gives drivers an operating briefing and time to practise before the group sets off. The ATVs are automatic, so you do not need to manage a manual gearbox. You do need a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive.

This is not a passive ride through a park. You control the machine, follow the guide, and deal with changing ground. A moderate level of physical fitness is required. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable sitting for two hours, steering over uneven ground, and bracing yourself on hills.

Choosing between a solo and shared ATV

You can choose a one-seat ATV or a two-seat ATV. If you pay for the solo option, you get full control of the vehicle for the ride. That costs more, but it is the choice I would make if you enjoy driving or want the most active version of the experience.

A shared ATV works well for couples, friends, or families who prefer to split the driving. The driver controls the quad while the passenger rides behind. At a scenic stop, guides may allow you to change positions, and one guide can suggest the best place to swap.

The back seat is not necessarily the easier position. The passenger sits behind the person who sees the bumps first, so sudden jolts can feel sharper. One passenger described the ride as more thrilling than a roller coaster, while another found it sore and rough. That gives you a fair warning: shared riding saves money, but it does not guarantee a calm trip.

The booking rules need attention. The shared option requires at least two adults per booking. The single-rider option allows one adult per booking, while the general tour information also states a minimum of two people per booking. If you are booking alone, use the single-rider option and confirm the arrangement with the operator.

Children can ride as passengers from age six. The supplied information does not state a minimum age for driving, so do not assume a child may operate an ATV. A valid driver’s license is required for anyone who drives.

Lake Hafravatn and the first open views

The route begins on paved roads around the outskirts of Reykjavik. This gives you time to settle into the quad before the rougher section begins. You then head toward Lake Hafravatn, a peaceful body of water surrounded by open pasture and mountain peaks.

Lake Hafravatn is not a long sightseeing stop with a formal visitor center. Its appeal is the setting: a quiet Icelandic view that feels far from the city, even though the base is close to Reykjavik. The lake can be glassy, and snow on the surrounding peaks adds strong contrast in winter.

From here, the road gives way to gravel tracks. The change is important. You are no longer simply looking at Iceland from a vehicle window. You are steering through loose, uneven ground, with the quad responding to stones, ruts, and changing slopes.

The ride includes stops for photographs. Guides generally allow enough time to take in the view rather than forcing everyone straight back onto the machines. Still, this is an active excursion, not a long nature walk. Your main experience is moving through the terrain, with the stops used to frame the scenery and catch your breath.

Reaching Reykjavik Peak by ATV

The route climbs toward Reykjavik Peak on mountain tracks. Expect steeper sections and, depending on conditions, ice under the tires. The attraction is not a single landmark at the summit. It is the sense of gaining height quickly, then looking back across Reykjavik and the surrounding ranges.

This is where the ride feels most different from a standard city excursion. You are close enough to see the capital, yet high enough to appreciate how open the country around it is. The view gives you a useful sense of Reykjavik’s setting, with the city pressed between water and mountains.

The climb also explains why the guides matter. A good guide sets a pace that keeps the convoy together and helps drivers handle tricky sections. Daria is specifically praised for adapting the ride to a participant who needed a slower, more personal pace. In that case, a separate guide was arranged so the rider could continue comfortably.

That flexibility is valuable, but you should not expect a private tour as standard. The group can include up to 30 participants. The guide may split or adjust the group when needed, but the normal format is a guided convoy.

Lava Fields Mountain and the wider Icelandic view

After Reykjavik Peak, the route continues toward the second of the twin peaks, Lava Fields Mountain. The terrain becomes more rugged, with steep tracks and often-icy ground. This section is likely to be the most exciting part of the ride and the least suitable for anyone who dislikes jolting or exposure to the elements.

The summit opens onto broad views of Icelandic countryside. Mt. Esja is one of the key sights, along with the Blue Mountain range. On a clear day, the combination of dark volcanic ground, snow, distant peaks, and open sky gives the ride its strongest visual moment.

The guides stop at viewpoints for photos. Some guides also take pictures for the group, which is helpful because you will not want to handle a phone while wearing gloves and managing the ATV. Gonzalo, Sir Kaktus, Veronica, and Daria have all been singled out for friendly instruction and good energy.

Sir Kaktus, in particular, is noted for creating a relaxed atmosphere while still keeping the activity moving. That balance matters. You want a guide who can make the ride fun, but you also need clear instructions on a route where loose gravel and ice deserve respect.

How rough is the ride?

The honest answer is: rough enough to be exciting. You may cross a small stream, climb rocky hills, and travel over bumpy tracks. Conditions change with weather and season, so the same route can feel different from one departure to the next.

Some riders describe fast stretches on open roads, with speeds reaching around 70 kilometers per hour. That figure comes from individual experience rather than a stated guarantee, so treat it as an indication of the possible pace, not a promise. The ride can include both faster open sections and slower technical ground.

You should be comfortable with a little adrenaline. Several riders describe moments that feel scary, especially on steep or uneven ground. The guides provide instruction and manage the route, but they cannot remove the physical character of ATV riding.

There are no toilet stops during the two-hour ride, according to the practical information provided by participants. Use the facilities at base camp before departure. This is especially important for anyone who prefers frequent breaks.

Is $179 a fair price?

At $179 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price includes round-trip transfer from Reykjavik, the two-hour ATV ride, an instructor-guide, and the main protective clothing. You do not need to arrange a rental car or buy specialist outerwear for the activity.

The value improves if you compare it with the cost and effort of arranging your own transport into the hills. The short drive from Reykjavik also means you spend most of the half-day riding rather than sitting in a bus. The supplied equipment saves space in your luggage and reduces worry about Icelandic weather.

The solo ATV costs more than sharing, but it changes the experience. You steer the whole time, choose your line through the track, and do not have to coordinate with a passenger. If the ride is a main highlight of your Iceland trip, the upgrade may be worth it.

Sharing is the better budget choice for couples and families. Just remember that the passenger seat can be more uncomfortable than expected. If you are unsure, book the shared option only if both people are happy with a bumpy ride and a chance of getting wet.

Food and drinks are not included, apart from the hot coffee available at the base on arrival. Eat before pickup and carry anything you need for the morning or afternoon. The tour ends back at the meeting point, where the transfer vehicle returns you to Reykjavik.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavik ATV tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active way to see the countryside without committing to a full-day excursion. It suits first-time ATV riders because you receive a briefing, practice time, a guide, and the proper protective gear.

It also works well for repeat visitors to Reykjavik. If you have already covered the main city sights, the mountain tracks offer a fresh way to spend a morning or afternoon. The route gives you scenery, speed, and physical activity in one compact outing.

Families can consider it, since passengers may be as young as six. The practical question is not just age. A child must be comfortable with noise, cold, bumps, and sitting securely for the ride. The supplied information does not give height or weight limits, so ask Safari Quads if those details matter for your group.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a gentle scenic tour, have difficulty with uneven motion, or dislike cold and wet conditions. It is also a poor match for anyone hoping to ride independently without a guide. This is a supervised group activity on set tracks.

The tour has a 98 percent recommendation rate and a 4.9 rating from 663 ratings, which fits the strongest pattern in the experience: guides, equipment, organization, and scenery receive the most praise. The weaker points are clear too: price, cold extremities, and the hard ride from the passenger seat.

Booking, weather, and the final decision

You receive confirmation at booking, and the experience is offered in English. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

I would book this tour if you want a memorable outdoor activity close to Reykjavik and you are willing to accept real bumps in exchange for mountain views. Choose a solo ATV if driving is the point of the outing. Choose a shared quad if saving money matters more and both riders are comfortable trading places.

Before paying, check the pickup bus stop, confirm the rider option, eat beforehand, and pack waterproof shoes with warm socks. If those details suit you, this is one of the more satisfying ways to get beyond Reykjavik’s streets without giving up half a day to transport.

FAQ

How long does the Twin Peaks ATV Iceland Adventure last?

The full experience lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes. This includes pickup and drop-off, with about two hours spent riding the ATVs.

Where does the activity start?

The listed meeting point is Safari Quads at Lambhagavegur 19, 113 Reykjavik, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point before the return transfer.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik hotels?

Yes, round-trip pickup and drop-off are offered. Pickup starts 30 minutes before departure and may take up to 30 minutes. Some central hotels are in no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk two to five minutes to an approved bus stop.

What departure times are available?

The supplied pickup instructions refer to departures at 9:00 and 13:00. Be ready at the assigned pickup point 30 minutes before your departure.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. You should wear waterproof shoes and suitable warm layers.

Can I ride alone on an ATV?

Yes. You can select a solo rider, one-seat ATV option. A valid driver’s license is required to drive.

Can two people share one ATV?

Yes. Two-person ATVs are available. The shared option requires a minimum of two adults per booking, and passengers may be at least six years old.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Hot coffee is available at the base on arrival.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires suitable weather. If Safari Quads cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.