Midnight Sun ATV Tour

At nearly midnight, you can sit on an Icelandic mountain with sunlight still on your face. That is the real draw of this midnight sun ATV tour: not just quad biking, but a very Icelandic hour when the clock says night and the sky says otherwise.

I like the climb to two mountains near Reykjavik, especially the second summit with its broad city views. I also like the practical setup: hotel transfers, helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are included. The main catch is the price, $255 per person, and you get two hours of ATV riding within a total outing of about three and a half hours.

• Ride at an hour that feels unreal: In June and July, daylight reaches close to midnight, giving the tour its special character.
• Climb two mountains near Reykjavik: The route includes Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell in the Hólmsheiði area.
• Choose your riding pace: Groups may be split between faster and more cautious riders.
• Share or ride alone: ATVs fit two people, with a single-rider option available.
• Stay warm and dry: Helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are supplied.
• See Reykjavik from above: The second mountain offers especially strong views across the capital area.

Why the Midnight Sun Changes the ATV Ride

Iceland’s midnight sun is not simply a late sunset. In June and July, the sun remains above or close to the horizon for much of the night, leaving the countryside bright when you would normally be reaching for a flashlight.

That light gives this tour its identity. A daytime ATV ride can be fun, but an evening ride up an Icelandic mountain feels far less ordinary. You get the quiet mood of a night outing without darkness, and the pale summer light makes the views over Reykjavik the main event.

The timing also makes this a useful addition to a busy Iceland trip. You spend the day seeing major sights, then use the late evening for a hands-on activity. You do not lose a full daytime block to the tour, although you should remember that a pickup around 20:00 to 20:30 and a return later in the evening still take a good part of your night.

The tour is promoted especially for June and July, when the midnight sun effect is strongest. If you are booking outside those months, check the available date and start time carefully rather than assuming you will get the same light.

From Reykjavik Pickup to Hólmsheiði

Safari Quads provides pickup from hotels in Reykjavik and from a long list of designated bus stops. These include City Hall, the Culture House, the Reykjavik bus terminal, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Grand Hotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik Lights, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, and the Skarfabakki cruise terminal.

You need to be ready before pickup. The practical instructions say to wait from 20:00, with pickup taking place between 20:00 and 20:30, while another description gives a 21:00 evening start. Treat the pickup window as the important detail and confirm the exact time shown for your date. If your hotel sits in a no-pickup zone, you will be assigned a nearby bus stop.

The transfer matters because the basecamp is outside the city. You do not need to arrange a taxi or find your own way to the starting point, and the ride back is included as well. If you prefer to meet the company at basecamp, you need to contact the provider in advance.

At basecamp, you receive the equipment and prepare for the ride. Coffee is included, which is a small but welcome touch before heading outdoors. Food is not included, so eat beforehand. Do not count on buying dinner as part of the excursion.

Thirty Minutes to Learn the Machines

The safety briefing takes about 30 minutes. That may sound long when you are eager to start, but it is useful if you have never operated an ATV.

The tour requires every driver to be at least 17 years old and to carry a valid driver’s license. You should bring the physical license with you. Passengers do not drive and may be as young as six, making this a possible family activity for older children who can sit securely with an adult.

You can ride two people on one ATV or select a single-rider option. This is an important booking detail. If your party has an odd number of people, such as three or five, one person must be booked as a single rider. The supplied information gives a combined weight limit of 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per ATV for shared or single riding, with the limit applying per person as stated in the booking details. If this may affect your party, confirm the arrangement before paying.

The machines are described as easy to learn, and the briefing is designed to get first-time drivers comfortable. You should still expect a real off-road ride, not a slow amusement-park circuit. Wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing, then add the supplied overalls and other gear on top.

Asphalt First, Then Mountain Trails

The ride begins with a short stretch on asphalt. This gives you time to settle into the controls before the surface changes.

The route then heads off-road into the Hólmsheiði area. Here the experience shifts from simple transport to ATV handling. You follow trails toward the mountains, with the guide setting the route and pace. The exact feel will depend on weather and group ability, but the point is to handle changing ground while moving through open Icelandic scenery.

The tour has two hours of actual quad-bike riding. That is a generous amount of driving for anyone new to ATVs, and it gives experienced riders time to enjoy the route rather than feeling rushed from one viewpoint to the next. The total outing is about three to four hours once transfers, preparation, and the safety briefing are included.

You may not spend every minute at high speed. That is a good thing. The mountain climbs and viewpoints are what make this more than a motorized joy ride, and a mixed group needs room for people who are learning. The company has used separate groups for faster and more cautious drivers, so you can indicate the pace that suits you.

Hafrafjall: Your First Mountain Climb

The first major goal is Hafrafjall. You ride upward on mountain trails, gaining height and getting a feel for the ATV as the city and surrounding countryside open out below.

This first climb is where many beginners begin to feel more confident. The safety briefing explains the machine, but handling it on real trails is different. You learn how the ATV responds as the route rises and falls, and you start paying attention to your speed, steering, and position on the trail.

At the top, the guide gives you time to pause and take in the air and views. The fresh air is part of the appeal, especially after a day spent in a car or around Reykjavik. The midnight light adds a strange visual twist: you may be ready for the evening to feel dark, yet the mountain remains clearly visible.

The first summit is not presented as the final viewpoint. Think of Hafrafjall as both a scenic stop and a warm-up for the second ascent. You get the satisfaction of climbing one mountain, then continue with more confidence.

Ulfarsfell and the Best Reykjavik View

After descending from the first mountain, you head toward Ulfarsfell. This is known as a popular hiking mountain, so you might pass people on foot while you ride the trail.

The second climb is the stronger scenic section. From higher ground, you get a better view toward Reykjavik, with the capital spread below and the bright evening sky still overhead. If your main reason for booking is photography or a memorable view near the city, this is the part to watch for.

You should bring outdoor clothing even if the forecast looks mild. Icelandic weather can turn quickly, and one party found the supplied clothing excessive until clouds and light rain arrived. That is a useful warning. The midnight sun does not mean warmth, and bright conditions can hide how cool and wet the air feels.

The gear includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rainwear if needed. Rental shoes are not included, so wear sturdy, comfortable footwear that can handle dirt and wet ground. The company does not specify a particular shoe type, but ordinary city shoes are a poor choice for an off-road ride.

Fast Group or Cautious Group

This tour works well for mixed experience levels because the group may be divided by pace. People who want a faster ride can join one group, while cautious drivers can choose a slower group.

That arrangement solves one of the common problems with group ATV trips. A beginner does not have to feel pushed by an expert, and an experienced driver does not have to spend the full ride crawling along. Still, you should be honest about your comfort level. You are controlling a motorized vehicle on uneven trails, and a scenic outing is more enjoyable when you are relaxed.

The guides are a major part of that experience. Victoria is specifically praised for her lively manner, and the guiding team has been described as helpful and engaging. The strongest positive feedback centers on the guides explaining the machines clearly, especially for first-time drivers.

English is the stated tour language. If you need another language, this is not the right activity based on the information provided.

What the $255 Price Really Buys

At $255 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill an evening. You are paying for a two-hour ATV experience, return transport from Reykjavik, a guide, riding equipment, and access to a route that combines two mountain climbs with views over the capital.

The value improves if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to the basecamp and rent or buy suitable outdoor gear. It also makes more sense for a short Reykjavik stay, when you want a distinct activity without committing to a full-day excursion.

The price is harder to justify if you are mainly seeking a viewpoint. Reykjavik has less expensive ways to see the city from above, and this tour includes a substantial equipment and transport operation. You should book it because you want to drive an ATV through mountain terrain under the midnight sun, not simply because you want a photo of Reykjavik.

For a group of friends or family members who all want an active evening, the cost may feel worthwhile. Solo riders should check the single-rider option and price before booking, since shared ATVs are the standard arrangement and odd-numbered groups require one single rider.

Who Should Book This Ride

I would put this tour high on the list for you if you meet most of these conditions:

• You want an active alternative to another evening of sightseeing.
• You are visiting in June or July and want to make full use of the midnight sun.
• You enjoy mountain views but do not want to spend a full day on a hike.
• You are new to ATV riding and want a guided introduction.
• You are traveling with older children who can ride as passengers.
• You like the idea of choosing between a faster and more cautious group.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet nature outing, dislike motor noise, or feel uncomfortable on uneven trails. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

The age rules deserve close attention. Drivers must be at least 17 and have a valid license, while non-driving passengers must be at least six. That makes this family-friendly in a limited sense, but small children are passengers only, not drivers.

Clothing, Weather, and Small Practical Details

Bring your driver’s license, comfortable shoes, and outdoor clothing. The company supplies the main protective and weather gear, but you should still dress for Iceland rather than for a warm summer evening at home.

Rain gear is available if needed, and the supplied clothing may look like overkill when the sun is shining. Do not skip it. Light rain and cloud can arrive quickly, and the ride takes you into exposed mountain areas.

Eat before pickup because food is not included. Coffee at basecamp is included, but it is not a substitute for a meal. Keep your plans after the tour flexible as well. The ride itself lasts two hours, but transfers and preparation bring the full outing to roughly three and a half hours.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. Those terms are useful if Iceland’s weather or your wider schedule is still unsettled, but check the exact booking conditions for your date.

Should You Book the Midnight Sun ATV Tour?

Book this tour if you want a distinctly Icelandic evening with real driving, mountain trails, and a view over Reykjavik. The midnight sun gives the outing a character you cannot reproduce during a normal daytime quad ride, and the second mountain climb adds a strong scenic payoff.

I would hesitate only if $255 feels too steep for a two-hour ride, or if you are looking for a gentle sightseeing trip rather than an active off-road outing. For first-time ATV drivers, the clear briefing, supplied gear, and pace groups make the activity approachable. For experienced riders, the two mountain climbs and open views provide enough variety to keep it from feeling like a basic city excursion.

The high score of 4.9 from 24 ratings fits the tour’s strongest qualities: guides such as Victoria, well-liked equipment, striking views, and a format that works for both confident and cautious drivers. If those are the things you want from your Reykjavik evening, this is a solid splurge.

FAQ

When does the Midnight Sun ATV Tour operate?

The tour is designed for the summer midnight sun, especially June and July. Check the available dates and start times when booking.

How long does the full activity take?

The complete outing takes about three to four hours, including transportation and preparation. The ATV ride itself lasts two hours, and the safety briefing takes about 30 minutes.

What time is pickup in Reykjavik?

You should be ready from 20:00. Pickup is scheduled between 20:00 and 20:30, though another tour description lists a 21:00 evening start. Confirm the exact pickup time for your booking.

Can I be picked up from my Reykjavik hotel?

Pickup is included from hotels in Reykjavik City. If your accommodation is in a no-pickup zone, you will be assigned a nearby bus stop.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. Every ATV driver must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Bring the license with you.

Can children ride on the ATV?

Yes, non-driving passengers can be at least six years old. Drivers must meet the separate minimum age and license requirements.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. Rental shoes and food are not included, so bring comfortable shoes and eat before pickup.