Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

Reykjavik’s backcountry is only a short drive from the city, but it feels far removed once your quad bike leaves the gravel road. You’ll follow Lake Hafravatn, climb rough mountain tracks, and reach two high viewpoints above the capital and bay.

I like the mix of terrain, from easy gravel to rocky paths, streams, ice, and steep climbs. I also like the careful guiding: Daria, Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, and other guides have been praised for keeping nervous beginners comfortable while still giving confident drivers some fun sections. The main drawback is price. At $232 per person, this costs more than many Reykjavik activities, and the route can feel controlled rather than like free riding.

Key points

• Two mountain viewpoints: Climb Reykjavik Peak and Lava Field Peak for broad views over Reykjavik, Lake Hafravatn, and the surrounding mountains.
• Real mixed terrain: Expect gravel roads, rocky paths, mountain tracks, lava fields, mud, ice, and some steep sections.
• About two hours on the ATV: The full outing lasts 3 to 3.5 hours, including transport, safety instruction, and changing into gear.
• Good for mixed skill levels: Guides adjust the pace and explain the controls clearly, so first-time drivers can take part.
• Warm equipment included: You receive a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. Some ATVs also have heated handle grips.
• Plan the rider arrangement carefully: Every ATV seats two, but solo drivers pay an extra single-rider charge.

What the Twin Peaks ride is really like

This is not a gentle sightseeing trip with a short photo stop. It is a proper ATV outing on the rough ground outside Reykjavik, with scenery built into the route rather than viewed from a coach window.

You begin at a base camp outside the city after a van transfer of about 30 minutes. From there, the two-hour guided ride combines open gravel, mountain tracks, rocky stretches, and steep climbs. The route gives you time to get used to the quad before the more demanding sections arrive.

I see this as a good choice when you want to add active time to an Iceland visit. It gives you a different view of the capital area, but it is not a substitute for a full-day trip to Iceland’s major natural sights. You come for the driving first, then the views.

The experience is available with English or Icelandic-speaking guides. Past outings have been led by Daria, Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Arthur, Lisa, Mariann, Hannah, and others. The strongest pattern is friendly instruction, calm safety handling, and a willingness to adjust the pace to the group.

Pickup from Reykjavik and the ride to base camp

Pickup is included from a central Reykjavik location, but many central hotels are in no-pickup zones. In that case, you need to choose a designated bus stop through busstop.is and tell the operator which stop you will use.

Be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. For a 9:30 start, pickup begins at 9:00. For a 1:30 start, pickup begins at 1:00. This early meeting time matters, since missing the van could mean missing the activity.

Listed pickup points include City Hall, the Culture House, Vesturbugt, Höfðatorg, Snorrabraut, the cruise terminal at Skarfabakki 312, and several hotels such as Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Grand Hotel Reykjavik, Hotel Cabin, Hotel Reykjavik Grand, Reykjavik Natura, and ODDSSON hotels.

The transfer takes around 30 minutes. That is long enough to get beyond the built-up part of the capital, but short enough to fit this tour into a busy Reykjavik day. If you are arriving by cruise ship, the Skarfabakki 312 pickup point is particularly useful.

Getting suited up for Icelandic weather

At base camp, you receive the clothing and equipment needed for the ride. The package includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. Food is not included, but coffee is available at the base camp.

Wear outdoor layers beneath the provided gear. The clothing supplied is designed to protect you from wet and cold conditions, but it does not replace warm clothing underneath. Bring closed-toe shoes, and choose sturdy footwear suited to rough ground.

Rental shoes are not included. This is one of the easiest details to overlook, so do not arrive in sandals, open shoes, or thin casual footwear. Sunglasses can also be useful, particularly on bright days, and one rider found that they fitted comfortably beneath the helmet.

Cold-weather equipment has been an important part of the experience, especially in winter. The supplied gloves and outer clothing help, and some machines have heated handle grips. Still, your hands and feet are the areas most likely to feel the cold, so dress with care.

The safety briefing and first controls

Before setting off, you receive about 30 minutes of safety instruction. The guide explains the quad bike controls, the route, and the basic rules for riding in a group.

This is reassuring if you have never driven an ATV. The controls are described as easy to learn, and first-time riders have been able to settle in quickly. You do not need previous quad-bike experience, but you do need to pay attention and follow the guide’s line through the rougher ground.

All drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driver’s license. A motorcycle license or learner permit is not enough to operate these ATVs. Passengers do not need a license and must be at least six years old.

The ATVs are two-seaters. Two people can share one machine if both have valid driver’s licenses and want to swap during the ride. If you book as an odd-numbered group, such as one, three, or five people, one person must be booked as a single rider. If the booking is made incorrectly, an additional single-rider charge may apply.

The weight limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per person when riding alone. For a shared ATV, the combined limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds. Check these details before paying, since the single-rider arrangement affects the total cost.

Lake Hafravatn starts the scenic part

The ride begins on a gravel road beside Lake Hafravatn. This opening section gives you a chance to get used to steering, acceleration, braking, and spacing before the trail becomes more uneven.

Lake Hafravatn is one of the quieter parts of the outing. You are close enough to Reykjavik for the city to remain part of the wider view, yet the lake and surrounding hills make the setting feel open and rural. In winter, ice and snow can change the character of the route.

Do not expect to stop every few minutes for photographs. Much of the time is spent riding, and the group normally follows the guide in a line. That is useful for safety, but it means you will need to enjoy the scenery in passing and make the most of the planned stops.

The route is not described as a free-roaming session. You follow a set path with the guide at the front, so this suits you if you want a guided outdoor activity rather than the freedom to choose your own trail.

Climbing Reykjavik Peak

After the lake section, the route turns toward Reykjavik Peak. The climb uses mountain tracks and includes rougher, steeper ground. This is where the trip begins to feel like a true off-road ride rather than a scenic vehicle tour.

The guide controls the pace and watches how the group handles the climb. If you are new to ATVs, you can concentrate on smooth steering and steady progress. If you are more experienced, the mixed surface still gives you enough to manage, particularly when the route is wet, icy, or rocky.

At the top, you stop for views across the Reykjavik area and the mountain range beyond. On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull Glacier may be visible hundreds of kilometers away. That distant view depends entirely on weather, so keep expectations sensible. Iceland can change from clear to clouded in a short time.

This first peak is a real reward because you have reached it under your own power. The stop also gives you a break after the climb and time to take photographs. Strong wind, snow, or rain can make the viewpoint uncomfortable, but the changing weather is part of what makes the ride feel like Iceland rather than a prepared amusement-park course.

Crossing toward Lava Field Peak

After roughly the first hour, you should feel more comfortable with the quad. The route then continues across the area toward Lava Field Peak, where the surfaces become part of the attraction.

The terrain may include lava fields, rocky ground, mud, ice, streams, and steep rises. The exact feel of the ride depends on the season and weather. In winter, snow and frozen ground can add an extra challenge. In wetter conditions, the protective clothing becomes especially useful.

Lava Field Peak provides another high point, with views toward the surrounding mountains and the Hengill Geothermal mountain park. The setting helps explain Iceland’s appeal: volcanic ground, open mountain space, water, snow, and geothermal country all sit within reach of the capital.

You may also pass near geothermal pipelines and other signs of the region’s working infrastructure. That mix of wild ground and practical Icelandic engineering gives the outing more character than a route made only of scenic viewpoints.

Some riders have found the route challenging in parts, while others wished it had included more difficult off-road sections. That difference is worth understanding. The tour is energetic and varied, but it remains a guided route designed for a mixed group. You are unlikely to get a long period of unsupervised, high-speed riding.

How demanding is the driving?

The activity suits a broad range of ability, but you should be comfortable with outdoor conditions and uneven ground. The guide explains everything before you leave and can adapt the pace to the group.

Beginners should expect a short learning period. The first gravel section is helpful because it lets you become familiar with the machine before the climbs and rough tracks. You can also ride as a passenger if you are not ready to drive, provided the age rules are met.

Experienced ATV drivers may find the two-hour route enjoyable but not extreme. The appeal is the combination of scenery and changing surfaces, not a technical competition. One important practical point is that you ride in formation. You cannot simply stop or roam off to explore on your own.

Some past outings have included rivers, snow, ice, and steep terrain. Those conditions can make the route more exciting, but they also make weather and clothing important. The company does not permit intoxication, alcohol, or drugs, and you should not treat the trip casually just because the controls are easy to learn.

Pregnant women and children under six should not take part. Drivers need a full license and must be 17 or older.

Group size, guides, and the feel of the trip

The atmosphere depends on the size and makeup of the group. One outing had only six riders plus the guide, which allowed for a more personal pace. Small groups also make it easier for the guide to check that everyone is comfortable.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Daria has been praised for combining warmth with careful handling of a group that included experienced ATV drivers. Gonzalo has been described as engaging and genuine, while Sir Kaktuz is known for humor, local information, and attention to the group.

That does not mean every ride will have the same guide. Staff assignments can change, but the operating style appears consistent: explain the controls, keep the group together, and add more challenge only when riders are ready.

The base-camp staff also help with clothing and preparation. Coffee afterward is a small touch, but welcome after two hours in cold air. There is no meal included, so eat beforehand or plan food for later.

Is $232 a fair price?

At $232 per person, this is an expensive half-day activity. Iceland is not a cheap destination, and ATV tours require machines, fuel, guides, safety equipment, transport, and a base camp. Still, the price is high enough that you should choose it for the driving experience, not simply for a mountain view.

The value is strongest if you want something active and different from the usual Iceland route. You receive central pickup and drop-off, protective gear, a professional guide, coffee, and about two hours of actual ATV riding. That is a substantial riding period for a short excursion.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is quiet photography. You spend most of the outing moving, and the route is guided in a line. A visitor who wants a relaxed view of the countryside may prefer another activity.

Solo riders should pay special attention to the booking cost. Since the ATVs are built for two, a single rider may need to pay an added single-rider fee. Couples and friends who share a machine usually get better value, especially when both drivers can swap.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

The total outing takes 3 to 3.5 hours, with two hours on the ATV. The morning and afternoon departure options make it easy to fit around other Reykjavik plans, but allow extra time around pickup and return.

Weather can change the ride from one departure to another. Wind, rain, snow, ice, and clear skies have all shaped past outings. Poor weather does not automatically ruin the trip, since the gear is intended for wet and cold conditions, but it can reduce visibility and make the viewpoints less rewarding.

Bring your driver’s license, warm outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes, and possibly sunglasses. Do not assume the supplied gear includes footwear. If you are sharing, decide in advance who will drive first and confirm that both people have valid full licenses.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times when booking, since pickup times depend on the chosen departure.

Who should book this ATV tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a physical activity, enjoy machines and rough ground, or have already seen Reykjavik’s main sights. It also works well for friends, couples, and families with children old enough to ride as passengers.

It is a particularly good choice for a short stay. You do not need a full day, and the base camp is close enough to the capital to leave room for another activity. Cruise passengers can also make use of the port pickup, provided the timing works with the ship’s schedule.

Beginners should not be put off. The instruction is clear, the guides monitor the group, and the route begins gently. You should, however, be honest about your comfort with steep or uneven terrain. Passengering is available, and the guide can help keep the ride manageable.

I would hesitate if you dislike cold weather, dislike following a set group route, or want the most demanding ATV course available. I would also compare the final price carefully if you are traveling alone.

Should you book the Reykjavik Twin Peaks ride?

Book it if you want two hours of active Icelandic fun close to Reykjavik, with real off-road surfaces and mountain views. The combination of Lake Hafravatn, Reykjavik Peak, Lava Field Peak, and Hengill country gives the outing a strong sense of place.

Skip it if your budget is tight or your priority is a quiet sightseeing tour. At $232, this is a splurge, but it is a sensible one for riders who value the experience of driving through Iceland’s rough volcanic country more than ticking off another viewpoint.

My practical call: share a quad if you can, bring proper footwear and layers, and choose this as your action-focused half-day. It is best understood as an ATV adventure with scenery, not a scenery tour with a short ride attached.

FAQ

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

The total tour time is about 3 to 3.5 hours. This includes transport, a 30-minute safety briefing, and about two hours of ATV driving.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at central locations are included. Many central hotels are in no-pickup zones, so you may need to choose a nearby designated bus stop through busstop.is.

How early should I be ready for pickup?

Pickup begins 30 minutes before the departure time. For a 9:30 tour, be ready at 9:00. For a 1:30 tour, be ready at 1:00.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, if you plan to drive. Drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driver’s license. Motorcycle licenses and learner permits are not sufficient.

Can I ride as a passenger?

Yes. Passengers do not need a driver’s license, but they must be at least six years old.

Can two people share one quad bike?

Yes. All the ATVs are two-seaters, and two licensed drivers can swap during the ride. Both people must have a valid driver’s license to drive.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. Coffee at the base camp is also included. Rental shoes are not provided.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license if driving, outdoor clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Sunglasses may also be useful in bright conditions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.