Twin Peaks ATV Iceland Adventure from Reykjavik

The best part of this ATV tour is that it takes you quickly from Reykjavik’s streets into rough mountain country. You ride toward Lake Hafravatn, climb to Reykjavik Peak, then continue over rocky and sometimes icy tracks toward Lava Fields Mountain. The views are the real prize, but the bumpy, fast-moving ride gives the outing its kick.

I like the warm, high-quality gear, which includes thermal overalls, gloves, helmets, ski masks, and rain gear. I also like the choice between a solo ATV and a double-seater, since driving your own machine feels far more involved. The main drawback is comfort: the route can be rough, and sitting behind the driver may feel surprisingly wild.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours on the ATV: The full outing lasts about three and a half hours, including pickup, gear-up time, instruction, and the ride.
• Lake Hafravatn comes early: The route begins on paved roads before moving onto gravel and mountain tracks.
• Two summits, broad views: Reykjavik Peak and Lava Fields Mountain provide views toward Reykjavik, Mt. Esja, the Blue Mountain range, and the surrounding countryside.
• Solo riding costs more: You can choose a one-seater or share a two-passenger ATV, but solo riders need to select the Single Rider Extra.
• Warm gear is supplied: Bring waterproof shoes, since the provided clothing does not replace sturdy footwear.
• This is real off-roading: Expect bumps, steep sections, icy ground, mud, or water depending on conditions.

From Reykjavik streets to Lake Hafravatn

Safari Quads operates from Lambhagavegur 19, about a short drive from central Reykjavik. Hotel pickup is offered, but central city restrictions mean you may need to walk to a nearby designated bus stop. Pickup begins 30 minutes before departure, and the collection process can take up to half an hour.

The usual departure times are 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. That makes the tour easy to fit around a morning or afternoon in Reykjavik. The total time is listed as about three hours and 30 minutes, with roughly two hours spent riding.

The transfer to base camp is short, often around 10 to 15 minutes from Reykjavik according to the tour details. Once you arrive, you meet the guide team, sort out your ATV assignment, and get dressed for the weather. Coffee is available at the base, and the facilities are described as comfortable and well organized.

Your guide explains the controls and gives you time to practice before the group leaves. That short training period matters. An ATV is simple to operate, but the ground changes quickly once you leave the city. You need to feel comfortable with steering, braking, and throttle control before tackling loose gravel or steep tracks.

The machines are automatic, so you do not need to manage gears. A valid driver’s license is required to drive, though passengers can be as young as six. A minimum of two adults is required for a shared booking, while one adult can book the solo rider option.

Why the solo ATV is worth considering

The two-seater is the sensible choice if you want to share the cost or prefer not to drive. It also works well for a parent and older child, a couple, or anyone who wants to enjoy the views without managing the vehicle.

Still, I would look closely at the solo option. Driving your own ATV gives you a more active role, and the ride feels less cramped. One useful feature is that shared riders may be able to switch drivers at a scenic stop, with the guide suggesting a suitable place to change.

The back seat can be rough. On uneven ground, the passenger moves with every dip and bump, and the feeling can be more intense than expected. One passenger described it as more thrilling than a roller coaster, while another found the ride sore and startling at times. That tells you what to expect: the double ATV is not a smooth sightseeing vehicle.

The solo upgrade adds cost to a $179-per-person experience, but it may be the better value for confident drivers who want the full adventure. If you are mainly interested in scenery and prefer a calmer ride, sharing makes more sense.

Riding past Lake Hafravatn

The opening section uses paved roads on the outskirts of Reykjavik. This gives you time to settle into the convoy and see the city fade into open pasture. The route then reaches Lake Hafravatn, where the character of the outing changes.

Lake Hafravatn is surrounded by fields and mountain peaks. In winter, the water may look glassy beneath snow-covered slopes. In milder weather, the view is more subdued, but the lake still offers a fine first photo stop and a clear sense that you are leaving the normal city tour behind.

This part is not a long hike or a quiet nature walk. You stay with the ATV group and follow the guide’s route. That is useful if you have limited time in Reykjavik, since you get a taste of the countryside without spending a whole day in a distant region.

After the lake, the surface becomes gravel and rougher tracks. Your guide controls the pace and keeps the group together, but you should expect spray, mud, and jolts. Rain gear is included for a reason. You might get wet even when the sky looks manageable at the start.

Climbing Reykjavik Peak

The first major climb heads toward Reykjavik Peak. The name suggests a single lookout, but the appeal is the ride up as much as the summit itself. You move from open roads to steeper mountain tracks, with the ATV handling ground that a normal rental car cannot reach.

At the top, you can look back toward Reykjavik and across nearby mountain ranges. This is one of the tour’s strongest contrasts: the capital appears close, yet the rough track and open air make you feel far removed from it.

Photo stops are built into the route. The guides allow time to get off the machines and take pictures rather than rushing everyone through a quick pause. That is especially welcome in Iceland, where changing light can transform a familiar view in minutes.

The climb is not presented as a technical driving course, but it does demand attention. Loose stones, steep ground, ice, and uneven ruts can make the ride physically tiring. You should have a moderate level of fitness and be ready to grip the handlebars for long stretches.

Lava Fields Mountain and the second viewpoint

The route continues to the second of the twin peaks, Lava Fields Mountain. From here, the view opens toward Mt. Esja and the Blue Mountain range, along with the broad, stark countryside around Reykjavik.

The second summit often feels more remote than the first. You are looking over volcanic ground, mountain ridges, and wide stretches with few signs of city life. This is the point of choosing an ATV rather than a bus tour. You are not simply looking at Iceland through a window. You are reaching places that ordinary vehicles cannot access.

Conditions change the character of this section. Snow can make the tracks feel wintry and dramatic, while a lack of snow produces a more rugged ride over dirt and stone. Some outings include small streams or wet sections. You should wear waterproof footwear and expect the possibility of muddy clothing beneath the supplied gear.

The route can also feel quick. The ATVs are capable machines, and the convoy may include faster open-road stretches before returning to rougher ground. Your guide sets the pace, but this is not a gentle electric-cart excursion. If you want a mild scenic outing, make that clear when choosing between the ATV options.

Guides, safety, and group size

The guide team is a major part of the experience. Names associated with the operation include Daria, Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Veronica, Paula, Arturo, and Ellie. The guiding style can vary, but the common thread is hands-on help, clear instruction, and close attention to the group.

One particularly useful example involves a rider who became anxious during a group outing. The guide arranged a private guide and allowed the rider to continue at a more comfortable pace. That kind of flexibility cannot be guaranteed on every departure, but it shows why communicating with the staff matters.

The maximum group size is 30 people. That is large enough for a lively convoy, though the ride may feel more personal when fewer people book. Photo stops and radio communication help keep the group organized.

Safety rules are strict about alcohol and drugs, with no tolerance permitted. You need a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV, and all riders receive a briefing before departure. The machines are automatic, and the supplied helmets and other protective gear reduce the hassle of preparing for Icelandic weather.

You are still responsible for judging your own comfort. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, and the route can be bumpy. If you have back, neck, joint, or balance problems, this is worth considering carefully before booking.

Gear that helps, and one thing you still need

The operator supplies a helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. The clothing is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. Icelandic weather can feel much colder on a moving vehicle, especially when your hands and face are exposed.

The gear has been described as warm and good quality, and some ATVs have heated handles. Even so, fingers and toes can get cold. Wear warm layers underneath the overalls and bring waterproof shoes or boots. The provided outer gear protects your clothing, but it does not solve every problem caused by wind and wet ground.

Food and drinks are not included. The outing is short enough that you do not need to pack a full meal, but plan around the departure time. Coffee at base camp is a useful touch, especially for early departures.

There are no regular bathroom stops during the two-hour ride. Use the facilities before setting off. This is a small detail, but it matters on a route with long stretches between checkpoints.

Is $179 a fair price?

At $179 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend a morning or afternoon. You are paying for the ATV, guide, protective clothing, transfer from Reykjavik, and a full two-hour route rather than a brief introductory spin.

The value depends on what you want from Iceland. If you are already booking several major excursions, the price may give you pause. A bus tour can cover more distance for less money, but it cannot take you along these rough tracks or give you control of a vehicle.

I see the tour as good value for an active experience near the capital. You do not spend a whole day in transit, and the pickup makes the logistics simple. The combination of two summits, photo stops, gear, and a substantial riding period gives the outing more weight than a short amusement ride.

The solo option is where the value question becomes personal. Paying extra for your own machine makes sense if driving is the main reason you are booking. For a couple who mainly wants the scenery, a shared ATV keeps the cost down.

Who should book this ATV adventure?

I would recommend it to confident first-time ATV riders, repeat visitors to Reykjavik, families with older children, and anyone looking for a more physical way to see the countryside. The minimum passenger age is six, but a young child will need to ride with an adult rather than drive.

It also works well for a short visit. The tour lasts half a day, so you can pair it with a meal, museum visit, or other Reykjavik activity. Morning departures may offer early light, and the route can look very different with snow, ice, or open ground.

This is not ideal for someone seeking a quiet sightseeing trip. The machines are noisy, the tracks are uneven, and the pace can feel intense. Passengers in the back seat should be ready for strong bumps, especially on steep or rocky sections.

The operator recommends moderate physical fitness. You should be able to climb onto the ATV, hold your position over rough ground, and stay alert for the full ride. If you are nervous, tell the guide before departure. The staff can explain the route and help you choose the right riding arrangement.

Booking, pickup, and weather notes

The activity is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket. It is often booked well ahead, with an average lead time of about 44 days, so reserve early if you have fixed Reykjavik dates.

Check your pickup instructions carefully. Central hotels may be assigned a nearby bus stop because some streets are no-pickup zones. Be ready 30 minutes before your departure time, and allow for the pickup process to take the full half hour.

The experience requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book Safari Quads?

Book this tour if you want mountain views with a real sense of motion, and if two hours on rough ground sounds exciting rather than tiring. The guides, warm gear, photo stops, and easy Reykjavik transfer remove much of the usual trouble involved in an outdoor activity.

Choose the solo ATV if driving is central to the fun. Choose the double ATV if you want to share the cost or let one confident driver handle the route. Either way, bring waterproof footwear, use the bathroom before departure, and expect a bumpy ride.

For an active half-day near Reykjavik, this is a strong choice. It gives you a close look at Lake Hafravatn, Reykjavik Peak, Lava Fields Mountain, Mt. Esja, and the Blue Mountain range without committing to a full-day excursion. Just know that the thrill comes with cold fingers, rough tracks, and the occasional moment when you wonder why you agreed to let the ATV go that fast.

FAQ

How long does the Twin Peaks ATV tour last?

The full experience lasts about three hours and 30 minutes. This includes pickup, the transfer to base camp, preparation, instruction, the two-hour ATV ride, and the return transfer.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Safari Quads at Lambhagavegur 19, 113 Reykjavik, Iceland. Pickup from Reykjavik hotels is offered, with pickup beginning 30 minutes before departure.

Can I be picked up directly at my Reykjavik hotel?

Not always. Some central Reykjavik streets are designated as no-pickup zones, so you may need to walk two to five minutes to the nearest approved bus stop.

Is a driver’s license required?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive an ATV. Passengers do not drive and may be as young as six.

Can I ride alone on an ATV?

Yes. You can select a one-seater ATV, but you must use the Single Rider Extra to show how many people will ride solo. The single rider option requires at least one adult per booking.

Can two people share one ATV?

Yes. The tour offers a dual-passenger ATV. The shared option requires a minimum of two adults per booking.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, thermal overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. You should still bring waterproof shoes, since footwear is not listed among the supplied equipment.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Coffee is available at the base camp, according to the tour details.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.