Reykjavik’s outback is way more fun on four wheels. This Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour takes you past Lake Hafravatn and up to viewpoints over the city, with a terrain mix that keeps you switched on. I love that it is not just a quick photo stop, you also get real ATV time on multi-track dirt trails.

My favorite part is the view payoff. Reykjavik Peak Mountain is the big moment, and on clear days you can even spot Snæfellsjökull Glacier far in the distance. Another win for me is how the guides build confidence, with plenty of support and a safety-first approach that still lets you have fun.

One drawback to plan for: it is a guided ride, so you are usually not “free-roaming” to wander your own line. Also, if you are traveling as a single rider, there can be extra cost depending on how the two-seater ATVs get assigned.

Key highlights at a glance

• Twin Peaks views: Reykjavik Peak Mountain plus Lava Field Peak for big-sky panoramas.
• Lake Hafravatn start: gravel riding alongside the lake before the climbing begins.
• Challenging terrain mix: gravel roads, mountain tracks, rocky paths, and steep ascent.
• Geothermal mountain park sights: you look toward the Hengill geothermal area during the ride.
• Cold-weather-ready gear: overalls, ski mask, rain gear, and warm layers are part of the setup.
• Heated hand grips (often praised): a small comfort that makes a huge difference in winter.

Quad Bikes Out of Reykjavik, Twin Peaks for the Big View

Reykjavik looks small from a distance. On this tour, you push out into the outback terrain, then climb high enough to make the city feel like a diagram in the middle of the world.

This is one of those activities that works for couples, friends, and even solo travelers who want a jolt of adventure. The route is built around viewpoints over Reykjavík’s bay area, so you get both movement and scenery.

You should know what you’re buying: this is not a gentle nature walk. It is a guided ATV experience with a real push uphill and a trail that can feel technical, especially if conditions are wet or icy.

Pickup, Van Ride, and the 30-Minute Safety Briefing

Your day starts with pickup from a central spot in Reykjavik. The schedule runs with pickup happening about 30 minutes before departure, and you meet your van at a listed bus stop or hotel area.

After the pickup, you ride in a van for about 30 minutes through Icelandic countryside to the base camp. Then the group spends about 30 minutes on safety briefing and setup.

This part matters because the tour is scored for fun, not chaos. You get clear instructions, and you are kitted up properly, which helps you focus on driving instead of worrying about cold, rain, or control basics.

Gear Up at Basecamp: What’s Included and What You Still Need

At base camp, you get the cold-weather and protection essentials that make quad biking realistic in Iceland. Included gear typically covers a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear, plus coffee to warm up.

Two details I really like here are the layered approach and the comfort-focused extras. In colder conditions, groups have described getting snow jackets or extra warmth that fits under the overalls, and one rider noted heated hand grips made the ride much more comfortable.

What you need to bring is also part of your success. Bring closed-toe shoes (riders mention boots and good socks), and plan outdoor clothing so you can layer.

Lake Hafravatn Gravel Start and Confidence Building on Dirt Trails

Once you start riding, the first stretch sets the tone. You begin on a gravel road along Lake Hafravatn, which gives you room to learn the ATV rhythm without going straight into the steep parts.

Expect a ride built on variety, not just one long straight. The terrain mix includes gravel roads, mountain tracks, rocky paths, and multi-track routes that keep things interesting.

This is where the guides earn their keep. In many recent experiences, riders specifically praised guides like Daria, Gonzalo, and Sir Kaktuz for keeping groups moving at a pace that feels challenging but safe.

If you have driven ATVs before, you will likely want the guide to push a bit. If you are new, you still should feel in control, because the format is designed to get you confident early, then step up the terrain.

Climbing to Reykjavik Peak Mountain for the Million-Dollar City View

The big ascent is the star of the itinerary, and it is the reason many people book. You head up a mountain trail to Reykjavik Peak Mountain, then stop where the views spread out across Reykjavík and the bay area.

What makes this stop special is not just the height, it is the clarity of the geography. You can see the city’s shape from above, plus the surrounding mountain range, which is a rare angle when you mostly explore Reykjavik street by street.

On a clear day, you can go bigger than you expect. The tour format allows for sightings like Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the far distance, hundreds of kilometers away if the weather cooperates.

Practical tip: bring sunglasses if you can, even under a helmet. One rider shared that sunglasses fit easily under their helmet and were perfect for glare off snow or wet ground.

Hengill Geothermal Views and the Lava Field Peak Payoff

After the first major hour on the ATV, you head onward toward the second high point, Lava Field Peak. This is the “second wind” part of the tour, when you usually feel more secure on the machine and can enjoy the bigger scenery.

This section is also where geothermal Iceland shows up in the background. The route includes a lookout toward the Hengill Geothermal mountain park, so you get that sense of Iceland’s heat and movement even while you are focused on trail driving.

Then there are the lava-themed views. You are riding in terrain shaped by volcanic activity, and the guide points out how the land changes as you move from lake-adjacent gravel into rougher mountain paths.

The best-case scenario is clear weather and good visibility. The realistic scenario is changing wind, light rain, or snow, and you still get the high-point views, just with a more dramatic mood.

Time on the ATV vs. Time in Transit: 3.5 Hours, 2 Hours Riding

The overall tour time is about 3 to 3.5 hours, with around 2 hours of ATV driving. You also spend time in the van and on safety setup, so do not expect the entire half-day to be spent with the throttle pinned.

For value, this matters. You are paying for two things that are hard to replicate on your own: the guided navigation through challenging terrain, and the structured climbs to viewpoints that are not a simple roadside stop.

This price is $232 per person, which is not cheap compared to many Reykjavík activities. But when a tour gives you technical off-road time plus high-value viewpoints, the cost starts to make sense, especially if you compare it to the price of multiple paid tours.

One caution from real-world experiences: a few riders felt the ATV time was shorter than expected on certain days or in certain conditions. If time on the machine is your top priority, I would book with the mindset that weather and group pacing can change the feel of the schedule.

Solo Riders and Two-Seater ATV Reality

The ATVs used on this tour are two-seaters. If the group number is odd, one person will need to be booked as a single rider option, and there can be extra cost if booking is not set up correctly.

If you are traveling as a pair or you have a friend with a license, you can often swap drivers during the ride. The tour rules allow driver swapping as long as both drivers have valid licenses.

Also note the driving rules. Drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driver license that is not just a motorcycle license or permit. Passengers do not need a license, and the minimum passenger age is 6.

If you are thinking about bringing kids, this one has a clear limit: children under 6 are not suitable.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

I think this tour is ideal if you want a break from walking tours and you like doing one active thing that includes the best views. It fits first-timers too, as long as you are comfortable following instructions and dressing for cold weather.

It is also a strong pick for experienced ATV drivers who want something tougher than a basic trail. Some rider comments specifically highlighted that the route can be challenging in sections but still feels controlled because the guide watches your skill level.

Who should skip it:

• Pregnant women, since it is not listed as suitable.
• Anyone who cannot meet the driving or safety requirements.
• Anyone who plans to drink before driving, since alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What to Wear and Bring for Iceland Weather Under a Helmet

Even if it looks sunny in Reykjavik, mountain weather can shift quickly. Dress for layers and wind, then count on the included gear to handle the rain and cold.

Bring:

• Driver’s license (if you plan to drive)
• Outdoor clothing for layering
• Closed-toe shoes
• Sunglasses if you get glare easily

Wear:

• Dry base layers you can tolerate sweating a bit in
• Warm mid layers, because even with provided overalls, you are outside for hours

One small comfort detail that came up repeatedly: riders liked gloves that stay warm and the overall kit that reduces the bite of wind. If you run cold in general, you may want to pack extra socks and plan to layer smartly.

Final Call: Should You Book This Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

If you want a half-day that mixes real driving with Reykjavík-area viewpoints, I say book it. The tour’s format is built for payoff: Lake Hafravatn, two peaks with massive sightlines, and a route that gives you more than “one photo and done.”

Book if:

• You want a challenging, guided ATV ride rather than a passive sightseeing day
• City views and geothermal Iceland scenery are both on your must-do list
• You want professional safety guidance and solid equipment

Maybe skip if:

• You hate the idea of being part of a guided pace rather than riding freely on your own
• You are ultra-sensitive to cold and think you might struggle with winter riding even with gear
• Your budget is tight, since $232 is a premium for Reykjavík compared with many attractions

If you fit the first group, this is one of the more memorable ways to see Reykjavík from above, while doing something active you will be talking about long after the photos fade.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour?

The total tour time is about 3 to 3.5 hours, with about 2 hours of ATV driving.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at a central location are included, and pickup usually starts 30 minutes before departure. You need to choose your pickup bus stop through busstop.is.

What gear is provided for the ATV ride?

You are provided with a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear, plus coffee at base camp.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride?

If you want to drive the ATV, you need a full valid driver license and you must be at least 17. Passengers do not need a license.

What is the minimum age for passengers?

The minimum passenger age is 6 years old.

Can two people share one ATV by swapping drivers?

Yes, you can swap drivers if both participants have a valid driver license.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 220 kg (485 lbs) per person as a solo driver. The combined weight per ATV or buggy is also capped at 220 kg (485 lbs) for shared riding.

Are alcohol and drugs allowed?

No. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.