Midnight Sun ATV Tour

At nearly midnight, Iceland can still look like late afternoon. This midnight sun ATV tour takes you from Reykjavik toward Hólmsheiði, then up rough mountain trails for views over the city. You ride in daylight, breathe cold mountain air, and return to town after a proper off-road outing.

I like the mountain climbs and the sensible choice of riding pace. You can share an ATV or pay for a single rider, and the guides may split the group between faster and more cautious drivers. I also like that helmets, gloves, overalls, and rain gear are supplied.

The main consideration is the price, $255 per person, especially if you share an ATV and only drive for about two hours of the 3 to 4-hour outing. Icelandic weather is another factor. The midnight sun does not stop rain or wind, so bring good shoes and accept that the view may change quickly.

Key points to know before you book

• Midnight sunlight is the star of the trip: June and July offer the best chance to sit on a mountain near midnight with daylight still around you.
• The actual riding time is about two hours: The full outing lasts roughly 3.5 hours, including pickup, safety instruction, gearing up, and transport.
• You can share or ride alone: Every ATV can carry two people, while single-rider booking is available for drivers who want full control.
• A driving license is required: Drivers must be at least 17 and carry a valid license. Passengers can be as young as six.
• The route reaches mountain terrain near Reykjavik: Hólmsheiði is the stated riding area, with the route described as climbing Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell.
• The guides adjust the pace: Groups may be separated into faster and more cautious riders, which helps first-time ATV drivers feel comfortable.

Why the midnight sun changes the whole outing

Many ATV tours are mainly about speed, mud, and the machine. This one has a more unusual setting. You ride in the late evening, but Iceland’s summer sun keeps the country bright for almost the full day.

The exact amount of light depends on the date and weather, but in June and July you can expect an unmistakable sense of daylight long after dinner. Sitting on a mountain close to midnight, with the sky still bright enough for broad views, is the experience you are paying for.

That timing also gives the tour a different feel from a standard afternoon activity. Reykjavik fades behind you as the route heads toward open ground and mountain trails. You are not leaving civilization for a remote wilderness expedition, but you do get a quick change from city streets to rough tracks and open Icelandic air.

I would choose the latest available departure if the midnight sun is your main reason for booking. Ask for the exact start time when you reserve, since the activity information gives an evening pickup window of about 20:00 to 20:30, while the tour description also refers to a 21:00 pickup. The light will be good at either time in summer, but the later start better matches the name and spirit of the outing.

From Reykjavik pickup to the Safari Quads basecamp

Pickup is available from hotels across Reykjavik, along with several central bus stops and the cruise terminal at Skarfabakki. Listed stops include City Hall, the Culture House, Snorrabraut, Vesturbugt, Höfðatorg, the Reykjavik Bus Terminal, Hotel Cabin, Grand Hotel Reykjavik, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, ODDSSON hotel, Reykjavik Lights, Hótel Ísland, and the Safari Quads base.

If your hotel sits in a no-pickup zone, you will be assigned a nearby bus stop. That matters in Reykjavik, where hotel transport rules can be strict. Check the pickup point before the day of the tour, and be ready at the stated time rather than waiting until the vehicle is due.

The ride to basecamp is part of the 3 to 4-hour total duration. The advertised activity lasts about 3.5 hours, with approximately two hours on the ATV. This is useful to understand before you book. You are not paying for a nonstop four-hour ride, but for a complete outing that includes transport, instruction, gear, and a mountain route.

At basecamp, you receive the equipment needed for the ride: a helmet, gloves, protective overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if conditions call for it. The extra layers may seem excessive when the sun is shining. They make more sense once clouds, wind, or light rain arrive. Icelandic summer weather can change even when the clock says it is late evening.

Coffee is included at basecamp. Food is not, so eat before pickup or bring a suitable snack if you need one. Rental shoes are also not included. Comfortable outdoor shoes are listed among the required items, and that is worth taking seriously because you will be standing, climbing, and dealing with uneven ground around the vehicles.

The 30-minute safety briefing earns its place

Before you ride, expect about 30 minutes of safety instruction. If you have never operated an ATV, this is not wasted time. You will need to understand the controls, braking, steering, spacing, and the guide’s signals before heading onto the trails.

The instruction also gives the guides a chance to see how the group handles the machines. First-time drivers are not left to guess their way through the opening section. One person who had never driven an ATV before found the explanation reassuring and rated the experience highly.

Your comfort level matters here. The group may be divided between people who want a faster ride and people who prefer a cautious pace. That is a practical touch, since a nervous beginner and an experienced driver do not always want the same afternoon.

Still, this is an off-road tour, not a gentle sightseeing drive. The description refers to back roads, rough terrain, mountain trails, and climbs. If you are looking for a smooth ride with little physical movement, choose a bus tour or a scenic drive instead.

Hólmsheiði and the first mountain climb

The riding area is Hólmsheiði, outside the main built-up part of Reykjavik. The route begins with a short stretch on asphalt before turning onto off-road tracks. That transition is useful: you get a little time to settle into the machine before the ground becomes rougher.

The route is described as climbing Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell, while Hólmsheiði is listed as the main tour area. The exact trail sequence can depend on conditions and the guide’s decisions, so treat those names as the mountain setting rather than a promise of a fixed stop-by-stop route.

The first climb gives you the main lesson of the tour: an ATV is not just a motorbike with four wheels. You need to follow the track, manage your speed, and let the machine work over uneven ground. The reward is a higher viewpoint and a sense that you have left the city behind, even though Reykjavik remains close.

You will likely notice the weather more once you gain height. Wind can cut through the open area, and rain can arrive without much warning. Use the supplied overalls and rain gear when offered, rather than trying to tough it out in ordinary sightseeing clothes.

At the top, the pace slows. This is when you get time to look across Reykjavik, take in the open surroundings, and enjoy the strange brightness of the hour. The city views are a key part of the tour, so do not think of the mountain pause as lost riding time.

Ulfarsfell views and a second chance to settle in

After the first mountain, the route continues toward another climb with what is described as an even better view of Reykjavik. Ulfarsfell is known as a popular hiking mountain, so you may pass hikers while riding. The contrast is amusing: they are walking uphill while you are handling an ATV over the same general mountain setting.

The second climb is often the point when new drivers feel more capable. You have already learned how the machine responds, and the trail no longer feels quite so unfamiliar. That does not mean you should speed up without thinking. The better approach is to enjoy the view, keep a safe gap, and match the group pace.

The mountain top provides another chance to stop, breathe, and take pictures if the guide allows time for it. Views over Reykjavik are weather dependent. On a clear evening, you should have a broad look toward the city. Under cloud or rain, the scene may be more muted, but the bright summer sky can still make the setting memorable.

The return route takes you downhill and back toward basecamp. Descending can feel easier than climbing, but it still demands attention. Keep your eyes on the trail, follow instructions, and do not assume the machine will handle every turn without your help.

Shared ATV or single rider?

The standard setup puts two people on one ATV. This can lower the cost per vehicle and work well for couples, friends, or a parent with an older child. It also lets one person drive while the other enjoys the view, then switch if the guide and tour rules allow it.

Single-rider booking is available for people who want complete control. It is also required when a group has an odd number of participants, since the ATVs are designed for two people at once. If three, five, or another odd number are in your party, plan for one person to book the single-rider option.

Drivers must be at least 17 and have a valid driving license. Passengers can be six or older, but a young passenger will need to be comfortable with the noise, movement, and rough ground. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should not book this activity.

There is a stated weight limit of 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per person for a single or shared ride. If this may affect your booking, contact Safari Quads before paying so the operator can explain the available setup.

What $255 buys you in practical terms

At $255 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for a guided ATV outing close to Reykjavik, transport to and from the city, protective equipment, instruction, coffee, and access to mountain tracks that would be difficult to explore independently.

The value is strongest if you specifically want to drive an ATV and experience the midnight sun from a high viewpoint. You get two hours on the machine, which is enough for a real off-road outing rather than a short introductory loop.

The value is weaker if you mainly want scenic views. For that purpose, a less expensive viewpoint, bus tour, or self-drive excursion may give you more sightseeing time. You should also remember that two people share one ATV unless you choose the single-rider option, and the headline price is per person.

For a family or small group, the choice of riding pace adds value. New drivers can stay with the cautious group, while confident drivers may prefer a faster one. The machines are described as good and well suited to the route, but this remains a motorized adventure, not a quiet nature walk.

What to wear and bring for Icelandic summer weather

Bring your driver’s license, comfortable shoes, and outdoor clothing. The operator supplies the main protective layers, including helmets, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear when needed.

Wear shoes that can handle dirt and uneven ground. Rental shoes are not included, and ordinary fashion footwear is a poor match for an ATV basecamp and mountain trail.

Do not dress only for the clock. At 21:00 or close to midnight, the sun may still be visible, but the air can be cold and the wind can pick up. One group initially thought the supplied clothing was too much, then appreciated it once clouds and light rain arrived.

Pack your phone or camera in a secure pocket. The tour includes striking views, but the vehicle movement and weather make loose items easy to lose or damage. The information provided does not promise a dedicated photo stop, so be ready to take pictures during pauses rather than expecting a long photography session.

Who will get the most from this ATV tour?

This is a strong choice for you if you want an active evening near Reykjavik and like the idea of driving over rough ground. It suits first-time ATV drivers as well as people with some experience, provided you are willing to follow the guide and accept the group pace.

Families can book it if the children meet the minimum passenger age of six and are comfortable on an ATV. The ride is more exciting for older children who can sit securely and appreciate the mountain views, but the operator’s age rules are the limit you should use when planning.

It also works well for a group with mixed confidence levels. A split between faster and more cautious riders means you do not have to choose between holding everyone back and making a beginner uncomfortable.

I would skip it if you dislike rain, rough trails, or shared vehicles. I would also skip it if your main aim is a long, quiet look at Reykjavik. The ATV is the center of the activity, and the view is the reward between sections of driving.

The experience has received a 4.9 rating from 24 reviews, with especially strong praise for the views, the fun factor, the machines, and the guides. Victoria was singled out by name, along with her fellow guide, and the instruction helped a first-time driver feel ready. Those details match the tour’s strongest selling point: it combines an unusual hour of day with a well-supported outdoor activity.

Should you book the Midnight Sun ATV Tour?

Book it if the idea of climbing an Icelandic mountain by ATV near midnight sounds better than another evening in Reykjavik. The midnight light, mountain climbs, and city views give this tour a clear identity, and the guides make room for both cautious and confident drivers.

Think carefully about the cost and the two-hour riding time. At $255, you should want the ATV experience itself, not just the scenery. Confirm your pickup time, decide between a shared and single rider, bring your license and sturdy shoes, and dress for rain even under a bright summer sky.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps when Iceland’s weather and your plans are still shifting.

FAQ

How long does the Midnight Sun ATV Tour last?

The total outing lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with approximately 3.5 hours including transport. The guided ATV riding portion lasts about two hours.

When does the tour operate?

The midnight sun experience is offered in the summer, especially during June and July. Check availability for the exact starting time.

What age must the ATV driver be?

Drivers must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver license.

How young can a passenger be?

Non-driving passengers must be at least six years old.

Can I ride alone on an ATV?

Yes. ATVs normally carry two people, but a single-rider option is available. If your group has an odd number of participants, one person must book a single rider.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Reykjavik City and from listed bus stops and locations. Hotels in no-pickup zones are assigned a nearby bus stop.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, protective overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. Bring your own comfortable shoes, outdoor clothing, and driver license.