Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

Reykjavík’s Twin Peaks ATV tour trades the usual sightseeing bus for a bumpy ride through the city’s rougher backcountry. You’ll cross gravel roads, rocky tracks, patches of ice, and steep mountain sections before reaching high points above Lake Hafravatn and the Reykjavík area. On a clear day, the view may stretch as far as Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

I like the mix of real off-road driving and big viewpoints. I also like the way the guides adjust the pace: first-time riders get clear instruction, while confident drivers may tackle more difficult sections. The main consideration is price. At $232 per person, this is not a cheap way to see Iceland, and the ride includes a 30-minute transfer and a 30-minute safety session rather than two and a half hours on the machines.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours behind the handlebars: The actual ATV ride includes gravel, mountain tracks, lava fields, rocky ground, and steep climbs.
• Lake Hafravatn sets the scene: The route begins beside this scenic lake before climbing toward the peaks.
• Two strong viewpoints: Reykjavík Peak looks over the city, while Lava Field Peak opens views toward mountains and geothermal country.
• Good for beginners and experienced riders: Guides such as Daria, Gonzalo, Arthur, and Sir Kaktuz are praised for patient instruction and sensible pacing.
• Cold-weather gear is supplied: You receive a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes.
• The ATV rules matter: Drivers must be at least 17 with a full valid driver’s license. Passengers can be as young as six.

What this Reykjavík ATV ride is really like

This is not a gentle countryside drive. It is a proper recreational ATV outing, though the route is guided and designed for mixed ability levels. You follow the guide in a group, so the experience is more controlled than renting a quad bike on your own.

The terrain changes often. You begin on a gravel road, then move onto mountain paths, rocky sections, muddy ground, and steeper climbs. Depending on the season and weather, you may encounter snow, ice, or water on the route. Several riders describe going through streams and across icy ground, while others found the route challenging without feeling unsafe.

The name Twin Peaks refers to the high points reached during the ride: Reykjavík Peak and Lava Field Peak. These are not polished sightseeing platforms. You reach them as part of the ATV route, and the views are your reward after the rougher sections.

This is also a practical choice if you have only a short stay in Reykjavík. The trip takes about three to three and a half hours from pickup to drop-off, so it fits more easily into an open morning or afternoon than a full-day excursion.

Leaving Reykjavík for Lake Hafravatn

Pickup is available from many central hotels and designated bus stops, including City Hall, the Culture House, Höfðatorg, Snorrabraut, and the cruise terminal at Skarfabakki 312. Since many central hotels sit in no-pickup zones, you may need to walk to a nearby bus stop. Check the pickup point carefully and be ready 30 minutes before the stated departure time.

The transfer to the base camp takes about 30 minutes by van. That drive moves quickly from Reykjavík streets toward open country, giving you a useful change of pace before the riding begins.

At base camp, you leave anything you do not want to carry and get dressed for the weather. The supplied equipment includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. Some riders found the winter clothing warm and well fitted, even with a coat underneath. Heated ATV handgrips have also made a noticeable difference on cold days.

You still need to bring proper footwear. Rental shoes are not included, and closed-toe shoes are required. Wear outdoor clothing in layers, even if the forecast looks mild. The machines create cold wind, and Icelandic weather can shift during the ride.

The 30-minute briefing before the trails

The safety session is an important part of the tour, especially if you have never driven an ATV. The guide explains the controls, basic handling, and safety rules before taking the group out.

The first part of the route gives you time to get comfortable. That matters because a quad bike feels simple on flat ground but demands more attention on loose gravel, steep slopes, and uneven rock. You need to control speed, keep your weight steady, and follow the machine ahead of you.

The guides receive especially strong praise for this part of the experience. Daria, Gonzalo, Arthur, Sir Kaktuz, and other guides are described as friendly, calm, and attentive to different skill levels. The instruction is aimed at helping you feel ready, not showing off how quickly the group can leave base camp.

All ATVs are two-seaters. If you share, both people may swap driving duties as long as both have full valid driver’s licenses. That can make the tour more social and lets you rest while your companion drives, though it also means neither person drives for the entire two hours.

The first ride: gravel roads beside Hafravatn

The route begins along a gravel road beside Lake Hafravatn. This is a good opening section because it gives you a gentler surface while you learn how the ATV responds.

The lake adds a scenic element that you would miss on a standard Reykjavík city tour. You are not simply driving through a practice area. You are moving along a real stretch of Icelandic countryside with open water, hills, and changing weather around you.

Do not expect constant sightseeing stops. Most of the time you are riding, and the group stays in line behind the guide. You may stop at viewpoints for photographs, but this is primarily a driving activity. If you want a slow photographic tour with long pauses, this may feel too active.

The route can look different from one season to another. Snow and ice make the ride feel more adventurous in winter, while summer conditions may give you clearer ground and longer daylight. Wind, rain, and low cloud can affect what you see from the peaks.

Climbing Reykjavík Peak

After the lakeside section, the guide takes you onto a mountain trail toward Reykjavík Peak. This is where the ride becomes more technical. You may deal with a steep ascent, rocky ground, and uneven tracks that require steady throttle control.

For a first-time rider, the climb is likely to be the most demanding part. That does not mean you need previous ATV experience. The guides adapt the pace and can help if someone feels uncomfortable. One useful feature of a shared ATV is that you can switch positions and ride as a passenger if you need a break.

At the top, the view opens across Reykjavík and the surrounding mountain range. The city looks very different from here. Instead of seeing Reykjavík from street level, you look down over the urban area, bay, and open country beyond it.

On a clear day, you may see Snæfellsjökull Glacier, hundreds of kilometers away. That view depends entirely on visibility, so you should treat it as a bonus rather than a promise. Cloud and mist can close in quickly, especially during colder or windier weather.

The viewpoint also gives you a natural pause after the climb. Guides generally allow time for photographs and a breather before the group continues. Bring sunglasses if you have them. They can fit beneath the helmet and help with glare from snow, ice, or bright cloud.

Across to Lava Field Peak

After roughly the first hour on the ATV, the route continues toward Lava Field Peak. By this point, you should have a better feel for the controls, and the terrain becomes a chance to use what you learned.

This section brings the strongest sense of being away from the city. You may ride over lava-field ground, rough tracks, and sections affected by snow or water. The exact feel changes with the season, but the point is the variety. You are not repeating one smooth trail for two hours.

The views here focus more on Iceland’s mountains and geothermal surroundings. The Hengill Geothermal mountain park is part of the wider outlook, adding volcanic context to the trip. You are not visiting a hot spring or geothermal plant as a separate stop, but you do get a view toward this distinctive mountain area.

Some riders want a more extreme off-road challenge. If that sounds like you, keep your expectations measured. One person found the trip a little less adventurous than hoped, while other riders described steep slopes, rivers, mud, ice, and rocky ground as plenty of fun. The route must work for first-timers, so it is challenging rather than a technical expedition.

The guide makes the difference

A guided ATV trip depends heavily on the person at the front. The most praised part of this experience is the staff’s combination of humor, safety awareness, and patience.

Daria is described as warm and reassuring, while Gonzalo is praised for an engaging and genuine style. Sir Kaktuz is repeatedly remembered for humor, local information, and showing the group scenic points along the route. Arthur and other guides are also described as professional and attentive.

That matters because confidence builds slowly on an ATV. A guide who watches the group can keep a nervous beginner from feeling pressured, while still giving experienced drivers some satisfying terrain. The strongest feedback comes from people who felt challenged without being pushed into needless risk.

Group size can vary. Some departures have been small, including one with only two riders, while another group had six riders plus the guide. A smaller group may mean more individual attention, but you should not assume every departure will be private.

Is $232 a fair price?

At $232 per person, this is one of the more expensive short activities around Reykjavík. You are paying for a two-hour guided ATV ride, equipment, a professional guide, transportation from a central pickup point, and coffee at base camp.

The value depends on what you want from your Iceland trip. If you are mainly looking for views, a standard sightseeing tour can cover more ground for less money. If you want an activity that combines driving, rough terrain, and mountain viewpoints, the ATV gives you something a bus cannot.

The price also needs careful attention if you are booking alone. The ATVs are two-seaters, and an odd number of participants requires a single-rider option for one person. If you book incorrectly, an extra charge may apply. Check the rider setup before paying.

For two people sharing, the cost can feel more reasonable because you get a social activity and the option to swap drivers. Just remember that two people sharing does not mean two full hours each behind the controls.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a physical, outdoors-focused activity close to Reykjavík. It works especially well for:

• First-time ATV riders who want instruction and a guided route
• Confident drivers looking for gravel, rocks, slopes, ice, and mixed terrain
• Couples or friends who want to share a two-seater
• Cruise passengers with a day in port, since pickup is available near Skarfabakki 312
• Families with children aged six and up, provided an adult drives and the child rides as a passenger
• Visitors who have already seen the major sights and want a different view of the Reykjavík area

It is less suitable if you dislike cold wind, mud, bumpy tracks, or group riding. You also may feel short-changed if your main goal is quiet photography. The ride is the focus, and you will spend most of the time moving.

Drivers must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driver’s license. A motorcycle license or learner permit is not enough under the stated rules. Passengers do not need a license, but the minimum passenger age is six. The combined weight limit for a shared ATV is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, and the same limit applies per person when riding alone. Pregnant women and children under six should not book.

Useful preparation for a colder day

Wear layers under the supplied overalls. You may feel comfortable once the ATV is moving, but exposed hands and feet can still get cold. Closed-toe outdoor shoes are essential, and waterproof footwear is a smart choice if conditions are wet.

Bring sunglasses if the forecast includes bright conditions or snow. You should also bring your driver’s license to the base camp. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should not arrive intoxicated.

Coffee is provided at base camp, but food is not included. Eat beforehand if you are booking an early departure, since the total trip leaves little time for a meal.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when you book.

Should you book the Twin Peaks ATV tour?

Book it if you want active Iceland rather than passive sightseeing. The best parts are the changing terrain, the ride beside Lake Hafravatn, the climb to Reykjavík Peak, and the chance to look toward Hengill and the wider bay from an unusual height.

I would not book it simply for the scenery. You spend most of the tour driving, and the views are tied to weather conditions. At $232, the value is strongest for someone who genuinely wants to operate an ATV and enjoy a guided off-road route.

For a first ATV experience, this is a sensible choice because the guides explain the machines clearly and adjust the pace. For experienced riders, it offers enough rough ground and steep sections to be fun, though not an all-day technical challenge. If that balance sounds right, the Twin Peaks route is a memorable way to spend a Reykjavík morning or afternoon.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavík Twin Peaks ATV tour take?

The total activity lasts about three to three and a half hours. This includes approximately 30 minutes of van transport, a 30-minute safety briefing, and two hours of ATV driving.

What sights will I see during the ride?

The route includes Lake Hafravatn, Reykjavík Peak, Lava Field Peak, views over Reykjavík and the bay area, the surrounding mountains, and views toward the Hengill Geothermal mountain park. On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull Glacier may be visible.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, every driver must be at least 17 years old and have a full valid driver’s license. A motorcycle license or permit license is not sufficient. Passengers do not need a license.

Can two people share one ATV?

Yes. All ATVs are two-seaters, and two licensed drivers can swap positions during the ride. If you are booking as a shared pair, the combined weight limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear. Rental shoes are not included, so bring your own closed-toe outdoor shoes.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from selected central Reykjavík hotels, designated city bus stops, and Skarfabakki 312 Cruise Terminal. Many central hotels are in no-pickup zones, so you may need to choose a nearby bus stop and be ready there 30 minutes before departure.