One day, two totally different Iceland views. This ATV + helicopter combo takes you from rocky quad trails near Reykjavik straight into the sky, with a pilot-guided flight over the capital.

What I really like is the mix of effort and reward: you climb by ATV to Reykjavik Peak for classic top-down photo angles of rooftops, bay water, and distant mountains, then you switch to a helicopter for views you just cannot get from the ground. I also like that the helicopter plan isn’t just flying—there’s a mountaintop landing mid-route with time to take photos.

One drawback to plan for: the tour includes pickup, but it does not include drop-off. After the helicopter, you’ll need to handle getting back on your own from Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Reykjavik Peak photo stop: Stop at the top to photograph the city rooftops, Faxaflói Bay, and Mount Esjan
• Lake Hafravatn ATV riding: Ride rocky trails and circle Lake Hafravatn before the climb
• Big views if weather cooperates: Possible Reykjanes Peninsula volcano views and Snæfellsjökull visibility from afar
• Helicopter mid-flight landing: A mountaintop stop with about 20 minutes for photos
• Two thrill levels in one day: Ground adrenaline first, then a smooth aerial perspective over Reykjavik

Why this ATV and helicopter combo is a smart day trip

If you only have a few days in Iceland, you usually face a choice: do something active on the ground, or do something scenic from above. This tour gives you both without making you sit around waiting for another transportation transfer later.

On the ATV side, you’re not just cruising on flat ground. The route is designed around getting you up to higher viewpoints near Reykjavik. That matters because Iceland’s best “wow” moments often come from elevation—seeing how the town, water, and distant ridgelines stack on top of each other.

Then comes the helicopter. From street level, Reykjavik is interesting. From the air, it becomes a pattern: coastline, bays, and the way the city sits against darker volcanic terrain. That’s also why the included photo landing is such a big deal. It breaks up the flight, gives you a calmer moment for pictures, and makes the aerial portion feel less like a quick pass-over.

Pickup, timing, and what to bring (so you don’t stress)

You need to be ready at 09:00. Pickup runs between 09:00 and 09:30, and you’ll meet your driver at one of many listed pickup locations around Reykjavik (including major hotels and specific bus stops).

Two practical notes that help a lot:

• If you’re in an area marked as a no-pickup zone, you’ll be assigned to a nearby bus stop instead.
• You’ll start the day with a safety briefing before you ride.

For what to bring, the key item is your driver’s license. Only licensed drivers can take the controls. Passengers don’t need a license, but the tour is not suitable for children under 6, and it is also listed as not suitable for children under 8. If you’re traveling with kids, double-check the operator’s age rules for both passenger and driving options before you book.

Also, leave the alcohol and drugs at home. The tour is built for active riding and safety gear use, so you’ll want to keep your day clear-headed.

ATV day: Lake Hafravatn and the climb to Reykjavik Peak

The quad portion starts at a base camp on the outskirts of Reykjavik. You’ll get protective gear before anyone turns the engines on: a helmet, gloves, overalls, and a ski mask with rain gear. Even in better weather, Iceland can still throw wind and mist at you, so having the full kit ready makes the ride more comfortable.

Once your group is set, the riding begins on rocky trails up to Lake Hafravatn. This lake section is a good pace-check. It’s enough time to get comfortable with the ATV handling, and you get that early “we’re actually getting out of town” feeling.

Then the main event: the ascent up Reykjavik Peak. This is where the tour earns its reputation. At the top, you stop for photos of:

• Reykjavik’s colorful rooftops
• the sparkling Faxaflói Bay
• the flat-topped Mount Esjan

If the weather is notably good, the view can expand in a big way. You may get sights of the Reykjanes Peninsula volcanoes, and possibly the length of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull. It’s worth treating these as bonus views, not guarantees—this part depends on visibility.

A quick gear and footwear tip: hiking boots or sneakers are recommended. You’ll likely want shoes that can handle uneven ground and don’t feel flimsy once you’re off the ATV for the photo stop.

Riding options: share a seat or drive solo

The ATVs are two-seaters. That means you can choose to share or select the single rider option if you want to drive your own quad.

For value, think about what you want most:

• If you want a calmer experience, sharing can reduce pressure and make it easier to take in the scenery while you ride.
• If you want full control and full thrill, single rider is usually the best match.

Either way, keep one safety rule in mind: only licensed drivers take the controls, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t have a license.

Transition time: trading quads for the airport

After the ATV part, you ride back down to the base camp, hand equipment back, and then head to Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport.

This portion is important because it’s where the day moves from “active adventure” to “awe from above.” You’ll want to show up with your gear packed and your mind ready to switch modes—helicopter time goes fast, and there’s usually less room for wandering around once you’re at the airport.

Helicopter over Reykjavik: from rooftops to a mid-flight photo landing

The helicopter flight is about 45 minutes, and the total aerial experience is described as roughly one hour, because mid-route includes a mountaintop landing with about 20 minutes for photos.

That landing is one of the most valuable parts of the day. It gives your camera (and your brain) a reason to slow down. Instead of only shooting from the air, you get a set time on higher ground to take in the terrain and the city’s layout.

From the sky, Reykjavik is beautiful even at street level—but from above, the “shape” of the city becomes clear. You can see how the coastline frames the built-up areas, and how the surrounding terrain rises and falls.

What you might see: Reykjavik, bays, and far-off glacier views

The most consistent viewing anchors are built into the route:

• Reykjavik itself, which you see clearly during the ATV summit stop
• Faxaflói Bay, highlighted at the top
• Mount Esjan, visible as a flat-topped landmark from above

For the longer-distance add-ons, you’re relying on visibility. On clear days, the helicopter and the summit stop can both deliver wider context—especially if you can spot features across the Reykjanes Peninsula and toward Snæfellsjökull.

Weather is the only real variable here. If you want the best chance for views, dress for Icelandal conditions and be ready for fast changes in cloud and wind.

Price and value: is $500 worth it?

At $500 per person for a 5–6 hour experience, you’re paying for two expensive pieces: powered ground transport (ATVs) and a helicopter flight. The “value” question comes down to whether that pairing feels like one cohesive day rather than two separate tours stacked together.

In my view, it is good value if you:

• want to see Reykjavik from both elevation by ATV and elevation by helicopter
• like photo moments at stops (the ATV summit and the helicopter landing)
• don’t want to spend half your trip driving out of the capital

There’s also a simple convenience factor: the ATV portion is close enough to Reykjavik to keep the day tight, and the helicopter transition happens within the same schedule.

If you’re the type who already plans to do a separate helicopter elsewhere in Iceland, then this might feel pricier. But if this is one of your only “big view” experiences near Reykjavik, the combination is easier to justify.

The biggest operational detail: no drop-off after the helicopter

Remember this part. The tour includes pickup, but it does not include drop-off. In practice, that can mean you’re on your own once the helicopter returns to Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport.

One review experience highlighted that there wasn’t transport back from the helicopter, and walking was an option that worked out fine. Your plan might be different depending on your energy level and how you’re getting around Reykjavik that afternoon, so don’t assume you’ll be delivered back to your hotel.

My practical advice: before the day of your tour, map out your plan from the Domestic Airport. Have an itinerary for what you’ll do after, and avoid booking anything “tight” right away.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want active sightseeing with strong photo stops and you’re happy with a schedule that moves.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• want adrenaline and views in the same day
• like small-group guided riding (you’ll be in a guided setup with safety briefing and a pro team)
• are comfortable with the Iceland gear setup and the chance of cool wind on higher ground

If you dislike helicopters or you’d rather do only ground time, you might feel like half the money is for a mode you don’t care about. But if you can handle both, it’s one of the more efficient ways to “see Reykjavik twice”—once from the summit, once from the air.

Should you book the ATV and helicopter combo?

Book it if you want one day that mixes ATV climbing with a real helicopter photo landing, all based near Reykjavik. It’s especially worth it when you care about view height and you like the idea of seeing the same area from two angles: ground-to-sky.

Skip or reconsider if logistics after the helicopter might cause stress for you. Since drop-off isn’t included, make sure you have a clean plan for getting back from Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport.

Also consider weather: the best long-distance views (Reykjanes Peninsula volcanoes, Snæfellsjökull from afar) depend on visibility. You can’t control that part, but you can choose to be excited by the fact that Iceland rewards good days with extra range.

FAQ

What locations do you pick up from in Reykjavik?

Pickup is included from options around Reykjavik, including many hotels and specific bus stops. If your hotel is in a no-pickup zone, you’ll be assigned to a bus stop.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup?

You need to be ready at 09:00. Pickup happens between 09:00 and 09:30.

Do I need a driver’s license for the ATV?

Yes, for anyone who will take the controls. Only licensed drivers are permitted to drive. Passengers do not need a license.

How old do kids need to be?

The tour is listed as not suitable for children under 6 years and also not suitable for children under 8 years.

What protective gear is included for the ATV ride?

You’ll be provided with a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear.

What does the helicopter experience include?

You’ll fly from Reykjavik’s domestic airport, and there is a mountaintop landing midway through with about 20 minutes to photograph the surrounding area.

Is drop-off included after the helicopter?

No. Pickup is included, but drop-off is not included.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.