Quads plus twin peaks is Reykjavik at full throttle. I like the off-road dirt trails that feel properly adventurous, and I like the big payoff at Reykjavik Peak with sweeping views you can’t get from the center. One drawback: it is not a slow, scenic cruise—you’ll spend most of the time riding in a guided line, so the pace can feel intense.

The guides are a big reason this tour works. Names that come up a lot include Daria and Mario, plus Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Arthur, Valentin, and Maciej, and the common thread is clear instruction paired with real safety focus, even when weather turns wild. I also appreciate how the kit is built for Iceland swings in temperature and wet ground.

If you’re the type who loves hands-on adventure more than photo-stop sightseeing, this will hit the sweet spot. If you’re expecting a relaxed, custom route with lots of free-roaming time, read the logistics section below first.

Key Points That Make This Quad Tour Worth It

• Two hours of real ATV time out of a total ~3.5 hours, so you don’t feel like you’re waiting around.
• Twin Peaks viewpoints: Reykjavik Peak for city-and-bay panoramas, then a second peak area for lava/geothermal views.
• Weather-ready gear included: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear, plus heated hand grips noted in rider feedback.
• Challenging terrain with a learning curve: gravel, mountain tracks, rocky bits, and a steep ascent you can build confidence on.
• Small-group energy: some departures run with only a few riders, which tends to make the guiding feel more personal.
• Lake Hafravatn route: you ride right alongside the lake early on, not just straight into the wilderness.

Getting Out of Reykjavik: The Van Ride and Base Camp Setup

This tour starts with pickup from central Reykjavik locations and a van transfer to the base camp. Plan on a short scenic drive through Icelandic outback areas before you even touch the quad—this is part of the day’s build-up, not dead time.

At the base camp, you get a safety briefing and the practical stuff that makes off-road driving less stressful. You’ll be outfitted with the full riding layer: helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear, plus coffee at base camp to warm up before the cold air finds you.

This matters because quad biking isn’t just fun; it’s also a lot of bike control. The better the first instructions land, the more you’ll enjoy the later climbs and rocky stretches—especially if you’re new.

The ATV Start: Gravel Roads and Lake Hafravatn Views

Once everyone is kitted out, the ride begins on gravel roads along Lake Hafravatn. This first section is a smart ramp-up: you’re not thrown straight onto the roughest terrain, and you can get a feel for throttle, braking, and steering before things get steep.

Lake Hafravatn also gives you something rare for Reykjavik: open water and wide views close to town. You’ll feel the shift from city edge to “real country” in a way that’s hard to replicate with a normal bus or a walking tour.

If you’re taking this in winter conditions, the gear list is a key reason people come back for a second attempt. Even when it’s chilly, riders talk about staying comfortable enough to focus on driving instead of freezing through the ride.

Reykjavik Peak: The Big View and the Steep Ascent Moment

The signature moment is the climb to the top of Reykjavik Peak Mountain. This is where you get the million-dollar panorama over the Reykjavík area and the surrounding mountain range, with a view that feels like you earned it.

The ascent is described as steep and mixed terrain, which is exactly what makes the view reward feel real. You’re not just driving to a viewpoint—you’re working your way there.

On a clear day, you can even see Snæfellsjökull Glacier far in the distance. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, the “high up” feeling is still the point: you’ll look down over the city and bay and get a new scale for Iceland’s geography.

One caution: this part can be a confidence test if you’re brand new. The upside is that the guidance is built around helping you match pace to ability—so it’s challenging without turning reckless.

Hengill Geothermal Mountain Park: Riding Past Steam and Power

After the first major peak, the route shifts toward the Hengill geothermal mountain park area. This is one of the coolest pieces of Iceland outback to spot from an ATV—geothermal activity you can understand visually, not just read about.

Geothermal terrain tends to look dramatic up close: the ground color, the heat influence, and the sense that this place runs on forces deeper than normal weather. From the quad’s vantage point, it stops being abstract geology and becomes something you’re actively driving through.

This is also where the tour becomes more than “driving for views.” You get a sense of how Iceland’s geothermal energy shapes the land around Reykjavík, especially when you’re already warmed up from the earlier climb.

Over the Lake and Toward Lava Field Peak: Multi-Track Fun

Next comes the ride over the lake area toward the Lava Field Peak. This leg is where the tour leans into the fun factor: multi track terrain, gravel-and-dirt mixing, rocky sections, and the kind of off-road path that makes you pay attention but keeps smiling.

Some rider feedback highlights how the challenge feels properly graded—enough roughness to feel like adventure, not so much that beginners get pushed into panic. If you want your ATV day to feel like Iceland, lava/geothermal terrain is a strong reason to choose this specific route.

Also, pay attention to the practical comfort details people mention. Heated hand grips have been specifically noted as a game changer in cold conditions, and heated controls can turn a rough ride from miserable to doable.

The Order of the Day: Timing and What You’ll Feel at Each Stage

Here’s how the day typically flows based on the tour structure:

• Pickup and van transfer (about 30 minutes)
• Safety briefing (about 30 minutes)
• Guided ATV driving (about 2 hours total on the quad)

So yes, the day is a short one. But the design is efficient: you get kitted up quickly, ride long enough to feel the terrain, and then come back before the novelty wears off.

The best way to think about it: you’re buying focus time. If you’re hoping for long, leisurely wandering, you might find yourself wanting more time at the peaks. On the flip side, if you want a high-energy Iceland experience that doesn’t drain your whole day, this timing fits well.

Equipment and Clothing: What’s Provided and What You Should Bring

The tour includes a lot of the hard-to-buy Iceland items: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear, plus rain protection support. Riders also mention the gear feels well set up and warm enough for cold conditions.

You still need to plan for two things:

• Your own shoes: rental shoes are not included. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring socks/footwear that can handle wet and uneven ground.
• Your own cold-proof layers: even with overalls and rain gear, cold can sneak in if you wear light layers.

A useful practical tip from rider feedback: sunglasses help, since helmets can make eye protection awkward. Another tip to consider if you run cold at the fingertips: the provided gloves can feel wet inside for some people, so bringing your own thin glove liners can help (only if they’re compatible with your comfort and the kit).

Guides, Group Style, and the Reality of Following a Line

Guiding quality is a major part of why this tour scores extremely well. Names that show up include Daria and Mario, plus Gonzalo, Sir Kaktuz, Arthur, Valentin, and Maciej. The consistent pattern is patience on controls and real attention to rider confidence.

Even so, this is still a guided off-road route. One rider-style note you should know: the tour can feel like an out-and-back or linear ride where you’re mostly following behind the guide rather than spread out to explore. That’s normal for safety on steep and mixed terrain.

There’s also a tradeoff: you get strong terrain variety, but it’s not a “stop constantly to admire every rock” style. If your goal is photos every ten minutes, you may want to pair this with a more slow-moving viewpoint tour on another day.

Price and Value: When $232 Feels Fair

At $232 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Iceland. But it does include the big value pieces: professional guiding, pickup and drop-off from central Reykjavik, the full riding kit, about 2 hours on an ATV, and coffee at base camp.

So the real question is what you’re paying for. You’re paying for:

• Off-road access near Reykjavik (not just city edge drives)
• A route that hits both city views and geothermal/lava scenery
• Safety coaching plus gear built for cold and wet

If you’d otherwise spend money on multiple viewpoint bus tours, this single quad experience can feel like a compact “Iceland story” day. If you’re cost-sensitive or you dislike adrenaline rides, you might feel the price more than the thrill. But for the right person, it’s a good use of a few hours.

Who This Quad Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This works especially well for you if:

• You want a fun, active day outside Reykjavík with off-the-beaten-path terrain
• You enjoy a clear skill-building curve from gravel roads to peak climbs
• You want city views plus geothermal/lava scenery in one outing
• You’re traveling with friends, or you want a small-group adventure

It may not fit as well if:

• You hate the idea of being in a controlled guided line
• You’re hoping for long circular routes with lots of freestyle riding time
• You want a relaxed walking-and-viewing day

If you’re pregnant, the tour isn’t suitable. If you’re under 6, it’s also not for you.

Quick Decision Checklist: Book It or Skip It?

Book this tour if you want a high-impact Reykjavik day: ATV driving time, a real climb to Reykjavik Peak, and the kind of geothermal/lava terrain you normally only see on longer road trips.

Skip it if you’re planning Iceland mainly for slow sightseeing, or if you’re worried about steep terrain stress. If you’re newer to driving, don’t let nerves talk you out of it—this tour is designed for different levels, and the guides adjust pace as riders settle in.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks tour, and how much is on the ATV?

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

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from central Reykjavik locations listed by the operator. You choose your pickup bus stop at busstop.is since some city hotels are in a no-pickup zone.

What safety and gear do I get?

You’ll get a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. The day also includes a safety briefing before you ride.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride?

Yes—drivers must be 17+ and have a full valid driver license. Motorcycle or permit licenses are not enough to operate the ATVs. Passengers do not need a license.

What’s the minimum age?

Passengers must be at least 6 years old. Children under 6 are not suitable.

Can I swap drivers if we’re two people?

Yes. You can swap drivers to share the experience if both participants have a valid driver’s license (sharing option).

Is solo riding available?

The ATVs are set up as 2 seaters. If the group has an odd number of participants, a single rider option must be booked correctly; otherwise, an additional single rider cost can apply.

What footwear and clothing should I bring?

Bring outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes. Rental shoes are not included, so wear or pack sturdy boots/shoes that can handle wet terrain.

Is food included?

No. Coffee is included at base camp, but food is not included.

Is the tour strict about alcohol and drugs?

Yes. Intoxication and alcohol or drugs are not allowed.