Reykjavik Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

Iceland gets wilder just outside town. This 3.5-hour quad bike trip trades Reykjavík streets for gravel roads, rocky mountain tracks, lava fields, and steep climbs. I especially like the ride beside Lake Hafravatn and the views from Reykjavik Peak, where clear weather can reveal Snæfellsjökull Glacier far across the country.

I also like the careful pacing. You receive a proper safety briefing, warm riding gear, and a guide who adjusts the route to the group. Guides such as Daria, Sir Kaktuz, Gonzalo, Arthur, and Mariann receive repeated praise for being friendly, patient, and safety-minded. The main drawback is the price: at $232 per person, it is not a cheap way to spend a morning or afternoon.

The other thing to plan for is the two-seat ATV rule. If you book as an odd-numbered group, one person must pay for a single-rider ATV, even though the machine itself remains the same. That extra charge has annoyed some people, so check the booking carefully before you pay.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours of real ATV riding: The total outing lasts 3 to 3.5 hours, including transport, briefing, and changing into gear.
• Lake Hafravatn starts the adventure: The route begins on a gravel road beside the lake before turning onto mountain tracks.
• Two high viewpoints: Reykjavik Peak gives broad views over the city, while Lava Field Peak opens toward mountain and geothermal scenery.
• A genuine off-road route: Expect gravel, rocks, mud, ice, streams, and steep sections rather than a gentle sightseeing drive.
• Drivers need a full license: You must be at least 17 and hold a full valid driving license. Motorcycle or learner permits are not accepted.
• Warm gear is provided, but not footwear: Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, outdoor layers, and sunglasses if you want extra protection under the helmet.

Leaving Reykjavík for Lake Hafravatn

The appeal here is simple: you can leave central Reykjavík and be on rough tracks within a short drive. Pickup takes place at selected hotels, bus stops, and the Skarfabakki 312 cruise terminal, followed by roughly 30 minutes in a van to the base camp.

If your hotel sits in one of Reykjavík’s no-pickup zones, you need to choose a nearby bus stop through busstop.is and tell the operator where to collect you. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the riding time, so do not stroll down at the last minute. Be ready early.

The ride to base camp is part of the change of scene. Reykjavík quickly gives way to open ground, mountain slopes, and the quieter outskirts of the city. This is not a long wilderness transfer, but it helps the tour feel like more than a motor activity squeezed into an urban day.

At base camp, you can leave belongings safely, get fitted with equipment, and have coffee. The provided kit includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. Several cold-weather trips have included snow jackets, heavy trousers, inner and outer gloves, and heated ATV grips, though the exact equipment setup can depend on conditions.

You still need to dress sensibly. Wear layers under the overalls, bring a warm coat, and use solid closed-toe shoes. Rental shoes are not included. Sunglasses are a smart addition, since they can fit under the helmet and help with wind, rain, glare, and flying grit.

The 30-minute briefing makes a difference

The safety briefing is not filler. It lasts about 30 minutes and covers the ATV controls, riding rules, and how to handle the route. If you have never used a quad bike, this is where the experience becomes less intimidating.

The ATVs are described as easy to operate, and first-time drivers have generally found the controls manageable. You will not be sent straight onto a steep trail without an explanation. The guide also watches the group’s ability and can keep the pace suitable for mixed experience levels.

All drivers must be at least 17 and have a full valid driving license. A motorcycle license or permit is not enough under the stated rules. Passengers need no license and must be at least six years old, although children under six cannot join.

Every ATV has two seats. Two people can share driving if both hold valid licenses, but agree beforehand who will drive each section. If your group has one, three, or five participants, one person must be booked as a single rider. If you book incorrectly, an added charge may apply at the base.

That rule is worth treating as part of the price calculation. A solo rider gets more control and no passenger, but some people understandably question paying extra when only one ATV is still being used.

Lake Hafravatn is the calm opening

The first riding section follows a gravel road alongside Lake Hafravatn. It is a useful introduction because the surface gives you time to get comfortable before the route becomes rougher.

The lake also gives the tour an early scenic reward. You are not simply driving around a closed practice field. You are moving through open Icelandic country, with water, hills, and changing weather around you.

The route then turns toward the mountain. The character changes from broad gravel to more technical ground, with rocky paths and uneven tracks. Depending on the season, riders have encountered mud, ice, snow, and streams. Some have even walked on frozen areas near the lake, though conditions naturally change and you should follow the guide’s instructions.

I like this early mix because it gives new drivers a chance to settle in while giving experienced ATV users something more interesting ahead. It is not a race, and the group normally travels in a line, but the terrain provides enough work to keep the ride lively.

Climbing Reykjavik Peak

The first major climb heads toward Reykjavik Peak. This is where the tour earns its name and where the riding becomes more demanding.

You can expect a mountain trail with steep sections, rocks, and uneven ground. Some riders describe the track as challenging in places, while others found it suitable for beginners with clear instruction. That difference makes sense: an experienced off-road driver may want more speed and difficulty, while a first-time rider may find the same slope thrilling.

The guide sets the pace and can respond to how the group is handling the ATVs. Guides have been praised for allowing confident drivers to try harder sections while helping nervous riders and offering the option to ride as a passenger. That flexibility matters more than bravado on Icelandic terrain.

At the top, stop and look back across Reykjavík and the surrounding mountain range. The city appears in a different frame here, with the bay and open country spreading around it. On a clear day, the view may reach as far as Snæfellsjökull Glacier, hundreds of kilometers away.

Weather controls the view. Wind, rain, snow, and low cloud can hide the distant peaks. Even when the horizon disappears, the climb still gives you the satisfaction of reaching a high point by ATV, but do not book this expecting guaranteed postcard weather.

Lava Field Peak adds the rougher second half

After roughly an hour on the ATV, you should have a better feel for the steering, throttle, and ground beneath you. The route then continues over the lake area toward Lava Field Peak.

This section brings more of the activity’s off-road character. Expect multi-track terrain, rocky paths, gravel, and steep rises. Depending on the season, mud, snow, ice, and water can add extra challenge. The route has been described as a good blend of fun and scenery, though one person found it more organized and less adventurous than expected.

From Lava Field Peak, the view shifts toward mountain and geothermal country, including the Hengill Geothermal mountain park. That gives you a broad sense of the forces that shape Iceland: volcanic ground, open ridges, mountain valleys, and geothermal activity.

The best part is the contrast with the first viewpoint. Reykjavik Peak looks back toward the city, while Lava Field Peak places more attention on the wild country beyond Reykjavík. You get two different visual rewards rather than repeating the same lookout.

Keep your expectations realistic about sightseeing. You are driving for much of the two-hour route, so you will not spend every minute admiring the scenery. One useful criticism is that the activity works best for fun and terrain, not for a slow scenic tour. The group normally follows the guide in a line, so you cannot simply stop wherever you want.

How challenging is the driving?

I would rate this as an active excursion rather than a relaxed ride. The ATVs handle the work, but you still need to steer, manage uneven ground, and stay alert on climbs and descents.

First-timers should not be put off. Several people with no previous ATV experience found the instruction clear and quickly got comfortable. The guide can adapt the pace, and passengers can ride instead of driving if a section feels too much.

Experienced riders should also enjoy it, but do not expect a private off-road playground. The group format, safety rules, and guide-led route limit how freely you can explore. One person wanted more time off the trail, while others found the mix of challenge and control just right.

Weather is part of the deal. Riders have gone out in rain, snow, wind, ice, and cold conditions, with provided gear making a major difference. Heated hand grips have been a particular favorite. Still, cold fingers, wet gloves, and poor visibility can affect the experience, so dress well and accept that Iceland may change the conditions quickly.

Pregnant women and children under six should not join. The stated combined weight limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per shared ATV. For a solo driver, the same 220-kilogram limit applies per person.

Guides and group atmosphere

The guide is central to this experience. You are not only following someone along a route. You need clear instructions, good judgment on changing ground, and a calm person who can help if a rider loses confidence.

Daria receives especially warm praise for balancing encouragement with safe riding. Sir Kaktuz is remembered for humor, local information, and showing groups impressive viewpoints. Gonzalo, Arthur, Mariann, Hannah, Lisa, Thomas, Sven, and others have also been singled out for friendliness, patience, and professional handling of the day.

Group size can vary. One small group had only six riders plus the guide, while another couple found themselves on a private-feeling outing because they were the only booking that day. A small group makes the ride more personal and may help the guide match the pace, but you should not assume every departure will be private.

The coffee at base camp is a modest touch, but a welcome one after cold-weather riding. Drop-off returns you to central locations, selected hotels, bus stops, or the cruise terminal, depending on your arrangement.

Is $232 good value?

At $232 per person, this is expensive compared with many standard Reykjavík activities. You are paying for transport, equipment, a professional guide, two hours of ATV time, coffee, and access to rough terrain that is difficult to reach without a suitable vehicle.

The value improves if you want to drive rather than sit in a vehicle and look out the window. You get physical involvement, two viewpoints, changing surfaces, and a real sense of movement through the countryside. It can also fill a useful half-day without taking you far from Reykjavík.

The value is weaker if your main goal is scenery. A bus or car-based excursion may show more sights with less effort. On the ATV, you must concentrate on the track, and the route may include industrial-looking areas near the city. You also need to account for the single-rider fee if your group is uneven.

The rating of 4.9 from 191 bookings fits the overall picture: the organization, guides, equipment, and fun receive unusually strong praise. The small number of lower scores focus on price, limited freedom to leave the route, or expectations about riding time. One older account reported only about 1 hour and 10 minutes on the ATV, while the current advertised format specifies two hours, so it is sensible to confirm the riding duration when booking.

Who should book the Twin Peaks ride?

I would choose this for a couple, family with older children, group of friends, or solo rider who wants a more active Iceland outing. It works particularly well as a break from waterfalls, museums, and coach tours.

Beginners can book with confidence if they are comfortable with uneven ground and cold weather. Experienced riders should book for the scenery and Icelandic setting as much as for technical difficulty. You may find the route exciting, but it is still a controlled guided tour, not an unrestricted off-road expedition.

The experience is less suitable if you dislike wind, mud, snow, or being part of a line of riders. It is also not ideal if you want long, quiet stops for photography. The reward comes from combining driving and views, not from treating the ATV as transport to a series of lookouts.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want to drive across gravel, rocks, lava, ice, and mountain tracks while staying close to Reykjavík. The two peaks give the trip a clear purpose, and the strong guiding, warm equipment, and flexible pace make it approachable for first-timers.

Skip it if $232 feels too high for a half-day activity, if you want a gentle sightseeing trip, or if your group will face an unwelcome single-rider surcharge. For most active visitors, though, this is a memorable way to see Reykjavík’s outskirts from ground level, with enough challenge to make the views feel earned.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavik Twin Peaks quad bike tour last?

The total outing takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. This includes approximately 30 minutes in the van, a 30-minute safety briefing, and two hours of ATV riding.

What is included in the price?

The price includes central pickup and drop-off, a two-hour ATV adventure, a professional guide, a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, rain gear, and coffee at the base camp.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. Every ATV driver must be at least 17 years old and hold a full valid driving license. Motorcycle licenses and learner or permit licenses are not accepted for driving the ATVs.

Can children ride as passengers?

Passengers do not need a license, and the minimum passenger age is six. Children under six cannot join the activity.

Can two people share one ATV?

Yes. The ATVs have two seats, and two people can swap drivers if both have valid driving licenses. If you have an odd-numbered group, one person must be booked as a single rider.

What should I bring?

Bring your driving license, outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sunglasses if you want them under the helmet. Rental shoes and food are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from listed central hotels, bus stops, and the Skarfabakki 312 cruise terminal. Many central Reykjavík hotels are in no-pickup zones, so you may need to select a nearby bus stop and be ready 30 minutes before departure.