Reykjavik: ATV Mountain Adventure & City Views with Pickup

Summary

ATV up Hafrafell for wild city views and Icelandic air

You’ll ride an ATV from Reykjavik up Hafrafell mountain with a local guide, feeling both wild and safe as you cross lakeside trails and rocky paths. Expect real conversation, muddy gloves, panoramic views over the city and bay — plus hotel pickup, gear included, and a hot drink to start your day right.

What’s the experience like?

You step out in Reykjavik and there’s that cold, sharp air — I swear it wakes you up better than coffee (though they actually hand you a hot cup at the base, which helps too). The guides are easygoing, and one of them, Björn, just grinned when I fumbled with the helmet straps. He said something in Icelandic to his friend — I caught “rookie” — but it was all in good humor. The headquarters is new and spotless, but honestly my mind was already on the ATVs lined up outside.

After a quick safety rundown (they’re strict about licenses and no alcohol), we rolled out along Lake Hafravatn. It’s weird how quiet Iceland can be even with engines humming; sometimes all I heard was gravel spitting under the wheels and this low wind over the water. The terrain shifted fast — one minute smooth, then suddenly bumpier than I expected. My gloves got muddy but I didn’t care. Our guide pointed out Hengill way off in the distance, steam rising from somewhere near Hellisheiði power plant. Felt like we were sneaking behind the scenes of Reykjavik itself.

The climb up Hafrafell wasn’t long but it got my heart going. At the top, everyone sort of fell silent for a second — you get this wide view over Faxaflói bay and the whole city spread out below, Esja looking massive across the skyline. Someone tried to take a group selfie but dropped their phone (don’t worry, it survived). The light was strange and blueish that day; I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home. We headed down after that, hands cold but faces warm from laughing at each other’s driving skills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad bike tour to Hafrafell summit

• Pick up from Reykjavik
• Drive to headquarters
• Briefing and safety instructions
• Operate ATV through Icelandic nature
• Ascend to Hafrafell mountain summit
• Enjoy panoramic views of Hengill and Faxaflói bay
• Return to headquarters
• Drop off at original location

Top questions

How long is the ATV tour from Reykjavik?

The ATV ride itself lasts about 1 hour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Reykjavik ATV adventure?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included before and after your tour.

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

Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to drive your own quad bike.

What should I wear for an ATV trip in Iceland?

Wear warm layers; helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks & rain gear are provided.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals are included; only hot coffee is offered at headquarters before departure.

Can children join this Reykjavik ATV tour?

The minimum age as a passenger is 6 years old.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 20 people per tour.

What mountains will we see during the ride?

You’ll see Hengill range, Bláfjöll mountains, Esja peak & Faxaflói bay from Hafrafell summit.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, all necessary riding gear like helmets and gloves (plus overalls if it gets wet), a full safety briefing with friendly local guides at their modern base where you can grab hot coffee before setting off for your one-hour ATV adventure through Icelandic nature.