Reykjavik ATV Tour: Ride to Hafrafell mountain peak

ATV to Hafrafell: Reykjavik's Mountain Views in 90 Minutes

You get picked up from your Reykjavik hotel, driven to the ATV base for a safety briefing, then ride for an hour to Hafrafell's summit with views of Hengill volcano, Esja mountain, and the capital region below. All gear is provided, and the guide leads the group. You're back at your hotel within 90 minutes of departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV adventure to Hafrafell mountain

• Pickup from Reykjavik
• Drive to headquarters
• Briefing and safety instructions
• Operate ATV through nature
• Ascend to Hafrafell mountain peak
• Enjoy panoramic views
• Return to headquarters
• Drop off at pickup location

The experience

You land in Reykjavik, drop your bag at the hotel, and within an hour you're standing on an ATV at the company headquarters with a helmet in hand and a guide explaining the throttle. The pickup happens 30 minutes before departure. They collect you from your accommodation and drive you to the base, a modern facility with hot coffee and working bathrooms, which matters more than it sounds when you're about to spend an hour in Icelandic wind. The briefing covers how to operate the quad bike and what safety looks like on terrain that shifts between gravel, grass, and loose rock.

Then you're riding. The route follows Lake Hafravatn's edge and climbs toward Hafrafell, the mountain that sits at the center of this whole region. Your guide leads the group (maximum 20 riders, though most days run smaller), and the ascent is steady rather than brutal. What hits you at the summit is the view: Hengill volcano sits to one side (Iceland's third most active volcanic system, still steaming), the Hellisheiði geothermal plant sprawls below, and across the bay you can see Esja and the Bláfjöll range framing the capital. On a clear day the light does something strange up there, and you understand why people come back to this island. The whole ATV adventure runs about an hour, and then you're back down and heading toward the pickup point.

You need a valid driver's license to operate the quad bike yourself, that's non-negotiable, and the company provides everything else: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear. If you'd rather ride as a passenger, that works too, though it requires at least two adults on the booking. The whole thing, from pickup to dropoff, takes 1.5 hours. No alcohol or drugs before or during. Not suitable if you're pregnant. Kids as young as six can ride as passengers if an adult is driving.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and dropoff (30 minutes before and after your ride), professional guide leading the group, 1-hour ATV adventure across Icelandic terrain to Hafrafell summit, and all safety equipment: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear.

Options for this experience

2 options

Two persons per bike (sharing)Guide in English · 09:30 and 13:30The price is per person: this is a sharing option where you share the ride with another person (a minimum of 2 participants is needed to book this option). Shared: if the number of persons is odd, one person must book the single rider option, since the vehicle only fits two at once. Pickup is included.

One person per ATV (single rider)Guide in English · 09:30 and 13:30ATV tour, single rider: this option lets you ride on your own. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Safari Quads

Is this one for you?Right for travelers in Reykjavik with a free afternoon and a valid driver's license who want a quick adrenaline hit with real views. The 1.5-hour window fits between other activities, and pickup from your hotel means you don't need a rental car.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need a driver's license to do this tour?

Yes, a valid driver's license is required if you want to operate the ATV yourself. If you prefer to ride as a passenger, you don't need one, but at least two adults must be on the booking.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and dropoff, professional guide, 1-hour ATV ride, and all safety gear: helmet, gloves, overalls, ski mask, and rain gear.

How long is the total experience?

1.5 hours from pickup to dropoff. The actual ATV riding is about 1 hour. The rest is travel to the base and the safety briefing.

What's the maximum group size?

Groups are capped at 20 people per departure.

Is this tour suitable if I'm pregnant?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What if I've never ridden an ATV before?

The guide covers operation and safety before you ride, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. First-timers are welcome.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in most conditions. The gear provided includes rain protection. Check with the operator about severe weather cancellations.