Reykjavik: ATV Quad Tour to Hafrafell & Lake Hafravatn Views

Summary

ATV quad ride from Reykjavik with wild views and city glimpses

You’ll bundle up in Reykjavik, hop onto an ATV quad with your local guide, and ride out past Lake Hafravatn toward Hafrafell mountain for wild views over the city and lava fields. Expect muddy tracks, Icelandic horses by the water, maybe even ptarmigan or arctic fox sightings if luck is with you—and that raw northern air you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—cold, a bit metallic, like wet gravel mixed with something cleaner. We’d just gotten picked up in Reykjavik (not right at our hotel but close enough—just a short walk to the bus stop), and twenty minutes later we were pulling on these thick overalls at the basecamp. Our guide, Einar, handed me gloves and laughed when I tried to zip up my helmet with frozen fingers. “It’s always like this,” he said, shaking his head at the sky. I didn’t mind though. The air felt sharper than coffee.

I’d never been on an ATV before, so I was nervous at first—my friend took the wheel for our double ride while I clung on behind her. The engine’s rumble drowned out most of my thoughts as we bumped along muddy tracks towards Lake Hafravatn. There was this moment where everything went silent except for the crunch of tires over frost and some distant birds—ptarmigan, Einar called them (I probably pronounced it wrong). He pointed out a few Icelandic horses grazing by the water; their manes looked almost silver in that weird blue morning light.

Climbing up Hafrafell mountain felt like crawling into a different world—one minute you’re looking back at Reykjavik’s rooftops, then suddenly there’s just mossy rock and wind and all that open space. Einar stopped us near the top so we could catch our breath (and maybe so he could check if anyone had lost a glove). You could see Mosfellsbær down below and even traces of old lava fields curling towards Hafnafjordur. Someone asked about Geldingadalur volcano—Einar just shrugged and said sometimes you can spot ash in the distance if you’re lucky. We didn’t see any foxes but honestly, I was too busy staring at the view to care.

The ride back was quieter—I think everyone was a little tired or maybe just full of that cold air feeling. My hands were numb by then but I couldn’t stop grinning under my helmet. If you’re thinking about an ATV tour from Reykjavik, don’t expect to stay clean or warm—but it’s worth every shiver for those moments when Iceland feels huge and close all at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavik ATV Quad Biking Adventure

• Pickup from Reykjavik hotel
• Drive 15 minutes to quad base
• Attend safety briefing and wear helmet
• Ride quad bikes into countryside
• Stop at Lake Hafravatn for photos
• Observe horses, birds, and arctic foxes
• Drive to Hafrafell mountain viewpoint
• Enjoy views of Reykjavik and lava fields
• Return to basecamp
• Drive back to Reykjavik hotel

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour from Reykjavik last?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours including pickup and return.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV quad tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if your hotel is outside downtown Reykjavik; otherwise pickup is from designated tourist bus stops nearby.

Can children join this ATV tour?

Children can join as passengers from age 6 but must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need a driver’s license to drive the ATV?

Yes, drivers need a full driver’s license; passengers do not need one.

What should I wear for an ATV tour in Iceland?

Dress warmly in layers; overalls, gloves, and helmets are provided but it can be very cold on the quads.

How many people are on each quad bike?

The standard rate is for two people per quad; single rides are available for an extra fee during booking.

Are there wildlife sightings during this tour?

You might see Icelandic horses, ptarmigan birds, or even arctic foxes near Lake Hafravatn or on Hafrafell mountain.

Where does the tour start if I don’t want pickup?

You can meet directly at basecamp which is about 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Reykjavik.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (or nearby bus stop), all safety gear like warm overalls and helmets, guidance from a professional local guide throughout your small group adventure by ATV quad bike to Lake Hafravatn and up Hafrafell mountain before returning to Reykjavik.