Reykjavik: Northern Lights ATV Quad Tour & Stargazing

Chase the Aurora on an ATV Through Iceland's Dark Countryside

You ride an ATV through Icelandic backcountry at night, positioned at Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell where Northern Lights are most likely to appear. While waiting for the aurora, you stargaze and hunt for shooting stars. Hotel pickup is included. Riding gear, helmets and gloves are provided. The tour only runs when clear skies are forecast, and you'll need a valid driver's license and warm clothes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights ATV Quad Adventure

• Pick up from Reykjavik hotel
• Drive to basecamp near Reykjavik
• Receive quad biking instructions
• Ride ATV along rugged trails
• Visit Hafravatn Lake and Mt. Hafrafell
• Enjoy panoramic views of nearby towns
• Wait for Northern Lights and shooting stars
• Return to basecamp and end tour

The experience

The ATVs are already running when you arrive at the basecamp, just 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. Your guide checks your helmet and gloves (the riding gear is provided, so you only need to bring a valid driver's license and layers of warm clothes), then you're heading out into the dark Icelandic night. The quad bikes take you on rugged trails toward Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell, where the sky opens up and the chances of catching the Northern Lights are best. The tour only runs on nights when there's a real possibility of clear skies, so you're not chasing ghosts. You're going when conditions actually favor the aurora.

Once you're positioned at the viewing spot, the waiting begins, and that's where the stargazing comes in. While you watch for the lights to appear, your guide points out constellations and you hunt for shooting stars together. It sounds like a lot of standing around, but there's something about being on a quad in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by Icelandic wilderness, that makes the wait feel less like waiting. If the Northern Lights show up, you'll want a phone with a good night mode or long-exposure capability. The guide will tell you which newer iPhones and Android phones can actually capture what you're seeing. The older phones won't cut it, so bring an iPhone 11 or better if you want to take the shot home.

The tour operates as a double ride by default, meaning two people share each ATV, but you can upgrade to a single ride for extra cost if you want your own machine. Either way, you're responsible for driving or riding: passengers can be as young as six, but the person on the handlebars needs a full driver's license. Hotel pickup is included from anywhere in the Reykjavik area, though downtown hotels have designated bus stops instead of direct pickup, which the operator arranges for you. If you'd rather skip the pickup, you can meet the group directly at the basecamp and save the back-and-forth.

Bring hand warmers, foot warmers, a scarf or neck buff, and the warmest socks you own. The cold on the quads is real, and you'll be out there for hours waiting for the lights. A phone with a good camera is essential if you want to document the moment, but honestly, some of the best memories from this tour are the ones you just watch with your own eyes.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Reykjavik area (or meeting at basecamp 20 minutes from downtown).
• ATV riding gear, helmet and gloves.
• guided night ride on rugged trails to Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell.
• stargazing and shooting star hunting while waiting for the Northern Lights.
• choice of single or double ride on the quad.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared Ride21:30Your travel partner and you will share one ATV. If you both hold a driving license, you can take turns driving.

Solo Ride21:30For those who prefer to ride the ATV alone, 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 dayDeparts at 21:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (6 to 16 years): free · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Action Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to hunt the Northern Lights without arranging your own transport or worrying about finding the best viewing spot. The guide handles the route and timing, and you just show up with a driver's license and warm clothes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 16 years): free. Children under 6 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 go on this tour?

Yes, if you want to drive the ATV. The person operating the quad needs a full driver's license. Passengers can be as young as six years old and don't need a license.

What's the difference between single ride and double ride?

Double ride is the standard option: two people share one ATV. Single ride means you get your own quad and pay extra. You can choose during booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in the Reykjavik area. Downtown hotels use designated tourist bus stops nearby instead of direct pickup. You can also meet the group at the basecamp, 20 minutes from downtown.

What if the Northern Lights don't appear?

The tour only runs on nights when there's a real possibility of clear skies. If you're waiting for the lights, you'll spend the time stargazing and looking for shooting stars.

What should I bring?

Bring a valid driver's license, warm clothes in layers, warm socks and shoes, hand warmers, foot warmers, and a scarf or neck buff. A phone with night mode or long-exposure capability (iPhone 11 or newer, or equivalent Android) is useful for photos. All riding gear, helmets and gloves are provided.

Can I take photos of the Northern Lights?

Yes, but your phone needs a good night mode or long-exposure feature. Newer iPhones (11 or better) and recent Android phones with night mode work well. Older phones won't capture the lights effectively.

Is this tour safe for people with health conditions?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.