Midnight Sun ATV Tour

The odd magic of Iceland’s midnight sun is that you can climb a mountain close to midnight and still have daylight on your face. This ATV ride takes that idea off the postcard and puts you on rough mountain tracks above Reykjavik, with the city spread below.

I like the two-hour off-road ride and the chance to climb both Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell. I also like the practical setup: hotel transport, protective gear, coffee at basecamp, and groups that can be split by riding speed. The main drawback is price. At $255 per person, this is a costly evening, especially if two people share an ATV only because the single-rider option costs more.

Key points to know

• Midnight-sun riding: In June and July, you can be on a mountain near midnight with daylight still overhead.
• Two mountain climbs: The route heads up Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell, with broad views toward Reykjavik.
• Two hours on the ATV: The full outing lasts about three and a half hours once transport and the safety briefing are counted.
• Shared or solo machines: Each ATV fits two people, but you can book a single rider. Odd-numbered groups need one single-rider booking.
• Good support for first-timers: The 30-minute safety briefing and clear instruction make this workable even if you have never driven an ATV.
• Weather-ready equipment: Helmets, gloves, overalls, ski masks, and rain gear are supplied, but you need your own comfortable shoes.

Why the midnight sun makes this ATV ride special

Iceland’s summer light changes the feel of an evening out. In June and July, darkness barely arrives, and this tour uses that extra daylight for a late mountain ride instead of a standard daytime excursion.

You start in Reykjavik and soon leave the paved road for mountain tracks around Hólmsheiði. The setting is close enough to the capital for easy access, yet the purpose of the ride is to get above the city and into open country.

The unusual part is the timing. Sitting on a mountain at nearly midnight with the sun still lighting the sky is not simply a late version of a normal ATV trip. It gives you a distinctly Icelandic experience that depends on the short summer window.

The exact pickup information gives two slightly different timing notes: you should be ready between 20:00 and 20:30, while another tour detail refers to a 21:00 hotel pickup. Confirm your assigned time when you book. The full outing takes about three to four hours, with roughly two hours spent driving.

From Reykjavik pickup to Safari Quads basecamp

Pickup is available from hotels throughout Reykjavik, along with several designated bus stops. These include City Hall, Safnahúsið, Vesturbugt, Höfðatorg, the Reykjavik Bus Terminal, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Grand Hotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik Lights, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, Hótel Ísland, and the Skarfabakki cruise terminal.

If your accommodation sits outside a pickup zone, you will be assigned a nearby bus stop. That is normal for Reykjavik excursions, but it means you should not wait in your hotel lobby assuming a vehicle will come directly to the door.

The ride to basecamp is part of the convenience. You do not need to arrange a taxi or rent a car just to reach the ATV site. Transport is included in both directions, and the return takes you back to your hotel or the same general pickup network.

At basecamp, you receive the equipment and prepare for the ride. Supplied gear includes a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if conditions call for it. Bring comfortable shoes, since rental footwear is not included. Outdoor clothing still matters even with the provided layers.

The 30-minute safety briefing matters

The safety briefing takes about 30 minutes, which is a useful amount of time for new drivers. You learn how the machine works and how to handle the off-road route before leaving basecamp.

You must be at least 17 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to drive. Passengers can be as young as six, but the minimum age applies to riding as a passenger, not operating the ATV.

Each ATV normally carries two people. You can share with a companion, or choose a single-rider option if you want control of the machine for the whole ride. This detail matters for both comfort and cost. If your group has an odd number of people, one person must be booked as a single rider.

The weight limit is 220 kilograms, or 485 pounds, per person for either a single rider or a shared ATV arrangement. Check this before booking if it may affect your group.

The safety talk also gives the guide a chance to judge the group’s pace. One group of riders was split between faster and more cautious drivers, allowing each set of people to ride at a more comfortable speed. That is a useful arrangement because ATV outings are less enjoyable when one nervous driver feels pressured, or when an experienced driver must crawl along for the entire route.

The first climb through Hólmsheiði

The ride begins with a short stretch on asphalt before turning onto the off-road route through Hólmsheiði. That transition helps you get familiar with the ATV before the more uneven ground begins.

From there, the route climbs toward Hafrafjall. The terrain is the point of the excursion. You are not just sitting on a vehicle while someone else drives you to a viewpoint. You operate the ATV over mountain tracks and learn to manage the changing surface as the route rises.

The first ascent is a good place to settle into the controls. New drivers may feel nervous at the start, but the instruction and gradual move from paved road to rough track give you time to build confidence. One first-time driver described being talked through the whole process, which is exactly the support you want on a motorized mountain route.

At the top, the reward is space, air, and a view over the Reykjavik area. The mountain stop also breaks up the driving. You have time to pause, breathe, and take in the unusual light instead of spending the entire tour focused on the handlebars.

Clouds and rain can change the mood quickly. The equipment may seem excessive when the sun is out, but Icelandic weather can turn wet even during a bright summer evening. Bring outdoor clothing anyway, and use the supplied rain gear when needed.

Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell offer two different views

The route continues to a second mountain, Ulfarsfell, described as a popular hiking mountain with an even better view toward Reykjavik. You may pass hikers on the way up. The contrast is part of the fun: people on foot are making the climb while you reach the mountain tracks by ATV.

I like that the ride includes two climbs rather than one quick ascent followed by a return to basecamp. The second mountain gives the outing a sense of progress, and the wider view of Reykjavik helps you understand the capital’s setting.

At both high points, the midnight sun is the main event. The light can look like late afternoon even though the clock is approaching midnight. You will not get a dark-sky experience or the chance to see the northern lights on this outing. That is not what this tour is for. You book it for summer daylight, mountain air, and a powered route through the hills.

The views are weather-dependent. Clear conditions should give you the strongest sight lines toward Reykjavik, while low cloud or rain can soften the view. Even then, the supplied gear keeps the ride possible in changeable weather, though you should not expect perfect visibility every evening.

What the guides add to the ride

The guides handle instruction, pace, safety, and the practical movement of the group. Victoria is specifically noted as lively and entertaining, and the other two female guides are also praised for creating a good atmosphere.

You should still treat this as a guided outdoor activity, not an unsupervised vehicle rental. Follow the guide’s directions, keep your attention on the track, and ride at the speed that feels right for you.

The group split between faster and more cautious riders is particularly helpful. Ask about your comfort level during the briefing rather than trying to keep up with someone who has more ATV experience. The best version of this outing is not necessarily the fastest one. It is the one where you feel in control while still enjoying the rough route and views.

Coffee is included at basecamp. It is a small touch, but welcome after the ride and useful if you have been outside in cool or wet weather.

Is $255 per person good value?

The price is $255 per person, which puts this among the more expensive short activities near Reykjavik. The value depends on what you want from an evening.

You are paying for more than two hours of machine use. The price includes transport from Reykjavik, the ATV adventure, the guide, the safety briefing, protective clothing, rain gear when needed, and coffee at basecamp. You also get a route that combines two mountain climbs with a rare summer-light setting.

The cost is harder to justify if you mainly want a viewpoint or a scenic drive. There are less expensive ways to see Reykjavik from above, and this tour is not a simple sightseeing ride. Its value comes from operating the ATV yourself and taking part in the off-road route.

Shared riding can help couples or friends manage the cost, but remember that two people on one machine means you share the driving experience. If both of you want plenty of time at the controls, a single-rider booking is more suitable. It also increases the total cost.

Food is not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour. The activity begins in the evening and lasts several hours, but the included coffee is not a meal.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this tour if you want an active evening close to Reykjavik and like the idea of driving over mountain tracks rather than simply looking at them from a bus. It suits adults, families with children old enough to ride as passengers, and first-time ATV drivers who want instruction before setting off.

It is also a strong fit if your Iceland schedule is full during the day. The late start uses the midnight sun well and leaves daytime hours open for other activities.

Families should pay attention to the riding arrangement. Children may ride as passengers from age six, but only licensed drivers aged 17 and older may operate the ATV. A parent and child can share, subject to the operator’s rules and the weight limit.

You may want to skip it if you dislike motorized activities, feel uncomfortable on uneven ground, or want a quiet nature outing. The route is guided and scenic, but the ATV engine is part of the experience.

Pregnant women and wheelchair users should not book this activity. The route and vehicle setup are not suitable for those needs.

Practical preparation for a comfortable ride

Wear outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes. Avoid arriving in delicate clothes or footwear you do not want exposed to dust, mud, or rain.

Bring your driver’s license if you plan to drive. Without it, you cannot operate an ATV. Passengers do not need a driver’s license, but the licensed-driver rule still applies to anyone taking the controls.

Be ready at your assigned pickup point early. Pickup is normally 30 minutes before the activity departure, and the stated pickup window is 20:00 to 20:30. If you are unsure whether your hotel is covered, contact Safari Quads before the day of the tour.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when Iceland’s weather and road plans are still shifting, but you should still confirm the exact start time and pickup point after booking.

My verdict on the Midnight Sun ATV Tour

Book this if you want a memorable, active evening and the price fits your budget. The strongest reasons are the rare June and July timing, the two mountain climbs, the views toward Reykjavik, and the solid support for new drivers.

The main caution is value. At $255, it is not a casual add-on, and sharing an ATV may leave you wanting more time at the controls. I would choose the single-rider option for anyone who sees driving as the main point, and the shared option for couples or families more interested in the scenery and group experience.

For the right person, this is a good way to use Iceland’s long summer light. You finish with mountain air, a city view, and the slightly surreal memory of riding an ATV near midnight while the sun is still shining.

FAQ

When does the Midnight Sun ATV Tour operate?

The midnight-sun experience is available in the summer, especially June and July, when Iceland has daylight for nearly 24 hours.

How long does the tour take?

The complete activity takes about three to four hours, including transportation. Approximately two hours are spent riding the ATVs, and the safety briefing takes about 30 minutes.

What time is hotel pickup?

You should be ready between 20:00 and 20:30, with pickup generally occurring about 30 minutes before departure. Another activity detail refers to a 21:00 pickup, so confirm your exact time with the provider.

Where does the ATV ride take place?

The guided ride takes place around Hólmsheiði near Reykjavik and includes climbs toward Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell.

Can beginners drive an ATV?

Yes. The activity includes a 30-minute safety briefing and instruction before the ride. All drivers must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Can two people share one ATV?

Yes. ATVs fit two people at a time. You can also book a single-rider option. If your group has an odd number of participants, one person must be booked as a single rider.

What equipment is included?

The provider supplies a helmet, gloves, overalls, a ski mask, and rain gear if needed. Bring your own comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Children can ride as passengers from age six, but only people aged 17 or older with a valid driver’s license may drive.