Riding Reykjavik’s Twin Peaks on a Private ATV Tour

Ride lava fields, lakeshore and two mountain summits within minutes of Iceland's capital, at a pace your guide sets just for you.

Two Mountains on the City’s Edge

The Twin Peaks route is named for two low mountains on Reykjavik’s outskirts, each showing a different side of Iceland’s geology and its link to the capital. The first climb is usually Mt. Hafrafell, known locally as Reykjavik Peak for its prominent position. It’s a rough, rocky ascent that introduces you to volcanic ground in a controlled but absorbing way, technical enough to need focus yet manageable for beginners with a professional guide. From the top you look toward the Hengill range, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic systems, where steam often rises from the Hellisheiði power plant below.

The second peak, Úlfarsfell, is just under 300 metres high and is about perspective more than height. From its summit Reykjavik lies laid out beneath you, with Faxaflói Bay curving along the shore and, on clear days, the far outline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula across the water.

Iceland in Miniature

Many ATV trips in Iceland begin with a long drive into the highlands or down the south coast. This one packs lakes, lava fields, mountains and sweeping views into a two-hour ride, on terrain chosen to show how fast Iceland’s landscapes change over short distances. You go from the gentle shore of Lake Hafravatn into rough, moss-softened lava and up onto open ridges where wind and light decide what you’ll see, each shift feeling natural rather than staged.

For anyone based in Reykjavik, it’s excellent value: a real off-road outing that leaves time for the city or for resting between longer excursions.

Lakeshore, Lava and the City Below

You usually start with a quick, open run along Lake Hafravatn, which mirrors the hills when the air is still, giving you time to get comfortable before the tougher ground. Climbing toward Hafrafell, the track turns rocky and uneven, with shards of lava under the tires as a reminder of how young this land is; moss clings to the old flows, growing so slowly that recovery takes decades. Depending on the season and recent rain, shallow river crossings may crop up on private tracks, adding interest without real difficulty. In winter, snow and ice change the familiar routes, studded tires give grip and the landscape turns hushed and monochrome.

From Úlfarsfell the view seems endless. Reykjavik’s low buildings, the harbour and the bay give a sense of scale that contrasts sharply with the solitude you felt moments before among the lava.

A Ride for Every Season

The route runs all year, and each season has its own mood. Summer brings long days, and evening rides often catch the soft light of the Midnight Sun, with long shadows over the lava and gentle colour. In winter, snow changes how the ride sounds and feels; the land seems closer and ice and packed snow replace gravel, so it takes more focus, with studded tires and experienced guides keeping it safe and exhilarating. Spring and autumn bring changeable weather and quieter trails, and often the clearest views, when cold air sharpens the outlook across the bay.

Why Go Privately

On group tours, the slowest rider sets the pace and summit stops are short. On a private ride, your guide tailors speed and route to your experience, confidence and interests. Confident riders can skip the beginner loops for steeper, more technical tracks, especially on Úlfarsfell, while families or mixed groups can stick to smoother gravel without losing the adventure. You stay at each summit as long as you like, to watch the light change, photograph the city or just take it in, with no other groups around. It’s an easy, fun half-day for a couple or friends, and your Out Of Office LGBTQ+ travel specialist can fit it around a welcoming hotel in Reykjavik.