Northern Lights Safari on Quads

If you’re dreaming of seeing the aurora borealis amid Iceland’s rugged landscape, this Northern Lights ATV safari offers a unique way to chase the elusive lights while enjoying the thrill of riding quads. For $196 per person, this 2-3 hour experience takes you outside Reykjavík’s city glow into the Icelandic countryside, where you’ll ride alongside Lake Hafravatn and Mount Hafrafell, soaking in panoramic views and hopefully catching a glimpse of the shimmering lights dancing overhead.

What we truly love about this tour is how it blends adventure with scenic beauty. First, the guided experience is capped at only eight participants, making it intimate and personalized. Second, the combination of riding gear, equipment, and a hot drink provided on site means you’re well-prepared for the cold, ensuring comfort even in winter’s chill. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that seeing the northern lights is unpredictable, and cloudy skies can obscure the display—so patience and luck are part of the experience.

This tour works best for those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic vistas, and a bit of adrenaline, especially travelers who appreciate the idea of viewing Iceland’s natural beauty far from the city lights. It’s also ideal if you want a small-group setting with plenty of attention from guides and the chance to learn about Icelandic nature along the way.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
• Guides are praised for their kindness, knowledge, and support, especially for novice drivers.
• Stunning views of Reykjavik, Hafravatn Lake, and Mount Hafrafell from scenic overlooks.
• Unpredictable Aurora sightings emphasize the importance of patience and flexible expectations.
• Comfort and safety gear are provided, along with hot drinks to keep warm.
• Booking in advance (average 45 days ahead) is recommended for this popular tour.

In-Depth Look at the Northern Lights ATV Safari

Setting the Scene: From Reykjavík to the Icelandic Wilderness

We start our adventure with a hotel pickup in Reykjavík—a convenience that saves us from navigating icy roads or public transport. The drive to the ATV base camp takes us into the outskirts, where the landscape begins to open up and the city lights fade away. This transition from urban to rural is key; it’s where the magic of northern lights hunting begins.

The Equipment and Safety Gear

Once at the camp, we’re fitted with all necessary safety gear—helmets, gloves, and warm clothing. The organizers are clear about this: layering is essential. We’re advised to wear all our layers, bring hand warmers, and don a good scarf or buff to protect against the cold. The tour’s reputation for being well-organized in terms of safety and comfort helps us relax and focus on the experience.

Riding into the Icelandic Night

The trail into the open countryside is where the real adventure starts. Riding two per ATV (or upgrade to drive solo), we follow rugged paths that wind past lakes and mountains. The guides, always attentive, ensure everyone feels comfortable—especially those new to quad biking. Several reviews highlight how this is an easy and comfortable operation, with guides like Helga taking extra care for beginners.

Watching for the Northern Lights

The core of this tour is, of course, the search for the Aurora Borealis. The guides are experienced at reading the sky and will pause at scenic spots like Lake Hafravatn to scan the horizon. If the Northern Lights make an appearance, they’re spectacular—reflected in the lake and framed by mountains—creating a scene straight out of a winter fairy tale.

While the lights are nature’s unpredictable spectacle, many reviewers share stories of luck—like Anthony, who noted, “Despite the weather and cloud, we saw the Northern Lights, and the guide took lots of photos and shared them.” Others, like Cody or Katherine, mention that cloud cover or moonlight sometimes hide the show, but they still appreciated the ride and views.

Scenic Overlooks and Stargazing

Apart from hunting for lights, the tour offers panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding countryside. We appreciated the chance to stand at scenic overlooks and look back toward the twinkling city lights, with stars beginning to pierce the night sky. Several reviews mention stargazing and shooting stars, adding a magical touch to the adventure.

Returning to Base and Final Thoughts

After about two to three hours, we return to the camp for hot drinks and a chance to warm up. The trip concludes with a leisurely ride back to our Reykjavik hotel, feeling both exhilarated and relaxed. The small-group dynamic makes the overall experience feel intimate, with plenty of time for questions and storytelling.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Icelandic Adventure

Unlike typical Northern Lights tours that rely solely on bus excursions or boat trips, this ATV safari immerses you into the Icelandic landscape. Riding night-time trails offers a thrilling sense of exploration and a closer connection to nature. Several reviews highlight how driving an ATV at night is a novel experience and highly recommended for adrenaline lovers.

Expert Guides and Personal Attention

Guides like Helga and others are praised for their friendly demeanor and safety-conscious approach. They often go beyond just leading the ride—sharing Icelandic facts, taking photos, and making sure everyone is comfortable. This personal touch elevates the experience from just a ride to a memorable adventure.

Value for Money

At $196, this tour delivers a lot: scenic vistas, safety gear, hot drinks, and expert guidance. For many travelers, the small-group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures more personalized attention and a less crowded feel, adding to the overall value.

The Unpredictability of Aurora Viewing

A common theme in reviews is the chance element. The Northern Lights are famously unpredictable. Some lucky travelers see a full display, while others only get hints or starry skies. Still, most mention that the ride alone—up into Iceland’s wilderness—was worth it, regardless of the lights. The tour’s flexibility—rescheduling if the weather isn’t cooperative—is a thoughtful feature.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 2-3 hours, perfect for an evening activity without feeling rushed.
• Meeting Point: Flugumýri 18, Mosfellsbær, with optional hotel pickup.
• Start Time: 9:30 pm, ideal for dark skies.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 for a personal experience.
• Price: $196, including all gear and a hot drink.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate, but guides are attentive to beginners.
• Camera Gear: Bring a good phone with night mode or a camera capable of long exposures to capture the Northern Lights.
• Clothing: Dress warmly, layer up, and prepare for cold temperatures, especially on the quad bikes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers who want more than just a bus ride to see the Northern Lights. If you enjoy driving ATVs, scenic vistas, and a bit of night-time adventure, this tour offers a memorable blend of all three. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind cold weather and are willing to wait patiently for the aurora to appear. Families with older children (from age 6 for passengers) and groups that appreciate smaller, more personal tours will find this a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s wilderness after dark.

FAQs

Do I need experience to drive the ATVs?
No, guides provide instructions, and the operation is straightforward. Many reviews mention that even beginners felt comfortable with the guidance.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour is dependent on weather and sky conditions. If the lights are not visible, you still get a scenic ATV ride and a memorable night in the Icelandic countryside.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup from Reykjavík hotels is offered. Alternatively, you can meet at the base camp.

How cold can it get during the tour?
It can be quite chilly, especially on the quads at night. Dress in multiple layers, bring hand and foot warmers, and wear warm shoes.

How long in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 45 days ahead, as this is a popular experience.

Can children participate?
Passengers can be from age 6, but drivers need a full driver’s license. Youthful passengers ride as passengers, not drivers.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Safari on Quads offers an unforgettable way to combine Iceland’s natural beauty with adventure. You’ll love the personalized small-group setting, the scenic overlooks, and the chance to see the aurora while feeling the thrill of riding through Iceland’s wilderness at night.

While the lights are never guaranteed, the experience of being outdoors in this stark landscape, looking for celestial displays or stars, is worth it in any case. This tour is best suited for adventure-minded travelers who want a memorable story to tell and don’t mind braving the cold for a shot at witnessing the Northern Lights in their rawest form.

In essence, this tour is a well-organized, fun-filled way to explore Iceland’s countryside at night—delivering adventure, stunning scenery, and a hopeful glimpse of that famous northern glow.