Quad bikes and aurora, in one cold night. This Northern Lights ATV adventure pairs self-drive riding with prime sky-watching near Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell. In other words, you’re not just hoping for a clear view from town—you’re out in the dark where the sky actually has room to show off.

What I like most is that pickup and drop-off are included in Reykjavik. I also like the small-group setup (up to 10 people), because it keeps the pace calm and helps the guide manage turns, stops, and everyone’s comfort.

One thing to think about before you go: the lights aren’t guaranteed. The route only makes sense if the sky cooperates, and if clouds roll in (or the moon is bright), you may end up with a thrilling ride and scenery but no aurora show.

Key things that make this ATV aurora hunt work

• Self-drive ATV riding at night instead of sitting on a coach
• Small group limit of 10 for a more controlled, personal experience
• Hafravatn Lake + Mount Hafrafell are built into the night plan for views
• Starchasing while you wait keeps the evening moving even when aurora is late
• Warm kit and safety gear help you stay outside longer than you think
• Photo help from the guide plus phone camera tips can upgrade your results

Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell: the aurora backdrop you’ll want

This tour is built around Iceland’s big advantage for northern lights: dark skies close to Reykjavik. You ride outside the city toward the Hafravatn area, where the night sky has a better chance to be visible—and where the terrain gives you room for wide views.

The standout setting is Hafravatn Lake, with the aurora possibly reflecting on the water. Then there’s Mount Hafrafell, which adds a silhouette that can make the lights look even more dramatic when conditions line up. Even when the aurora is faint or delayed, the late-night atmosphere outside town is the point: you’re surrounded by Iceland’s open country, with skyline views and moving night light around you.

I also like that the plan doesn’t just say northern lights and hope. It aims for overlooks where you can see back toward Reykjavik and nearby towns like Mosfellsbær. That gives you two chances for magic in one evening: the city lights down below, and then the sky above if the aurora finally shows.

The 9:30 pm start and 2–3 hour pacing

The tour starts at 9:30 pm, which is smart timing for a winter aurora hunt. You’ll begin with pickup in Reykjavik, then travel to the ATV base camp, and finally gear up and ride out into open country.

Most departures run about 2 to 3 hours, which feels like a sweet spot: long enough to get meaningful riding time and multiple sky looks, but not so long that you melt or feel trapped in cold. In at least one experience, groups ended up out until around 1:00 am, so plan for the possibility that the evening can stretch a bit when you’re chasing clear sky and good timing.

The ride itself happens in a sequence: you’ll suit up, listen to a safety briefing, then follow the guide along rugged trails. The evening’s energy is less about a single scenic stop and more about motion—turning your head at the right moments, pausing when the sky looks promising, and getting back on the trail when conditions change.

Pickup around Reykjavik: you’ll likely start at a bus stop near you

Pickup is included, and the meeting point for the activity is listed as Flugumýri 18, 270 Mosfellsbær (start and end). In town, you should expect pickup from one of many Reykjavik bus stops—places like Hlemmur (Bus Stop 10), City Hall (Bus Stop 1), Lækjargata (Bus Stop 3), or Skúlagata (Bus Stop 14), plus other centrally listed options.

The key practical point: pickup details aren’t the same for everyone. The confirmation process indicates you’ll be messaged later, so double-check your email or phone notifications. Try to be ready a few minutes early at your stop; it’s nighttime and you’ll want the evening to run smoothly right from the start.

Also note the tour uses a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple once you’re standing where you need to be. Because it’s a small-group night run, smooth pickup matters more than it would on a big day trip.

ATV basics: who can drive, what the briefing includes, and how to dress

This is a true self-drive experience. After you reach the ATV base camp, you’ll put on safety equipment and get a briefing before riding. The idea is to get you comfortable with the machine and trail expectations before you head into the dark.

Here are the rules you should plan around:

• Drivers need a full driver’s license.
• Passengers can be from 6 years old.
• You can ride double (two people per quad) as the standard, or choose a single ride option for extra cost if you don’t want to share the ATV.

On difficulty: you need moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but it does mean you should be comfortable with cold-weather movement, getting on/off the ATV, and staying outside while you wait for aurora conditions.

Dress is where you make or break your night. The tour recommends layering up, bringing warm shoes and socks, and using handwarmers and footwarmers plus a scarf or good buff for your neck. The cold can hit differently when you’re riding and stopping under open skies, so I’d treat warmth as part of your gear list, not a bonus.

One practical tip based on how these nights go: even if you think you’re dressed well, keep your warm layers flexible. You’ll likely spend time outside looking up, and the temperature can drop the moment you stop moving.

How the guide hunts the lights: trails, overlooks, and “starchasing”

A big reason this tour works is the guide’s job: finding places where aurora has the best odds and keeping the group positioned well. You’re following a local guide along rugged trails into open country, and the evening includes scenic overlooks with views back toward Reykjavik and nearby towns.

The lights are unpredictable by nature. So the hunt isn’t a single straight line. It’s more like a night of options: keep watch, respond to what the sky does, and move when it helps.

When you may have to wait, the plan includes starchasing and looking for shooting stars to make wishes. That sounds playful, but it also solves a real problem: you don’t want a long, silent cold wait with nothing to do. The guide keeps the evening active while you watch the sky for changes.

If the route is expected to depend on clear conditions, the tour description also notes they only go if there’s a possibility of clear sky when heading toward the mountain viewpoint. That’s another reason the experience can feel like a real aurora hunt instead of a fixed sightseeing drive.

Photo tips that actually help on dark nights

Northern lights photos are all about timing and settings, and this tour gives you concrete advice. Bring a phone with a good camera, with guidance that newer phones perform better—specifically recommendations like iPhone 11 or better, plus Android models that support night mode or a few-seconds open shutter mode.

That matters because the aurora can be subtle in real life. Your eyes might see color, but your phone might need the right mode to capture it. If your phone is older, the light may still look impressive to your eyes, but the camera might struggle.

Also, the guide is described as taking lots of photos when people do see the lights, and sharing them afterward. That’s a big deal for two reasons: it boosts your keeper rate, and it means you don’t have to choose between riding safely and spending every moment filming.

One other real-world factor from the experiences people shared: visibility can change quickly with clouds and moon brightness. If the moon is too bright, the aurora can be harder to see. So don’t treat the night like a guaranteed light show. Treat it like a chance to catch something special, and prepare to be impressed even if it’s not a perfect display.

If the aurora doesn’t show: what you’re still getting

Let’s be honest: you book this for the northern lights. But the tour isn’t only a sky gamble.

Even when clouds or overcast limit aurora visibility, the night ride can still be memorable. People described the ATV ride as exciting and comfortable, with guides still keeping the group engaged and safe. You also get the big-picture reward that doesn’t depend on aurora: the views back toward Reykjavik from elevated terrain and the feeling of being out in the Icelandic night.

In cases where conditions are rough—wet weather, low cloud, or skies that aren’t cooperating—there can be backup options. One experience shared that the ATV operator offered to reschedule to the following night if the sky wasn’t clear enough. That aligns with how the experience is positioned: aurora depends on weather, so the company should try to protect your time when they can.

You should also expect that even on a great night, you might not see lights immediately. The plan includes time to watch, ride, and then watch again. If the lights show up, it often feels like the whole landscape turns into a canvas, especially with the possible reflection on Lake Hafravatn.

Price and value: what $199 really buys

At $199 per person, you’re paying for more than a “see the lights” slogan. You’re getting a night plan with:

• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
• A small-group maximum of 10
• Self-drive ATV riding (the real adrenaline and the main difference vs a bus)
• Safety equipment and a guide who knows where to hunt

You’re also getting the comfort items that matter in winter: the tour specifically advises warm layers and includes safety gear as part of the setup. On top of that, the guide effort around timing—moving toward better sky opportunities and stopping at overlooks—adds real value because you can’t easily replicate that on your own without a lot of experience and planning.

Duration is reasonable for the cost too. A 2 to 3 hour experience isn’t all day dragged around in darkness. You get a full night segment that balances riding time with sky-watching time.

One more value signal: it’s often booked about 44 days in advance on average. That usually means there’s demand for this kind of night activity, and earlier booking can help you lock in your preferred date.

Who should book (and who should skip)

This tour is best for you if you want active northern lights, not a passive viewing session. You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• are comfortable riding an ATV in cold weather at night
• want the freedom of self-driving with a guide leading the way
• like the idea of combining aurora hunting with viewpoints over Reykjavik and nearby towns

It may not be the best fit if you:

• don’t have a full driver’s license (since driving requires it)
• have trouble with cold exposure and standing outside during waiting periods
• expect the lights to be guaranteed on your specific night

Also, it’s limited to 10 people, which is excellent for attention and safety, but means you should be ready to book soon once you see an opening that matches your schedule.

Should you book this ATV Northern Lights adventure?

If your priority is to hunt for aurora with motion, views, and actual time outside the city, I’d say yes, book it—especially because the plan targets Hafravatn and Mount Hafrafell rather than staying glued to a single spot. The pickup convenience and small-group size also make it feel efficient and well-managed for a night activity.

If your priority is guaranteed northern lights photos, then keep expectations grounded. The tour depends on clear sky, and clouds can roll in. But even then, you’re still signing up for a genuinely fun night ride, and the guidance on warm clothing plus phone night settings increases your odds of coming away with results you’ll love.

If you go, treat warmth like a core part of your plan. Then let the guide do the sky-chasing work, and you’ll get the best version of what this experience is designed to deliver.

FAQ

What time does the Northern Lights ATV tour start?

The tour start time is listed as 9:30 pm.

Is pickup in Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included, with pickup at one of several city bus stops. Your exact stop is handled during the confirmation process.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

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

Yes. Drivers need a full driver’s license. Passengers can be from 6 years old.

Can I ride the ATV by myself?

Yes. There is a single ride option if you do not want to share, and it can cost a little extra. The standard is double ride (two people on each quad).

Where do you ride to look for the northern lights?

The route focuses on the open country outside Reykjavik, with northern lights chances around Hafravatn Lake and Mount Hafrafell, plus scenic overlooks with views toward Reykjavik and nearby towns like Mosfellsbær.

What should I bring for the night ride and photos?

Wear layered warm clothing with warm shoes and socks. Bring handwarmers and footwarmers and a scarf or buff for your neck. For photos, bring a phone with a good camera and night mode features (the tour specifically recommends newer models such as iPhone 11 or better).

Will I see the northern lights for sure?

No. The aurora is unpredictable and the tour depends on good weather and clear sky. The tour includes watch time and changes the plan based on conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.