Reykjavik: Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

The best part of this outing is the setting: you ride through green hills and forest near Reykjavik, then reach the red volcanic formations of Rauðhólar as the evening light softens the view. The horses are Icelandic, friendly, and well trained, and the small group makes it easier to get personal help.

I like the maximum group of eight, which keeps the ride calmer than a large stable outing. I also like the warm finish at the hosts’ home, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina, a sweet Icelandic pastry. The main consideration is the fixed evening pickup, around 6:30 to 6:45 PM, plus the fact that the ride goes ahead in rain or shine.

Key points at a glance

• Red lava formations: Ride among the striking volcanic shapes of Rauðhólar, one of the most unusual natural areas close to Reykjavik.
• Three connected settings: The route includes Hólmsheiði hills, Stallion Valley, and open volcanic ground rather than just a short loop beside the stable.
• Small-group help: With no more than eight people, beginners can get closer attention from the guide.
• Beginner-friendly horses: A short riding lesson comes first, and the Icelandic horses are chosen for calm, dependable temperaments.
• A proper Icelandic welcome: Finish with hot drinks and deep-fried sweetbread called kleina at the family-run stable.
• Easy city access: Pickup and return within the Reykjavik area are included, with the stable about 15 minutes from the capital.

Why this evening ride feels different from a basic stable outing

Many horse rides near Reykjavik give you a quick introduction to Icelandic horses and a view of the nearby countryside. This one offers more variety in a short three-hour window. You begin in the green country around Hólmsheiði, pass through Stallion Valley, and reach Rauðhólar, where red lava formations add a sharp change in color and texture.

That change matters. The ride is not only about sitting on a horse and following a fence line. You get hills, wooded ground, open trails, and volcanic formations in one outing. The route also takes place in the evening, when Iceland’s summer light can linger for a long time. Around the summer solstice, the soft light gives the ride a special northern feel without requiring a late-night excursion.

The stable is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, so you spend less of your evening sitting in a vehicle. That makes this a useful choice if you want an outdoor activity but do not want to give up an entire day.

Pickup from Reykjavik and the short trip to the stable

Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area are included. Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM, so you should be ready and waiting at your accommodation or selected pickup spot during that window.

This is simple, but timing matters. Icelandic activity pickups can involve several stops, and the stated window is not a precise single-minute departure. Keep your phone available and avoid planning a meal or another booking too close to the return time.

The stable is operated by Viking Horses, a family-run company. Its location brings you close to the Hólmsheiði hills and Rauðhólar while keeping the journey from central Reykjavik short. That combination gives the tour a practical edge over rides that require a long transfer into the countryside.

Getting ready for your Icelandic horse

The outing starts with a short riding lesson. This is aimed at beginners and people with little riding experience, so you do not need to arrive as an accomplished rider. The instruction gives you a chance to understand the basic controls and become comfortable with your horse before heading onto the trails.

You are matched with one of the stable’s Icelandic horses, described as friendly, happy, well trained, and well cared for. The horses’ calm temperaments are especially important if you are new to riding or feel uncertain around animals. A gentle horse can make the difference between spending the ride enjoying the view and spending it worrying about every movement.

Riding helmets are included. Rain clothing is also supplied, a useful touch in Iceland, where conditions can shift even during a bright evening. You should still wear warm, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes matter more than fashion here, since you need practical footwear around the stable and on the ride.

Do not bring a backpack. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. These rules are easy to follow, but the backpack restriction means you should carry only what you need and ask the operator where to leave extra items before mounting.

Through Hólmsheiði’s green hills

Once the lesson is finished, the ride moves into the Hólmsheiði area. The hills and green nature offer a softer start than Rauðhólar, letting you settle into the pace and get used to the horse beneath you.

This section is valuable for new riders because the surroundings are pleasant without being visually overwhelming. You can focus on basic riding while still seeing mountains and open Icelandic nature around you. The evening setting adds another layer, with the long northern light giving the hills a calm, spacious feel.

The exact riding pace is not specified, so you should not book this expecting a fast or sporty horseback trip. The tour is designed for beginners and people with limited experience. Think of it as a guided ride through changing scenery, not a competitive outing or a lesson in advanced riding.

The small group helps here. With a limit of eight participants, the guide has a better chance to notice if someone needs help with posture, steering, or confidence. You are also less likely to feel lost in a long line of riders.

Stallion Valley and the changing trail

The route continues through Stallion Valley, another named part of the ride. Its inclusion gives the outing a sense of progression, with the terrain changing as you move away from the stable.

You can expect the guide to lead the group along established riding trails and to help keep the pace suitable for the group. The tour is conducted in English, and the guide provides the riding instruction and support. One guide named in the tour’s feedback is Monica, who was praised for helping less experienced riders and for taking photos and videos during the ride.

Photo help can be a real benefit on horseback. Your hands are occupied, and stopping to take a picture is not always easy. Monica’s contribution suggests that at least some outings include thoughtful help with photos, but you should not treat personal video coverage as a guaranteed part of the package unless the operator confirms it.

Rauðhólar’s red volcanic formations

Rauðhólar is the visual centerpiece. The area is known here for its red, dramatic lava formations, and the color gives the ride a strong contrast with Hólmsheiði’s green hills.

Volcanic ground can look almost sculpted, with rough shapes and deep red tones that feel very different from the usual image of Iceland’s black lava fields. You get to see this setting from horseback, at a slower pace than you would from a passing vehicle. That slower movement gives you time to look around, notice the shapes, and enjoy the contrast between the horse, the trail, and the rock.

The route’s natural appeal depends on the weather and light. In the evening sun, Rauðhólar should have its most attractive color and shadow. In rain or dull cloud, the formations may feel less dramatic, but the ride still operates. That all-weather policy gives you dependable scheduling, though you need to be ready for a less polished outing if Icelandic weather turns wet or cold.

Rain clothes are included, but bring warm layers and dress for exposure. The tour takes place outdoors for about three hours, and evening temperatures can feel cool even in summer.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are not just transport. They are a central part of the outing, and time with them adds a personal element that a standard sightseeing drive cannot provide.

Icelandic horses are known to many visitors for their compact build and distinctive gaits, but this tour does not require you to know anything about the breed in advance. The important point for you is temperament. The horses are described as friendly and well trained, and the ride is suitable for beginners.

The stable’s family-run character also shapes the tone. Service is presented as warm and personal, rather than as a large commercial operation moving people through a fixed routine. That does not mean every moment will be private, since the group can include up to eight people, but you should get more direct contact than on a much larger ride.

If your main goal is to spend time with Icelandic horses and see nearby nature, the balance works well. If your main goal is speed, technical riding, or a long wilderness trek, this is probably not the right match.

Coffee, hot chocolate, and kleina after the ride

The ride ends back at the Viking Horses stable with light refreshments in the home of the hosts. You can warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, along with kleina, a deep-fried Icelandic sweetbread.

This closing stop is more than a minor snack. After three hours outside, a hot drink gives you time to settle down, talk with the guide, and enjoy the hospitality of the family-run operation. It also makes the outing feel connected to local life rather than ending as soon as you dismount.

Kleina is a simple but fitting detail. It is a familiar Icelandic treat, and trying it after a ride gives you a small taste of local food without turning the activity into a formal meal. The refreshments are light, so you should eat beforehand if you need a full dinner.

Is the $202 price good value?

At $202 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on how much you want the full package rather than only a short horse ride.

The price includes Reykjavik-area pickup and drop-off, a three-hour activity, a riding lesson, helmet, rain clothing, guide support, and hot drinks. You are also paying for access to a family-run stable, a small group limited to eight, and a route that combines several types of scenery. Those inclusions make the price easier to justify for someone who would otherwise need to arrange transport and equipment separately.

The small group is particularly important. A lower-priced ride with a large group might offer less personal instruction and a less relaxed pace. Here, the extra cost may be worthwhile if you are a beginner or if close contact with the horses matters to you.

Still, you should compare it with your own priorities. If you only want a brief introduction to riding, $202 may feel high. If you want an evening outing that includes transportation, equipment, instruction, varied scenery, and a warm finish, the cost is more reasonable.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 27 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the horses, the guides, the easy pickup, and the help given to new riders. That matches the tour’s main strengths rather than suggesting it is a high-speed or luxury ride.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to first-time riders, couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in Reykjavik who wants a nature outing without a full-day commitment.

The age limit is eight and older. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Since the ride takes place rain or shine, it also suits people who can accept Icelandic weather instead of needing a guaranteed dry evening.

You should book this if you want:

• A calm introduction to Icelandic horses
• A small group with direct guide support
• Red volcanic formations near Reykjavik
• A summer evening activity with a local feel
• Pickup, equipment, instruction, and refreshments included

You may want a different activity if you need an indoor backup, cannot ride in changing weather, or want advanced horseback training. The route is designed to be accessible to beginners, not to challenge experienced riders.

Practical details before you reserve

The activity lasts three hours, but allow extra flexibility around pickup and drop-off. Pickup is scheduled between 6:30 and 6:45 PM, and the tour page advises checking availability for the exact starting time.

Wear warm, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. The stable supplies helmets and rain clothes, but you should still dress in layers. Do not bring a backpack, and leave alcohol and drugs behind.

English is the tour language. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Reykjavik plans depend on weather or changing day trips.

Should you book Viking Horses?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, beginner-level ride with more than one type of scenery and you value a small group. The combination of Hólmsheiði, Stallion Valley, and Rauðhólar gives you a fuller outing than a short stable circuit, while pickup and equipment keep the planning easy.

The strongest reason to choose it is the balance of horses, scenery, and personal help. The warm drinks and kleina at the end are a welcome touch, and guides such as Monica can make a real difference if you are nervous or new to riding.

Skip it if $202 feels too high for a three-hour activity, if you need guaranteed dry weather, or if you are looking for a fast and demanding ride. For everyone else, this is a practical way to meet Icelandic horses and see a striking volcanic area close to Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavik horse riding tour last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the riding lesson, horseback ride, and refreshments at the end.

What time is pickup?

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. You should wait at your accommodation or chosen pickup location during that time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area are included.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of eight participants.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity includes a short riding lesson and is suitable for beginners or people with little riding experience.

What places does the horseback ride visit?

The route includes the Hólmsheiði hills, Stallion Valley, and the red volcanic formations of Rauðhólar.

Are helmets and rain clothes provided?

Yes. Riding helmets and rain clothes are included.

What refreshments are served afterward?

The hosts serve hot coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, along with kleina, a deep-fried sweetbread.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are required.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight cannot join. The activity is suitable for children aged eight and older, subject to the other stated conditions.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The ride takes place rain or shine. You should be prepared for changing Icelandic weather.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.