Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

The best part of this small-group horseback ride is how quickly Reykjavik gives way to open hills, volcanic rock, and views across the city. You ride Icelandic horses on trails through Hólsmheiði forest and toward Rauðhólar, a striking red lava formation only about 15 minutes from the farm.

I like the careful horse matching and the calm instruction, especially for first-time riders. I also like the personal finish: after the ride, you sit down in the hosts’ home or stable area with hot tea or coffee instead of simply being dropped back at the bus.

The main consideration is the ride length. Three hours includes pickup, preparation, instruction, riding, and refreshments, so the time in the saddle may feel brief if you are an experienced rider hoping for a long outing. The tour also runs in rain, wind, and snow, so clothing matters.

Key points at a glance

• Rauðhólar lava fields: Ride among vivid red volcanic rock formations close to Reykjavik.
• Icelandic horses: Meet gentle, well-trained horses matched to your riding background.
• Tölt practice: Learn about the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait and try it when your guide feels you are ready.
• Small groups: A maximum of eight participants allows for close attention and a more relaxed pace.
• Warm farm welcome: Enjoy tea or coffee before or after the ride and ask questions about the horses.
• Simple city logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik area.

From Reykjavik hotel to family farm

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Wait in front of your accommodation, in your hotel lobby, or at the stated pickup point. The ride to the farm is short, which makes this a useful half-day outing when you want to keep the afternoon free.

Viking Horses is a small, family-run operation outside the capital. That family setting shapes the day. The owner, Viggo, has handled pickups, prepared horses, and led rides, while guides such as Monika, Pia, Adriána, and Sarah have been praised for calm instruction and close attention to riders.

You are not rushed straight from the minibus onto a horse. The first part is about getting comfortable. You meet the horses, learn how to approach and interact with them, and receive a basic riding lesson and safety briefing.

That extra time matters. A first ride can feel awkward even before the horse moves. Your guide checks your experience and confidence, then chooses a horse that fits. A complete beginner may be given a particularly steady mount, while an experienced rider can receive a horse with more energy and a suitable level of responsiveness.

The small group size helps here. With no more than eight people, the guide can keep an eye on nervous riders and offer corrections without turning the lesson into a large riding-school session. Some rides have been much smaller, even close to private, though you should book expecting a group of up to eight.

Choosing your horse and settling into the saddle

The horses are one of the main reasons to book this outing. Icelandic horses are compact, sturdy animals with a reputation for sure-footed travel across rough ground. On this ride, you get to know your horse before heading out, rather than treating it as a quick prop for photographs.

The preparation can take time, particularly if the staff are saddling several horses. That is useful for safety and comfort, but it can also make the start feel slower than the advertised three-hour duration suggests. One practical way to help is to listen carefully and assist only when the staff invite you to do so.

Helmets are provided, and rain clothing is available. You still need to bring warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the tour operates rain or shine. Wear layers that allow you to move, and choose shoes that are practical around horses and on uneven ground.

The horses are generally described as calm, friendly, and well cared for. Several riders paid close attention to their condition and handling, and the farm’s staff were praised for allowing the horses breaks and keeping them healthy. That matters if animal welfare is important to you. You can also use the preparation time to ask how the horses are trained and managed.

Riding the hills above Reykjavik

Once mounted, you head into the hills around the capital. The route gives you wide views toward volcanic mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik. It is a pleasant contrast to a city sightseeing tour: instead of looking at Iceland through a vehicle window, you move through the countryside at the pace of the horse.

The route is not one single type of terrain. You ride over open hills and along trails with trees and bushes, then reach Hólsmheiði forest. Forests are not the first thing many people picture when they think of Iceland, so this section gives the ride some variety.

Your guide controls the pace and keeps the group together. Horses often follow a set order, which helps maintain calm movement but may limit your chance to change places. If you want to hear the guide’s comments, try to stay close enough at the start. Wind can make conversation hard to follow, especially if you are riding at the back.

The guides explain how to handle the horse and may share details about Icelandic riding traditions. For centuries, these horses helped people cross the country, and the ride offers a direct sense of why they were so useful. Their size, balance, and smooth movement make them well suited to Iceland’s rough trails.

The pace depends on the group. Beginners are welcome, and the staff do not expect you to arrive with riding skills. More experienced riders may have chances to ride at a livelier pace, but this is still a guided outing designed to work for mixed abilities, not an advanced equestrian trek.

Rauðhólar and the volcanic setting

The ride’s visual high point is Rauðhólar, a red lava rock field about 15 minutes from the farm. The formations are reminders of Iceland’s volcanic past, but you do not need a geology lesson to appreciate them. The color and shape of the rock make a strong contrast with the surrounding hills and vegetation.

You make several stops along the route for photographs and to take in the views. These pauses are welcome because riding takes concentration, especially for beginners. They also give you a chance to photograph the horses against the volcanic scenery rather than rushing through the route.

The setting is close to Reykjavik, but it feels separate from the city. You can look across toward urban areas and still have open volcanic ground under your horse. That combination makes the tour a good choice if your schedule does not allow a full-day trip to more distant parts of Iceland.

The scenery changes with the season. Summer brings longer daylight and clearer views when the weather cooperates. Winter rides can include snow, bare branches, and a more subdued color palette. A January or December outing may feel especially atmospheric, but cold fingers and wet clothing can spoil the mood if you underdress.

Sunny summer weather has its own small catch. Dry conditions can make the trails dusty, while wind can affect what you hear and how warm you feel. There is no perfect Icelandic forecast for this activity, so treat proper clothing as part of the booking decision.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s Tölt

The Tölt is the special feature many people want to try. It is the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait, and it has long helped riders cover ground comfortably. Your guide introduces it according to your ability rather than sending every rider into it at once.

For a first-time rider, simply staying balanced and communicating with the horse may be enough. The guides are used to adjusting their advice for different levels. Beginners have been given extra reassurance, while experienced riders have had the chance to appreciate the horse’s movement from a more informed perspective.

Do not assume that a faster gait is guaranteed for every participant. The guide must consider the weather, trail, horse, and ability of the entire group. That approach may disappoint someone seeking a fast, athletic ride, but it is the sensible choice for a mixed group with several beginners.

The horses tend to follow one another, which makes the ride less intimidating for new riders. You still need to listen, keep your feet secure, and follow instructions. The staff’s steady approach is a major part of what makes the tour suitable for people who have never ridden before.

Hot drinks and a personal finish

After returning to the farm, you can warm up with tea or coffee. The drink is a small inclusion, but it changes the feel of the outing. You have time to come down from the ride, talk with the guides, and ask about the horses instead of moving straight back into Reykjavik’s sightseeing rhythm.

Some outings have included time to feed the horses, take photographs, or chat around a table with the hosts and other riders. The farm atmosphere is informal and friendly. It feels more personal than a large stable operation where the group is processed quickly and sent on its way.

The hosts may also have Icelandic sweaters available for purchase, according to one account of the coffee break. Do not book the tour for shopping, but it is a pleasant extra if you are looking for a warm Icelandic souvenir.

This closing pause is especially valuable in poor weather. A wet ride is easier to accept when you know a hot drink awaits you. Still, the supplied rain clothing does not replace your own warm layers, and you should expect to spend time outdoors in conditions that may be cold, damp, or windy.

How much value do you get for $191?

At $191 per person, this is not a low-cost way to fill a morning. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: Reykjavik-area pickup and drop-off, riding equipment, a lesson, a guided outing, and hot beverages.

You are also paying for a small group and a level of horse matching that is harder to provide on a large commercial ride. If you are nervous about horses, that personal attention can be worth more than a longer ride with less guidance.

The location improves the value for a short Iceland visit. You do not spend most of the day driving to a distant farm. Pickup is in the morning, and you return in the early afternoon, leaving time for museums, the harbor, a food stop, or another Reykjavik activity.

For an experienced rider, the calculation is different. A three-hour package with preparation and refreshments may not provide enough saddle time. If you mainly want a long trail ride, compare the actual riding duration and route length with other farms before paying.

For a first-time rider, couples, families with older children, and people who want a gentle countryside activity near the capital, the price is easier to justify. The high rating of 4.7 from 196 reviews also suggests consistently strong satisfaction, though your enjoyment will still depend on weather, group pace, and your expectations.

Who should book this ride?

This tour is best for you if you want:

• A first or early horseback-riding experience in Iceland
• Friendly horses and patient instruction
• A small group rather than a large stable outing
• A taste of volcanic scenery without leaving the Reykjavik area
• A morning activity with hotel transportation
• A chance to learn about the Tölt
• A personal farm setting with tea or coffee afterward

It also suits mixed groups. One person can be an experienced rider while another has never sat on a horse. The horses and route are selected to support different ability levels, and the guides adjust their help as the ride progresses.

It is less suitable if you need step-free access or have a mobility impairment. Pregnant women and children under eight cannot take part. You should also think twice if you dislike riding in uncertain weather, since rain or shine is part of the arrangement.

The ride is not designed as a private photo session, although the guides make several stops and may take pictures or videos. Nor is it a full-day wilderness expedition. Think of it as an intimate introduction to Icelandic horses and nearby volcanic country.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Pickup is included only within the Reykjavik area. Be ready during the 9:30 to 9:45 AM window, and wait where the provider has instructed. One useful touch is that the driver may call when heading over, but you should still be outside or in the lobby and ready to leave.

Instruction is available in English, German, and Icelandic. Confirm the language you need when booking if that matters for your safety briefing or riding lesson.

Bring closed-toe shoes, warm clothes, comfortable clothes, and sensible footwear. Helmets and rain clothing are supplied. You do not need to bring riding equipment, but you do need to dress for standing around outside while horses are prepared and for riding in exposed weather.

Should you book Viking Horses?

I would book this tour if you want a friendly, manageable introduction to Icelandic horses with striking scenery close to Reykjavik. The strongest reasons are the small groups, careful horse selection, patient guides, and the chance to ride through both forest and red volcanic rock.

I would choose another option if your priority is many hours in the saddle, a guaranteed fast ride, or a route far into remote Iceland. At $191, the value rests on personal care and convenience rather than sheer riding distance.

For beginners, couples, families with children aged eight and older, and experienced riders who want to understand Icelandic horses in a calm setting, Viking Horses is a solid choice. Bring warm layers, accept that the weather may be rough, and allow the farm’s unhurried pace to be part of the experience.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik horseback riding tour?

The full activity lasts three hours, including pickup, preparation, the riding lesson, the trail ride, refreshments, and return transportation. You are expected back in Reykjavik in the early afternoon.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Wait in front of your accommodation, in your hotel lobby, or at the designated pickup location.

Is this horse ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes a riding lesson and safety briefing, and the staff match horses to each rider’s previous experience. It is suitable for beginners and people with limited riding experience.

Will I get to ride the Tölt?

The tour includes an introduction to the Tölt, the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait. Your guide decides how and when to try it based on your ability and the conditions.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area, riding helmets, rain clothing, a riding lesson, and hot tea or coffee are included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes, warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and closed-toe shoes. Helmets and rain clothing are provided, but you should still dress for Icelandic weather.

Who cannot join the tour?

Children under eight, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments cannot take part. The ride operates rain or shine.