Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

The best part of this outing is how quickly Reykjavik gives way to open volcanic country. Within about 15 minutes, you are on horseback near Rauðhólar, a striking field of red lava rock, with views toward mountains, lakes, and the city.

I like the careful matching of horses to riders and the patient start, especially if you are new to riding. I also like the warm finish at the family farm, where tea or coffee gives you a chance to talk with your hosts. The main drawback is that the ride can feel short for experienced riders, and wind may make the guide hard to hear.

Key points at a glance

• Rauðhólar lava fields: Ride among unusual red volcanic rock formations close to Reykjavik.
• A horse for your level: Calm Icelandic horses are matched to beginners, occasional riders, and more experienced riders.
• The smooth tölt: Learn about the Icelandic horse’s famous fourth gait and try it during the ride.
• Small groups: With no more than eight people, guides can offer close help and take photos.
• Warm farm welcome: Tea or coffee before or after the ride adds a personal, family-run feel.
• Simple morning timing: Pickup is around 9:30 to 9:45 AM, with a return to Reykjavik in the early afternoon.

Why this ride works so well from Reykjavik

Iceland offers grand horse-riding trips far from the capital, but you do not need to spend a full day on the road to get a taste of the country’s horse culture. This tour takes you to a small family-owned farm in the Capital Region, then out across hills and volcanic ground almost immediately.

That short transfer matters. You keep most of your morning for the actual activity, and you can still plan lunch, a museum, a hot pool, or another Reykjavik outing afterward. The three-hour duration is a good fit for a first ride in Iceland, though I would not choose it if your main goal is a long day in the saddle.

The group is limited to eight participants. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on nervous riders, adjust a saddle, and answer questions without turning the ride into a formal class. Some departures may be smaller still, which can make the outing feel nearly private.

Meeting your Icelandic horse at the family farm

Pickup is scheduled between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. You should wait in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the assigned pickup point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik area, so you do not need to arrange a taxi to the farm.

At the stable, you get acquainted with your horse before setting off. The staff take time to choose an animal suited to your riding background, rather than handing every person the same type of horse. That is one of the most important details here: a first-time rider needs a steady, forgiving mount, while an experienced rider may appreciate a more responsive horse.

Guides such as Monika, Adriána, and Ingün have been singled out for calm, attentive instruction, while owner Viggo is often involved in welcoming people and preparing the horses. Staff members explain how to approach and interact with the animals, then adjust saddles carefully. Helmets are provided, and rain clothing is available if Iceland delivers its usual changeable weather.

You get a short riding lesson and safety briefing before leaving the farm. The instruction is aimed at beginners and people with little experience, but it also helps seasoned riders understand how these particular horses work. If you are nervous, say so early. The small group and quiet horses make this a sensible place to begin.

Riding over the hills above Reykjavik

Once everyone is mounted, the group follows trails over the hills surrounding the capital. You get broad views of volcanic mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik, with the city appearing as part of the setting rather than the whole focus.

The horses are described as calm, friendly, and well trained. They generally follow one another at a steady pace, which helps a first-time rider settle in. That same habit can limit your freedom to change position in the line, so experienced riders should not expect a private schooling session or a fast, open gallop.

The route includes several stops for photographs and scenery. Those pauses are useful in Iceland, where wind, weather, and open views can make a moving horse a poor place to take pictures. Your guide may also take photographs or videos while riding, as Monika has done for groups in the past.

The ride is not simply a circuit around a fenced paddock. You cross a variety of trails and terrain, passing through trees, bushes, hills, and volcanic ground. In winter, snow can add a striking layer to the ride, while summer brings longer daylight and clearer chances for photographs. The tour runs in rain or shine, so the quality of your clothing will affect your comfort.

Hólsmheiði forest brings a change of scenery

The route passes through Hólsmheiði forest, an appealing contrast to Iceland’s more exposed volcanic spaces. Trees and bushes provide a different texture and give the horses a sheltered-feeling section before the route reaches the red lava rock.

Do not expect a large woodland in the style of a central European forest. Iceland’s forests are often modest by international standards, but that is part of the appeal. After seeing wide, treeless stretches elsewhere in the country, even a short wooded trail feels distinctive.

The forest section also gives the ride variety. You are not looking at the same view for three hours. The setting changes from farm and hillside to trees, then to rough volcanic rock and open views toward the capital. That variety makes the short ride feel more complete.

Wind is worth considering here and throughout the route. One rider found it difficult to hear the guide while riding, even in a group of four. If you want to catch every explanation, try to stay close to the guide and ask for a repeat when the wind rises.

Rauðhólar and Iceland’s volcanic ground

The main natural feature is Rauðhólar, a red lava rock formation about 15 minutes from Reykjavik. The color and shapes make this a strong photo stop, and the surface gives you a clear sense of Iceland’s volcanic origins without requiring a long drive to a remote eruption site.

You will make stops around the lava field to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. The horses add scale to the rock formations, while the views back toward the city show how close wild-looking terrain can be to Reykjavik.

This is not a tour of an active volcano, and the name should not lead you to expect smoke or molten rock. The appeal is the unusual red volcanic formation, the ride through nearby trails, and the chance to see a geological setting from horseback.

The ground can be uneven, and the weather can make conditions feel tougher than the distance suggests. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Warm layers are essential, even if the forecast looks mild when you leave your hotel.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s tölt

A special part of the ride is the chance to try the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s famous fourth gait. Icelanders have used these horses to cross the country for centuries, and the tölt is known for its unusually smooth feel.

The guide will introduce you to it according to your ability. Beginners should not feel pressured to perform perfectly. The important thing is learning how the gait differs from the walk and trot, then enjoying the sensation if your horse and confidence are ready.

Some riders with no prior experience have been helped into the gait during the outing, while experienced riders have enjoyed seeing how Icelandic horses move compared with horses they know at home. Results will vary by horse, rider, and conditions, so treat the tölt as an opportunity rather than a promise of a long, fast session.

The horses’ calm nature is a major strength for this activity. They are described as gentle, smart, and easygoing, with staff paying close attention to their health and workload. The owner’s awards and experience with Icelandic horses also add confidence for riders who care about training and animal treatment.

A personal finish with coffee or tea

After returning to the farm, you can sit down with hot tea or coffee in the home or stable area of your hosts. This is more than a quick drink handed over at a roadside stop. The relaxed setting lets you talk about the ride, ask about the horses, and warm up before the return drive.

The personal welcome is a recurring strength of this outing. Guides and owners have been described as friendly, reassuring, and willing to spend time explaining both riding technique and horse care. Some groups have also fed the horses after the ride, though you should not assume that this happens on every departure.

The farm atmosphere may appeal to you if you prefer a small local operation over a large commercial riding center. You can see the horses where they are kept and get a better sense of the care that goes into preparing them. The setting is simple, not a polished resort, which is part of its charm.

Coffee and tea are included, along with riding helmets and rain clothes. You still need to bring warm, comfortable clothing and suitable closed-toe shoes. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the tour operates in poor weather as well as sunshine.

How much value do you get for $191?

At $191 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes the most sense if you value hotel transport, a small group, proper instruction, equipment, and a personal farm visit rather than only the minutes spent riding.

You are paying for a compact, organized morning with pickup and drop-off, a horse matched to your level, a safety lesson, helmets, rain clothing, a guide, scenic stops, and hot drinks. You also avoid spending much of the day getting to and from a distant riding area.

For a complete beginner, the value is strong because the support reduces the worry of choosing a horse-riding activity in an unfamiliar country. Experienced riders may judge the price more critically if they want several hours of riding, faster movement, or more challenging terrain. One rider specifically wished the ride had been longer.

The rating of 4.7 from 196 reviews suggests a dependable level of satisfaction, especially for the guiding, horses, and friendly service. I would still compare the duration with other Iceland riding trips before booking. If you want a half-day or full-day ride, this three-hour format may feel limited.

Who should book this horse ride?

This tour suits first-time riders, nervous riders, couples, families with older children, and mixed-ability groups. Children must be at least eight years old, and the experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

It is particularly useful when one person in your party rides regularly and another has never sat on a horse. The staff can match horses and instruction to different levels, allowing both riders to enjoy the same route without making the beginner feel left behind.

Teenagers can also fit well, provided they meet the age requirement and are comfortable with the outdoor conditions. The calm horses and close supervision offer reassurance, but this remains an outdoor activity. You should be ready for wind, rain, uneven ground, and a few hours of sitting in a saddle.

I would choose another outing if you want total independence, a long gallop, or a technically demanding ride. The group moves as a group, and the priority is safe enjoyment, scenery, and contact with the horses.

Practical details before you reserve

Wear layers that keep you warm under rain protection. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are required, and you should avoid clothing that restricts movement. The farm provides helmets and rain clothes, but your own base layers still matter.

Pickup takes place in a narrow morning window, from 9:30 to 9:45 AM. Be ready before that time and use the stated pickup location, since waiting in the wrong place can delay the transfer.

The activity is offered in English, German, and Icelandic. If wind makes explanations difficult to hear, stay near the guide and ask questions during the photo stops or at the farm.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when Icelandic weather or a changing travel plan makes it hard to commit far ahead.

Should you book Viking Horses?

Book this tour if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, volcanic scenery close to Reykjavik, and a small-group setting where beginners receive real attention. The careful horse matching, patient safety briefing, calm animals, and hot drink with the hosts are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Think twice if $191 feels high for a three-hour activity or if you already ride and want a longer, faster outing. For most first-time riders and mixed-experience groups, though, the combination of easy transport, gentle horses, red lava fields, and personal service makes this a solid Reykjavik add-on.

FAQ

How long is the horse-riding tour?

The activity lasts three hours, including the transfer arrangements, riding experience, and time for hot beverages.

Where does the tour take place?

The ride begins at a small family-owned farm outside Reykjavik in Iceland’s Capital Region. The route includes Hólsmheiði forest and the Rauðhólar red lava rock formation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik area. Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. You receive a riding lesson and safety briefing before setting off, and the horse is matched to your experience.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait. The guide introduces it during the ride and helps you try it according to your riding ability.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants. Some departures may be smaller, depending on bookings.

What equipment is provided?

Riding helmets and rain clothes are provided. Hot tea or coffee is also included.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, and closed-toe shoes. The tour takes place in rain or shine, so suitable layers are important.

Who cannot join this activity?

Children under eight, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments cannot take part.