Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

The star of this three-hour outing is not simply the horse ride. It is the chance to leave Reykjavik’s streets and reach a volcanic world of red lava rock, low hills, forest, lakes, and wide views of the city, all while riding an Icelandic horse bred for this terrain. I like the small groups of no more than eight and the careful matching of horses to riders. I also like the warm farm welcome, especially the hot drink afterward in the hosts’ home or stable.

The main thing to consider is that this is a gentle half-day ride, not a full-day expedition or a fast-paced trek. The route can feel short to experienced riders, and wind may make it hard to hear the guide while riding. Still, for beginners and casual riders who want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses, the relaxed pace is a strength.

Key points to know before booking

• Rauðhólar lava field: Ride among striking red volcanic rock only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik.
• Beginners are welcome: You receive a riding lesson, safety briefing, and a horse suited to your experience.
• The Tölt: You may try the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait, with guidance from the riding team.
• Small, personal groups: The group is limited to eight, and some departures have been close to private.
• Warm farm hospitality: Tea or coffee is served before or after the ride, with time to chat and take photos.
• All-weather riding: The tour runs rain or shine, so warm, comfortable clothing matters.

From Reykjavik pickup to the family farm

Your morning begins with hotel pickup between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Stay in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the agreed pickup place. The ride from central Reykjavik to the farm is short, which makes this easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.

The farm is family-owned, and that shapes the feel of the experience. This is not a large riding center rushing groups through a system. The owner and guides prepare the horses, explain how to approach and handle them, and take time to adjust saddles properly. Viggo is often involved in the welcome and horse preparation, while guides including Monika, Adriána, Viktor, Pia, and Sarah have led different departures.

That personal attention matters most if you are nervous. A first horse ride can be intimidating, especially when you are handed a helmet and led toward an animal much larger than you are. Here, you begin by getting acquainted with your horse, learning basic commands, and listening to a safety briefing before setting off.

You receive a riding helmet, and rain clothing is available. Bring your own warm layers, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are important, but you do not need to arrive with specialist riding gear.

Choosing a horse and learning the basics

The staff match horses to riders according to experience. An experienced rider may receive a horse with more energy or ability, while a first-time rider can be placed on a calm, reliable mount. That matching system is one of the tour’s most useful features because a good horse can make the difference between relaxing into the ride and spending three hours feeling tense.

The horses are known for their calm, friendly behavior, and the guides explain how to interact with them. You learn how to sit, hold the reins, signal for movement, and stay in control. The beginning lesson is not a token demonstration. Several riders with little or no experience have singled out the patient instruction and close support from guides such as Monika and Adriána.

I would be especially comfortable recommending this to a mixed group. One person can be an experienced rider while another has never sat on a horse. The horses are chosen at different levels, and the guides adjust their help to suit each person. Teenage riders can join too, though children under eight are not accepted.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. If you are unsure about your physical ability to ride, ask the provider before booking.

Riding through Hólsmheiði forest

Once everyone is ready, you ride into the hills surrounding Reykjavik. The route moves through Hólsmheiði forest, a welcome change from Iceland’s famously open, treeless scenery. Trees, bushes, volcanic ground, and rougher trails give the ride some variety without making it feel demanding.

From higher points, you can look toward volcanic mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik. The city remains part of the picture, but it soon feels pleasantly distant. This is one reason the tour works well early in a Reykjavik stay. You get a quick introduction to the country’s volcanic setting without spending a whole day in a vehicle.

The guides make several stops for photos and scenery. Those pauses help beginners settle into the saddle and give experienced riders time to look around rather than stare at the horse’s neck. Guides may also take pictures and videos during the ride. Monika, in particular, has been praised for capturing action photos while still managing the group.

The forest section has a practical benefit too. It can offer some shelter from Iceland’s wind, though conditions can change quickly. The tour operates rain or shine, so do not treat a gray forecast as a reason to arrive in light city clothes. Wear warm layers that can handle damp weather, and remember that an ordinary sunny day can still feel cool on horseback.

Reaching the red rocks of Rauðhólar

The most distinctive stop is Rauðhólar, a field of red lava rock close to the farm. The color and rough shapes make it instantly different from the dark volcanic ground you may see elsewhere in Iceland. Riding into this area gives the outing a stronger sense of place than a standard horse hack around a paddock.

You stop here to take photographs and enjoy the views. The red formations work especially well in pictures, but do not expect a long geological lecture or a museum-style visit. The attraction is the setting itself: Icelandic horses beneath volcanic hills, with the city and open country visible beyond.

The proximity to Reykjavik is a real advantage. You get a volcanic experience without committing to the long driving times required for many of Iceland’s famous natural sights. It also means you can return in the early afternoon with time for museums, the harbor, a pool, or dinner.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s Tölt

Icelandic horses are famous for more than their size and friendly nature. They have a special fourth gait called the Tölt, which is known for its smooth, comfortable motion. During the ride, the guides may give you a chance to try it.

For a beginner, this is an interesting introduction to what makes the breed distinct. You are not just sitting on a horse while it follows the one ahead. You get a small taste of the way Icelanders have traditionally traveled across the country.

The amount of Tölt you experience depends on the group, the horses, and the conditions. Some riders have enjoyed trying it several times, while others have found the outing mainly a calm walking ride with occasional faster movement. Follow the guide’s instructions rather than pushing for speed. The goal is a safe, enjoyable introduction, not a riding lesson for advanced competition.

The line of horses generally follows an established order. That keeps the group controlled, but it may limit your chance to swap positions. If you want to ride closer to the guide or have a concern about your place in the group, say so before departure.

Wind can also make explanations difficult to hear once you are outside. Stay close enough to the guide when possible, and ask for anything to be repeated. In a small group, there is usually time for questions at the farm and during the stops.

Hot drinks and time with the hosts

After returning to the farm, you can warm up with tea or coffee. This simple finish adds a lot to the experience. You can settle down, talk about the ride, and spend a few extra minutes around the horses instead of being hurried back into a vehicle.

Some departures have included hot chocolate, sweet biscuits, or time to feed the horses. The exact refreshments may vary, but hot beverages are included. The atmosphere is informal and homey, with the hosts making time to speak with riders rather than simply ending the activity at the stable door.

This is also when the tour’s animal care becomes easier to judge for yourself. The horses have been described as calm, healthy-looking, friendly, and well handled. The stable has been found clean, and the owner’s awards and long experience with horses are visible parts of the operation. You should still remember that this is an active riding business, but the handling and rest of the horses clearly matter to the team.

If you are interested in Icelandic horses beyond the ride itself, use this time to ask questions. The casual conversation is one of the better parts of choosing a small farm rather than a large commercial center.

What the $191 price includes

At $191 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill a morning. The cost makes more sense when you count what is bundled into it: Reykjavik-area pickup and drop-off, a three-hour activity, instruction, helmet, rain clothing, horse selection, guiding, and hot drinks.

The small group is important to the value. A limit of eight allows the staff to spend more time matching horses, checking saddles, calming nervous riders, and helping people at different skill levels. Some departures have had only one other couple, making the outing feel close to private.

You are also paying for convenience. There is no need to rent a car, find a riding farm, arrange transport, or bring riding equipment. The farm is close to Reykjavik, so the tour uses less of your day than a more distant horseback trip.

I would call it good value for a first-time rider, a couple looking for a personal activity, or a family with older children and mixed riding ability. An experienced rider seeking hours in the saddle may find the price less attractive, especially since one rider felt the route could have been longer.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits you if you want an easy introduction to Icelandic horses and do not need a demanding ride. It is a strong choice for:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity near Reykjavik
• Families with children eight and older
• Groups with mixed riding experience
• Visitors who want volcanic scenery without a full-day drive
• Riders who value personal service and time with the hosts

It may not suit you if you want galloping, a long wilderness trek, or a large amount of independent riding. The horses are well trained and the group stays controlled, which is reassuring for beginners but less exciting for advanced riders.

The weather is another deciding factor. Several winter riders had a great time in snow and poor weather, but Icelandic conditions can be cold and wet. Dress for the forecast and assume that the saddle will feel chilly even if the city does not.

Booking details worth knowing

Pickup is included within the Reykjavik area, normally between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Wait at the stated pickup point, and keep your phone available because the driver may call when heading to collect you.

The activity lasts three hours and finishes in the early afternoon. It is available with instruction in English, German, or Icelandic. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes. The provider supplies helmets and rainwear, but your own base layers and footwear still matter. Avoid loose or uncomfortable clothes that could make mounting or sitting awkward.

Should you book Viking Horses?

Book this ride if you want a friendly, low-stress morning with Icelandic horses, close volcanic scenery, and a small group. The strongest reasons are the careful horse matching, beginner support, convenient pickup, and the personal finish over tea or coffee with the hosts.

Think twice if your ideal horseback outing means a long route, fast riding, or remote wilderness. The ride is short enough to fit neatly into a Reykjavik day, but that also limits the time in the saddle.

For most first-time riders, nervous riders, and couples who want something more personal than a standard city tour, I would book it. The combination of Rauðhólar’s red lava rock, the Tölt, gentle horses, and warm staff gives you a distinctly Icelandic experience without a major time commitment.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The activity lasts three hours, including pickup arrangements, preparation, the ride, and time for hot beverages.

What time does pickup take place?

Pickup normally takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM from accommodations or designated pickup points in the Reykjavik area.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and people with little riding experience. A riding lesson and safety briefing are provided before departure.

Can experienced riders join?

Yes. Horses are matched to each person’s previous riding experience, so experienced riders and beginners can take part in the same group.

Will I get to try the Tölt?

The ride includes an opportunity to experience the Tölt, the Icelandic horse’s fourth gait. The guide decides when and how it is introduced based on the group and conditions.

What equipment is provided?

Riding helmets and rain clothing are provided. You should bring warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The activity takes place rain or shine, so dress warmly and prepare for changing Icelandic weather.

Who cannot take part?

Children under eight, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments cannot join this tour.