Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

The special part of this outing is the mix of gentle Icelandic horses and raw volcanic scenery just 15 minutes from Reykjavik. You ride through Hólsmheiði forest, cross open hills, and reach the red lava formations of Rauðhólar without giving up half a day to transportation.

I like the careful horse matching and the small groups, limited to eight people. I also like the warm finish at the family farm, where tea or coffee gives you time to ask questions and settle back in. The main drawback is that the ride lasts about three hours, and one rider found the tour could have been longer. Wind can also make the guide harder to hear from the back of the group.

Key points at a glance

• Red lava at Rauðhólar: Ride to one of the area’s most unusual volcanic formations, with time for photos.
• Icelandic tölt: Learn the smooth fourth gait that makes these horses famous.
• Good for first-time riders: A lesson, safety briefing, calm horses, and close guide support make this a friendly introduction.
• Small family-run setting: The group is capped at eight, and the hosts serve hot drinks before or after the ride.
• Easy Reykjavik logistics: Pickup runs around 9:30 to 9:45 AM, with a return in the early afternoon.
• All-weather planning: The tour runs rain or shine, so warm layers matter more than a perfect forecast.

A volcanic ride close to Reykjavik

This is not a long expedition into Iceland’s remote interior. Its appeal is convenience. You leave your accommodation in Reykjavik in the morning, reach the farm quickly, and soon find yourself riding among volcanic hills with views toward lakes, mountains, and the city.

The route passes through Hólsmheiði forest and continues toward Rauðhólar, a striking field of red lava rock. The color and rough volcanic shapes give the ride a stronger sense of place than a standard paddock outing. You are not simply circling a stable. You are moving through terrain shaped by Iceland’s volcanic past.

The setting also makes this a useful first activity in Reykjavik. You can enjoy a taste of Icelandic countryside without renting a car or spending hours on a bus. The early return leaves your afternoon open for museums, pools, food, or another excursion.

Pickup, arrival, and meeting your horse

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM in front of your accommodation, in your hotel lobby, or at the specified meeting point. The exact timing matters in Reykjavik, where many activities begin early and hotel pickup can otherwise become confusing. Be ready before the window begins.

The farm is family-owned and operated by Viking Horses. At arrival, you meet the staff and get introduced to your horse. The horse is selected to match your past riding experience, which is important when one group includes total beginners, occasional riders, and people with more time in the saddle.

The preparation is not rushed. Viggo, the owner, has personally prepared horses and adjusted saddles for small groups. Guides including Monika, Adriána, Viktor, Pia, Fiona, Sarah, and Ingün have been praised for calm instruction and personal attention. Staff may also help with photos, with Monika and Adriána specifically noted for taking pictures during the outing.

You receive a riding helmet and rain clothing if needed. Still, bring warm clothes and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. You do not need to arrive in special riding gear, but soft trousers and layers will make the saddle time easier.

The first lesson is useful for beginners

Before leaving the farm, you receive a riding lesson and safety briefing. This covers how to interact with the horses and how to control your ride. The early instruction is one of the strongest reasons I would suggest this outing to a first-time rider.

The horses are described as calm, friendly, well trained, and responsive to the group. That does not remove every concern you may have around a large animal, but it gives you a better start. Guides stay attentive and can keep less confident riders close to them.

The group format helps here. With no more than eight participants, the guide can see how each person is managing. The horses may follow an established order, so you might not be able to change places freely. That helps keep the group steady, though it can mean the rider at the back hears less of the guide, especially in strong wind.

If you have riding experience, tell the staff clearly. The farm can provide a horse with more energy or a different level of training, while a complete beginner can be placed on a quieter mount. One couple rode horses named Chocolate and Hercules, while other riders remember horses such as Herkules, Cashmere, and Connie. The individual horse assignment is part of the fun, not just a practical detail.

Through Hólsmheiði forest and over the hills

Once mounted, you leave the stable area and follow trails through the hills surrounding Reykjavik. The scenery changes as you go. You may see trees and bushes in Hólsmheiði, open ground, volcanic rock, lakes, mountain views, and the city in the distance.

This variety keeps the ride from feeling repetitive. The route has enough natural interest for riders who want photos, but it is still manageable for people who are new to horseback riding. Several stops allow you to take pictures and enjoy the view without trying to photograph everything from a moving horse.

The ride is also a chance to understand Icelandic travel in a practical way. Horses have long been central to movement across the country, and the Icelandic horse is built for rough ground and changing conditions. Your guide can explain what makes the breed special as you ride, giving the activity a cultural point beyond the scenery.

Do not expect a wilderness trek lasting all day. You remain close to Reykjavik, and the route is designed as a morning activity. That is a benefit for many visitors, but riders seeking a long, remote horseback journey should choose a longer tour.

Learning the Icelandic tölt

A major feature is the chance to try tölt, the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait. It is different from the walk, trot, and canter most riders know. The movement can feel comfortable because the horse keeps one foot on the ground at all times, though your experience will depend on the horse, the terrain, and your own riding ability.

The guides introduce the gait when conditions are suitable. Beginners should not feel pressured to master it at once. The important point is to learn what makes the Icelandic horse distinct, while more experienced riders can enjoy a more active part of the outing.

Some riders have been able to practice tölt several times. Others have focused mainly on staying comfortable and confident. That difference is normal. Tell your guide what you want from the ride, and be realistic about your experience level.

Rauðhólar brings the strongest scenery

The route’s visual high point is Rauðhólar, a red lava rock formation near Reykjavik. The rough red ground contrasts with the softer greens and darker volcanic tones around it. It gives you a memorable setting for photographs and a clear reminder that Iceland’s unusual scenery begins right outside the capital.

The stops here are not just photo breaks. They let you look closely at the rock, rest your horse, and take in the wider view. The combination of horses, lava, forest, and city makes this feel distinctly Icelandic rather than like a generic trail ride.

Weather changes the mood. In clear conditions, you may get broad views toward the mountains and city. In rain, wind, or winter snow, the experience becomes more rugged and atmospheric. The tour operates rain or shine, so you need to treat the weather policy as a real part of the planning, not a footnote.

Winter rides can be especially appealing if you like snow and low-season quiet. A cold, wet day will test your clothing, though. Wear warm layers under the supplied rain gear, and do not rely on a stylish city outfit alone.

The farm finish with tea or coffee

After the ride, you return to the stable and sit down with hot tea or coffee. This simple finish adds real value. You have time to warm your hands, talk with the hosts, and ask about the horses rather than stepping straight off the saddle and into a transfer vehicle.

The farm atmosphere is part of the experience. You may learn more about the horses, see how they are cared for, and chat with the people who run the operation. Some sessions include treats or a chance to feed the horses, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure.

The care of the horses is a central concern for many riders. The stable has been described as clean, and the horses as healthy, friendly, and well looked after. Staff have also been asked about rest periods and workload, with attention given to the animals’ welfare. That matters if you want a riding experience that treats the horses as working animals with proper care, not just equipment for a tourist activity.

How much value do you get for $191?

At $191 per person, this is not a budget horse ride. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, helmets, rain clothes, instruction, the ride, and hot beverages. The small group limit is also important. You are paying for a more personal outing rather than a large operation moving riders through a fixed route.

I think the price makes the most sense if you do not have a rental car, want a short activity near the capital, or place a high value on patient instruction. The transport saves time and removes the need to arrange a taxi or navigate to the farm yourself.

The value is weaker if you are an experienced rider looking for many hours in the saddle. One rider felt the outing could have been longer, and that is a fair concern at this price. You are buying a polished introduction to Icelandic horses and volcanic scenery, not an extended riding holiday.

A 4.7 rating from 196 ratings suggests consistently strong satisfaction, especially around the horses, guides, scenery, and personal service. I would still read the practical details carefully: the day is short, the weather is not guaranteed, and the route can feel controlled for safety.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want patient help and a calm horse
• Couples or families with older children who meet the minimum age
• Experienced riders curious about the Icelandic horse and tölt
• Visitors without a car who want countryside scenery near Reykjavik
• Anyone who prefers a small group over a large riding stable
• Riders who enjoy meeting local hosts and learning about horse care

Children must be at least eight years old. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The provider offers instruction in English, German, and Icelandic.

You should also be comfortable riding outdoors in changing weather. The tour is not canceled simply because conditions are wet, so warm clothing is essential. Closed-toe shoes are required, and comfortable clothes will make mounting and riding easier.

Timing and booking advice

The full experience lasts about three hours, with pickup in the morning and a return to Reykjavik in the early afternoon. That makes it easy to fit into a day when you want one main activity but still need time for the city.

Pickup is included within the Reykjavik area, but wait at the agreed spot and keep your phone available. One rider found it helpful when the provider called on the way to collect them. That small bit of communication can make the morning less stressful.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately. These terms are useful when Icelandic weather and changing holiday plans are part of the equation.

Should you book Viking Horses?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, close-to-Reykjavik introduction to Icelandic horses, especially if you are new to riding. The strongest reasons are the careful horse matching, patient instruction, small groups, volcanic route, and warm farm setting.

Skip it if your priority is a long day in the saddle, a remote mountain journey, or a very fast-paced riding experience. For everyone else, $191 buys a well-organized morning with real scenery, personal attention, and a clear taste of Icelandic horse culture. Pack warm layers, accept the weather as part of the deal, and tell the guide honestly how much riding experience you have.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik horse riding tour?

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

What time does pickup take place?

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM from accommodation or a specified pickup point in the Reykjavik area.

Is the tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. The tour includes a riding lesson and safety briefing, and horses are matched to each person’s riding experience.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area, a riding helmet, rain clothes, a riding lesson, the horseback ride, and hot tea or coffee are included.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes. The tour operates rain or shine, and rain clothing is provided.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight years old cannot join. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.