Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

Icelandic horses are the stars here, but the setting is the real surprise: within about 15 minutes of Reykjavik, you can ride through wooded hills and volcanic ground to the bright red lava formations of Rauðhólar. I especially like the careful horse matching and the chance to learn Tölt, the smooth fourth gait that makes these horses famous. The main drawback is that the ride lasts about three hours, so confident riders may wish it were longer.

I also like the small groups of up to eight, which allow guides to stay close to beginners. The warm drink at the family farm is a thoughtful finish, especially after a cold or wet ride. The tour runs rain or shine, and Icelandic weather can make the views and comfort vary sharply from one morning to the next.

Key points to know before you book

• Rauðhólar lava fields: Ride to a striking red volcanic formation close to Reykjavik.
• Horses matched to your ability: Beginners ride calm, well-trained horses, while experienced riders can receive a more suitable mount.
• Tölt practice included: You get a taste of the Icelandic horse’s famously smooth fourth gait.
• Personal family-farm atmosphere: Owner Viggo and guides such as Monika, Adriána, Pia, Viktor, and Sarah are closely involved in the experience.
• Easy morning timing: Hotel pickup runs around 9:30 to 9:45 AM, with a return to Reykjavik in the early afternoon.
• Weather-ready setup: Helmets and rain clothes are provided, but you still need warm clothing and closed-toe shoes.

A volcanic ride only minutes from Reykjavik

This is a good choice if you want to add horseback riding without giving up a full day of sightseeing. The farm sits outside Reykjavik, yet the drive is short, and the ride quickly leaves city streets behind. From the saddle, you can look across hills toward volcanic mountains, lakes, and the capital.

The route combines several kinds of scenery rather than repeating one open field. You travel across hills, pass through Hólsmheiði forest, and reach Rauðhólar, a red lava-rock area shaped by Iceland’s volcanic past. The frequent stops are useful for photographs and for catching your breath, though they also mean the pace is a sightseeing pace, not a nonstop riding workout.

I like that this outing gives you a sense of how Icelanders once moved across the country. You are not simply circling a paddock for photographs. You are riding a working Icelandic breed across natural trails, with the horses handling the route in the steady, sure-footed way for which they are known.

Pickup, introductions, and choosing your horse

Pickup takes place in Reykjavik between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Wait in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the assigned pickup point. The company has sometimes called ahead when the vehicle is on its way, which is helpful if you are watching for transport in an unfamiliar area.

The short transfer brings you to a small, family-owned farm. This is where the personal nature of the outing becomes clear. Owner Viggo has prepared horses and explained equipment to many groups himself, while guides including Monika, Adriána, Pia, Viktor, and Sarah have led rides and helped match people with mounts.

The choice of horse is based on your experience. That matters more than it may sound. A nervous first-time rider needs a calm horse that responds predictably, while an experienced rider may want a horse with more energy and a better fit for a confident seat. The company has paired complete beginners with gentle horses while giving more experienced riders mounts suited to their ability.

You first receive a riding lesson and safety briefing. The staff explain how to interact with the horses, how to sit in the saddle, and how to control your mount. Time is also taken to adjust saddles properly. That preparation can make the difference between spending the ride tense and spending it looking around.

The horses are repeatedly described as calm, friendly, and well cared for. Several riders paid close attention to the animals’ condition and rest, and the consistent impression is of a stable where the horses are treated as working partners rather than props. That is worth considering if animal welfare affects your choice of riding company.

What the three-hour route feels like

Once everyone is mounted, the group heads into the hills around Reykjavik. The horses generally follow one another, which is reassuring for beginners. You do not need to make constant decisions about direction, and the guides remain near the group to help with pace and balance.

The first part of the ride gives you time to settle in. New riders can focus on the basics while more experienced riders get used to an Icelandic horse. The guides check on people during the outing, and several have taken photographs and videos along the way. Monika, in particular, has been praised for staying close to less confident riders while also taking action pictures.

As the route continues, the views open toward Reykjavik, lakes, and volcanic mountains. The city is close enough to remain part of the scene, but the hills and natural trails create a clear break from urban sightseeing. You get a different view of the capital than you would from a bus, church tower, or waterfront walk.

The ride passes through Hólsmheiði forest, a notable change from Iceland’s more familiar treeless scenery. Trees and bushes provide variety and shelter, though the exact feel of this section depends on the season and weather. In winter, snow can add a dramatic touch. In wet or windy conditions, the forest may simply feel like a practical pause from the open hills.

The destination is Rauðhólar, a red lava-rock formation. This is the visual centerpiece of the route. The color and rough volcanic shapes make it a strong place for photographs, and the guides stop at points where you can enjoy the view without rushing. Bring a phone or camera, but keep it secure while riding and listen carefully when the group is moving again.

Learning Tölt on an Icelandic horse

One of the most memorable parts of the outing is trying Tölt. Icelandic horses have a special fourth gait in addition to the usual walk, trot, and canter. Tölt is known for its comfortable, smooth movement, and the guides introduce it when the group and horses are ready.

For beginners, the important point is not to expect a polished performance immediately. You are learning a new movement while sitting on an unfamiliar breed, so the guide’s instructions matter. Some new riders manage the gait during the tour, while others may simply get a brief taste of it. Both outcomes are perfectly reasonable for a first ride.

More experienced riders may appreciate this part most. The Icelandic horse has a distinct way of moving, and riding Tölt gives you a closer connection to the breed’s traditional role in Iceland. The experience is still controlled and guided, not a free-for-all race across the hills.

The horses are described as responsive and sensible, with some adjusting their pace to the horse ahead. That makes the group easier to manage, though it also means you may have limited freedom to change position. One rider found it hard to hear the guide from the rear of the line when wind picked up. If hearing every explanation matters to you, ask where to ride and stay close enough to the guide.

A friendly finish with tea or coffee

After the ride, you return to the farm for hot tea, coffee, or another hot beverage. This is more than a basic inclusion. It gives you time to warm up, talk with the hosts, and enjoy the relaxed family-farm setting after concentrating in the saddle.

The stable has been described as clean, cozy, and well maintained. Some groups have sat around a table with the guides, shared treats, and talked about the ride. That informal finish helps the outing feel personal rather than transactional.

You may also be able to see the horses again after dismounting. One group fed them, and several people enjoyed learning more about their individual personalities. The quality of this part can depend on timing and the day’s schedule, so think of it as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed extra activity.

Hot drinks are particularly welcome in winter or during rain. In warm, sunny weather, the coffee break is still pleasant, but the need for it is less urgent. A summer outing may also feel dustier in dry conditions, especially around open volcanic ground.

How beginner-friendly is it?

This tour is built for beginners and riders with limited experience. The staff provide a lesson, explain horse handling, fit the saddle, and keep the group together. Calm horses and a steady route make it possible for someone who has never ridden before to take part.

The reviews include several first-time riders who felt safe after receiving patient guidance. One person with a fear of horses valued the initial training and the close attention from Monika. Another first-time rider appreciated Adriána’s frequent checks and help with photographs.

You should still be honest about your comfort level. Riding for three hours can be tiring, even at a moderate pace, and you should expect to use your legs and balance. The company does not present this as a fully passive sightseeing trip. If you are pregnant, have a mobility impairment, or are bringing a child under eight, this experience is not suitable.

Experienced riders are welcome, but this is not mainly a fast or technical riding lesson. The pace follows the group, and the route includes stops for views and pictures. It works best for riders who want to enjoy the horses and scenery rather than spend the morning pushing for speed.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

The tour operates rain or shine. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so clothing deserves serious attention. Wear warm layers, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Riding helmets and rain clothes are provided, but the supplied outer layer is not a substitute for a good base layer.

Winter riders have enjoyed snow-covered scenery, but cold hands and damp clothing can reduce the pleasure of the ride. In March, foul weather did not prevent one group from having fun, yet that should not be taken as a promise that poor conditions will feel comfortable for everyone.

Summer is not automatically warm. Bring layers even when the forecast looks kind. Wind can make it difficult to hear the guide, and clear sunny days may create dust in dry areas. Good clothing gives you more freedom to focus on the horses and scenery instead of the temperature.

Wear shoes that can handle stable conditions and fit securely. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, and closed-toe footwear is required. Avoid anything loose or delicate that could be damaged during a ride.

Group size, guides, and personal service

The group is limited to eight people, although some departures have been much smaller. A small group matters here because riders can have very different levels of experience. A guide can keep a closer eye on a nervous beginner while giving an experienced rider more suitable instruction.

The staff are a major part of the experience. Viggo, the owner, has personally handled pickup, horse preparation, and introductions. Guides such as Monika, Adriána, Pia, Viktor, Sarah, Fiona, and Ingün have been singled out for their calm instruction, warmth, and care with riders.

The listed languages are English, German, and Icelandic. That gives you a useful choice if you are more comfortable receiving riding instructions in German or English. Wind can still affect how well you hear, especially if you are toward the back of the line.

The personal service also has a practical side. Because the operation is small, preparing horses and fitting saddles may take time. Arrive ready to listen and do not expect a large stable with a fast, assembly-line departure. That slower start is part of what helps beginners feel prepared.

Is $191 a fair price?

At $191 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill a morning. You are paying for a small group, Reykjavik-area hotel transport, a guided ride, helmet, rain gear, instruction, and hot drinks. The price also covers the care and preparation involved in matching horses and setting up a safe outing.

I see the best value for visitors who want a personal experience without renting a car or spending a whole day away from Reykjavik. Pickup and drop-off remove transport planning, and the early return leaves the afternoon open for museums, pools, food, or another city activity.

The value is weaker if your only goal is a very long ride. The experience lasts three hours from pickup through return, and one rider wished the actual ride had been longer. You should also remember that part of the time goes to transport, safety instruction, horse selection, mounting, stops, and coffee.

Compared with a large group stable outing, the limited group and close guidance help justify the cost. Compared with a full-day horseback excursion into remote Iceland, this is shorter and more local. Pick it for access, ease, and personal attention, not for maximum riding time.

Who should book this morning ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, families with older children, and anyone curious about Icelandic horses. It also suits a mixed group where one person rides regularly and another has never sat on a horse. The horses and instruction are chosen to support different ability levels.

It is a particularly good fit if you have only a few days in Iceland. You can experience volcanic scenery and a traditional Icelandic activity without giving up the rest of your day. The farm setting and hot drink also provide a more personal touch than a simple city excursion.

Think twice if you dislike variable weather, feel uncomfortable around animals, or want a demanding riding session. It is also not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. Confident riders should ask themselves if a guided, moderate-paced ride is enough.

Should you book the Viking Horses tour?

Book it if you want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses, a close look at volcanic scenery near Reykjavik, and patient help from a small team. The strongest reasons are the well-matched horses, careful preparation, friendly guides, Tölt practice, and the easy hotel pickup.

Skip it if you want a long, fast ride or guaranteed dry weather. For everyone else, $191 buys a well-organized morning with genuine contact with the horses and a memorable route to Rauðhólar. Pack warm layers, keep your expectations realistic, and you will be set up to enjoy it.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The full activity lasts about three hours. Pickup is in the morning, and you are generally returned to 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 the hotel lobby, or at the assigned pickup location.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners and people with little riding experience can join. You receive a riding lesson and safety briefing, and your horse is matched to your experience.

Can experienced riders join?

Yes. Experienced riders can take part, and the company matches horses to different riding levels. The ride remains a guided group outing with a controlled pace.

What is Tölt?

Tölt is the Icelandic horse’s comfortable fourth gait. The guide gives you the opportunity to try it during the ride.

What equipment is provided?

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

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes. The tour runs rain or shine. Icelandic weather can affect comfort and visibility, so dress in warm layers.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.