Reykjavik: Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

The best Iceland memories may arrive on horseback. This three-hour evening outing pairs a gentle ride on Icelandic horses with the red volcanic formations of Rauðhólar, the green hills of Hólmsheiði, and a warm drink at a family-run stable. I especially like the small groups of no more than eight and the personal help offered to beginners. I also like that hotel pickup and riding gear are included.

The main thing to consider is the price: $202 per person is a serious spend for a three-hour activity. Still, the cost covers transport within the Reykjavík area, a riding lesson, helmets, rain clothes, the guide, and refreshments. The tour runs rain or shine, so you need to be comfortable with Icelandic weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride through Rauðhólar’s red lava formations: The volcanic terrain gives this outing a setting you cannot get from a city walking tour.
• Small groups make a real difference: With a maximum of eight people, the guide can give beginners more attention.
• Evening light adds atmosphere: Summer evenings bring long daylight and a calm Nordic feel, especially around the solstice.
• The Icelandic horses are central to the experience: They are friendly, well trained, and suited to riders with little experience.
• Your evening ends indoors: Hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina are served at the stable after the ride.
• Pickup is early evening: Collection takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM from your Reykjavík accommodation or selected pickup point.

Why this ride works well near Reykjavík

Viking Horses operates about 15 minutes from Reykjavík, which keeps the outing easy to fit into a city stay. You do not need to spend a full day on the road to reach open country. After pickup, the city gives way to hills, green vegetation, volcanic ground, and mountain views.

That short transfer matters. Iceland has plenty of excellent day trips, but many require an early start and a full day away from Reykjavík. This tour gives you a taste of rural Iceland in one evening, leaving the rest of your day free for museums, swimming pools, or a walk around the harbor.

I also like the family-run character of the stable. The experience is built around personal service rather than a large riding operation moving several dozen people at once. A group of up to eight feels small enough for instructions to be repeated, questions to be answered, and riding ability to be considered.

The tour has a rating of 4.4 from 27 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the horses, the warm service, and the guide’s help with less experienced riders. That is exactly where a beginner-focused horse ride needs to perform.

Pickup and the first riding lesson

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. You should wait at your accommodation or chosen pickup location during that window. Since the tour includes transport within the Reykjavík area, it is a practical option if you do not have a rental car.

At the stable, you receive a short riding lesson before setting out. This is important even if you have ridden before, because the goal is to help you understand the horses, the equipment, and the pace of the group. If you have little or no riding experience, the lesson gives you a chance to get comfortable before leaving the stable grounds.

Helmets and rain clothes are included. You still need comfortable clothing, warm layers, and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes matter more than fashion here. You will be sitting in a saddle for much of the outing, and Icelandic weather can shift quickly even during a bright evening.

The tour is conducted in English. The small group size should help if you want to ask for help or need an instruction explained again. One guide, Monica, is praised for making novice riders feel at ease and for taking photos and videos during the outing. That extra attention can be especially valuable if you want a record of the ride without trying to handle your phone from the saddle.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are not just transport from one viewpoint to another. They are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are known for their sturdy build and distinctive gaits, though this particular tour is suitable for beginners or people with limited riding experience.

The supplied details emphasize friendly, happy horses with good training and gentle temperaments. That makes a difference for a first-time rider. A horse that responds calmly can help you focus on the surroundings instead of worrying about every movement.

You should still remember that horseback riding is an active experience. You need to sit securely, follow the guide’s directions, and stay comfortable around animals. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women. Children under eight cannot participate.

The stable provides high-quality riding equipment, including helmets and rain clothes. You should bring your own warm clothes and closed-toe footwear. Backpacks are not allowed, so pack lightly and leave larger day bags at your accommodation.

Hólmsheiði, Stallion Valley, and the evening ride

Once the short lesson is complete, the route leads into the hills of Hólmsheiði. The setting changes quickly from Reykjavík access roads to open green country. You ride through the Hólmsheiði hills and Stallion Valley, with mountains and natural scenery around the stable.

The evening timing is one of the tour’s best features. During the Icelandic summer, the sun stays up late, creating long hours of soft light. The tour is designed around that evening atmosphere, particularly during the summer solstice period. You get the feel of a late day outdoors without needing to start early in the morning.

This is not a fast, athletic riding excursion. The focus is on a relaxed pace, the horses, and the scenery. If you are an experienced rider hoping for long stretches of speed or advanced instruction, you may find the outing gentle. For a first ride in Iceland, that slower pace is a benefit.

The guide’s role matters here. The group must stay together, and beginners need clear support. Monica’s help with instruction and photos is a useful touch, especially for people who want to enjoy the ride without constantly worrying about balance or camera angles.

Rauðhólar and its red volcanic ground

The route’s visual highlight is Rauðhólar, a group of red and striking lava formations. The volcanic shapes give the ride a strong Icelandic identity. You are not simply riding through generic countryside. The red rock, green vegetation, and evening light create a sharp contrast that makes the area memorable.

Rauðhólar also offers a different view of Iceland’s volcanic character than the dramatic coast or major waterfall routes. The formations are close to Reykjavík, yet they feel removed from the city. For a short tour, that contrast gives you good value in scenery.

The ride includes a variety of trails, so the outing is not limited to one short loop near the stable. The exact route can vary with conditions, but the stated riding areas include Hólmsheiði, Stallion Valley, and Rauðhólar. Since the tour runs rain or shine, the surfaces and views may feel different depending on the weather.

Rain should not surprise you. The included rain clothes help, but you should still wear warm layers underneath and choose clothing you can move in. If you only want an activity for clear weather, this is not the safest choice. If you accept Iceland’s changeable conditions, the weather becomes part of the experience rather than a reason to cancel at the last minute.

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and kleina afterward

After the ride, you return to the Viking Horses stable for light refreshments. Hot tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are served with kleina, a traditional Icelandic deep-fried sweetbread.

This small indoor finish adds something important. Horse riding can feel physically tiring, especially if you are not used to a saddle. Sitting down with a hot drink gives you time to warm up, talk with the hosts, and enjoy the final part of the visit without rushing straight back to Reykjavík.

The refreshments also help make the experience feel personal. The tour is not just transport, a lesson, and a ride followed by an immediate drop-off. You get time in the home of your hosts and a chance to connect with the family-run side of the stable.

If you enjoy food as part of cultural experiences, the kleina is a pleasant detail. It is not a full meal, so you should eat beforehand if you expect to be hungry after three hours out. The refreshments are best understood as a welcoming snack and warm finish.

What the $202 price really covers

At $202, this is not a bargain activity. You are paying more than the bare cost of a short horseback ride because the package includes Reykjavík-area pickup and drop-off, equipment, a lesson, a live English-speaking guide, the small group format, and hot drinks afterward.

The group limit is important when judging the cost. A large stable can offer a cheaper ride, but it may give you less direct help. Here, the maximum of eight participants allows for a more personal experience, which matters if you are new to riding or want an unhurried evening.

The location also keeps the price from feeling unreasonable. The stable is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavík, so you are paying for an activity that reaches natural scenery without taking up a full day. That makes it a useful choice for a short Iceland visit.

I would call it good value for someone who specifically wants Icelandic horses, not merely a general outdoor excursion. If your priority is the cheapest way to see volcanic scenery, other options may cost less. If you value a small group, personal instruction, hotel transport, and time with well-cared-for horses, the price is easier to justify.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the option to reserve now and pay later also give you some flexibility. Check the available starting time when booking, since the listed pickup window is early evening and availability can vary.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this tour to first-time riders, casual riders, couples, families with children eight and older, and anyone who wants a calm evening outside Reykjavík. It suits you best if the horses are as important as the scenery.

You should also book it if you want a smaller, more personal outing. The guide can provide assistance, and the stable’s family-run setting gives the evening a more direct connection to local hosts.

This is less suitable for experienced riders seeking speed, advanced riding, or a long full-day route. It is also not suitable if you have mobility limitations, are pregnant, or are traveling with a child under eight.

Bring warm clothing and closed-toe shoes. Leave backpacks behind, and do not bring alcohol or drugs. Since the outing runs rain or shine, check the forecast for comfort, but plan on participating in normal Icelandic weather.

Should you book the Reykjavík evening horse ride?

Book this tour if you want a relaxed introduction to Icelandic horses, easy transport from Reykjavík, and volcanic scenery without committing to a full-day excursion. The combination of Hólmsheiði’s green hills, Stallion Valley, Rauðhólar’s red lava formations, and hot drinks at the stable gives the evening a clear sense of place.

I would be more cautious if $202 feels high for a three-hour activity or if you want a challenging ride. For beginners and horse lovers, though, the friendly horses, small group, careful instruction, and personal service make this a strong choice. The guide’s support, including the photo and video help praised by one participant, is another reason the experience works well for people who want to relax rather than manage every detail themselves.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The tour lasts three hours, including the riding experience, the initial lesson, and refreshments at the stable.

What time is pickup from Reykjavík?

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM from your accommodation or selected pickup location within the Reykjavík area.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience includes a short riding lesson and is suitable for beginners or people with little riding experience.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavík area, a riding lesson, riding helmets, rain clothes, hot beverages, and an English-speaking live guide.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are required. Backpacks are not allowed.

Can children or pregnant women join?

Children under eight cannot participate. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.