Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

Icelandic horses make beginners feel brave. This three-hour ride from Reykjavik takes you across Hólsmheiði forest and the red volcanic rocks of Rauðhólar, with wide views toward mountains, lakes, and the city. I especially like the small groups of no more than eight and the careful matching of each rider with a suitable horse. The hot drink with the family hosts afterward adds a friendly, local touch.

The main consideration is that this is a fairly short ride, and the pace follows the group. One rider found it hard to hear the guide in the wind, while another wished the ride lasted longer. Still, beginners receive patient instruction, and experienced riders can get a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt.

Key points to know before booking

• Rauðhólar is the visual highlight: The route reaches a striking field of red volcanic rock only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik.
• The horses suit mixed groups: Calm, well-trained horses are assigned according to your riding background.
• The tölt is part of the fun: You may learn the Icelandic horse’s distinctive fourth gait, known for its comfortable motion.
• Pickup saves you a rental car trip: Hotel pickup in the Reykjavik area runs between 9:30 and 9:45 AM.
• The welcome feels personal: Viking Horses is a family-owned operation, and tea or coffee is served before or after the ride.
• Weather is not optional: The outing runs rain or shine, so warm layers and closed-toe shoes matter.

A short drive from Reykjavik to Icelandic countryside

Your morning starts with pickup at your Reykjavik hotel or designated meeting point. The pickup window is 9:30 to 9:45 AM, so you should be ready in front of your accommodation or in the lobby. The drive takes you out to a small family-owned farm near the city, making this easy to fit into a day that also includes Reykjavik sightseeing.

That short transfer is part of the appeal. You do not spend half the morning getting to a distant riding center. Within a relatively brief journey, the city gives way to hills, trees, volcanic ground, and open views.

Viking Horses keeps the group small, with a maximum of eight participants. That number matters on horseback. The guide can keep an eye on nervous riders, answer questions, and adjust the ride to a mixed level of ability. Groups have sometimes been smaller, even close to a private outing when other bookings did not arrive.

Meeting your horse and getting comfortable in the saddle

At the farm, you meet the horses and learn how to interact with them. The team selects a horse based on your previous experience. That is useful if one person in your party rides often and another has never sat on a horse before.

The introductory lesson covers the basic riding and safety points before you head out. Several first-time riders appreciated the calm instruction, and guides have stayed close to less confident participants during the ride. One beginner was given frequent reassurance, while another was helped toward trying the Icelandic horse’s second gait.

The horses themselves are a major reason this outing works for new riders. They are described as friendly, steady, and well trained. They also know the group-riding routine, including the order in which the horses travel. That predictability can help you relax, though it may limit your ability to swap places during the ride.

The saddling process is not rushed. Christian, who rode with a small group, particularly appreciated the time taken to adjust each saddle properly. High-quality helmets are supplied, and rain clothing is available if needed. You should still wear comfortable clothes, warm layers, and closed-toe shoes.

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 more familiar treeless views. The trees and bushes give the ride a different feel, while openings in the route provide views across volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city.

This is not a long-distance expedition. It is a close-to-town outing designed to give you a taste of Icelandic riding and scenery within a half day. That makes it a good match for a first Iceland visit, especially if you want to stay near Reykjavik rather than spend a full day on the road.

The scenery changes enough to keep the ride interesting. You move from the farm area into wooded trails and then toward exposed volcanic ground. Guides may stop several times for photos and to let you take in the views. Monika has been praised for taking action photos while still riding with the group, which is helpful when you want pictures without constantly reaching for your phone.

The ride takes place in all weather. In winter, snow can cover the trails and mountains, creating a memorable setting, but cold wind can make the same route feel much tougher. In summer, the light is better for pictures, though one rider found a sunny day dusty. Dress for Iceland, not for the calendar.

Rauðhólar and the red volcanic rock

The route’s most distinctive stop is Rauðhólar, a field of red volcanic rock. It is close to Reykjavik but feels far removed from the city. The color and rough shapes of the formation give you a clear reminder that Iceland’s ground was made by fire.

You stop here for photographs and scenery rather than a long walking visit. From horseback, you get a different scale than you would from a roadside viewpoint. The horses, dark volcanic ground, and open sky make strong pictures, especially when the weather gives you clear views.

This is also where the ride feels more special than a simple stable exercise. You are not circling a paddock or following a short track beside a building. You are moving through actual Icelandic terrain, with the volcanic setting forming the backdrop.

The outing is best for people who want scenery and a gentle riding experience, not for riders seeking a long, fast trek. The route includes varied ground, but the group must stay together. If you are an advanced rider hoping to gallop freely, this is probably too controlled.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt

The Icelandic horse is famous for its extra gait, the tölt. It is often described as a comfortable fourth gait, and the guide may give you a chance to try it during the journey. For many people, this is the part that makes riding an Icelandic horse different from riding at home.

You do not need to arrive as an expert. The guides introduce the gait according to your ability, and beginners can stay with the easier pace if they are not ready. More experienced riders can appreciate the horse’s movement and learn how Icelanders traditionally traveled across the country.

The group’s order and the horses’ individual personalities affect how this feels. Some horses are more forward, while others are quieter. That is why the horse selection at the start matters. Experienced riders have enjoyed being matched with a horse that gave them a different perspective, while nervous beginners valued horses that stayed calm and reliable.

Do not expect every rider to spend the whole outing tölting. It is an opportunity within a guided ride, not a guarantee of sustained speed. The guide’s priority is keeping the group safe and comfortable.

Coffee, tea, and a warm welcome at the farm

After returning to the stable, you can settle down with hot tea or coffee in the hosts’ home or stable area. This simple finish is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You have time to warm up, talk with the guides, and enjoy the less formal side of the farm.

Viggo, the owner, has been described as welcoming and attentive, and several guides have made a strong impression. Adriána was praised for checking often on a first-time rider and taking photographs. Viktor and Pia were noted for their experience and clear care for the horses. Monika has been especially appreciated for her calm help with less seasoned riders.

The coffee break also gives you a chance to see the operation beyond the trail. The stable has been described as clean, and the horses appear well cared for and friendly. Some riders asked about rest periods and workload, and felt reassured by the horses’ healthy appearance and the staff’s concern for their welfare.

You may also find local Icelandic sweaters available during this pause, though that should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the booking. The key point is the hospitality. This is not a quick ride where you are dropped off immediately after dismounting.

How the $191 price compares with the experience

At $191 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price includes Reykjavik-area pickup and drop-off, the three-hour experience, riding instruction, a helmet, rain clothing, and hot beverages. You are also paying for a small group rather than a large line of riders.

I think the value is strongest if you do not have a car, have limited time, or want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. The transportation removes the trouble of arranging a separate trip, and the small group gives the outing a more personal feel. The warm drink and time with the hosts add more than a basic riding-center visit.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long horseback journey. One rider felt the outing could have been longer, and the full three hours includes pickup, preparation, mounting, and the return coffee. You should view it as a well-organized half-day experience near Reykjavik, not a full day in the saddle.

The high rating of 4.7 from 196 ratings fits the pattern of the experience: the strongest praise focuses on the horses, guides, scenery, and care given to beginners. The one lower rating still gave four stars and praised the guide, while noting the ride length. That is a fair warning rather than a serious concern.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits first-time riders, couples, families with children aged eight and older, and mixed groups where riders have different skill levels. It also works well for anyone who wants to try an Icelandic horse without committing to a remote multi-day trek.

Experienced riders should enjoy the chance to feel the tölt and learn more about the breed. Still, you should expect a guided pace and a group format rather than a demanding riding lesson or fast open-country ride.

The outing is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. You also need to accept that the weather may be wet, cold, or windy. Good clothing will make more difference than fancy riding gear.

Practical tips for a smoother morning

Arrive ready before the pickup window. Keep your phone protected from rain and wind if you want photos, and wear layers that allow you to move comfortably in the saddle.

Closed-toe shoes are required, and comfortable shoes are listed among the recommended items. Warm clothing is essential even in summer. The tour supplies helmets and rain clothes, but your base layers still need to keep you warm.

If you are nervous, say so during the introduction. The staff are used to pairing confident riders and beginners in the same group. Guides such as Monika, Adriána, and Ingün have been praised for staying attentive and reassuring.

Listen closely during the briefing. Wind can make explanations difficult to hear once you are outdoors, especially if you ride near the back. Ask the guide to repeat anything you miss.

Should you book Viking Horses?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group ride with easy Reykjavik pickup, calm Icelandic horses, volcanic scenery, and time to learn about the animals. The careful horse matching and patient instruction make it one of the safer choices for a first ride.

Think twice if you want several hours of fast riding or complete control over the route and pace. For most visitors, though, the combination of Rauðhólar, Hólsmheiði forest, the tölt, and coffee with the hosts gives you a pleasant and personal taste of Icelandic horse culture.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The activity lasts three hours, including pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, preparation, the ride, and hot beverages.

Where does pickup take place?

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

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes a riding lesson and safety briefing, and horses are matched to your previous riding experience.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Can I try the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

The experience includes an opportunity to ride the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s comfortable fourth gait. The guide introduces it according to your ability.

What equipment is provided?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates rain or shine. You should dress warmly and be prepared for changing Icelandic weather.