Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

Iceland’s best morning rides are close to town. This three-hour outing takes you from Reykjavik to a family-run farm, where you ride friendly Icelandic horses through Hólsmheiði forest, volcanic hills, and the red lava formations of Rauðhólar. I especially like the small groups of no more than eight and the careful horse matching for riders of different skill levels. The warm drink and conversation at the hosts’ home give the trip a personal touch that larger riding operations often miss.

I also like that the ride works well for first-timers without boring experienced riders. Guides such as Monika, Adriána, Pia, Viktor, and Viggo have been praised for calm instruction and close attention. The main limitation is the short duration: three hours includes transport, preparation, riding, and refreshments, so the actual time in the saddle may feel brief if you already ride regularly. Icelandic weather is another factor, since the tour runs rain or shine.

Key points at a glance

• Rauðhólar’s red lava rock: Ride through an unusual volcanic area only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik.
• Icelandic horses and the Tölt: You may experience the breed’s famous smooth fourth gait during the ride.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: A safety briefing, riding lesson, and carefully chosen horses help nervous riders settle in.
• Family-run hospitality: Tea or coffee in the hosts’ home adds a relaxed, local feel after the ride.
• Small-group attention: With a maximum of eight participants, guides can keep an eye on each rider.
• Easy morning timing: Hotel pickup takes place around 9:30 to 9:45 AM, leaving your afternoon free.

From Reykjavik hotel pickup to the family farm

The morning begins with pickup in the Reykjavik area, generally between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. You should wait in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the designated pickup point. One useful touch is that the driver may call when arriving, which helps if you are watching for a vehicle in Iceland’s changeable weather.

The farm is close to the capital, but the setting quickly feels more rural. The short transfer matters because you do not lose half a day sitting in a bus. You get an outdoor experience outside Reykjavik while still returning early enough for museums, swimming pools, shopping, or another afternoon activity.

Viking Horses is a small family operation, and the welcome is part of the appeal. Viggo, the owner, has personally handled pickups and prepared horses for riders. Several guides have also been praised for making people feel at ease, including Monika, Adriána, Pia, Viktor, and Sarah.

Do not expect a slick theme-park production. The strength here is the human contact. You are visiting a working horse farm, meeting the people who care for the animals, and getting a closer look at how riding fits into Icelandic life.

Meeting your horse and getting comfortable in the saddle

Before you ride, the staff matches you with a horse suited to your experience. That step is particularly important if you are a beginner, worried about horses, or traveling with someone at a very different skill level.

The horses are described as calm, friendly, strong, and well trained. Experienced riders may receive a horse with more energy or personality, while a first-time rider can be placed on a steady animal. The goal is not simply to put everyone on the nearest available horse. Guides take time to consider your comfort and ability.

You receive a riding lesson and safety briefing before setting out. You learn how to interact with the horse, use the reins, and follow basic riding instructions. Saddles are adjusted carefully, and riding helmets are supplied. Rain clothing is also available, which is useful when the forecast looks uncertain.

The preparation can take a meaningful portion of a three-hour tour. For a novice, that is time well spent. It reduces anxiety and helps you enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about every movement. For a confident rider, it may feel slow, but good horse handling is worth a few extra minutes.

One especially reassuring detail is the level of attention available in a small group. Guides have stayed near less experienced riders, checked on their comfort, and adjusted the pace when needed. If you are nervous, tell the guide clearly before mounting. The staff can then pair you with an appropriate horse and keep you in a helpful position within the group.

Riding through Hólsmheiði forest

Once everyone is ready, the group heads onto trails across the hills surrounding Reykjavik. The route gives you changing views rather than one repeated stretch of pasture. You may look across volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city, then move into the trees and bushes of Hólsmheiði.

The forest is an interesting contrast to the open Icelandic views most people expect. Iceland is famous for wide, treeless spaces, so riding through a wooded area near the capital feels different. The trail also gives the horse a varied setting and makes the outing feel more like an exploration than a simple arena lesson.

Several stops are made for photographs and scenery. This helps the ride feel unhurried, especially for beginners who need a moment to relax their legs and settle into the rhythm of the horse. It also gives you a chance to take pictures without trying to operate a phone while riding.

The views toward Reykjavik add a useful sense of place. You are not far from Iceland’s capital, yet the volcanic hills and open trails make the city seem distant. For a short excursion, the mix of urban views, forest, lakes, and lava terrain gives you a good sample of the Capital Region.

A practical warning: wind can make it hard to hear explanations, even in a group of only four. If you are placed toward the back, you may miss some of the guide’s comments. Ask the guide to repeat anything important, and do not hesitate to move closer during stops.

Rauðhólar and the volcanic scenery

The route leads to Rauðhólar, a striking red lava rock formation. The name refers to the area’s reddish volcanic hills, and the rock field gives this ride its strongest visual feature.

You are not simply riding past a famous viewpoint in a vehicle. From horseback, you approach the volcanic ground at a slower pace, with time to notice the color and texture of the rocks. The surrounding terrain also helps explain why Icelandic horses have such an important place in the country’s culture. These sure-footed animals have long carried people across rough ground and remote parts of Iceland.

The volcanic setting is close to Reykjavik, which makes it a smart choice if your schedule does not allow a full-day trip into the countryside. You will not see every type of Icelandic scenery on this tour, but you do get a real taste of the country’s volcanic character without spending hours on the road.

The route can look very different depending on the season. Winter rides may bring snow, cold air, and mountain views. A January or December outing can feel especially atmospheric, but you must dress properly. In summer, the light may be brighter and the ground drier, though one rider noted that a hot, sunny day could make the route dusty.

Weather is part of the deal. The ride continues in rain, so bring warm clothing and comfortable clothes that can handle outdoor conditions. Closed-toe shoes are required, and comfortable footwear matters because riding can put pressure on your feet and legs.

Learning the Icelandic horse’s Tölt

One of the most memorable parts of the ride is learning about the Icelandic horse’s Tölt. This is the breed’s smooth fourth gait, in addition to the more familiar walk, trot, and canter.

The Tölt is known for its comfortable movement, and the guides may give you a chance to try it during the ride. For someone new to Icelandic horses, this makes the outing more than a basic trail ride. You get a small lesson in what makes this breed special and why Icelanders have relied on it for centuries.

Your chance to ride the Tölt will depend on your ability, confidence, and the group’s conditions. Beginners should not feel pressured to go faster than they are ready for. The strongest part of this tour is that the guides adapt the experience rather than treating every rider alike.

Some riders with little or no experience have been helped into a gentle introduction to the horse’s faster gait. Experienced riders, meanwhile, may appreciate being matched with a horse that offers a little more range. If you want to try the Tölt, mention it during the initial briefing.

The horses’ behavior is another reason the ride suits beginners. They are trained to follow one another and generally know the routine. That does not mean you can switch off completely. You still need to follow instructions, keep a safe distance, and treat the horse with care.

Coffee, tea, and the human side of Viking Horses

After the ride, you return to the farm for hot tea or coffee. This is more than a quick cup handed over beside the minibus. You sit down in the stable or the hosts’ home, warm up, and talk with the people who run the operation.

This pause gives the tour a pleasant finish. Icelandic weather can leave you chilled even after a short ride, and a hot drink is welcome. The casual conversation also lets you ask about the horses, the riding tradition, and the farm.

The personal welcome is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour instead of a larger stable operation. Riders have described the hosts as warm and family-like, and Viggo’s care for the horses comes through in the way he prepares them and explains how to interact with them.

You might also find an Icelandic sweater for sale during the coffee break, though that is not part of the formal inclusions. The important point is the unhurried ending. You are not rushed straight back into town the moment you dismount.

The horses’ welfare is central to the experience. The animals are described as healthy, friendly, and well maintained, and the staff has been asked directly about giving them enough breaks. That concern is worth taking seriously when you book any animal-based activity. Here, the care shown during preparation and handling gives the operation a reassuring feel.

How the $191 price holds up

At $191 per person, this is not a budget activity. Still, the price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, equipment, a lesson, rain clothing, the guided ride, and hot beverages.

The value depends on what you want. If you are looking only for the longest possible time on horseback, you may find the three-hour format too short for the cost. One experienced rider also wished the tour had been longer. A full-day riding trip farther from Reykjavik could give you more saddle time and a broader setting.

I think the price makes more sense if you value convenience and personal attention. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a remote farm, rent riding equipment, or find your way back to the city. A maximum of eight participants also gives you more guidance than a large stable ride.

The family-farm setting adds value in a way that is hard to measure. You meet the owner, learn about the horses, receive direct help, and finish with time to talk. For a first ride in Iceland, that personal care may matter more than squeezing in another hour on the trail.

The strong rating of 4.7 from 196 reviews supports the idea that the experience is consistently well received, but you should still match it to your expectations. This is a friendly, scenic introduction to Icelandic horseback riding, not an intensive riding lesson or an all-day wilderness expedition.

Who should book this ride?

This tour is best for couples, families with children eight and older, small groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a welcoming activity near Reykjavik. It works especially well when one person has riding experience and another is a complete beginner.

The staff can match riders to different horses and provide individual guidance. That makes the tour less stressful than booking a ride designed for one narrow skill level.

I would also recommend it for anyone interested in Icelandic culture. The Tölt, the traditional use of the horse, and the relationship between the owner and animals add substance to the outing.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wet weather or feel uncomfortable sitting on a horse for part of the morning. The tour runs rain or shine, and the ride may be tiring for your legs. Pregnant women, children under eight, and people with mobility impairments cannot join.

Bring warm layers, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes. There is no reason to dress for fashion here. Dress for wind, rain, and the chance of getting a little dusty or muddy.

Should you book Viking Horses?

I would book this tour if you want an easy introduction to Icelandic horses with a personal, family-run feel. The combination of calm horses, careful instruction, volcanic scenery, and hotel pickup makes it a strong half-day choice.

I would not choose it if your main goal is a long, fast riding expedition. The three-hour schedule includes transport and preparation, so experienced riders may want more time in the saddle.

For most beginners, the trade-off is worthwhile. You get a gentle start, a chance to try the Tölt, beautiful views near Reykjavik, and a warm drink with hosts who clearly care about their horses. It is a practical way to add a genuine Icelandic experience to a busy city itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The full activity lasts three hours, including pickup, preparation, the ride, and hot beverages afterward.

Where does the tour take place?

It begins at a small family-owned farm in the Capital Region, about 15 minutes from Reykjavik. The route includes Hólsmheiði forest and the red lava formations at Rauðhólar.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik area. Pickup generally 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 each rider’s previous experience. It is also suitable for riders with little experience.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Riding helmets and rain clothing are provided.

Can I ride the Tölt?

The tour includes an opportunity to experience the Tölt, the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait. Your guide will decide what is suitable based on your experience and the conditions.

Can children or pregnant women join?

Children under eight cannot participate, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.