Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

The most memorable part of this three-hour horse ride is the setting: within about 15 minutes of Reykjavik, you leave the city behind for hills, trees, lakes, volcanic mountains, and the red Rauðhólar lava fields. You ride Icelandic horses on trails once used for travel across the country, with a chance to try the smooth tölt gait.

I like the careful matching of horses to riding ability, and I like the family-run feel at Viking Horses. Guides such as Viggo, Monika, Adriána, Sarah, Viktor, and Pia are praised for patient instruction and warm service. The main drawback is that the ride can feel short for experienced riders, and wind may make the guide hard to hear.

Key points

• Red Rauðhólar lava fields: Ride through one of the area’s most striking volcanic formations, with time for photos.
• Horses matched to your level: Beginners receive calm, reliable horses, while experienced riders can be given a more responsive mount.
• Small groups of up to eight: The limited size allows guides to keep a close eye on nervous or new riders.
• A real taste of Icelandic riding: Learn about the tölt, the horse’s famously smooth extra gait.
• Tea and coffee with the hosts: The ride ends with hot drinks in the stable or home setting, adding a personal touch.
• Easy morning logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area are included.

From Reykjavik streets to volcanic hills

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM at your hotel, accommodation lobby, or assigned meeting point. You travel a short distance from Reykjavik to the family-owned farm, which is close enough to fit neatly into a busy Iceland itinerary.

That short transfer is a real advantage. You do not spend half the day on a bus getting to a riding center, and you return with much of the afternoon still free. You might pair the ride with a relaxed lunch in Reykjavik, a museum visit, or another city activity.

The farm is run by Viking Horses, and the tone is personal rather than industrial. The owner, Viggo, has handled many of the introductions and pickups described by riders, while guides including Monika, Adriána, Sarah, and Viktor have been singled out for calm instruction and attention to detail. Your exact guide depends on the day, but the operation is clearly built around hands-on care.

Getting matched with the right Icelandic horse

Before you ride, you meet your horse and receive a short lesson and safety briefing. This is not a rushed climb into the saddle. The staff takes time to explain how to approach and handle the horses, adjust the saddle, and use basic riding commands.

That preparation matters most if you are new to horses. Several first-time riders felt reassured by the steady pace of the introduction, and guides have stayed close to nervous riders during the outing. Horses are described as calm, friendly, and well trained, with some adjusting their pace to the horse in front.

The matching process also works for mixed groups. An experienced rider may receive a horse with more energy or personality, while a complete beginner can ride a calmer mount. One useful detail is that the horses often travel in a set order, so you may not be able to change places in the line. That helps keep the group orderly, but it can limit your view and make conversation with the guide harder from the back.

Helmets are provided, and rain clothing is available. You should still wear warm, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and the tour runs rain or shine. In winter, snow and cold can add drama to the scenery, but they also make proper clothing essential.

Riding through Hólsmheiði forest

Once everyone is mounted, the group heads over the hills around Reykjavik. The route passes through Hólsmheiði forest, an appealing change from Iceland’s more familiar treeless scenes.

You get views toward volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city. The mix of scrub, trees, open hills, and distant urban views gives the ride more variety than a simple loop around a stable. Guides make stops along the way for photos and to let you take in the setting.

The pace is suitable for beginners and people with limited riding experience. You should not expect a high-speed gallop or a demanding riding lesson. The point is to enjoy the horse, the views, and the volcanic terrain without feeling pushed beyond your ability.

That said, the experience is not only for first-timers. Riders with more time in the saddle can appreciate the distinct movement of the Icelandic horse and the chance to ride in a setting that feels tied to Iceland’s culture. One experienced rider particularly enjoyed seeing the breed from a different angle, while another found the route a little short.

Trying the smooth Icelandic tölt

The special feature here is the Icelandic horse’s tölt. Icelandic horses have an extra gait beyond the usual walk, trot, and canter, and the tölt is known for its smooth, comfortable motion.

Your guide introduces it according to the group’s ability. Beginners may try it briefly and under close supervision, while confident riders may get more chances. Some outings include several stretches of tölt, but the amount depends on the horses, the group, and the conditions.

This is one reason the ride offers more than a basic pony trek. You are not simply sitting on a horse while someone leads it around a field. You learn a little about how Icelanders traditionally moved across the country and get a practical feel for what makes this breed unusual.

Keep your expectations sensible. The guides must balance several riding levels, and horses may have different personalities. The goal is a safe, enjoyable group ride, not a private training session focused on improving your technique.

Rauðhólar, the red volcanic destination

The route leads to Rauðhólar, a striking field of red lava rock about 15 minutes from Reykjavik. The unusual color and broken volcanic shapes make this the visual centerpiece of the ride.

You stop here for photographs and time to look around. The red formations contrast nicely with the darker volcanic ground, green or brown vegetation, and pale Icelandic sky. In winter, snow can sharpen those contrasts. On a warm, dry day, dust may be noticeable, but the clear views can make up for it.

Rauðhólar is also a good reminder of how much Icelandic geology sits close to the capital. You do not need a full-day excursion to find volcanic scenery. This tour gives you a compact introduction to the country’s volcanic character while keeping the riding experience at the center.

The stops are useful because horseback riding can make photography awkward. You have a chance to settle the horse, take pictures, and enjoy the view without trying to operate your phone from the saddle. Guides have also taken photos and videos for riders, though you should ask what is possible on your day.

Why the small group makes a difference

The group is limited to eight people, and some departures are much smaller. A group of four, or even just two riders, can feel close to private. That changes the experience in practical ways.

A guide can watch your posture, help adjust your reins, and stay near anyone who feels unsure. The staff can also respond to different riding levels instead of giving every person the same rigid lesson.

Small groups make the farm’s personal welcome more noticeable. The owner and guides may help prepare horses, answer questions, and talk about the animals. Several riders appreciated the sense that the horses were well cared for, healthy, and given breaks rather than being worked continuously.

There is one tradeoff. The ride’s pace and route are shaped by the least experienced rider and by the horses’ order in the group. If you are an advanced rider hoping for a long, fast outing, this may feel restrained. If you want a calm introduction with skilled supervision, the same feature is a benefit.

Tea, coffee, and a warm finish

After the ride, you return to the stable or the hosts’ home for hot tea or coffee. This is a small inclusion, but it suits Iceland’s weather and gives the morning a friendly ending.

You can warm up, talk with the guides, and ask more about the horses. Some riders have also enjoyed treats and time around the table. The stop feels less like a quick handoff from one activity to the next and more like being welcomed into a working horse farm.

The quality of the coffee or tea is not the main reason to book, of course. Its value is the chance to slow down after riding and speak with the people who care for the horses. If you are curious about Icelandic horse culture, this informal time may be as useful as the formal briefing.

What the $191 price includes

At $191 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, riding instruction, helmet, rain clothing, the three-hour outing, and hot beverages.

The value depends on what you want from a horse ride. You are paying for more than saddle time. Transportation removes the need to arrange a rental car or taxi, and the small group means more individual attention than a large stable operation can usually provide.

The price makes better sense for first-time riders, families with older children, couples, and small groups who want a low-stress introduction to Icelandic horses. It is less compelling for a confident rider who mainly wants several hours in the saddle or a technically demanding route.

The outing also saves time. A morning pickup and early afternoon return leave room for other plans, which matters in Reykjavik, where many paid activities compete for your schedule. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility.

Who should book this ride

This tour suits beginners particularly well. Children must be at least eight years old, and the steady horses and careful briefing help make the first ride manageable. Teenagers and adults can join together, even when their riding experience differs.

It also works for experienced riders who want to meet Icelandic horses and try the tölt in their home country. Ask for a horse suited to your ability, and remember that the ride remains a shared outing rather than a private lesson.

I would not choose it if you have limited mobility, are pregnant, or need a fully sheltered activity. The tour takes place outdoors in all weather, and you need to manage a horse, saddle, and uneven natural surroundings.

For comfort, wear layers, warm clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Do not count on the provided rain clothes to replace sensible base layers. Iceland can feel cold even when the forecast looks mild, especially when you are sitting on horseback and exposed to wind.

Should you book the Viking Horses tour?

I would book this if you want a friendly, compact horse-riding experience with strong beginner support and easy pickup from Reykjavik. The best reasons are the careful horse matching, small groups, close volcanic scenery, and the chance to learn the tölt instead of simply walking around a paddock.

I would pause if you are an advanced rider looking for a long or fast route. The three-hour schedule includes transport, preparation, stops, and refreshments, so actual riding time is not unlimited.

For most people, the appeal is the balance: a real Icelandic horse experience without committing a full day or driving far from the capital. Add warm clothes, accept that the weather is part of the deal, and you will have a thoughtful introduction to the horses, people, and volcanic country around Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long is the horse-riding tour?

The activity lasts three hours. Pickup takes place in the Reykjavik area between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, with return to Reykjavik planned for the early afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the Reykjavik area. Wait in front of your accommodation, in the hotel lobby, or at the assigned pickup location.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes a riding lesson and safety briefing, and horses are matched to your experience. It is suitable for beginners and people with little riding experience.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants. Some departures may be smaller, depending on bookings.

What is the Icelandic tölt?

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s notably smooth fourth gait. Your guide gives you a chance to ride it during the outing, depending on your ability and the conditions.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are also listed as essential. Helmets and rain clothing are provided.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight cannot join. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments are also not suitable for this activity.