A horse ride near Reykjavik is a fast way to change pace. This 3-hour small-group tour takes you from your hotel to a family-run farm, then out over hills, through the Hólsmheiði forest, and to the red lava-rock field of Rauðhólar, with Tölt riding time built in. You’ll also get a real pre-ride lesson and a warm reset at the stable after.

I like that it’s capped at small groups (up to 8), so the guides can actually fit saddles and coach you where you need it. I also really appreciate the post-ride stop for tea and coffee back at the farm, where the owner (often Viggo) and the team keep things calm and personal. The only drawback: the ride runs rain or shine, so if you hate being cold and damp, you’ll want to dress for Iceland-style weather.

Key Points That Make This Tour Worth Your Morning

• Tölt practice on Icelandic horses: a smooth, four-beat gait that feels great even if you’re new.
• Rauðhólar red lava-rock field: a dramatic volcanic stop that’s close enough for a short tour.
• Max 8 riders: easier coaching, quicker adjustments, and less waiting around.
• Helmet and rain gear included: you can pack lighter and spend less time guessing what you’ll need.
• Hot beverages back at the stable: it’s not just riding—you get a cozy pause after.

A Reykjavik Horse Ride That Feels Like It Has Room to Breathe

This tour is built for a calm, confidence-first ride. You’re not dealing with huge groups or a rushed feeling; instead, you’re matched with an Icelandic horse that fits your riding experience, then guided at a pace that makes the experience enjoyable rather than stressful.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of simple logistics and real Iceland scenery. Pickup is in Reykjavik, and the ride is close to the city—yet the trail quickly shifts from views over lakes and rooftops to volcanic terrain and forest paths.

And yes, the Icelandic horse part is the headline for a reason. These horses are known for comfortable gaits, and here you’ll be taught to ride Tölt—the one that many first-time riders end up loving because it’s steady and easy to stay balanced on.

Hotel Pickup at 9:30: Start Easy, Not Frazzled

The day begins with hotel pickup in the Reykjavik-area. Pickup happens between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, and the driver/host will meet you in the hotel lobby or pickup point provided for your accommodation.

Why that matters: Iceland weather can be unpredictable, and getting to the farm with less hassle means you can focus on the ride itself. You’ll also spend less time coordinating transport and more time doing the fun part—meeting your horse and getting out to the hills.

Your Horse Setup and Lesson: Small Details, Big Comfort

Before you ride, you’ll head to a small family-owned farm just outside the city. Then you get acquainted with your horse, and the team matches you based on your previous riding experience—so you’re not stuck with a horse that’s wrong for your comfort level.

You’ll get a short riding lesson plus a safety briefing. Helmets are provided, and rain clothes are included too, which is a big help if your packing list is already overloaded. The team also takes time with saddle fit and basics like how to hold the reins and what to do when the horse moves into different gaits.

In practice, that coaching style is a big deal for beginners. Many riders grow more confident fast once they understand how Icelandic horses move, especially when the guide is close enough to check in and adjust when needed.

Hólsmheiði Forest to Rauðhólar: Where the Volcanic Views Land

Once you’re on horseback, you’ll ride over the hills surrounding Reykjavik. The early part of the ride gives you open, wide views—volcanic mountains in the distance, lakes below, and the city laid out in the background.

Then comes the scenery shift that makes this tour memorable. You’ll go through the Hólsmheiði forest, where the trail turns from open sightlines to wooded paths with changing ground underfoot. It’s the kind of variety that breaks up the ride so it doesn’t feel like one long straight line.

Next is the stop that earns its own breath: Rauðhólar, a red lava rock field. You’ll arrive at this striking volcanic formation and make several stops along the way for photos and scenery breaks.

A quick note for expectations: this isn’t a theme-park style stop. You’re riding through real outdoor terrain, so your photo spots depend on weather, trail conditions, and how the group is moving.

Tölt Riding: The Comfortable Gait You’ll Want to Repeat

One of the most practical reasons to book this tour is the chance to ride Tölt. Tölt is the super comfortable fourth gait of the Icelandic horse, and it’s taught here—not left as a mystery you only see in videos.

So what should you expect? You’ll get instruction on how to ride with this gait and you’ll likely experience it during the ride across the different trail sections. Guides also manage the group so pace and movement stay manageable; if you’re nervous, that structure helps you focus instead of guessing what’s coming next.

Why it matters for you: if you’re new to horses, Tölt can feel far more stable than the quick, bouncy movements that first-time riders sometimes fear. And if you’ve ridden before, it’s still a neat reminder that Icelandic horses are special for a reason.

Tea or Coffee Back at the Stable: The Human Part of the Tour

After the ride, you return to Reykjavik in the early afternoon. Then the best part often hits: you get time at the farm for hot beverages.

The tour includes tea or coffee back in the hosts’ home/stable area, and the vibe is friendly and relaxed. In real terms, this is when you slow down, warm up, and get to ask questions—about horses, about Icelandic riding, or just about what it’s like to run a farm near the city.

It also helps the experience feel whole. A lot of outdoor tours finish with a quick drop-off. Here you end with a cozy pause that makes the whole morning feel more personal.

What to Pack (and What the Tour Already Provides)

The good news: the essentials are covered. You’ll be given helmets and rain clothes, so you don’t have to track down heavy gear right away.

Still, bring what Iceland actually asks for:

• comfortable shoes (closed-toe)
• warm clothing and layers
• comfortable clothes that you can move in

If wind and rain are in the forecast, plan for it. The tour runs rain or shine, so the best “hack” is to wear layers you can adjust—warm base layer, insulating layer, and outer protection that works with the included rain clothing.

Also, keep in mind that in foul weather it can be harder to hear instructions and group communication. If something is unclear, ask the guide right away. That’s how you turn a potentially annoying moment into a smooth ride.

Price and Value: Why This One Costs $191—and Where the Money Goes

At $191 per person for a 3-hour tour, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavik. But for what’s included, it can feel fair—especially if you want real coaching and comfortable riding, not just a quick photo moment on a horse.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik-area
• A real riding lesson and safety briefing
• Helmets and rain clothes provided
• Hot beverages after the ride
• A small group cap (8 participants max), which typically means more time with the guide and less rushing

Then there’s the horse factor. The Icelandic horses used on this kind of tour are chosen to match different rider levels, and the team focuses on fit and comfort. You feel that when the ride is calm, when your mount is steady, and when the guide can adjust you instead of moving on to the next person.

If you’re looking for a short Reykjavik activity with big “Iceland” payoff—lava terrain, forest trails, and Tölt without needing prior experience—this price starts to make sense.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. If you’ve never ridden before, this is exactly the kind of tour that can help you feel safe and learn the basics quickly.

It also works nicely for mixed-experience groups, because the horses are selected to your riding level and the guide adjusts coaching accordingly. Even if you’re riding just for the view, the lesson portion helps you get the most out of the time on the trail.

Who should not book it: children under 8, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments.

Should You Book Viking Horses for Your Reykjavik Morning Ride?

I’d book this tour if you want:

• a short morning escape with hotel pickup
• a beginner-friendly lesson and a horse matched to your level
• real volcanic scenery near Reykjavik, including Rauðhólar
• the chance to ride Tölt and feel that smooth Icelandic-gait magic
• a warm ending with tea or coffee at the stable

I’d skip it if you know you’ll be miserable in wet, windy weather, since the ride runs rain or shine. Also skip if any of the “not suitable” categories apply to you.

If those don’t apply, this is one of the easier ways to experience Iceland’s horse culture and volcanic terrain without losing half a day to logistics.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

It lasts 3 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik-area is included.

When does pickup happen?

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, so you’ll want to be ready at your hotel lobby or the given pickup location.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience.

What should I wear or bring for the ride?

Wear comfortable clothes and warm clothing, plus closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are recommended too. Helmets and rain clothes are provided by the tour.

Will the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

How big is the group?

It’s limited to 8 participants.

Where do we ride?

You’ll ride over hills around Reykjavik, go through the Hólsmheiði forest, and reach the red lava rock field called Rauðhólar.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later.

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