A short ride can change your Reykjavik day. This calm afternoon Reykjavik horse riding tour takes you out of town to volcanic terrain, with friendly Icelandic horses and time to soak up wide views. I especially loved the small-group vibe, and I also liked how you get taught the Icelandic horse’s comfortable tölt instead of just sitting and hoping for the best. One thing to plan for: it runs rain or shine, and the full day timing is closer to 3.5–4 hours even though the ride slot is listed as 3.

I went in expecting a simple trail ride. I found something more personal because the guides (including Cille and Viggó) focus on matching you with a horse and keeping the pace manageable. If you’re a total beginner, that’s great news—just bring warm layers, because the weather around Reykjavík can switch fast.

Key things I’d bet on in advance

• Small group (up to 10): more time with the guide and less waiting around.
• Tölt practice: you’ll ride the Icelandic horse’s super-comfortable gait, not just walk in a line.
• Hólsmheiði forest and volcanic sights: a mix of forest trails plus striking red lava rock at Rauðhólar.
• Photo stops built into the ride: you’re not rushing past the best viewpoints.
• Helmets and rain clothes provided: you’re less likely to be stuck with the wrong gear.
• Tea/coffee after the ride: you finish in the hosts’ home with hot drinks and cookies.

Why this Reykjavik ride feels more Viking than touristy

This isn’t a long, days-long trek. It’s an afternoon on Icelandic horses, close enough to Reykjavík that it doesn’t swallow your whole vacation. The payoff comes from being able to see real volcanic scenery—red lava rock at Rauðhólar and trails through Hólsmheiði forest—without a complicated logistics day.

The horses do a lot of the work for you. Icelandic horses are famous for being rider-friendly, and this tour leans into that by starting with a lesson and then letting you settle into the ride. You’ll also learn how Icelanders traveled across their country for centuries, which adds meaning to what you’re feeling in the saddle.

Pickup and meeting at 8 Crescent East Street

You get hotel pickup in the Reykjavík area, typically between 13:30 and 13:45. That matters because Iceland is not huge, but getting from downtown to a small farm setup can eat time if you’re on your own.

After pickup, you head to 8 Crescent East Street for your safety briefing. Expect 45 minutes of getting sorted before you actually ride. It’s a nice buffer for beginners. It also means you’re not hopping on cold with zero guidance, which keeps the whole experience calmer.

The lesson and safety briefing: your seatbelt for a horse ride in Iceland

You’ll get acquainted with your horse, matched to your previous riding experience. Then you’ll cover basics with a short riding lesson and a safety briefing. This is one of the best parts of the tour if you’re new, because it helps you understand what your horse is likely to do and what your job is.

Helmets and rain clothes are included, which takes one stress off your checklist. If the forecast looks moody, that’s still fine. The activity runs rain or shine, and the provided rain gear is there so you’re not stuck deciding at the last minute whether to brave weather.

Practical tip: wear warm layers you can move in. You want comfortable clothing under the rain gear, not a thick bulky coat that restricts movement once you’re mounted.

Heading out: hills, lakes, and city views on your way to volcanic trails

Once you set off, you ride over the hills surrounding Reykjavík. This is the part that makes the tour feel worth it fast. You go from city familiarity to wide open views in a short span of time.

You’ll enjoy scenery that includes volcanic mountains, lakes, and Reykjavík itself from the trails. Even if you’ve seen photos of Iceland already, seeing it from horseback hits differently. The terrain is uneven and alive; the views keep unfolding as you ride.

The group size helps here. Small groups (limited to 10) mean you’re not lost in a crowd or stuck waiting behind someone who’s still figuring out reins. You get a smoother rhythm, which helps beginners stay relaxed.

Hólsmheiði forest: when the ride slows and you can actually look

The tour takes you through Hólsmheiði forest, and this is where the afternoon starts to feel almost meditative. Forest trails are a change of pace from the open volcanic viewpoints, and they help you settle into the rhythm of riding.

This section also matters because it’s not only about scenery. Riding through different trail types gives you a better sense of how the horse moves and how stable your position feels. For first-timers, that confidence is gold.

Photo tip: forest light can be dimmer than you expect, especially if it’s overcast. If you’re carrying a phone, keep it in a pocket or bag until you hit open spots for photos.

Rauðhólar red lava rock: the stop that makes the ride memorable

Rauðhólar is the standout visual moment. You arrive at a stunning red lava rock field, and you’ll have time for viewpoints and photos on the way in.

There’s also a dedicated photo stop at Rauðhólar. So you’re not just riding past something pretty and moving on. This part is short enough to keep the day comfortable, but long enough that you can actually frame shots and catch the full color of the lava.

Even better, the lava rock contrasts with what you ride through earlier. It turns the experience into a true mini tour of Icelandic variety: forest trails, then volcanic ground that looks like it belongs in a different planet.

Getting comfortable with Icelandic horses and trying tölt

A big reason this tour works for beginners is that it teaches you what you need while still offering something special. You’ll get to ride tölt, described as the horse’s super comfortable 4th gait. That’s the kind of detail that matters because it explains what you’ll feel in the saddle.

Tölt is comfortable, but it still takes a little rider adjustment. You’ll likely notice how the motion stays smoother than many people expect from a horse ride. And you’ll get guidance so you know how to hold your body and stay balanced.

If you’re hoping for more than walking, you may get chances to trot too, especially if you’re comfortable and the guide thinks your group is ready. Some riders noted trotting through fields and enjoying that extra energy. The key is that it’s guided, not random. You’re not left to guess.

The ride back ends with tea, coffee, and cookies

After the scenic stops, you return toward Reykjavík. Then comes the part that turns a ride into a real experience: hot drinks at the hosts’ home, plus cookies.

This is valuable because it shifts you out of adrenaline mode. You can warm up, talk with your guide, and ask questions in a relaxed setting. It’s also where you understand the local side of Icelandic horse culture, since you’re not just receiving instruction and leaving immediately.

If you’re traveling with friends, this is an easy moment to share photos and compare how each rider felt in tölt. If you’re solo, it’s a good social reset without forcing a group activity.

Timing that actually helps your day plan

The tour is listed as 3 hours, but the total time on the clock is closer to 3.5–4 hours. Time in the saddle is about 1.5–2 hours. That spread makes sense: you spend a meaningful chunk learning and getting ready, then you get a solid riding window.

Pickup begins about 30 minutes before the tour start. So you’ll want to avoid booking something tight right afterward. Give yourself time to get back to your hotel, dry off if needed, and enjoy the rest of your evening.

If you’re the type who likes to plan your day minute-by-minute, consider this your main anchor activity. It’s short enough to fit, but it deserves attention because weather and riding pace affect how the experience feels.

Price and value: is $188 worth it?

At $188 per person, this is not a bargain. But it’s also not “paying extra for nothing.” You’re paying for more than just time on a horse.

Here’s what you’re getting in the value equation:

• Small group service (max 10), which usually means more guidance and less waiting.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík area.
• Riding helmets and rain clothes included.
• A lesson and safety briefing, not just a trail escort.
• Hot tea or coffee plus cookies afterward.

When you add those parts together, the price starts to look less like a random premium and more like paying for a full, structured experience. In a place where weather can change plans fast, having the gear and the guided setup already handled is a real convenience.

If your goal is pure value by cost-per-hour, you might compare it to a self-guided option. If your goal is a well-run horseback outing with Icelandic-specific technique and real scenic stops, the pricing feels more reasonable.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. That’s a big point in your favor. The lesson, helmet/rain gear, and horse matching all help you start at a comfortable level.

It’s also a solid choice if you want a taste of Icelandic horse riding without committing to a full-day trek. The ride is short enough that you can still explore Reykjavík afterward.

Skip it if:

• you’re over 243 lbs (110 kg), since it isn’t suitable beyond that weight limit
• you’re traveling with a baby under 1 year

If you’re traveling with kids, note that one booking highlighted a four-year-old being well taken care of, and the family riding together. That doesn’t mean every child will be treated the same way, but it does suggest the operation handles beginner-friendly situations.

Weather reality check: riding rain or shine

Rain in Reykjavík doesn’t automatically mean misery. This tour runs rain or shine, and it includes rain clothes and helmets. That helps a lot.

What you should do is adjust your expectations. You won’t be controlling the weather, but you can control your comfort. Pack warm layers under the rain gear, and consider gloves if you tend to get cold.

Also, accept that wet ground can change how horses move and how trails feel. Guides will manage it. Your job is to stay relaxed and listen during the lesson so you can ride confidently even when the day is gray.

Should you book this Reykjavik afternoon horse ride?

I’d book it if you want a guided, beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with actual scenic variety close to Reykjavík. It hits the key boxes: small group, real volcanic scenery at Rauðhólar, forest riding in Hólsmheiði, and a comfortable ride experience thanks to tölt instruction.

I’d think twice if you dislike rain-based activities or if you hate the idea of a longer total outing than the 3-hour label. But if you’re flexible and dressed for Icelandic weather, this is a strong way to spend an afternoon.

You’ll come away with more than photos. You’ll have a hands-on feel for how people travel in Iceland on horses, plus a warm drink and cookies waiting at the end—exactly the kind of practical, local touch that makes Iceland feel personal.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 3 hours. The time in the saddle is about 1.5–2 hours, and the full tour experience runs about 3.5–4 hours total.

What’s the group size?

The group is small and limited to 10 participants.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included in Reykjavík?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavík-area. Pickup typically starts between 13:30 and 13:45.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

What’s included with the ticket?

Included items are hotel pickup/drop-off (Reykjavík area), riding helmets and rain clothes, a riding lesson, hot beverages, and cookies.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. It’s not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg).

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