A short ride, huge Iceland energy. This small-group tour pairs friendly, well-trained Icelandic horses with real volcanic scenery only minutes from Reykjavík, finishing with hot tea or coffee at the stable. I especially loved the chance to ride Tölt and the big, dramatic photo stops at the red lava field known as Rauðhólar.

The one thing to plan for is the timing and weather. Pickup runs between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, and the ride goes rain or shine, so you’ll want warm layers even if the morning looks fine.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 8 riders means you get more time with your guide and less waiting in line.
• Beginner-friendly training: you get a lesson and safety briefing before you head out.
• Tölt (the 4th gait) is the big Icelandic horse perk, and you’ll have chances to feel it.
• Hólsmheiði forest + Rauðhólar give you both trees and that striking red lava terrain.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off saves you the hassle of finding the farm on your own.
• Tea or coffee afterward turns the ride into a full morning outing, not just a quick activity.

Reykjavík Horseback Riding: why this tour makes sense

If you’re based in Reykjavík and want something you can actually fit into your day, this is a smart pick. The ride happens close to the city—about 15 minutes out—so you spend your time on horses and viewpoints instead of wrestling a long drive.

It’s also built for real comfort. You’re not just tossed on a horse and told good luck. There’s a short riding lesson and safety briefing, then you move through terrain that lets the Icelandic horses do what they do best. And because the group stays small (up to 8 people), the experience feels personal from the start.

The overall vibe is calm, not chaotic. You’ll still get that adventurous volcanic feeling—hills, lava fields, forest trails, and views toward Reykjavík—but it’s paced for people of different riding levels.

Getting started on the farm: lesson, helmets, and saddle comfort

Your morning begins with pickup in Reykjavík (between 9:30 and 9:45 AM). Then you head to a small family-run farm outside the city to meet your horse. This is where the tour’s quality shows.

Before you ride, you get introduced to your horse based on your previous experience. If you’re a first-timer, that matters. A lot of horse tours skip the careful match and it shows later. Here, the setup is designed to help you feel safe and in control early.

You’ll also get helmets and rain clothes (so you’re not improvising gear last-minute). In the reviews, people repeatedly mention how much time guides took to adjust saddles properly—down to making sure each rider was comfortable before heading out. That extra attention helps you enjoy the ride instead of thinking about your balance the whole time.

For the less experienced riders, the key is guidance. Many riders noted that the instructors kept close and checked in often, especially when wind or nerves made things tougher. If you’re the kind of person who wants clear instructions before you move, you’ll feel right at home.

The morning ride out of Reykjavík: hills, lakes, and city views

After the briefing, you set out over the hills around Reykjavík. This part is more than a warm-up. It’s where you get those sweeping views—volcanic mountains in the distance, lakes nearby, and the city spread out below you.

You’ll notice that the ride rhythm matters. Icelandic horses have different gaits, and this tour is designed to use them. Rather than trying to force a faster pace, your guide steers you into a comfortable flow that suits the group.

For first-time riders, this segment helps you learn how to sit, hold your balance, and follow directions without feeling rushed. For experienced riders, it gives you a chance to appreciate the horse’s control and responsiveness. Several people mentioned that the horses seem to adapt to the rider ahead, which helps the group move smoothly without constant stop-and-start.

And because you’re close to Reykjavík, you’re not stuck staring at the ground the whole time. You’ll get moments to look around, breathe, and start understanding why Icelandic horse culture is so tied to travel and movement across the country.

Hólsmheiði forest trails: where the ride gets calm and scenic

Next comes Hólsmheiði forest, a shift from open views to a more sheltered riding feel. Forest trails change the ride in a good way. You’re still moving through natural terrain, but you’re not exposed to every gust of wind and cold in the same way as on open hills.

This section also helps break up the ride so you’re not doing one long stretch of attention. The guide keeps the group together, and riders get time to adjust to the horse beneath them—how it moves, how it turns, and how you can relax your hands and legs.

One underrated benefit here: forest riding often makes beginners feel steadier. Even if you’re nervous at the start, the quieter, more enclosed surroundings can help your brain settle down. In the reviews, people specifically highlighted that the horses were calm and reliable, and that the guides helped riders feel confident—not just safe, but comfortable.

Rauðhólar: the red lava rock field that steals the show

Then you reach the highlight everyone talks about: the red lava rock field called Rauðhólar. This is the “wow” moment of the ride. The color alone is memorable, but it’s also the texture and geometry—lava that looks ancient, dramatic, and strangely beautiful all at once.

You’ll make several stops for photos along the way, and these pauses are well-timed. Instead of constant stopping, you get breaks when the scenery is actually worth it. That means you’re not just photographing scenery—you’re photographing the ride itself: horse, riders, and Iceland’s volcanic character all in the same frame.

If you care about photos, this is one of the reasons I like this tour compared to rides that stay too close to the barn. Here, the scenery changes, and the guide gives you time to capture it.

And don’t think of Rauðhólar as just a scenic backdrop. It’s a reminder that this part of Iceland was shaped by forces you can’t fake. Being on horseback makes that feel physical.

Tölt in action: the comfortable gait you’ll want again

A big promise here is that you’ll ride Tölt, and that matters because Tölt is a signature feature of Icelandic horses. It’s often described as very comfortable because it’s not the same bouncing you might expect from other horse riding styles.

What you’ll likely feel is smoother movement through the seat and legs. It’s still movement—you’re riding a living animal, not sitting on a machine—but riders repeatedly said it was a special part of the experience, including people who were brand new.

This is also where the cultural learning fits. During the ride, you’ll learn how Icelanders traveled across the country for centuries. That context isn’t just trivia. It helps you understand why the Icelandic horse’s different gaits are important, especially in a place where terrain can be rough and weather can change fast.

If you’re the type who thinks you’ll hate riding because of comfort issues, give this one a chance. Several first-timers in the reviews said they felt helped into the right pace and kept close by their guide, which makes a huge difference when you’re learning.

Tea or coffee afterward: the cozy finish (and why it matters)

The ride ends with hot tea or coffee back at the stable or with the hosts. This part sounds small, but it changes the whole experience.

Instead of rushing out the door for your next activity, you get time to warm up, ask questions, and decompress. People mentioned the hosts feel welcoming and that the stable setup is clean and organized. There’s also a social element: riders swap notes about what their horses felt like, which moments were smoothest, and where they loved the views.

Some reviews also mention small treats with the coffee, like biscuits. Even if the exact snack varies, the core value stays the same: you leave the tour warm, satisfied, and with a memory that feels complete.

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

This one is built for beginners and riders with little experience. The lesson, the helmet and rain gear, the horse matching, and the small group size all point in that direction.

It’s also a good fit for families with older kids. The activity is not suitable for children under 8, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments based on the tour’s stated limits.

If you want an “Iceland moment” that’s not just walking around in the cold, this works well. You get movement, animals, and volcanic scenery without needing specialized riding skills.

Price and value: is $191 a fair deal?

At $191 per person for a 3-hour tour with pickup, you’re not just paying for a ride. You’re paying for a whole package:

• pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík
• trained instruction (including a lesson and safety briefing)
• helmet and rain clothes
• a small group capped at 8
• guided access to the forest and volcanic red lava area
• hot beverages afterward

For me, the value comes from the mix: Icelandic horses are a distinct experience, but the tour also invests in comfort and safety through gear and instruction. If you’ve ever tried a larger group activity in Iceland, you know how quickly things can feel rushed. Here, the small group size is the difference between riding and simply getting through the ride.

Also, the location is efficient. Being close to Reykjavík means you’re paying for the adventure, not for hours of transit.

Practical tips so you don’t feel miserable in Iceland weather

Because this tour runs in rain or shine, dress like you’re expecting changing conditions—even if the forecast says otherwise.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes with closed toes
• warm clothing layered for wind and damp
• comfortable clothes you can move in

The tour provides rain clothes, but you still want layers under them. If you’re worried about wet hands or cold, plan on gloves and warm socks even if you don’t think you’ll need them. Iceland weather has a habit of changing its mind.

One more small tip: on the morning of pickup, be ready at your hotel during the pickup window. It makes everything smoother for you and the guide team.

Should you book this horseback tour with Viking Horses?

Book it if you want a morning activity that feels genuinely Icelandic: Icelandic horses, volcanic terrain, and the signature red lava scenery of Rauðhólar—without needing prior riding experience. The small group size, the thorough pre-ride guidance, and the chance to ride Tölt are the big reasons I’d choose this over a more rushed option.

Skip it if you fall into the tour’s stated limits (children under 8, pregnancy, or mobility impairments). And if you know you hate being outdoors in damp weather, make sure you pack warm layers anyway. This is a rain-or-shine tour, and that’s part of the deal.

If you’re curious and open to learning, this one has the rare combination of big views and a calm, well-run experience.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík-area, riding helmets and rain clothes, a riding lesson, and hot beverages.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for beginners and riders with little experience.

Will the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The ride takes place rain or shine.

What is the group size?

It’s a small group limited to 8 participants.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.