A short ride with real volcanic views. I love that this small-group tour keeps things personal, and I also like how you get a proper lesson before heading out instead of just being handed a horse. The big watch-out is that it runs rain or shine, so you’ll want warm layers even if the forecast looks mild.

What makes it especially appealing is the timing. You’re picked up in the mid-afternoon, ride through the hills and Hólsmheiði forest, then return to Reykjavik with just enough energy left for dinner. It’s priced at $188, which is not cheap, but with pickup, helmets, rain gear, guided riding, and hot drinks included, it’s the kind of value you feel when the tour wraps.

Key points I’d plan around

• Small group (up to 10) means more help when you mount, adjust, and learn the Icelandic horse gaits
• Rauðhólar red lava rock photos are close enough to Reykjavik to feel like a shortcut to an iconic view
• You get a real chance to ride tölt, Iceland’s comfy 4th gait, even on a beginner-friendly outing
• Pickup/drop-off in Reykjavik plus a family-style stop for tea or coffee keeps the day simple
• Rain clothes and helmets are included, but you still need warm clothing for comfort
• Total time on the clock is about 3.5–4 hours, even though the ride portion is about 1.5–2 hours

Price and what you really get for $188

At $188 per person, this Reykjavik horseback riding tour sits in the mid-to-upper tier. The tradeoff is that you’re not just paying for time with horses. You’re paying for the whole package: pickup and drop-off, helmets and rain clothes, guided instruction, and a guided ride that includes photo stops and hot drinks at the end.

Here’s why that matters. When horseback riding is done well, the early part (safety briefing, mounting, and how you sit) changes everything about your comfort. This tour builds that in. You get a focused introduction first, then you spend the majority of the experience actually riding in the hills near the city, finishing with tea or coffee at your hosts’ home.

So if you want a “try it once” experience that doesn’t feel rushed, the price starts to make sense. If you’re already an experienced rider who wants long trail time with lots of freedom, you may find the 75 minutes of riding more limited than you’d like. Still, the scenery and the chance to experience tölts in a guided setting are the core reasons people book.

Afternoon timing: how this stays relaxed instead of rushed

Reykjavik can be busy in the morning and calm in the evening, so the mid-afternoon schedule works well. Pickup happens between 13:30 and 13:45, with pickup beginning about 30 minutes before the tour starts. That means you can have lunch in town, then shift gears without feeling like you’re sacrificing your whole day.

On the schedule, you’ll spend about 45 minutes on safety briefing and getting oriented, then roughly 75 minutes on the guided ride. The full block of time is about 3.5–4 hours, which is an important detail if you’re juggling dinner reservations.

Why I like this for real-world planning: you’re out during the softer part of the day, and you still return to Reykjavik with time to do your own thing afterward. Iceland day plans often hinge on weather, and an afternoon window can be a smarter bet than an all-day excursion.

From hotel pickup to meeting your horse

The tour starts right where most people are staying: hotel pickup in the Reykjavik area. You’ll be asked to meet the guide at your accommodation lobby or the given pickup point, then you head to a small family-owned farm just outside the city.

At the farm, you’re matched with a horse suited to your previous riding experience. That detail matters more than it sounds. Icelandic horses can feel very different from what you might have ridden elsewhere—especially in how smooth their gaits are—so matching matters for both comfort and confidence.

Then comes the short lesson and safety briefing. This is where you learn what the guide expects from you—how to sit, how to handle reins, and what to do when the ride changes terrain. The goal is simple: you should feel steady before you leave the barn area.

One of the best signals from the feedback is that the guides are effective and calm. In one standout review, the guides were specifically praised—Cille and Viggó were named for doing a great job. When people mention guide names, it usually means the instruction was clear, not just friendly.

What you’ll actually do on the ride (and why tölts are the point)

The ride takes you over the hills surrounding Reykjavik, with wide views out over volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city. You head through Hólsmheiði forest, and the terrain gives you a chance to feel how Icelandic horses move on natural ground.

The big highlight is that you get to ride tölt. Tölt is Icelandic horses’ special 4th gait—famous because it’s typically smooth to sit through compared with a more bouncy trot. Even if you’re new, the tour design aims to get you riding quickly and safely enough to enjoy that gait rather than spending the whole time thinking about balance.

You’ll also get the sense of traditional Icelandic travel. The guide explains how Icelanders have crossed the country for centuries using horses like these. That isn’t just trivia. It helps you understand why tölts are so valued: a comfortable gait means you can travel longer distances without constantly tiring your body.

If you love the idea of feeling like a semi-Viking, this is where it becomes real. One review described lots of fun in the rain and enjoying trotting through fields, which fits with the way this kind of guided ride often works: you get different gaits when the terrain allows, and your confidence grows as the group settles.

Hólsmheiði forest: the moment the world gets quiet

When you head into Hólsmheiði forest, the experience shifts. Reykjavik is never far away, but the trees and the trail narrow the view so you stop checking your phone and start paying attention to the horse beneath you.

This is the part that tends to feel the most “Iceland in real life.” You’re not in a tourist-packed viewpoint. You’re on a working route used for riding, where the natural rhythm of the horse and the guide’s pacing become the day’s soundtrack.

A practical note: because the tour runs rain or shine, forest trails can get slick. That’s exactly why you’re given helmets and rain clothes, and why the safety briefing first matters. You don’t need to be fearless—you just need to follow instructions and keep your movements steady.

Rauðhólar red lava rock: photo stop with serious color

After the forest trails, you arrive at a stunning red lava rock field called Rauðhólar. This is one of those Iceland features you can’t really recreate with a brochure photo—you have to see the color in person.

You’ll have a dedicated photo stop on the way and then arrive for scenic views. The itinerary sets aside about 10 minutes for photo opportunities on the way, and then you spend more time at Rauðhólar itself for the break.

What’s nice here is the pacing. You’re not rushed into standing around. You ride, you see the terrain change, then you stop where the scenery gives you instant story material. Red lava rock near Reykjavík is dramatic, and it’s close enough that the whole trip doesn’t feel like a long detour.

Tea, coffee, cookies: the end of the ride feels like visiting family

Once you reach Rauðhólar and finish the ride segment, you get hot beverages—tea or coffee—plus cookies. It’s scheduled for about 15 minutes.

This stop is more than a simple snack. It’s how the tour keeps things human. Horse riding can be physically and mentally intense, even when it’s calm. Warm drinks help you reset before the ride back to Reykjavik.

It’s also part of the reason this is described as warm and personal. The tour is run through a family farm setting, so you’re not just being processed and shuttled away. You end with a little conversation, a chance to dry off, and a final moment to take in the volcanic surroundings before you head back to city life.

Who this tour suits best

This tour is explicitly suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. That’s because you’re getting a lesson and riding is guided on familiar trails rather than leaving you on your own.

You’ll also like it if you want:

• a comfortable Icelandic horse experience focused on tölts and scenic trail riding
• a short Reykjavik-friendly excursion (not a full day away)
• small-group attention, especially during the early safety and mounting phase

It may not be the best fit if:

• you want a long, independent riding adventure with lots of control
• you need more time than about 1.5–2 hours in the saddle
• you’re sensitive to weather plans, since it takes place rain or shine

Also note the limits: it’s not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg), and it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year. If you’re traveling with a young child, one review mentions a daughter aged 4 was well cared for and rode with the family, but the tour data only clearly defines the under-1 baby limit—so check directly about the child age fit for your situation.

Practical tips that make the difference

Warm clothing is the big requirement. The tour provides rain clothes, but you still need layers that keep you comfortable when wind hits and when you stop for photos.

Here’s how I’d prepare in a simple, realistic way:

• Dress in warm layers so you can adjust as you heat up while riding
• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting a little dusty or damp (this is Iceland)
• Bring the mindset that you’ll be outside for a few hours total, even if the saddle time is shorter

If you’re first-timing horseback riding, focus on two things during the lesson: how to sit comfortably and how to follow the guide’s cues. The goal isn’t to control everything—it’s to move with the horse. Get that right, and tölts turn into the highlight instead of something you tolerate.

Finally, take your photo stops seriously, because the red lava rock at Rauðhólar is the kind of view that changes quickly with light and weather. Ten minutes can be plenty if you’re ready.

Should you book this Reykjavik horseback tour?

You should book if you want a beginner-friendly, small-group horseback riding experience that’s close to Reykjavik and built around real Icelandic highlights: Hólsmheiði forest, mountain-and-city views, and the red lava rocks of Rauðhólar. The inclusion of helmets, rain clothes, a riding lesson, and hot drinks makes it feel complete, not bare-bones.

You might skip it if you’re looking for a long-duration ride with lots of freedom, or if you’re not comfortable riding in changing weather. The tour is designed to be calm and guided, not extreme. For most people—especially first-timers—this hits a sweet spot: you get to ride Icelandic horses properly and leave with that strong Iceland feeling, without eating the whole day.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time do I spend riding?

The activity is about 3 hours. Your time in the saddle is listed as 1.5–2 hours, and the total time on the schedule is roughly 3.5–4 hours including the briefing.

When does pickup happen in Reykjavik?

Pickup begins between 13:30 and 13:45, and pickup will start about 30 minutes before the tour start time. You’ll wait in your hotel lobby or at the given pickup point.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. You’ll start with a safety briefing and a short riding lesson.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area, riding helmets and rain clothes, a riding lesson, hot beverages (tea or coffee), and cookies.

Do I need to worry about weather?

The tour takes place rain or shine. The tour includes rain clothes, but you should still bring warm clothing.

Who is it not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg), and it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year.