There is something magical about riding Icelandic horses. This calm, small-group tour takes you from Reykjavik to volcanic scenery near the city. You’ll also get a personal ride lesson and a warm cup of tea or coffee after.

What I like most is the small group size and the careful horse matching. The guides take time to fit saddles properly and adjust the experience to your riding level, even if you are a first timer. A lot of people also seem genuinely happy being there, not rushed through.

One consideration is simple: this is a half-morning/early-afternoon experience. If you want hours and hours in the saddle, you might wish it ran longer, especially on clear days with views you want to linger over.

Quick take: what makes this Reykjavik horse and lava ride special

• Pickup right from Reykjavík with a short ride to the farm, saving you the hassle of transport planning
• Max 8 riders, so you get real coaching, not just a line in the field
• Icelandic horses with Tölt, including the smooth 4th gait when the route allows
• Hólsmheiði forest and Rauðhólar red lava rocks within about 15 minutes of Reykjavik
• Hot beverages included at the stables, a cozy finish even if the weather turns
• Guides like Viggo, Monika, Adriána, and Ingün are known for patient instruction and photo help

Small-group pickup to the farm near Reykjavik

This starts with a hotel pickup in Reykjavík, typically between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. From there, you head out to a small, family-run farm outside the city where the horses live and where the tour really becomes personal.

The timing works well. You get a memorable morning activity, then you are back in Reykjavík early enough to keep your day flexible. That matters in Iceland, where weather can shift fast, and having the morning “covered” reduces stress.

You’ll meet the staff and get acquainted with your horse. One of the most reassuring details is that your horse is chosen for your previous riding experience. That is a big deal on Icelandic horses, because the style of riding can feel different from what you might be used to elsewhere.

Most riders are in the same boat: you want the volcanic views, but you also want to feel safe. In a small group of up to 8, the guide can watch you, correct your position, and keep the ride flowing without turning it into a complicated circus.

Horse selection, helmets, and the short lesson

Before anyone heads out, you get a safety briefing and a short riding lesson. This is built for beginners and riders with little experience, and it shows in how they handle the basics like mounting, rein control, and how to communicate with the horse.

You’ll be given a helmet and rain clothes. Even if the day looks calm, Iceland weather can change quickly, and this tour runs rain or shine. Closed-toe shoes are required, and you’ll want comfortable clothes you can move in, plus warm layers.

What stands out is the attention to the saddle fit. Guides at Viking Horses, including the owner Viggo in some groups, are known for taking time to properly adjust equipment before the ride. That makes a difference in comfort right away, and it also helps you ride with less tension.

If you have a nervous moment, that’s normal. I like that the staff seem to keep an eye on new riders and stay close when needed. Riders have mentioned guidance from people like Monika, Adriána, and Ingün, and that kind of personal check-in helps first-time riders feel like they belong out there.

Hills above Reykjavík, lakes, and the ride rhythm

Once you’re mounted, the ride heads over hills around the Reykjavík area. You start by building confidence, then you settle into the rhythm of Icelandic riding. Icelandic horses are famous for being steady, and the way this tour is run leans into that, so you can focus on scenery instead of fear.

On clear stretches, you get views over volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city. Even when clouds roll in, you still get dramatic terrain, wide skies, and constantly changing light. This is the kind of ride where the route does not feel generic, because you are moving through real country right next to town.

You’ll also notice how the group moves together. The horses often follow a consistent order, and the guide manages spacing so you can stay balanced. If you are hoping for total freedom to shift positions in the line, don’t count on it. The ride works best when the pacing stays steady and the lead horses do their job.

Because this is a small group, the guide can keep the experience smooth. You’re not fighting for attention, and you can actually hear instructions. Wind can still be loud outside, but the coaching is there, and riders have shared that the guide checks in about confidence level throughout.

Hólsmheiði forest and Rauðhólar red lava rock stops

The ride route includes the Hólsmheiði forest, and you’ll also reach Rauðhólar, a red lava rock formation. These are the stops that turn a nice horse ride into a true Iceland memory.

In the forest, things feel calmer. Trails with trees and bushes give you a break from full exposure to wind and open terrain. It’s also a nice moment for beginners, because the pace feels controlled and the route is easy to follow.

Then comes the best photo energy: the red lava rock field at Rauðhólar. You’ll make several stops along the way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. This is where the colors pop, the ground looks otherworldly, and the volcanic setting feels close enough to study.

If you’re sensitive to cold or wet, this is also where layer strategy matters. You’ll be outdoors riding and pausing for photos, so dress like you expect wind. The tour provides rain gear, but your warmth still depends on your layers underneath.

The overall point is simple: you are not just seeing one view. You pass through different textures of Iceland, forest to open volcanic ground, and each section feels like a different page in the same story.

Tölt: that smooth Icelandic gait and what you learn

One of the big promises here is that you’ll ride Tölt, the 4th gait of the Icelandic horse. This is often what people come for, because it can feel smoother than a typical trot for many riders.

Tölt is also part of the cultural context. The guide explains how Icelanders traveled across the country for centuries, and why a comfortable gait matters in rough terrain. You feel that lesson in your body, not just your head. When the horse moves into Tölt, you understand why people built their lives around these horses.

Even if you have limited riding experience, this tour aims to make Tölt possible in a controlled way. The guide helps you keep posture steady and hands quiet, and the horse’s rhythm does the rest. Riders have also noted that their guides adjusted pace and kept the group safe, which matters when everyone is learning something new at the same time.

You might take a few minutes to practice basic cues before the more exciting parts. That small effort pays off because the ride becomes more than a scenic “sit and pose” activity. It becomes a gentle learning experience where you actually participate.

And yes, the photos help. Some guides take pictures and videos while riding, which is great if you don’t have a steady way to manage your phone on horseback. Just be ready for a few moments when you will want both hands free, so listen when the guide says how to hold reins safely.

Tea or coffee back at the stables

After the ride, you return to the stable area and relax with hot beverages in the home of your hosts. This is a genuinely valuable part of the tour, not an afterthought.

First, it helps you transition out of the cold outdoors. Even on a mild day, a warm drink after moving around on horseback feels good. Second, it gives you time to settle your thoughts, ask questions, and compare notes with your guide while the experience is still fresh.

People have described the atmosphere as cozy and welcoming, with staff making you feel like you’re part of their day. You’ll likely get a chance to chat about the horses and how they are cared for, and you may hear why the owners take pride in the horses’ training and temperament.

One ethical detail that shows up in how the stables operate: horses get breaks and are not worked constantly. That matters for animal lovers and also for rider comfort, because well-rested horses tend to be calmer and easier to ride.

If you want value, this is part of it. A tour that includes coaching and then gives you a proper warm finish feels more complete than a quick “drop off, goodbye” ride.

What to pack, who can ride, and value at $191

This tour lasts about 3 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík-area included. The price is $191 per person, and for Iceland, that puts it in the “you’re paying for convenience plus a guided experience” category.

Here’s the value logic I’d use before booking:

• You get pickup and drop-off, so you avoid renting a car just for a short outing.
• You get a riding lesson, helmets, rain clothes, and hot beverages, which removes extra planning and extra purchases.
• You ride in a small group of up to 8, which generally means better attention and smoother pacing.

The downside, again, is time. Three hours sounds short because it is short. You’ll probably want a longer ride once you hit the lava scenery and the Tölt moments, especially if weather is great.

Packing is straightforward. Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes, warm clothing, and clothes you can ride in without restricting your movement. Even with rain clothes provided, your comfort still depends on your own warmth and footwear grip.

Finally, check the limits. This tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. If you’re a beginner, you’re in the right place, but if you have any concerns about riding comfort or physical restrictions, it’s worth asking first.

FAQ

What is the duration of the horseback riding tour?

The tour is about 3 hours in total.

What time is hotel pickup in Reykjavík?

Pickup is included for Reykjavík-area hotels, and pickup usually takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Starting times can vary, so check availability for the exact slot.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

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

What should I wear or bring?

Wear warm clothing and comfortable clothes, and bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The tour provides helmets and rain clothes.

Is this tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

How big is the group?

It is a small group limited to 8 participants.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

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

Should you book this Reykjavík horse and Rauðhólar riding tour?

If you want a short Iceland experience that feels personal, I’d book it. The mix of small-group attention, beginner coaching, and the volcanic mix of Hólsmheiði forest plus Rauðhólar red lava rocks is exactly the kind of “near Reykjavík but still real Iceland” outing that makes the city area worth exploring beyond the downtown streets.

Book it especially if you are new to horses and want a smooth first ride with Tölt possible. Skip it if you need a long, all-day ride, or if mobility, pregnancy, or other physical constraints make horseback riding unsuitable for you.