Midnight-sun horses, then lava rocks. This evening small-group ride from Reykjavik threads Rauðhólar lava formations with green Hólmsheiði hills in the kind of light you only get in summer. I love how personal it feels, and I love that the tour starts with a short riding lesson for real beginners.

I also like the warm, family-run rhythm at Viking Horses, where you finish at the stables with hot drinks and deep-fried kleina sweetbread. With pickup between 6:30 and 6:45 PM and a group capped at 8, the whole evening stays smooth.

One drawback to plan around: this is hands-on riding. You’ll want warm layers and closed-toe shoes, and it’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility impairments.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Small group (max 8): more attention from the guide and less waiting around.
• Evening pickup from Reykjavík: you get there and back without renting a car.
• Beginner-friendly setup: a short riding lesson before you head out.
• Hólmsheiði + Stallion Valley: green hills and varied trails, not just one track.
• Rauðhólar red lava formations: volcanic scenery that looks dramatic even at dusk.
• Kleina and hot drinks after the ride: a cozy finish at the stables.

First, that easy Reykjavík pickup (and why timing matters)

This is the kind of tour you’ll appreciate when you’re already doing Reykjavík basics earlier in the day. Pickup happens between 6:30 and 6:45 PM, so you don’t lose your whole evening to logistics. You meet your driver/guide at your accommodation or chosen pickup location, and then it’s about 15 minutes to the stables at Viking Horses.

That short drive matters. The best Iceland evenings are about daylight and atmosphere, especially around the Nordic summer solstice when the sun hangs around longer. By the time you arrive, you’re not cold, rushed, or mentally scattered. You’re ready to learn, mount, and ride while the sky still has that soft evening glow.

Also, the group size stays intimate. Up to 8 riders means you’re more likely to get quick help if you feel wobbly early on. It’s a big deal for beginners.

The “short riding lesson” that makes novices comfortable

Before you start exploring the hills and lava terrain, you get a short riding lesson. You’ll be guided on basic safety and riding basics, with emphasis on comfort and control from the start. Icelandic horses are famously steady, but you still need the basics: how to hold the reins, how to sit, and how to respond when the horse changes pace.

What I like about this lesson is that it’s not an exam. The tour is explicitly suitable for beginners or riders with little experience, so the instruction is meant to get you out riding, not to test you. You’ll also be provided with riding helmets and rain clothes, which reduces stress because you don’t have to guess what gear you’ll need.

One more practical note: this tour runs rain or shine. So if you arrive thinking it’s definitely dry and sunny, remember they’re prepared for wet weather. The equipment support and rain clothing are there for a reason.

Hólmsheiði hills at dusk: green nature you can actually see and feel

Once you’re geared up and comfortable, you’ll ride through Hólmsheiði hills. This is the early part of the experience where the pace tends to feel most welcoming. You’re still learning your rhythm with the saddle and the horse, and the scenery shifts through green nature rather than instantly turning into pure volcanic drama.

This stretch matters because it builds confidence. When you see that the horses move calmly and you’re guided step-by-step, you stop treating the ride like something you’re doing “to survive” and start treating it like something you’re participating in.

You’ll also get the sense of scale that’s unique to riding here. On foot, Hólmsheiði might look like open countryside. From horseback, it becomes a moving viewpoint—slower than a car, faster than walking, and much more alive.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is also where you’ll find more natural “wide angle” moments. The trails and hills give your eye something to track.

Stallion Valley trails: where the ride gets more interesting

After the initial trails through Hólmsheiði, you’ll head through Stallion Valley. The name alone hints at the vibe: this feels like riding terrain that has personality, not just a route between two points.

This segment is where you start to notice variety. Even when conditions are simple, riding changes how you experience ground—small changes in trail shape become more noticeable. That’s part of why people end up loving this style of tour. You’re not only watching Iceland. You’re moving through it.

For less experienced riders, this is also where a good guide makes the difference. The goal is to help you stay relaxed in your body while the horse takes care of the travel. In at least one praised example, the English guide (Monica is specifically mentioned) is described as very communicative and supportive, with a knack for sharing facts while also helping riders with comfort and even video/photo moments.

So if you’re nervous about speaking up, don’t be. Ask quick questions at the start. Most of the value comes from understanding what you’re doing while you’re doing it.

Rauðhólar: red lava formations that feel otherworldly in evening light

Then comes the main visual event: Rauðhólar, famous for red and dramatic volcanic formations. You’ll ride in and around a terrain that looks like it belongs on another planet—sharp colors, strange shapes, and a sense of geological power.

Even better: you’ll see it in evening light, not under harsh midday sun. Dusk flattens glare and makes reds and browns look richer. The volcanic textures also stand out more, because shadows emphasize the contours.

What I think makes Rauðhólar a strong choice for a horse tour is that it’s not just “pretty scenery.” It’s a change in environment you can physically feel through your horse’s movement. The ground and surroundings set a different mood. The ride starts to feel like an actual Iceland story, not just a service-based activity.

You’re riding with a small group, so you’re not stuck following a line of riders all clumped together. That lets you pause mentally and take the place in.

The horses: friendly, well-trained, and built for this work

This tour is about connecting with Icelandic horses, and the emphasis is on horses that are friendly and well trained. For beginners, this is huge. It’s one thing to say the horses are calm; it’s another to plan your evening around a stable, predictable animal while you learn basics.

From the ride experience described, the horses are gentle enough that even first-timers can enjoy the contact. You’ll get that bonding feeling that people come to Iceland for: quiet moments when you stop focusing on your hands and start noticing your horse’s temperament.

Also, because the group is small and the setting is controlled, you’re less likely to feel like you’re rushing to keep up. The experience is designed to be personal, with time to adjust rather than just “go.”

After the ride: hot drinks and kleina at Viking Horses

The tour ends back at Viking Horses stables with light refreshments. You’ll get hot beverages like coffee and tea, and hot chocolate is offered too.

Then there’s the food moment: deep-fried sweetbread called kleina. It’s a snack that fits the vibe of an Iceland horse evening—warm, comforting, and easy to enjoy after you’ve been outside for about 3 hours total (check the available starting times for your date).

This end stop is more than calories. It’s where the evening becomes social. You can warm up, compare notes with your small group, and talk with your hosts about the horses and what you saw out on the trails.

Because the stables are close to Reykjavík (about 15 minutes away), you’re not stuck out in the countryside for hours after. You can still make it back for a late dinner or a cozy walk in the city if you want.

Price and value: what $202 covers (and why it can be worth it)

At $202 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity on Iceland’s menu. But when you break it down, it starts to make more sense.

Here’s what you’re paying for that adds real value:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavík-area (so you don’t spend your time sorting transport)
• Riding helmets and rain clothes (gear is handled for you)
• Riding lesson built for beginners
• Hot beverages after the ride
• The actual experience in two distinct environments: green hills and volcanic Rauðhólar
• A small group (max 8) that supports a calmer, safer ride

If you were to compare this to doing horseback riding on your own with gear rental and private instruction, the price starts looking more reasonable—especially in an evening format where timing and daylight matter.

My practical take: this is value-for-comfort. You’re paying to reduce friction. The tour is built to get you riding quickly, keep the group small, and finish with warmth and food instead of leaving you cold outside on your own.

What to pack and how to dress for an Iceland evening on horseback

Even in the Nordic summer, evenings can still feel cool once you’re outside and moving at a steady pace. Bring what the tour asks for and you’ll be fine.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (closed-toe)
• Warm clothing and comfortable clothes

The tour provides rain clothes and a helmet, but you still control your comfort through layers. If you run cold, pack warmer than you think.

Don’t bring:

• Backpacks
• Alcohol and drugs

One more reality check: because this is riding, you want clothing that lets you move easily. You’ll feel more secure when you’re not wrestling your jacket or tugging straps the whole time.

Who should book this Sleipnir evening ride?

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A beginner-friendly horse experience near Reykjavík
• A real small-group feel (max 8)
• A scenic combination of Hólmsheiði greenery and Rauðhólar volcanic reds
• An evening activity that still ends with warmth, food, and conversation at the stables

You should consider another option if:

• You’re bringing children under 8 (not suitable)
• You’re pregnant (not suitable)
• You have mobility impairments (not suitable)

And if you’re the type who gets restless on guided tours, the timing and ride format may be just right. You’re not sitting around for long stretches—you’re moving through the scenery.

Quick decision: should you book it?

If you’re in Reykjavík with a couple of open evening hours and you want an Iceland experience that’s more than a photo stop, I’d book this. The combination of evening timing, small group size, beginner lesson, and a finish with kleina and hot drinks makes the whole night feel complete.

Book it especially if you want the volcanic wow-factor of Rauðhólar without handling transport, gear, or instruction yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Sleipnir evening horse riding tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

What time does pickup happen from Reykjavík?

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM.

How big is the group?

The tour is limited to a small group, with a maximum of 8 participants.

Is a riding lesson included?

Yes. You’ll get a short riding lesson before you head out.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

What’s included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavík-area, riding helmets and rain clothes, the riding lesson, and hot beverages.

Are there food or drinks after the ride?

Yes. You’ll have light refreshments at the Viking Horses stables, including deep-fried sweetbread kleina and hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It takes place rain or shine.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable clothes (closed-toe shoes are required).

Who is the tour not suitable for?

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