Horseback over lava starts with a warm cup. This 3-hour Reykjavik tour takes you out from the city to volcanic Rauðhólar and the Hólsmheiði forest, with a beginner-friendly lesson plus the smooth Icelandic horse gait called Tölt. You’ll come back early enough to enjoy the rest of your day, warmed up with hot tea or coffee.

I love how personal it feels. With a small group capped at 8, the guides take time to match you with the right horse for your riding experience and adjust things so you feel steady. I also love that you’re not stuck in a slow walk the whole time; you get to ride Tölt, which is famous for being comfortable.

One possible consideration: this is still real riding, on uneven ground and through weather that can change fast. It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments, and you should plan on being on horseback for the full ride length.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group feel (max 8): you get more attention during the lesson and on the trail.
• Tölt riding time: you experience the Icelandic horse’s smooth fourth gait.
• Volcanic scenery close to Reykjavik: Hólsmheiði forest plus the red lava rock field of Rauðhólar.
• Gear provided: helmets and rain clothes, plus hot beverages afterward.
• Easy schedule: hotel pickup between 9:30 and 9:45 AM and return early afternoon.

A calm morning horse ride right outside Reykjavik

This tour is built for travelers who want something different from the usual bus-and-views day. You’ll start with a calm ride on friendly Icelandic horses, then transition into scenery that feels very Icelandic: hills, lakes in the distance, and volcanic ground that looks almost sculpted.

What makes it work is the pacing. You’re not sprinting across the country. You’re moving at a horse’s pace through real terrain, with stops for photos and scenery breaks. It’s the kind of tour where you can actually look around while you ride.

And because it’s so close to Reykjavik, it’s a smart pick if your time in Iceland is short. The volcanic area you visit is only about 15 minutes from the city, so you’re not losing your morning to long transfers.

Price and what you actually get for $191

At $191 per person, it’s not a bargain activity, but it also isn’t “specialty-price” with nothing included. You’re paying for a small group, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, a riding lesson, helmets and rain clothes, and hot beverages after.

A lot of horseback tours in Iceland will give you a ride. This one also gives you the instruction part up front, which matters if you’re new or you haven’t ridden much. When the horse choice is matched to your experience and the guide takes time with fit and safety, that’s part of what you’re buying.

If you’re the type who values comfort and confidence over pure adventure bragging, this is good value. You’ll spend your time riding and learning, not troubleshooting your own gear or trying to figure out horse handling from scratch.

Pickup timing: how the 3 hours usually feel

The tour runs about 3 hours, and it starts with pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik. The pickup window is between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, so plan to be ready and waiting in the lobby or pickup spot.

That short timing window is helpful. Reykjavik mornings can be busy, and you don’t want a long “maybe they’re coming” wait. Once you’re picked up, you’ll head out to a small, family-owned farm outside the city where the whole experience begins.

After the ride, you’re back in Reykjavik early afternoon. That matters because you can stack something else the same day, like a museum visit or a relaxed meal, without feeling rushed.

The lesson and safety briefing: where first-timers get confidence

You don’t just get handed a helmet and mounted. You’ll begin with getting acquainted with your horse based on your previous riding experience. Then you’ll get a short riding lesson and safety briefing before heading out over the hills.

This is one of the biggest reasons I think this tour works for beginners. The tour is explicitly suitable for beginners and riders with little experience, and the way it’s set up means you’re learning the basics before you’re out on volcanic ground.

Even if you’ve ridden before, you’ll probably appreciate the fresh start. You’ll learn how to interact with the horses and how the guide wants you to move while riding as a group. In this kind of setting, small corrections can make the difference between feeling tense and feeling in control.

Icelandic horse comfort: what Tölt means in real life

Here’s the part many people came for: riding Tölt. Icelandic horses have a unique set of gaits, and Tölt is the fourth gait—known for being super comfortable compared to rougher movement.

On this tour, you’ll ride Tölt during the journey, so you’re not just watching it happen in a stable or at a slow pace for a few seconds. You’ll feel what makes Icelandic horses so different from the horses most visitors are used to.

You’ll also notice how the horses handle the trail. The ride goes through forests and volcanic terrain, yet it’s presented as a calm experience. That combination is exactly why this is a strong option for people who want to ride in Iceland without turning the day into hard-core trail work.

Hólsmheiði forest: the calm green contrast

Once you’re out of the farm area, you ride over hills with views of the volcanic mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik. Then you pass through Hólsmheiði forest.

This forest section is a nice change of pace. Volcanic Iceland can look like it belongs to another planet, but the trees and sheltered trail sections help break up the experience. It also gives you a chance to settle into riding rhythm rather than focusing on open, exposed ground the whole time.

The tour is designed with scenery stops, too. Along the way, you’ll get moments to pause for photos and scenery breaks. That’s important because the best views aren’t only at the end; they show up repeatedly as you ride.

Rauðhólar red lava field: the volcanic stop that makes the tour

The standout destination on the route is Rauðhólar, a red lava rock formation. You arrive there after riding through Hólsmheiði forest, and it’s the kind of place that makes you stop thinking in straight lines.

Red lava looks dramatic even from a distance, and up close it feels textured and rugged, like the ground itself has a story. You’ll make several stops during the ride, so you’re not just passing by at speed.

For photography and sheer wow-factor, Rauðhólar does the heavy lifting. But the real value is how you get there: on horseback. The terrain is the guide’s classroom, and your viewpoint is lifted and moving, not fixed behind glass or from a roadside shoulder.

Warm drinks and a cozy finish at the farm

After the ride, you return to the stable area for hot beverages. The tour description calls for tea or coffee, and people have also noted hot chocolate as part of the cozy after-ride treat.

This part is more than just a comfort detail. It’s a chance to decompress and talk through what you just did—especially if you were nervous at the start. A quiet, warm setting also helps first-timers feel like the experience was controlled and well-run, not chaotic.

I also like that you’re visiting a working farm environment, not a tourist stage. The tour is family-owned, and the vibe tends to be friendly and welcoming rather than overly scripted.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This experience is clearly aimed at people who want to ride Icelandic horses with support. It’s suitable for beginners and riders with little experience, and it includes the riding lesson plus protective gear.

It’s a great fit if you want:

• a short day activity with a clear start and finish
• a chance to ride Tölt, not just walk
• real volcanic scenery close to Reykjavik
• a small group setting where the guide can help you feel comfortable

It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. If any of those apply, it’s best to look for a different Iceland activity that matches your needs.

What to wear: rain clothes are provided, but warmth still matters

The tour includes riding helmets and rain clothes, which is a big plus in Iceland. It’s also rain or shine, so you should dress like the weather will try to surprise you.

You’re instructed to bring:

• comfortable shoes
• warm clothing
• comfortable clothes
• closed-toe shoes

That’s it. Stick to that list and you’ll be set. For me, the key is closed-toe footwear that feels secure. You’ll be mounted and moving through uneven ground, so foot stability matters more than fashion.

My booking call: should you go?

If you’re deciding between a quick “see Iceland from a distance” day and an activity where you actually feel Iceland under you, this horse-and-volcano combo is a strong pick. The value comes from three things that work together: small-group attention, a beginner-friendly lesson, and meaningful volcanic stops like Rauðhólar.

Book it if:

• you want a calm, guided ride with instruction
• you care about experiencing Tölt
• you want convenience from Reykjavik with hotel pickup

Skip it if:

• you don’t feel comfortable being on horseback for about 3 hours
• any of the listed unsuitability categories apply to you

If you’re ready to trade a crowded viewpoint for a moving one, this is the kind of Reykjavik day trip you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long is the horse volcano tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where are pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik-area.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM.

What group size should I expect?

The group is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is suitable for beginners and for riders with little experience.

Is the tour canceled if it rains?

No. The tour will take place rain or shine.

What equipment is included?

Helmets and rain clothes are included, along with a riding lesson and hot beverages.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes.

Which languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English, German, and Icelandic.

Is the tour suitable for children or everyone with mobility needs?

No. It is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.