A volcanic ride without the crowds. This small-group horseback tour takes you out of central Reykjavik fast, then slows down so you can enjoy the ride, the views, and the horses. I like the warm, personal hosting too, with tea or coffee waiting at the end.

My one caution: Iceland weather is no joke. The tour runs rain or shine, so you’ll want to show up ready for cold wind and wet ground.

What you’ll remember: Hólsmheiði, Rauðhólar, and the tölt

You’ll ride over hills above Reykjavik, through Hólsmheiði forest, and out to Rauðhólar, a striking red lava rock field that’s made for photos. One of the best parts is getting time on Icelandic horses at the tölt, the smooth 4th gait that makes even longer stretches feel easier.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 10 riders): more time with your guide and a calmer pace.
• Hotel pickup in Reykjavik: you get picked up between 13:30 and 13:45 and returned the same afternoon.
• Tölt riding time: you’ll ride the Icelandic horses’ comfortable 4th gait.
• Rauðhólar photo stop: a red lava rock field close enough to feel like a quick adventure.
• Tea/coffee at the farm: a warm finish with cookies, right where your hosts welcome you in.

Why this afternoon ride feels calm near Reykjavik

This tour is built for people who want Iceland scenery without committing to a full-day excursion. You’re not stuck on a long bus ride for hours first. Instead, you leave Reykjavik in the early afternoon, ride out on nearby trails, and come back with enough daylight left to enjoy the rest of your day.

What makes it feel calm is the small size—limited to 10 participants—and the fact that you’re in the hands of a family-run operation. That matters because horse riding is part skill, part comfort level, and part trust. When the group stays small, you’re more likely to get the help you need and the space you want.

It also helps that the scenery is varied but not overwhelming. You get volcanic views, forest riding, and then that vivid red lava rock at Rauðhólar. The whole outing stays human-scaled, like a local afternoon plan rather than a big production.

And yes, the horses are Icelandic—small, sturdy, and built for this terrain. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to move across Iceland on horseback, this is one of the more straightforward ways to try it.

Hotel pickup, safety briefing, and meeting your horse

Your afternoon starts with hotel pickup in Reykjavik, typically between 13:30 and 13:45. You’ll want to be ready outside your accommodation lobby (or at the given pickup spot) when they arrive, since pickup begins about 30 minutes before the tour time.

Once you’re at the farm area, you’ll get a safety briefing. Plan for around 45 minutes of intro and setup. This isn’t just rules and helmets. It’s the moment where you learn how your guide wants you to handle the horse, what to do when things get slippery, and how the group will move together.

Then you’ll get acquainted with your horse, and the horses are matched to your previous riding experience. That’s important. Even beginners can enjoy this, because you’ll start with a short lesson rather than jumping straight into full trail work.

You’ll also be given helmets and rain clothes. That’s a big deal in Iceland, where wet wind can feel colder than you expect. If you’ve got your own cold-weather layers, that’s great—but you don’t need to guess about protective gear.

The smooth tölt and how the ride time is really structured

The ride is designed around manageable time in the saddle. The riding lesson and guided work add up to about 75 minutes, and most people get 1.5 to 2 hours total riding time. The total outing is listed as about 3 hours, but expect closer to 3.5–4 hours door-to-door once pickup, briefing, and the farm stop are included.

The big riding highlight is the tölt. Icelandic horses have a super comfortable 4th gait called tölt, and you’ll get time riding it. For you, that means less jarring than typical trot work. It’s the gait that often makes first-timers relax and start enjoying the scenery more than they’re thinking about their balance.

You’ll also travel over hills around Reykjavik. This is real terrain, not flat arena riding. You’ll be moving across slopes and open stretches, so the guide’s pace matters. The good news: the tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience, so you won’t be thrown into technical riding.

In the feedback I read, riders talked about trotting as well, especially when conditions and comfort levels line up. If you’re hoping for a bit more energy, bring that mindset, but stay flexible. Horses and trails set the real tempo.

Hólsmheiði forest: where the ride turns scenic and slower

After the initial trail direction, you’ll head toward Hólsmheiði forest. This is one of those Iceland stops that makes sense once you’re there: trees and earth muffle the wind, and your attention shifts from city views to the feel of the ground and the rhythm of the horse.

You’re still on a guided route, so you’re not trying to navigate. Your guide helps the group move as a unit, which keeps the ride relaxing. And you’ll likely pause along the way for photos, because the route is made for it—views come and go, and the light can change quickly in Iceland.

This is also a section where your earlier safety briefing pays off. If the ground is wet, you’ll want the guide’s cues for where to place your weight and how to react calmly. When riders are nervous, that can slow a group down. With a small group size, your guide can work with individuals without derailing the whole ride.

Rauðhólar: the red lava rock stop that makes the tour feel special

At the end of the ride route, you’ll arrive at Rauðhólar, a red lava rock field. This is the kind of place you look at and immediately understand why it’s a photo stop. The color is dramatic, and the rock textures give you depth in every direction.

You’ll get a dedicated photo/scenery pause on the way and another short time at Rauðhólar itself. The walk-and-look breaks matter, because without them you’d just be moving past the best part. Here, you have a moment to slow down, stand still, and really see what you came for.

One practical note: even if the scenery is the star, the ground can still be uneven around lava rock. Keep your eyes on your footing when you stop for photos. If you bring your phone out for pictures, try not to wave it around at horse level. Just keep your hands controlled and follow your guide’s movements.

The best part about Rauðhólar in a tour like this is timing. It feels like a “destination” without turning into a long hike. You get the wow factor of Iceland’s geology while staying in a time window that still leaves you free for the rest of your day.

Learning the human side of Icelandic horse travel

This tour isn’t just about riding. You’ll also learn how Icelanders have traveled across their country for centuries. That context changes how you experience the ride.

Instead of seeing horses as a novelty, you start thinking about why the tölt gait matters, why trail work fits Iceland’s terrain, and why horse culture is part of daily life in rural areas. It’s the difference between sightseeing and understanding.

You’ll also hear from a live guide (English, German, or Icelandic). In the feedback I saw, guides named Cille and Viggó were praised for being excellent. What you should take from that: expect clear instructions and a guide who helps you read what your horse is doing, not just where to go next.

If you’re someone who likes a bit of story with your action, this tour checks that box. The ride is practical, but it’s not mindless.

The warm finish: tea, coffee, and cookies at your hosts’ home

After you’ve had your time on the trail and your photo stop, you’ll return to Reykjavik. But first, you get the farm stop at Rauðhólar with hot beverages—tea or coffee—plus cookies.

This is more than a perk. In Iceland, comfort after time outside is part of the experience. If you’ve been cold, wet, or just focused for a while, a warm drink helps you reset fast. It also gives everyone a shared moment to catch their breath and compare notes.

In the feedback, riders talked about how welcoming the whole experience felt, especially when riding together in mixed situations. A family-friendly vibe shows up here too. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth noting that one booking included a daughter aged 4 who was well taken care of while riding together as a group.

Then it’s back to Reykjavik so you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at your own pace.

Price and value: what $188 buys you in real time

At $188 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing on the Reykjavik list. But it’s also not a mass-market outing. The price buys you several things that matter if you care about comfort and control:

• A small group (up to 10): fewer riders means more attention and smoother instruction.
• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik: you’re not arranging transport to a farm yourself.
• Riding helmets and rain clothes included: you don’t need to guess what to pack for cold wet conditions.
• A short lesson and guided riding time: you’re not left to figure everything out alone.
• A warm beverage and cookies: you finish with a real reset, not just a return transfer.

Also, the tour is only a half-day style plan. When you compare it to longer excursions, you get a full experience—scenery, horse time, and a farm welcome—without eating your whole day.

If you want the Iceland horse experience but don’t want hours of logistics, this price starts to make sense. It’s paying for a personal, guided window into a very specific local activity.

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

This works especially well if you’re:

• A beginner or light-experience rider who wants an organized lesson and guided riding.
• Someone who loves volcanic terrain and wants a quick, close-to-Reykjavik adventure.
• A traveler who prefers smaller groups and more personal service.
• Anyone who wants a warm ending with tea or coffee rather than just being dropped off and moving on.

It may not be right for you if:

• You’re above 243 lbs (110 kg) (this tour lists that limit).
• You’re traveling with a baby under 1 year (not suitable).
• You’re hoping for a private, one-on-one ride. This is small-group, not private.

If you get nervous around horses, you’ll likely still be okay, because the tour is described as beginner-friendly and includes a lesson and briefing. Just go in with a calm mindset and plan to wear warm layers.

Quick practical tips for a smoother ride

Bring warm clothing. That’s the headline. Iceland’s weather can shift fast, and even with rain clothes provided, your body still needs insulation and comfort.

Expect rain or shine. Even if you don’t see rain right away, you can still get wet wind and cold drizzle. I’d rather you dress for the worst and hope for the best.

Plan your schedule with the full time in mind. The listing duration says 3 hours, but the day can run 3.5–4 hours once you include pickup timing and the reality of riding time plus breaks.

Finally, don’t overthink it. The guide will handle the flow—getting you briefed, matched to the right horse, and moving through trails. Your job is to stay present: listen, follow cues, and enjoy the ride at the horse’s pace.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik-area.

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

The tour is listed as 3 hours. You should also plan for about 1.5–2 hours in the saddle, with a total outing time of roughly 3.5–4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The pickup is from your hotel in Reykjavik, with pickup typically between 13:30 and 13:45.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. It takes place rain or shine.

What gear is provided?

Helmets and rain clothes are provided, along with hot beverages and cookies.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear warm clothing. Dress for cold, wet conditions since the tour runs in rain.

What is the group size and guide language?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The live guide speaks English, German, and Icelandic.

Should you book this Reykjavik horse riding tour?

If you want Iceland horses, volcanic scenery, and a calm half-day plan, I’d book it. The combination of small-group pacing, tölt riding, and the red lava rock stop at Rauðhólar is a strong match for first-timers who still want something genuinely Icelandic.

Skip it only if you’re outside the listed limits (over 243 lbs / 110 kg, or babies under 1 year) or you hate the idea of riding in wet weather. If that doesn’t sound like you, this is a practical way to turn an afternoon near Reykjavik into a real memory.