Red lava and calm horses, close to Reykjavik. This small-group tour takes you out from the city to volcanic terrain, includes time in Hólsmheiði forest, and ends at the eye-catching red lava rock field of Rauðhólar. It also builds in warm downtime with tea or coffee after the ride.

I like that you get a real riding lesson and help adjusting to the Icelandic horses before you head out. I also love that you are likely to ride the tölt, that famously smooth fourth gait, without having to be a confident rider first.

One thing to consider is that this is rain-or-shine. Even with provided rain clothes, you still need to dress for wind, cold, and wet ground, especially if you are riding in winter or shoulder seasons.

Key takeaways before you book

• Small group of up to 8 means more time with your guide and less standing around.
• Tölt practice is part of the ride, which can make first-time riding feel surprisingly manageable.
• Rauðhólar red lava rock field is a top photo moment, right near Reykjavik.
• Heated comfort after the ride: hot tea or coffee at the end, in the home or stable area.
• Careful horse matching based on your previous experience helps beginners feel at ease.
• Limited ride length (3 hours) means this is a “taste of Iceland on horseback,” not an all-day adventure.

Quick Orientation: A 3-hour Reykjavik Horse Ride That Feels Personal

This is the kind of Reykjavik activity that works even if you have a busy itinerary. In about 3 hours, you trade city sidewalks for volcanic views, get time on horseback, then roll back into town early enough to keep your day going.

The value here is the balance. You get enough structure to feel safe and supported, plus enough time outside to actually enjoy what Icelandic horses and Iceland’s terrain are like. And because it is a small group, you are not just one face in a crowd.

If you have never ridden before, that matters. The tour is designed for beginners and riders with little experience. If you already ride, the tour still gives you something meaningful, because the Icelandic horse gait training is the point, not just a loop around a field.

Hotel Pickup, Farm Arrival, and Getting Matched to Your Horse

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik-area, typically between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. That timing is ideal because it gets you out early, when the air can feel crisp and the roads are calmer. You wait in your hotel lobby or at the pickup spot your operator provides, and then you are whisked off to a small family-owned farm outside the city.

When you arrive, the focus is on a quick but thorough setup. You get acquainted with your horse, and the horse you ride is suited to your previous riding experience. That matching step is a big deal for first-timers, because it reduces the stress of not knowing what your horse will be like when you start moving on uneven ground.

You should expect a safety briefing and a short riding lesson before you set off. Guides also help with saddle fit, which is one of those unglamorous details that can make or break comfort for the whole ride. If your legs feel awkward at first, that adjustment usually helps fast.

The Lesson That Changes Everything: Tölt, Safety, and Helmet-Up Confidence

This tour is not just “sit and go.” It gives you a riding lesson and safety briefing first, which is especially important for Icelandic horse riding. These horses have a different rhythm than many people expect from Western riding traditions.

The star for comfort is tölt, described as the Icelandic horse’s super comfortable fourth gait. In plain terms, it is a smooth, purposeful way of moving that can feel easier than you might imagine when you are new to riding. You get a chance to experience it during the ride, not just watch it from the ground.

What you get in the lesson is also practical. You learn how to interact with the horse and what your guide expects from you. One theme that comes through from the experience is that the guides take the time to make sure you are actually able to follow instructions, not just nod along.

Equipment is covered. You get riding helmets and rain clothes. That means you do not need to hunt down gear when you arrive. Still, you should bring your own warm layers under the rain layer, because provided clothing does not magically turn wind and cold into a spa day.

A helpful detail: the instruction is available in English, German, and Icelandic. You can often relax faster when you are not trying to decode instructions on a windy morning.

Out Over the Volcanic Hills: City Views and Trail Variety Near Reykjavik

Once you mount up, the ride takes you over the hills surrounding Reykjavik. This is one of the reasons I like this tour. You get out into genuinely wild-looking terrain without needing a long drive or a full day commitment.

As you move across ridgelines, you can enjoy views over volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city itself. Even if the weather is gray, you usually still get sweeping sightlines because the terrain around Reykjavik is open and dramatic.

Trail variety is part of what makes the ride feel worth it. This tour does not treat horseback riding like a single straight line. You travel through different trail sections, and your guide builds in photo stops so you can pause and actually look around.

If you are sensitive to wind, pack a small extra layer for after the photo stops. It is the stopping that tends to cool you down fastest, not the actual riding time.

Hólsmheiði Forest and Rauðhólar Red Lava Rock Field

The ride flows into Hólsmheiði forest, where you get a more enclosed feel compared to the open hills. Forest riding adds a different texture to the day. The ground can feel more varied, and the pace often feels a little more grounded.

Then you arrive at Rauðhólar, a stunning red lava rock formation called a red lava rock field. This is the visual payoff. The color and texture are striking, and the area makes it easy to take photos that look like they came from a much longer trip.

Along the way, you make several stops for scenery and photos. That is not just for fun. It gives your body a break, and it lets you reset if you are new to riding. If you are carrying a phone or camera, plan to wipe it off occasionally. Wet conditions happen in Iceland, and rain plus mist can make gear look blurry fast.

One more riding note worth knowing: in a small-group setup, horses and riders often follow a pattern so your guide can manage everyone safely. If you are hoping to swap positions with a friend, it may not always be possible once the ride order is set.

Back at the Stables: Tea, Coffee, and a Warm Reset

After your ride, you return to Reykjavik in the early afternoon. That matters because you are not stuck with “nothing else planned” guilt. You can head to lunch, explore a museum, or just take the rest of the day at an Iceland pace.

Before you go, you get a hot beverage. The tour includes tea or coffee, served in the home of your hosts or at the stable area. It is cozy, and it also gives you a chance to decompress after being on alert for safety instructions, wind, and changing footing.

This is also where the experience feels human. Guides often take time with guests, answering questions and checking in on how the ride felt. You may meet owners and staff who know their horses well, including people like Viggo, Monika, Fiona, Sarah, and Adriána, depending on the day and your tour time.

If you want to bring home something beyond photos, this chat time is it. It turns a short ride into a small slice of Icelandic culture, not just an activity stamp.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is one of the easier Reykjavik horse options. It is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience, and the guides adjust to each rider level before you go out.

It is a strong fit if you want:

• A calm morning activity with clear instruction
• A chance to experience Icelandic horse gaits, especially tölt
• Volcanic terrain close to Reykjavik, without a long day-trip

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments

That last point is important. Even if you are comfortable outdoors, horseback activities are physical by nature, and this tour has specific restrictions for a reason.

Price and Value: Is $191 Worth It for a Small-Group Ride?

At $191 per person, this is not a budget activity. But the price starts making sense when you look at what you get included and what the operator is likely managing behind the scenes.

You are paying for:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area
• A riding lesson and safety briefing
• Helmet and rain clothing provided
• Hot beverages after the ride
• A small group limit of up to 8 people
• Horses matched to your experience level

Also, the location is a big part of the value. Rauðhólar and Hólsmheiði are only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, which means you spend more of the short tour time doing the good part, riding, rather than commuting.

Is it pricey compared to, say, a museum ticket? Yes. But for an Icelandic horse experience that includes training time and unique volcanic scenery, it is priced in line with the kind of guided, hands-on work that goes into making the experience safe and enjoyable.

If you are doing multiple paid activities during your Reykjavik stay, I treat this as a “high impact, short time” choice. One morning on horseback can change how you remember the whole trip.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horse Volcano Tour?

I would book this if you want an Icelandic horse experience that is genuinely beginner-friendly and not a trial by adrenaline. The combo of small-group riding, a structured lesson, and a ride that includes tölt plus volcanic photo stops is a rare blend.

Skip it if you hate cold wet weather or you know you will be miserable in wind. This is rain or shine, and Iceland weather does not ask your opinion. Also, if you have mobility restrictions or fall into one of the not-suitable categories, look for a different kind of Reykjavik experience.

If you are on the fence, here is my practical test: do you want your morning to be active, outdoors, and different from every indoor Reykjavik plan? If yes, this is a solid choice. The early pickup, the 3-hour runtime, and the hot beverage reset make it easy to fit into a normal day, not just a special itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What time does hotel pickup happen?

Pickup from Reykjavik accommodations takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM.

Is the tour rain or shine?

Yes, the tour runs rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

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

What should I bring and wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and warm clothing, and bring comfortable shoes with closed toes.

What equipment is provided?

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

What is the maximum group size?

The group is limited to 8 participants.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnancy?

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

What languages are used by the instructor?

The instructor speaks English, German, and Icelandic.