That red-lava magic show up close.

This Reykjavík evening horse riding tour pairs small-group warmth with some of the most eye-catching ground near the city, from the green Hólmsheiði hills to the dramatic red lava country of Rauðhólar. I love the size of the group (max 8), because you get real help, not just a ticket and a wave. I also like the stop at the stables afterward for hot drinks and a proper Icelandic treat. One possible drawback: it runs rain or shine, so plan for wet weather and bring your warm layers.

The timing is smart too. You’re picked up around 6:30–6:45 PM, then you ride in the nordic-summer light when Iceland’s countryside looks extra unreal. Your ride includes a short lesson, so even if you have little experience, you’re not thrown into the deep end. Just note it’s not for everyone: it’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.

Key highlights to know

• Max 8 riders for a more personal pace and more hands-on guidance
• Pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, with a clear evening window
• First a riding lesson, then trails through Hólmsheiði and on to Rauðhólar
• Icelandic horses that are described as friendly and well trained, even for beginners
• Hot beverages plus kleina (deep-fried sweetbread) back at the Viking Horses stables
• Rauðhólar volcanic terrain with red, striking lava formations near Reykjavik

Reykjavík Evening Sleipnir Ride: why this timing feels special

The best part of this tour is that it catches Iceland in the evening, when the light goes softer and the scenery stops feeling like a drive-by. In the nordic summer solstice season especially, you get that long, lingering glow that turns hillsides and lava into something closer to a movie set than a checklist.

You’re not asked to sit and watch from a viewpoint. You’re moving—slowly, comfortably, with a guide—through places many people only see from the road. The trail route includes the Hólmsheiði forested area and hills, then heads toward Stallion Valley and the red lava formations at Rauðhólar. That mix matters: you get both green country and volcanic drama in one evening.

And because the group is capped at 8, the guide can actually tailor instruction. That’s a big deal on a horse tour, where small differences in rider confidence can change everything about how the ride feels.

Viking Horses at 6:30–6:45 PM: logistics that actually help

I like a tour that removes stress before you even start. This one includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik-area, with pickups scheduled between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. That’s a tight window, but it’s also a normal, doable start time for an evening plan—especially if you’ve spent the afternoon doing museums, walking the center, or chasing waterfalls on your own.

On arrival at the stables, you’re set up with the basics:

• Helmet provided
• Rain clothes provided
• A short riding lesson before you head out

Those may sound like small items, but they’re what make a horse tour feel safe and straightforward. In Iceland, weather can change fast, and having rain gear ready cuts down on last-minute scrambling.

Also, the stables are about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, which is handy if you’re staying in the city and don’t want to waste half your evening on transfers.

The 3-hour flow: from riding lesson to Hólmsheiði trails

This tour runs about 3 hours, and you’ll feel the structure from the first minutes. You start with a short riding lesson. This is there to get you comfortable with the basics—how to sit, how to hold the reins, and what your body is supposed to do when the horse moves at different speeds.

Then comes the ride itself. The route goes through:

• The Hólmsheiði hills and forest area
• Stallion Valley
• Toward the striking red lava formations of Rauðhólar

What I like about this sequencing is that you don’t jump straight into the most dramatic scenery. You build rhythm first, then the terrain shifts and your eyes catch up. Green hills and forest first help you settle. Then the volcanic country arrives, and the color contrast does the storytelling for you.

The tour is also designed to work for beginners or riders with little experience. That doesn’t mean it’s a theme-park ride. Horses still have their own pace, and you’ll need to listen and respond. But it’s not built for advanced riders who expect constant technical challenges.

Hólmsheiði forest and Stallion Valley: the ride part that feels personal

When people talk about Iceland horse riding, they often focus on the animals. Here, the setting matters too.

Hólmsheiði is described as green, with hills and forest. In the evening light, those surfaces can look almost soft and glowing, and the trees help break the wind. That makes it easier to stay comfortable and focused—especially if you’re new to being on horseback.

Then there’s Stallion Valley. The name alone suggests a special place, and in practice it adds variety to the ride. It helps keep the evening from feeling like one long stretch in the same direction. You’ll feel it as changes in trail character and open views compared with the more wooded sections.

Because the group is small, the guide can keep things moving without rushing. You’re not stuck waiting while someone’s holding up the whole line.

A small but real bonus: in one group, the guide named Monica was highlighted for being easy to talk to and for sharing facts about horses and Iceland. That kind of friendly, informative guiding is what turns the ride from just transportation into an evening you remember.

Rauðhólar lava country at dusk: the wow factor is the ground

The headline scenery is Rauðhólar, known for red and dramatic lava formations. This is the part that usually makes people stop talking and just stare. It’s not just scenic in a generic way—it’s specific volcanic terrain, with color and texture that reads clearly even from horseback.

Why this works on a horse tour: you’re at animal height and moving slowly. From a road, lava shapes can look flat. From the saddle, you notice how the ground rises, how trails skirt around features, and how the colors shift with the angle of the light.

Also, because the tour is in the evening sun, you often get a flattering glow that makes the red tones stand out. Even if you’ve seen lava before, this is the kind of area that refreshes your sense of what the island looks like up close.

One more practical point: volcanic trails can be uneven. The tour uses well-trained horses and includes a lesson, so you’re not expected to handle everything by yourself. Still, it helps to wear closed-toe shoes and to keep your stance relaxed and secure.

Horses and instruction: what beginner riders need to feel confident

This is one of the better tours for first-timers. It’s specifically described as suitable for beginners and those with little riding experience, and the horses are presented as friendly and well trained.

In plain terms, you want two things from a horse tour:

1) You want the horses to be calm with people they don’t know.

2) You want a guide who can adjust guidance quickly.

You’re covered on both. The experience emphasizes friendly, well trained Icelandic horses, and the small group size supports hands-on support if you need it. The included lesson also means you’re not guessing what to do once you’re mounted.

In the feedback, people also praised the guide for making it easy to get help and for giving instruction that works for novice riders. In one account, Monica was noted for assistance throughout and for capturing videos and photos. That’s not required for the ride—but it’s a nice perk if you want a record without worrying about your hands while you’re mounted.

Back at the stables: tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and kleina

The end of the tour is a cozy payoff. After the ride, you return to the Viking Horses stables for light refreshments.

You’ll get:

• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
• Deep-fried sweetbread called kleina

Kleina is one of those foods that instantly makes the whole evening feel more Icelandic, not just outdoorsy. It’s warm, hearty, and great after time in cool evening air—especially if you’ve been handling reins and focusing on balance.

This is also where the atmosphere softens. You can warm up, catch your breath, and ask questions while the experience is still fresh. If you rode while learning something new, this is when it clicks. The horses are the main event, but the refreshments turn it into a full experience rather than just a transfer from point A to point B.

Price and value: what $202 really buys you

At $202 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavík. But it also isn’t priced like a random “horse tour” that cuts corners. You’re paying for a package that includes real components:

• Pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area
• A riding lesson
• Helmet and rain clothes
• English live guide
• Hot beverages and kleina

The small-group limit (max 8) is the other value driver. With fewer people, you’re more likely to receive help and attention during the lesson and while riding. On horse tours, that can make the difference between feeling safe and feeling stressed.

So my take: if you want Icelandic horses plus volcanic-and-forest scenery, and you value comfort and guidance, the price can feel fair. If you only want a quick photo op and you already feel confident in riding with minimal instruction, you might find cheaper options elsewhere. But for most first-timers, the included training, gear, and end-of-ride comfort justify the cost.

Who should book this evening Sleipnir ride (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want Icelandic horse riding near Reykjavík without long driving
• Have little or no riding experience
• Like the idea of evening light and a small, warm group
• Want more than just animals—also Hólmsheiði and Rauðhólar

It’s not for you if:

• You’re traveling with children under 8
• You’re pregnant
• You have mobility impairments

That’s not a judgment—it’s about safety and how the ride is set up.

Also keep in mind the rules: no backpacks, and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. If you’re bringing a small day bag for essentials, you’ll want to check how it’s handled on the tour. Plan to travel light.

Quick practical tips so you enjoy every minute

Iceland’s weather is the wildcard, so aim to dress like you expect a cool, possibly damp evening. The tour provides rain clothes, but you’ll still feel better with proper layers.

For your own comfort:

• Wear warm clothing and comfortable clothes
• Bring comfortable shoes with closed toes
• Leave the bulky stuff at home: no backpacks
• Expect rain or shine and dress for wind and cool air

And mentally: treat the riding lesson as part of the experience, not a chore. Even if you’ve ridden before, the lesson is how the guide gets you and your horse synchronized. It helps the whole evening go smoother.

Should you book Viking Horses this evening?

If you want a Reykjavík-based horse ride that feels personal, stays beginner-friendly, and delivers both green and volcanic red scenery, I’d book it. The combination of small group size, a short lesson, provided helmets and rain gear, and a proper warm finish with kleina makes it feel like a full outing rather than a quick activity.

Skip it if you strongly dislike wet-weather plans or if the ride isn’t a good match for your mobility or travel situation. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of Iceland evening that rewards you for slowing down and letting the horses do the touring.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Reykjavík evening horse riding tour?

The tour runs for about 3 hours, depending on the starting time available.

What time does pickup happen in Reykjavík?

Pickup is scheduled between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. You’ll need to wait at your accommodation or your chosen pickup location.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Is a riding lesson included?

Yes. The tour includes a short riding lesson before you ride.

Are helmets and rain gear provided?

Yes. The tour provides riding helmets and rain clothes.

Will the tour run in rain?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

What refreshments are included after the ride?

You’ll have hot beverages (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) and light refreshments, including deep-fried sweetbread called kleina.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

What is not allowed on the tour?

Backpacks are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.