Iceland on horseback starts with a warm barn hello. This 3-hour small-group tour from Reykjavik pairs friendly Icelandic horses with volcanic sights just outside town, and you’ll get to experience Tölt with coaching that works even if you’re new to riding. I also love the personal touch: saddles get adjusted carefully, guides keep an eye on your comfort, and the finish is cozy with hot tea or coffee at the farm.

One thing to plan for: this ride runs rain or shine, so you’ll want truly warm layers. The good news is that rain clothes are included, and the whole schedule is built around a steady morning ride rather than rushing through big distances.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• Small group size (up to 8): you get real attention when mounting, steering, and learning the gaits.
• Tölt coaching: you’re taught how to ride the Icelandic horse’s smooth 4th gait, not just sit there.
• Rauðhólar red lava stops: expect photo breaks at one of the most striking color contrasts near Reykjavik.
• Thoughtful horse matching: you’re matched to your previous riding experience, then guided from there.
• Hot beverages at the end: the day doesn’t evaporate into a drop-off. You get time to warm up and chat.
• A mix of forest and hills: you ride Hólsmheiði and the surrounding ridges instead of doing the same track twice.

A Reykjavik Morning on Icelandic Horses: How the 3 Hours Work

This tour is built for a calm start. You’re picked up in Reykjavik in the morning and transported to a small family farm outside the city, so you’re not trying to navigate rural roads with Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather and light.

Once you arrive, the time doesn’t feel like a “tour.” It feels like a morning activity: meet your horse, get a short lesson, then head out over hills with views over Reykjavik, nearby lakes, and volcanic mountains. You’re back early afternoon, which matters because Iceland days are short and you’ll likely want time for hot springs, museums, or a late lunch without rushing.

From Hotel Pickup to Family Barn: What They Do First

Pickup runs between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. You’ll want to wait in front of your accommodation, in your hotel lobby, or at the pickup point you were given, so you don’t end up sprinting for a bus in cold wind.

At the farm, you’ll be introduced to your horse and your gear. Helmets and rain clothes are provided, and you’ll get a safety briefing plus a short riding lesson before you head out. What I like in this setup is that they don’t treat first-timers like they’re disposable. Guides take time to set you up correctly, including adjusting saddles to fit properly, which can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and an awkward one.

You’ll also notice the tone is personal. In reviews, people repeatedly talk about warm hosts and guides who make you feel looked after, not processed. That shows up in the details: checking in while you ride, keeping groups under control, and helping new riders feel steady.

Matching Your Rider Level and Learning Icelandic Horse Gaits

This is marketed as beginner-friendly, and the structure supports that. You’ll be suited to your previous riding experience, then trained briefly so you’re not guessing once you’re moving.

The big star here is Tölt, the Icelandic horse’s smooth 4th gait. You’ll learn how Icelanders have traveled across their country for centuries, and you’ll practice Tölt as part of the ride, not just as a marketing line. For many first-time riders, the relief is that Tölt feels more comfortable than the sharper gaits you might expect from other horse-riding styles.

Here’s a practical way to think about it: if you’re new, you can focus on staying relaxed and using the lesson cues. If you’re more experienced, you can still enjoy the rhythm and the way these horses move, especially because the staff is paying attention to pacing and fit. Either way, the guides’ job is to help your horse-and-rider setup work as a team, not as a rodeo experiment.

Through Hólsmheiði Forest: Why This Route Feels Special

After the training and the initial stretch, you head over the hills surrounding Reykjavik. You’ll get broad, open views, with volcanic terrain and lakes laid out in the distance. Then the ride transitions into Hólsmheiði forest, which changes the whole feel of the morning.

Riding through forest is more than scenery. It also tends to make the pace easier to manage. You’re not always staring at the horizon; you’re following the trail, staying balanced, and getting used to your horse’s rhythm. In reviews, people highlight that the horses are calm and well-trained, and that’s a huge part of why the route works for beginners.

You should also expect a group dynamic that stays friendly rather than chaotic. This is a small group tour limited to 8 participants, and that smaller number helps the guide keep track of everyone’s comfort. If you’re traveling with family or teens, this size often means you can get help quickly when someone is unsure.

Rauðhólar Red Lava Field: The Stop You’ll Remember

The highlight stop is a striking red lava rock field called Rauðhólar, reached after riding through the hills and forest. It’s only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, yet it feels like you’ve stepped into a different world because of the color and the volcanic textures.

You’ll make several stops along the way for photos and to simply take in the view. That matters because Iceland weather can change fast, and you don’t want to realize you missed your best photo spot only after the ride moved on. A few well-timed stops also let you reset your body after time in the saddle, especially if you’re trying Tölt and you’re focused on staying relaxed.

One practical caution: during windy or cold conditions, you’ll be tempted to rush the photos. Don’t. Use the photo stops to warm your hands, check your footing, and take in what’s around you. The red lava against gray Iceland sky is the kind of contrast you’ll want more than a quick glance.

Photo Help, Warm Drinks, and the End-of-Ride Cozy Factor

After the ride, you’ll head back to Reykjavik in the early afternoon. But you don’t just get dropped and sent on your way. You return to the stable area and have hot tea or coffee, which is a big part of why this tour feels complete.

In multiple reviews, people mention the cozy, family-run atmosphere at the home of the hosts. Some riders also talk about getting help with photos and video while the guides are actively riding and managing the group. If you care about capturing the moment, this kind of guidance is genuinely useful—your hands are cold, your posture is wobbly, and you’re not going to be the best photographer from a moving saddle.

You might also find time for friendly interactions with the horses before you head out. In one review, a rider specifically mentioned feeding the horses and then relaxing over coffee and treats. Even if your exact timing differs, the vibe is consistent: you warm up, you slow down, and you get to process the experience instead of immediately jumping into the next stop on your itinerary.

Price and Value: Is $191 for 3 Hours Fair?

At about $191 per person for roughly 3 hours, this is not the cheapest thing you can do near Reykjavik. But the value is clearer when you look at what’s included and how the group is handled.

You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik-area
• Helmets and rain clothes
• A riding lesson and safety briefing
• Hot beverages
• A small group limited to 8

For me, the deciding factor is the “attention per rider.” Small groups cost more, but they also reduce the stress for first-timers. If you’ve ever watched a guide juggling too many people, you know what I mean. Here, guides have room to adjust saddles, check your comfort, and guide your horse safely through trails and stops.

Also, this ride is close to Reykjavik but takes you into volcanic terrain fast. That saves you time. In Iceland, time is the currency you spend most often, and this tour is built so you don’t lose half a day just getting to the experience.

What to Bring (and what the tour already covers)

This tour provides helmets and rain clothes, which is a relief because you shouldn’t have to buy gear just for one outing. Still, you’ll want to show up ready for cold wind and sudden drizzle.

Bring:

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
• Warm clothing and layers you can move in
• Comfortable clothes you can wear for a few hours in outdoor conditions

In reviews, riders often note that guides are helpful with beginners and that they keep riders close when needed. That’s comforting, but your job is still to dress for Iceland. If you’re wearing thin gloves or sneakers with no traction, you’ll feel it by hour one.

And yes, it runs in bad weather. That’s the Iceland deal. If you prefer a fair-weather only plan, you might be happier with something indoor or flexible. But if you dress properly, this ride can be a memorable way to experience Iceland when the sky is dramatic.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and who should skip it)

This tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. It’s also a good match if you want a guided intro to Icelandic horses and the way Tölt works, without needing to bring your own riding background.

It may be less suitable if:

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

I’m mentioning this because “horse riding” can sound flexible, but physical comfort and mounting/sitting matter. If any of those apply, it’s worth looking for an alternative option that’s designed with your needs in mind.

If you’re a solo traveler, you may get a small group that feels almost private. If you’re a couple or family, the small size tends to keep the experience comfortable for different riding levels. Reviews include multi-generational groups, which suggests this can work well when everyone takes the lesson seriously.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horse and Volcano Ride?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly, small-group horseback experience that’s actually built around Icelandic horse comfort and real coaching. I’d especially recommend it if you’re excited to try Tölt and you want volcanic scenery without spending your whole day on the road.

I’d skip it if your idea of a great morning depends on perfect weather and you hate being outside in wind. Even with rain gear provided, you’ll be riding outdoors, and your comfort depends on dressing warmly.

If you’re looking for a practical highlight that blends culture (how these horses are part of Iceland’s travel story), good horse handling, and standout scenery at Rauðhólar, this is an easy “yes” for most people.

FAQ

How long is the horse volcano ride?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What’s the maximum group size?

The group is limited to 8 participants.

Where does pickup happen, and when?

Pickup is included within the Reykjavik-area. Pickup takes place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, and you should wait in front of your accommodation, in the lobby, or at the given pickup location.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

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

What riding gear is included?

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

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Who should not book this tour?

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