Reykjavik: Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

Iceland looks different from horseback. This three-hour evening ride combines the red lava formations of Rauðhólar with the green hills of Hólmsheiði, and I like that the group is limited to eight people. I also like the warm finish at the family-run Viking Horses stables, where you get coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina, a lightly sweet deep-fried pastry.

The main consideration is the price: $202 per person is a serious spend for a three-hour outing. The ride is also outdoors in Icelandic weather, rain or shine, and it is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.

What makes this evening ride worth considering

• Rauðhólar brings bright red volcanic scenery: You ride among striking lava formations that feel very different from Reykjavík’s streets and waterfront.
• A maximum of eight riders keeps it personal: The guide can give more direct help, especially if you have little riding experience.
• Icelandic horses are the stars: These friendly, well-trained horses are suited to beginners and are cared for at a family-run stable.
• The summer evening light adds atmosphere: The tour is timed for the evening sun, with the special glow of the Nordic summer season.
• Your pickup and warm drink are included: Hotel pickup in the Reykjavík area, riding equipment, rain clothing, and refreshments are built into the price.
• The after-ride snack is part of the welcome: Hot drinks and kleina at the hosts’ home give the outing a relaxed local touch.

Leaving Reykjavík for Hólmsheiði

Viking Horses operates about 15 minutes from Reykjavík, making this one of the easier riding options if you are staying in the capital area. Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM at your accommodation or selected pickup point, so you should be ready before that window rather than treating it as an exact appointment.

That short transfer matters. You get out of the city quickly without spending most of an afternoon in a vehicle. The surroundings shift toward hills, open green ground, mountains, and volcanic formations. It is a useful choice if you want a taste of Icelandic countryside but do not want to commit to a full-day excursion.

The tour lasts three hours, including the riding and the time at the stable. Starting times can vary, so check availability for your date. Evening conditions are part of the appeal, especially during the Nordic summer when daylight lingers late and the sun gives the hills a softer look.

I would not book this expecting a fast, athletic ride. The focus is on seeing the countryside from the saddle, learning how to handle the horse, and enjoying the setting. If you want a quiet outdoor activity after a day of sightseeing, the timing works well. If you prefer a tightly scheduled outing with guaranteed dry weather, Iceland may have other plans.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are central to the experience, not simply transportation with four legs. Icelandic horses are known for their compact build, sure-footed nature, and calm temperaments, and this stable presents them as friendly, happy, and well trained.

The horses used here are described as suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. That does not mean you can arrive without listening to instructions. You still need to follow the guide’s directions, use the reins properly, and stay comfortable in the saddle. The good news is that you do not need advanced riding skills to take part.

A short riding lesson comes first. This is an important part of the outing because it gives you time to understand basic control before heading onto the trails. For a first-time rider, that early instruction can make the difference between relaxing into the ride and spending the whole time worrying about what your hands and feet are doing.

The equipment is another practical plus. Riding helmets and rain clothing are included, though you still need to bring warm, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are specifically requested, so leave fashion footwear in your hotel room. Backpacks are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

The small group size should help here. With no more than eight participants, the guide can offer individual assistance instead of giving a rushed speech to a large line of riders. Monica, one of the guides praised for her support, was especially helpful with less experienced riders and even took photos and videos during the ride. That is a nice bonus if you want a record of yourself riding through the lava fields without trying to manage your phone from the saddle.

Riding through Stallion Valley and Hólmsheiði

Once the lesson is complete, the route leads into the countryside around the stables. Hólmsheiði provides the green side of the ride, with hills and open nature replacing the city. The trail also passes Stallion Valley, adding another named stop to a route that feels varied rather than repetitive.

I like the contrast here. Iceland can sometimes look stark and gray, but this ride gives you green ground, mountain views, and the darker, redder tones of old lava. The changing scenery helps justify the outing’s price more than a short ride around a fenced paddock would.

The pace is likely to feel manageable for beginners. The stated suitability for new riders, plus the guide’s instruction and assistance, points to a gentle introduction rather than a demanding riding session. Still, horseback riding uses muscles you may not expect, and you should wear clothing that lets you move comfortably.

The evening setting changes how you see the countryside. Light is low and soft, but not necessarily dark during Iceland’s summer season. The tour’s appeal is strongest from late spring through summer, when the long evening light creates the Nordic summer solstice atmosphere described by the operator. You get a quieter feel than you might find during a daytime activity, with the sun acting like a natural filter over the hills.

Weather remains the wild card. This tour runs rain or shine. The included rain clothes help, but they do not turn a wet evening into a dry one. Bring warm layers even if Reykjavík feels mild when you leave your hotel. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and sitting on a horse for several hours is different from walking between cafés.

Rauðhólar’s red lava formations

The most distinctive part of the route is Rauðhólar, a collection of red and dramatic lava formations near Reykjavík. This is where the ride gains its strongest visual identity. The formations bring color and texture to the trip, offering something more memorable than a standard countryside trail.

You can expect the volcanic setting to feel rugged and unusual, with trails passing through and around the red rock. The area gives you a clear look at Iceland’s volcanic character without requiring a long drive into the interior. For a short evening activity, that is a strong use of your time.

The exact riding pace and trail sequence can vary with conditions and the group. That is worth keeping in mind if you are hoping for a specific photo angle or a long stretch of one particular trail. The value is in the mix: green Hólmsheiði, Stallion Valley, mountain views, and Rauðhólar’s lava formations in one compact route.

If you are nervous about horses, Rauðhólar also gives you something to focus on besides the mechanics of riding. You can look at the changing scenery, listen to the guide’s explanations, and settle into the horse’s rhythm. One guide was praised for sharing facts about Iceland, the horses, and the area, which adds useful context without turning the ride into a formal lecture.

A small group with real guide support

The maximum group size of eight is one of the most important features here. It affects the whole mood. A small group makes it easier to ask for help, hear the guide, and get a little more attention if you are unsure in the saddle.

That personal service is especially valuable for beginners. A guide can help you adjust your technique, reassure you when the horse behaves in an unfamiliar way, and make the ride feel less intimidating. The direct praise for the guides centers on warmth, clear instruction, and practical help, not just scenery.

The guide speaks English. You should feel comfortable asking questions about the horses, the route, or basic riding technique. The atmosphere is intended to be friendly and professional, with well-trained horses and good riding equipment.

There is one limit to keep in mind: small group does not mean private tour. You will share the ride with other participants, and the pace must suit the group as a whole. If you are an experienced rider hoping to gallop or ride independently at speed, this probably is not the right product. It is better suited to people who value a calm, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses.

Finishing with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina

After the ride, you return to the Viking Horses stables and the home of your hosts for light refreshments. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina are included. The pastry is a classic Icelandic sweetbread, deep-fried and lightly sweet, and it gives the ending a distinctly local touch.

This finish helps the outing feel like more than a transaction. You have time to warm up, talk with the hosts, and come down from the ride before returning to Reykjavík. On a cool or wet evening, a hot drink is not a minor extra. It changes how the final hour feels.

The refreshment stop is also helpful if you are new to horse riding. The experience does not simply end when you dismount. You get a gentle transition back to ordinary sightseeing, with a chance to think over the route and the horses.

Do not expect a full meal. The food is described as light refreshments, so you should eat beforehand if you need a substantial dinner. The tour’s later pickup time also means you may want to plan an evening meal around it.

Is $202 a fair price?

At $202 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price becomes easier to defend when you count what is included: pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavík area, a three-hour outing, a riding lesson, helmet, rain clothing, an English-speaking guide, hot drinks, and a maximum of eight riders.

The small group is the key value point. A cheaper ride with a large group may offer less individual help and a more crowded feel. Here, the service aims to be personal, and the instruction is useful if you have little experience.

The location also keeps costs in perspective. You are not spending a full day on a distant excursion. The stables are about 15 minutes from Reykjavík, and the tour combines transport, riding, scenery, and refreshments in one evening plan.

Still, $202 is a lot if your main goal is simply to sit on a horse for a short time. I would book it if you care about the setting, the small group, the quality of the horses, and the chance to see Rauðhólar. I would skip it if price is your top concern or if you already have several expensive nature tours planned.

The overall score is 4.4 out of 5 from 27 ratings. That suggests a strong experience, though not a flawless one for every person. The most consistent strengths are the friendly horses, clear support for beginners, helpful guides, and the memorable red lava scenery.

Who should book the Viking Horses ride?

This tour fits you best if:

• You are a beginner or have only a little riding experience.
• You want to see Icelandic horses near Reykjavík without giving up a full day.
• You prefer a small group and personal guide support.
• You enjoy scenic riding more than speed or technical riding.
• You like evening activities and long summer daylight.
• You want transportation and basic riding equipment included.

I would be more cautious if you dislike uncertain weather, have limited mobility, are pregnant, or are traveling with a child under eight. The tour is not suitable in those cases. You also need closed-toe shoes, warm clothes, comfortable clothes, and the willingness to ride in rain if conditions turn wet.

Should you book this Reykjavík horse riding tour?

Book it if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with genuine countryside scenery close to the capital. The combination of Hólmsheiði’s green hills, Stallion Valley, Rauðhólar’s red lava, and the warm drink afterward gives the evening a clear sense of place.

The best reason to choose it is the balance of scenery and support. You do not need to be an experienced rider, and the small group gives you a better chance of getting useful help. The main drawbacks are the high price and the rain-or-shine policy.

For a first horse ride in Iceland, I think the package makes good sense, especially if you value calm instruction, well-cared-for horses, and a personal welcome. If you are unsure, ask yourself one question: would you rather spend your evening indoors in Reykjavík, or see volcanic rock and green hills from the back of an Icelandic horse? If the second option sounds right, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík horse riding tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including the riding activity and the time for refreshments at the stables.

What time does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. You should wait at your accommodation or selected pickup location during that time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations within the Reykjavík area.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience, and it begins with a short riding lesson.

What equipment is provided?

Riding helmets and rain clothing are included. You should bring comfortable, warm clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight years old cannot join this activity.

What happens after the ride?

The tour ends with light refreshments at the Viking Horses stables, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina.