Reykjavik: Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

The best part of this three-hour outing is the setting: you ride Icelandic horses through green Hólmsheiði, then reach the red volcanic formations of Rauðhólar as the evening light softens the countryside. The stables sit only about 15 minutes from Reykjavík, so you get a taste of rural Iceland without giving up most of your evening.

I like the small group of no more than eight, which gives the guide room to help nervous beginners. I also like the warm finish at the family-run stable, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina, a sweet Icelandic pastry. The main drawback is the price: at $202 per person, this is a special outing rather than a casual add-on, especially if you have little interest in horses.

Key details before you book

• Ride beside Rauðhólar: Red lava formations give the route a distinctly Icelandic setting.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: A short riding lesson comes before you head out.
• Evening pickup: Collectors meet you at your Reykjavík accommodation between 6:30 and 6:45 PM.
• Personal service: The group is capped at eight, with English-speaking guidance.
• Comfort after the ride: Hot drinks and freshly served kleina are included at the stable.
• Weather is part of Iceland: The tour runs in rain or shine, with helmets and rain clothes supplied.

Why this ride works so well near Reykjavík

Many Reykjavík excursions require a full day. This one fits neatly into an evening, yet it takes you away from the city and into open country. The stable is close enough to make the pickup simple, but the ride itself brings you to hills, green nature, and red volcanic rock.

I like that the route is not built around one quick photo stop. You spend time in the saddle, moving through several types of scenery. Hólmsheiði gives you green hills and open views, while Rauðhólar changes the mood with its unusual red lava formations. Stallion Valley adds another named section to the route and helps make the ride feel like a real outing rather than a short loop beside a stable.

The evening timing matters. In Iceland’s bright summer season, the sun can sit low for hours, giving the countryside a softer look than it has in the middle of the day. The tour description highlights the atmosphere of the Nordic summer solstice, so this is especially appealing if you want to use the long Icelandic evening for something other than another restaurant meal.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. This is a guided riding experience for beginners and people with limited experience, not a fast horseback trek. The supplied details do not promise long stretches of speed, and the focus is on the horses, the scenery, and a comfortable introduction to riding.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are a central part of the experience, not simply transportation. Viking Horses describes its animals as friendly, well trained, and happy, and the feedback emphasizes their gentle temperaments and careful treatment. That matters if you are new to horses and want to feel relaxed before leaving the stable.

Icelandic horses are also a natural match for this kind of trip. You get to experience a familiar part of Icelandic culture and rural life while seeing the country from horseback. The experience is more personal than looking at horses from behind a fence, since you learn to handle your mount and spend several hours with the animal.

The short riding lesson is useful even if you have ridden before. It gives the guide a chance to explain the basics and gives you time to get comfortable with your horse. For a first-time rider, this early instruction can be the difference between enjoying the scenery and spending the whole ride worrying about what your hands and feet should do.

The horses are said to be well suited to novice riders, but remember that a horse ride still involves balance, movement, and outdoor conditions. Wear clothes that let you move easily, and choose closed-toe shoes. Comfortable footwear matters more than fashion here.

Pickup from Reykjavík and the evening schedule

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM at your accommodation or chosen pickup point in the Reykjavík area. Be ready before the window begins. A narrow pickup period is helpful because it keeps the evening moving, but it also means you should not wander far from the meeting spot.

The transfer is part of the value. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to a remote stable, and the property is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavík. That makes this tour easy to fit into a city stay, especially if you have spent the day sightseeing and want an activity that does not require another long drive.

The full experience lasts three hours, including the riding lesson, the ride, and refreshments afterward. Since exact starting times can vary, check availability before booking and make sure the evening fits with your dinner plans. The included pickup and return make the timing easier, but you should still avoid scheduling anything that begins immediately after the tour.

The small group size is one of the strongest practical features. With no more than eight people, the guide can offer direct help instead of trying to manage a large line of riders. It also reduces the sense of being processed through a standard attraction.

Riding through Hólmsheiði and Stallion Valley

After the lesson, you head into the green country around Hólmsheiði. This section gives you the kind of open Icelandic setting many people hope to find near Reykjavík: hills, mountain views, and vegetation close to the city but far from city streets.

The pace should suit a mixed group. Since the outing is designed for beginners and riders with little experience, you can expect guidance rather than a demanding test of riding skill. That makes it a good choice if you want to try horseback riding without committing to a multi-day riding holiday.

Stallion Valley adds character to the route. The name hints at the connection between the area and the horses, though the provided details do not specify a separate stop or special activity there. Treat it as part of the route rather than a formal attraction with a scheduled visit.

This is where the small group can make a real difference. If you are unsure how to sit, steer, or respond to your horse, you have a better chance of receiving help quickly. One guide, Monica, has been praised for clear instruction and for helping less experienced riders feel comfortable. Guide assignments can change, so do not assume she will lead every departure, but her approach gives you a useful idea of the personal service Viking Horses aims to provide.

Rauðhólar’s red lava formations

Rauðhólar is the visual high point of the ride. The red lava formations create a sharp contrast with the green countryside, giving you a scene that looks unmistakably volcanic. You are not just riding through generic fields. The route brings together two of Iceland’s most striking colors, green vegetation and red volcanic rock.

The formations are especially well suited to an evening tour. Lower light can bring out the texture in the rocks and make the shapes easier to appreciate than they might be under flat midday light. The precise views depend on weather, cloud cover, and the season, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed sunset or a particular photograph.

You may have chances to pause or take photographs, but the tour information does not promise a dedicated photo stop. If pictures matter to you, ask the guide when it is safe and appropriate to take them. Keep your hands free while riding, since backpacks are not allowed and loose belongings can get in the way.

The no-backpack rule may seem inconvenient, but it is practical around horses. Bring only what you need and follow the stable’s instructions for storing personal items. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which is standard and important for a riding activity.

A warm finish with kleina and hot drinks

At the end, you return to the Viking Horses stable for light refreshments in the home of the hosts. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included, along with deep-fried sweetbread called kleina. This is a small detail, but it gives the outing a friendly close and introduces you to a familiar Icelandic treat.

I like this part because it lets you warm up and talk about the ride before being sent straight back to the city. Horse riding can leave you chilled even during summer, especially if the weather turns wet or windy. A hot drink is welcome after time outdoors.

Do not mistake the refreshments for a full meal. They are light, so plan dinner separately. If your ride ends near your normal mealtime, you may want to arrange food in Reykjavík after drop-off.

The stable setting also supports the family-run feel of the experience. You are not simply checking in at a large attraction, riding, and leaving. The instruction, horses, and time indoors with the hosts create a more direct connection with the people running the business.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

This tour runs rain or shine, a useful fact to take seriously in Iceland. Bring warm clothing even if Reykjavík feels mild when you leave your hotel. Comfortable clothes are essential, and closed-toe shoes are required. The stable supplies riding helmets and rain clothes, which removes two expenses and gives you basic protection if conditions change.

You should dress in layers rather than relying on one heavy item. The ride takes place outdoors, and evening temperatures can feel cooler than the forecast suggests. Avoid anything that restricts your legs or makes it hard to sit securely.

The activity is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. Those limits are important when deciding for a family or mixed-age group. The tour is beginner-friendly, but beginner-friendly does not mean accessible to every body or every age.

There is no promise of dry weather or calm conditions. If you dislike outdoor activities in uncertain weather, this may not be the right choice. If you can accept changing conditions and want a genuine Icelandic outdoor experience, the supplied rain clothes make the risk easier to manage.

Is $202 a fair price?

At $202 per person, the tour costs more than a short city activity. The price makes better sense when you count what is included: hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík area, riding equipment, a lesson, a three-hour outing, a small group, an English-speaking guide, and hot drinks with kleina.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a personal horse experience rather than the lowest possible price. A group limited to eight people gives you more direct help and a calmer setting than a large commercial ride. The location also saves time and transport planning.

The value is weaker if you already have extensive riding experience and want speed, technical riding, or a longer trip into remote country. The available information points to a welcoming introduction, not an advanced expedition. At this price, your main purchase is the combination of personal instruction, Icelandic horses, scenery, and convenience.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the option to reserve now and pay later add some useful flexibility. Still, check the final time and pickup point before committing, especially if your Reykjavík plans are packed.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, families with children aged eight and older, and anyone who wants an evening activity close to Reykjavík. It also suits you if you like animals and want to meet well-cared-for Icelandic horses in a small setting.

It is a strong choice for a short Iceland visit. You can see green hills and volcanic formations without giving up a full day to transport. The hot drinks and pastry afterward make it feel more like a hosted visit than a simple riding lesson.

I would hesitate if you are pregnant, have mobility limitations, dislike rain, or want a high-speed horseback adventure. The route is designed for a wide range of riding abilities, so experienced equestrians may find it too gentle.

Should you book Viking Horses?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, beginner-level ride with real scenery and personal attention. The horses, small group, nearby location, and warm refreshments make it a well-rounded evening outing. The praised instruction, including Monica’s helpful approach when she is leading, is another plus for nervous riders.

Think twice if $202 feels high for three hours or if horseback riding is not a major interest. The tour earns its price through convenience and personal service, not through a full-day route or advanced riding.

For the right person, this is a simple way to meet Icelandic horses, reach Rauðhólar, and spend a long Nordic evening outdoors without leaving Reykjavík far behind.

FAQ

How long is the evening horse riding tour?

The activity lasts three hours, including the riding lesson, the horse ride, and refreshments at the stable.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to a maximum of eight participants.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavík area. Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM at your accommodation or selected pickup location.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes a short riding lesson and is suitable for beginners or people with little riding experience.

What areas will I ride through?

The route includes Hólmsheiði hills, Stallion Valley, and the red lava formations of Rauðhólar.

What is included after the ride?

Hot coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included, along with deep-fried sweetbread called kleina.

What should I bring?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine. Riding helmets and rain clothes are provided.