Mjölnir Afternoon Ride

Reykjavik: Small-Group Mjölnir Afternoon Horse Riding Tour runs through Viking Horses. Rated 4.2 across 33 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $179.

Overview

This afternoon ride from Viking Horses pairs a short lesson with a trail ride through Hólsmheiði forest to the Rauðhólar lava rock field, all within a short drive of Reykjavik. Pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation are part of the package, and the whole outing runs around 3.5 to 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, with roughly one to one and a half hours actually in the saddle.

The tour starts at a family-owned farm outside the city. Riders are matched with a horse based on their previous experience, then given a safety briefing and riding lesson before heading out. The route passes volcanic mountains, lakes and views back toward the city, with photo stops along the way. Riders also get to try the tölt, the smooth gait the Icelandic horse is known for, and finish with hot tea or coffee and cookies at the hosts' home.

It suits beginners and riders with little experience, and several reviewers have taken young children, including a four year old and a seven year old, who were looked after by the guides. The listing highlights small groups and personal service, and one recent group of four guests had two guides with them. The tour runs rain or shine, and rain clothes plus helmets are provided.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from your Reykjavik accommodation, starting 30 minutes before the tour begins.
2. Arrive at the farmTransfer to a small family-owned farm outside the city, where riders meet their horse and guides.
3. Safety briefingA briefing and riding lesson at 8 Crescent East Street lasting 45 minutes, matched to each rider's experience.
4. Guided horse rideRide for 75 minutes through Hólsmheiði forest toward the Rauðhólar lava field, trying the tölt along the way.
5. Rauðhólar photo stopA 10-minute stop for photos and scenic views. This stop is optional.
6. Tea and coffeeFifteen minutes at Rauðhólar for hot beverages and cookies.
7. Return to ReykjavikDrop-off back at your accommodation, with the rest of the day free.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you prepare for this ride, from what to wear to how the day actually flows.

• Dress warmly. The listing asks riders to bring warm clothing, and the tour runs rain or shine. Helmets and rain clothes are provided, so the main thing to sort yourself is layers underneath.
• Beginner friendly. The listing states the tour suits beginners and riders with little experience. Several reviewers confirm this, including first-time riders and families whose horses were chosen to match their level.
• Short saddle time. Time in the saddle is one to one and a half hours within a total tour of around 3.5 to 4 hours door to door. Riders hoping for long hours on horseback should weigh that before booking.
• Small group feel. The listing promises small groups and personal service. One reviewer rode in a group of four guests with two guides, and others mention guides taking photos and video of guests as they ride.
• Kids welcome. Multiple reviewers rode with young children, aged four and seven, and said the staff made them comfortable. The listing also notes the tour suits beginners and riders with little experience.
• Refuel after. Hot beverages and cookies are included at the end, served in the hosts' home. No other food is mentioned, so eat beforehand if you will want more than a snack.

Common issues. The main practical limit is the weather: the tour happens rain or shine, and one reviewer rode in the rain, so poor conditions may be part of the day rather than a reason to cancel. Saddle time is fairly short at one to one and a half hours, which may disappoint experienced riders. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the tour starts, so travellers need to be ready early and factor in the total door-to-door duration of up to four hours.

Picking A Ride