Small-Group Volcano Ride, Pickup

Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup runs through Viking Horses. Rated 4.7 across 259 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $182.

Overview

This Viking Horses tour packs a lot into a short outing: hotel pickup in Reykjavik, a drive to a family-owned farm just outside the city, and a morning ride through Hólsmheiði forest to the red lava formations at Rauðhólar. The whole loop, from pickup to drop-off, runs roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, with about 1 to 1.5 hours of that actually in the saddle.

The ride begins with a short lesson and safety briefing, and each rider is matched with a horse based on previous experience. That matters here, because the tour is pitched at beginners and riders with little experience. Reviewers back this up repeatedly, including first-time riders and someone returning to the saddle after years away, all of whom described the horses as calm, gentle and manageable. Along the trail there are stops for photos, and riders get to try the tölt, the comfortable fourth gait of the Icelandic horse.

After the ride, guests are invited for hot tea or coffee in the hosts' home before being driven back to Reykjavik in the early afternoon. Helmets and rain clothes are provided, and the tour runs rain or shine.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from Reykjavik-area hotels begins 30 minutes before the tour starts. One reviewer was collected from the cruise terminal, so it is worth arranging your location when booking.
2. Drive to the farmTravel from Reykjavik to a small family-owned farm outside the city.
3. Meet your horseGet acquainted with a horse suited to your previous riding experience, followed by a short riding lesson and safety briefing. Helmets and rain clothes are provided.
4. Ride the hillsRide over the hills surrounding Reykjavik with views of volcanic mountains, lakes and the city. Riders get to ride the tölt, the comfortable fourth gait of the Icelandic horse, with stops along the way for photos.
5. Hólsmheiði and RauðhólarPass through Hólsmheiði forest and arrive at Rauðhólar, a red lava rock field. Time in the saddle totals about 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Tea or coffeeRelax after the ride with a hot beverage in the home of your hosts.
7. Return to ReykjavikDrop-off back in Reykjavik in the early afternoon, with a total tour duration of around 3.5 to 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things will shape how this morning goes, from what you wear to how the ride is paced.

• Clothing and shoes. The listing asks for warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Rain clothes and riding helmets are provided, so you do not need to bring your own wet-weather gear.
• Beginner friendly. The tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience. Several reviewers with no riding background said the staff were patient and helpful, and the horses calm and easy to handle.
• Weather. The ride takes place rain or shine. One reviewer rode through rain and still called it a highlight, so come prepared for Icelandic conditions rather than hoping for clear skies.
• Group feel. Rides run in small groups. One reviewer mentioned the personalised service this allows, and several described the guides as friendly and attentive.
• Pickup logistics. Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavik area are included, starting 30 minutes before the tour. Reviewers consistently reported on-time or even early collection, so be ready a little ahead of schedule.
• Photos. The route makes several stops for photos. Reviewers described varied terrain, red rock and open scenery, which gives plenty to point a camera at.

Common issues. The main constraint is time in the saddle: only about 1 to 1.5 hours of the roughly 3.5 to 4 hour total is spent riding, with the rest taken up by pickup, the drive, the lesson and refreshments afterwards. The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather you are given. Riders hoping for a long trek or faster pace may find the ride short, particularly given the beginner focus.

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