Reykjavik: Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

Riding an Icelandic horse through green hills and red volcanic rock in the long evening light is the special draw here. I like the small group of no more than eight, which gives beginners room to learn without feeling lost, and I like the warm finish at the family-run stable with coffee, hot chocolate, and kleina. Monica has also been praised for patient instruction and taking photos and videos along the way.

The main point to consider is the price, $202 per person. That is a serious spend for a three-hour activity, though pickup, riding gear, instruction, and refreshments are included. The ride also runs rain or shine, so bring warm clothes and accept that Icelandic weather gets a vote.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride at Iceland’s long summer evening: The tour takes place in the evening sun, especially atmospheric around the Nordic summer solstice.
• See Rauðhólar up close: Red lava formations provide a striking contrast to the green hills around Hólmsheiði.
• Good for beginners: A short riding lesson and gentle, well-trained Icelandic horses make this a sensible first ride.
• Small group service: With a maximum of eight people, guides can give more direct help than on a large stable outing.
• Warm up like a local: The tour ends with hot drinks and kleina, a traditional Icelandic fried sweetbread.
• Easy from Reykjavík: Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavík area are included.

Why this evening ride feels different from a standard stable outing

Many horse rides near Reykjavík are built around a quick trip out, a short route, and a return to the bus. This one puts more weight on the setting and the mood of the evening. You ride through Hólmsheiði, pass the area known as Stallion Valley, and reach the red volcanic formations of Rauðhólar.

The contrast is the appeal. Green hills and open nature meet rough, rust-colored lava. You get a taste of Iceland’s volcanic character without spending a full day on the road. The stable is about 15 minutes from Reykjavík, so the experience gives you real countryside scenery while keeping travel time modest.

I also like the timing. The evening light gives the ride a calmer feel than a busy daytime schedule. Around the summer solstice, daylight lasts remarkably late, creating the soft northern glow people come to Iceland hoping to see. The exact amount of light depends on the season and weather, but the tour is designed around that evening atmosphere.

This is not a speed-focused horseback trip. You should expect a guided ride through varied trails, with time to take in the horses and surroundings. If you want fast riding or a long, demanding expedition, this is probably too gentle. If you want a scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, it makes much more sense.

Meeting the horses at Viking Horses

Viking Horses is a family-run stable, and the small scale shapes the whole experience. The company emphasizes friendly, well-trained horses and a personal approach. That matters most if you are nervous, have little riding experience, or have not sat on a horse for years.

The horses are Icelandic, a breed closely associated with the country. Here, you get time to bond with them before and during the ride rather than simply climbing on and being sent out. The horses are described as happy, gentle, and well cared for, with temperaments suited to novice riders.

The equipment is practical. Helmets and rain clothes are supplied, which is useful in Iceland, where a bright evening can turn wet and cold without much warning. You still need comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes matter more than fashion here, since you will be around horses and riding equipment.

Leave your backpack behind. Backpacks are not allowed on the tour, and alcohol and drugs are also prohibited. Pack lightly and keep your hands free for riding.

The short lesson helps first-time riders settle in

Before heading onto the trails, you receive a short riding lesson. This is one of the most important parts of the outing, especially for beginners. It gives you a chance to understand the basic instructions, get comfortable in the saddle, and learn how to work with your horse.

The lesson is not presented as a full riding course. It is there to help you get your bearings and prepare for a guided outing. That makes the experience more approachable for someone who has never ridden, or whose last ride was long ago.

The guide also remains part of the ride, rather than leaving you to figure everything out alone. Monica has been singled out for clear instruction, assistance with less experienced riders, and taking photos and videos during the outing. Those details are valuable because a beginner often needs both steady guidance and a little reassurance.

You should still be honest about your comfort level. This is suitable for beginners and people with limited experience, but it is still a horseback activity. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women.

Green trails through Hólmsheiði and Stallion Valley

Once the lesson is finished, the route leads into the nature around the stable. Hólmsheiði gives you green hills and open countryside close to the capital. The setting feels far removed from Reykjavík even though you have not traveled far.

The ride also includes Stallion Valley. The name adds a bit of Icelandic character, but the main value is the change of scenery along the route. Instead of looking at the same paddock for three hours, you move through a mix of hills, trails, and open views.

I like this sort of short excursion because it gives you a clear sense of place. You are not simply riding a horse in an enclosed arena. You are seeing how quickly Reykjavík gives way to open nature, with mountains and volcanic terrain around you.

The small group helps here. Eight people is still enough for a social outing, but it is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on the riders. That is especially useful when some people are experienced and others are taking their first ride.

Rauðhólar brings the volcanic color

The most striking section is Rauðhólar, known for its red and dramatic lava formations. This is where the ride gains its strongest visual contrast. Iceland is famous for black volcanic ground, but Rauðhólar adds deep red and rusty tones to the scene.

You do not need a full day of geology to appreciate the place. The formations simply look unusual, and they make a memorable background for photographs. The route lets you experience volcanic terrain from horseback instead of only viewing it from a roadside pullout.

The ride is also a good choice if you want more than one kind of Icelandic scenery in a short outing. Hólmsheiði brings green nature, while Rauðhólar brings rough volcanic forms. That variety makes the three-hour duration feel more worthwhile than a simple loop around a stable.

Your guide may also take photos and videos during the ride. Monica is specifically praised for doing this, which can be a real benefit. Riding requires your attention, so having someone capture the moment saves you from trying to manage a phone while handling a horse.

The warm drink and kleina finish

After the ride, you return to the Viking Horses stable and sit down for light refreshments. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included, along with kleina, a deep-fried Icelandic sweetbread.

This ending is more than a snack. Icelandic weather can leave you chilled even during summer, and a hot drink gives you time to warm up before the return to Reykjavík. It also adds a friendly, home-style touch that fits the family-run nature of the company.

Kleina is a useful small taste of Icelandic food culture. It is simple, sweet, and well suited to coffee. If you have spent the day on sightseeing buses or walking around town, this quiet finish may be just as welcome as the ride itself.

Is $202 a fair price?

At $202 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for a short experience rather than a full-day excursion, and that price will feel high if you are comparing it with a basic city tour.

The value improves when you count what is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Reykjavík area save you the trouble of arranging transport. Riding equipment, a lesson, a small group, a live English-speaking guide, and hot refreshments are also part of the package.

The maximum group size of eight is important. A cheaper ride with a large group can feel less personal, especially when several people need help. Here, the guide has a better chance of giving direct instruction and keeping the pace comfortable for mixed ability levels.

I would book it if riding Icelandic horses is a priority for your Iceland trip, or if you want an easy nature outing that does not consume a full day. I would skip it if your budget is tight, you dislike organized activities, or you want a long and athletic ride.

Timing, pickup, and weather

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM from your accommodation or chosen pickup point in the Reykjavík area. Be ready before that window rather than waiting until the last minute. The total activity lasts three hours, including transport, the ride, and refreshments.

The evening schedule is useful if you plan to spend the day exploring Reykjavík or visiting another nearby sight. It also lets you use the long summer daylight instead of filling your morning with another appointment.

The tour operates rain or shine. Iceland does not promise a dry evening, so warm clothing is essential. Bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, and use the supplied rain gear if needed.

Because the route is outdoors and conditions can change, you should be comfortable with a little uncertainty. The reward is the chance to see the hills and lava formations under changing light, but you should not expect a polished indoor activity.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour suits:

• First-time riders and people with limited riding experience
• Couples or small groups looking for a personal evening activity
• Families with children aged eight and older, provided everyone meets the riding requirements
• People who want countryside and volcanic scenery without a long drive
• Visitors who like meeting local hosts and ending an outing with a warm drink

It is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. It also will not suit anyone looking for a private ride unless the small group format happens to work out that way.

The best match is someone who wants a gentle, scenic outing rather than a serious riding challenge. You should enjoy animals, accept variable weather, and be happy to follow a guide at a relaxed pace.

What to bring for a comfortable ride

Keep your clothing practical. Warm layers are the safest choice, even in summer, and comfortable clothes will make the three-hour experience easier. Closed-toe shoes are required, and comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

Do not bring a backpack. Since backpacks are not allowed, carry only what you need and follow the stable’s instructions about personal items. Rain clothes and helmets are provided, so you do not need to pack those.

The tour includes hot drinks afterward, but you should not count on that replacing proper clothing. If you get cold easily, add an extra layer. The tour runs in poor weather as well as good weather, so preparation makes a real difference.

Should you book the Viking Horses evening tour?

I would book this tour if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, prefer a group capped at eight, and like the idea of combining green hills with red lava formations. The lesson and supportive guidance make it approachable, while the evening light and hot drinks give it more character than a basic stable visit.

I would think twice if $202 feels too high for three hours, or if rain, limited riding freedom, or a fixed group pace would bother you. For the right person, though, the included pickup, equipment, instruction, refreshments, and personal service make the cost easier to justify. The strongest reason to go is simple: you get close to Icelandic horses while seeing a memorable corner of nature just outside Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the riding experience, lesson, and refreshments.

What time is pickup?

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 6:45 PM from your accommodation or chosen pickup location in the Reykjavík area.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavík area.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of eight participants.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

Are riding helmets provided?

Yes. Riding helmets are included.

Is rain clothing provided?

Yes. Rain clothes are included, though you should still bring warm and comfortable clothing.

What food and drinks are included?

The stable provides coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina, a deep-fried Icelandic sweetbread.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight cannot join. The provided information does not specify a maximum age.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates rain or shine. Bring warm clothing and closed-toe shoes so you are prepared for changing conditions.