Icelandic Horse Tours from Reykjavik in Iceland

Small-group Icelandic horse tours through the Raudholar lava fields, minutes from Reykjavik

Viking Horses is a family-run stable at Almannadalur, about 15 minutes from central Reykjavik, on the edge of the red volcanic craters of Raudholar. They run small-group and private tours on sure-footed Icelandic horses through lava fields and lush green country, from one to three hours in the saddle, plus combination tours with the Sky Lagoon spa or whale watching, and a three-day Hoofs of the Highlands ride. Beginners are welcome, hotel pick-up and a light meal are included, and the horses and the guiding are the heart of it.

Highlights

Small-group and private Icelandic horse tours, 15 minutes from Reykjavik
Ride through the red volcanic craters of Raudholar and open lava fields
Family-run, with well-trained horses and personal, professional guiding
Tours from one hour up to a three-day Hoofs of the Highlands ride
Combine a ride with the Sky Lagoon spa or whale watching

The riding

Ability

All levels

Tack

Icelandic riding tack

Terrain

Lava fields, the red craters of Raudholar, rivers and green countryside near Reykjavik

Hours a day

From one hour in the saddle on the short tours to full days on the multi-day ride

Pace

Gentle and steady, with the chance to tolt as you grow confident

Group

Small groups and private tours, with personal guiding

Tours suit complete beginners through to experienced riders, with horses matched to you and a short briefing first. The Icelandic horse's smooth tolt makes it comfortable and easy, and small groups mean personal instruction throughout.

The horses

Icelandic horse

Well-trained, even-tempered Icelandic horses, famous for the smooth tolt and easy for riders of all levels.

A typical day

You are picked up from your Reykjavik hotel and brought to the stables at Almannadalur, kitted out with helmet, gloves and rain gear, and matched to a horse. A short introduction comes first, then you ride out into the Raudholar craters and lava fields in a small group, with a light meal, tea and coffee. Longer combo tours add the Sky Lagoon spa or whale watching, and the three-day Hoofs of the Highlands ride goes further into the country.

Accommodation & food

The day tours are ridden from the Reykjavik stables with no overnight stay; the three-day Hoofs of the Highlands ride includes accommodation on the trail.

A light meal, tea and coffee are included on the tours.

When to go

Best months: Year-round

Tours run year-round, with summer bringing long daylight and lupine-covered lava fields, and winter offering snow and the chance of the northern lights.

Getting there

Nearest airport: Keflavik (KEF); the stables are about 15 minutes from central Reykjavik

Transfers: Free hotel pick-up in the Reykjavik area is included

Fly to Keflavik; the stables are a short drive east of central Reykjavik at Almannadalur.

What's included

Included

Guided riding on Icelandic horses
Free hotel pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
A light meal, tea and coffee
Helmet, riding gloves and rain gear

Not included

Flights and travel to Iceland
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities and personal extras

Good to know

Beginners and families are welcome; horses are matched to your level
Free hotel pick-up in Reykjavik and a light meal are included
Tours range from one hour to a three-day ride, plus spa and whale-watching combos
Confirm the rider weight limit and minimum age with the operator
Protect the Icelandic horse: Iceland's horses are unvaccinated, so used riding equipment and used gloves cannot be brought into the country, and riding clothes and boots must be cleaned and disinfected before you arrive.