Reykjavik: Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

Thinking about exploring Iceland on horseback? This Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Viking Horses offers a cozy, personal way to connect with Iceland’s landscapes and its iconic Icelandic horses. Conveniently starting from Reykjavik, this tour blends scenic riding with friendly local hospitality, perfect for those who want an authentic, relaxed adventure.

What we particularly like about this tour is the chance to enjoy small-group intimacy, which makes for a more personalized experience, and the opportunity to see stunning volcanic formations like Rauðhólar illuminated by the gentle evening light. On the flip side, if you’re expecting a high-adrenaline, long ride, this shorter three-hour outing might feel more like a taste than a full immersion.

This experience is ideal for beginners or riders with little experience, as it starts with a short riding lesson and emphasizes safety and comfort. If you’re after a laid-back, scenic ride that’s also rich in local flavor, this tour will suit you well.

Key Points

• Small-group setup provides a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.
• Evening riding offers unique views, especially during the Nordic summer solstice.
• Beautiful volcanic landscape and lush hills make for memorable scenery.
• Includes cozy refreshments like hot tea, coffee, and deep-fried kleina.
• Friendly, well-trained Icelandic horses are perfect for novices.
• Pickup within Reykjavik makes logistics straightforward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Icelandic Horse Experience in the Evening

If you’re looking for a way to spend a few hours outside Reykjavik that combines gentle adventure with local culture, this tour might be just the ticket. Viking Horses, a family-run operation, specializes in small, personal rides that allow you to get close to Iceland’s natural beauty and its legendary horses. Their emphasis on well-trained, happy horses means even nervous riders or absolute beginners can enjoy the experience without worry.

The tour starts with a short riding lesson at the stables, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before hitting the trails. Once underway, you’ll ride through some of Iceland’s most stunning volcanic and green landscapes, with the Hólmsheiði hills and Rauðhólar lava formations serving as spectacular backdrops. These red lava formations are truly striking, especially when bathed in the late sunlight, showcasing the rugged beauty Iceland is famous for.

The ride lasts about three hours, which is enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. You’ll find the trails varied—riding through lush hills and volcanic terrain—each offering different perspectives on Iceland’s geological history. The small group size (max. 8 participants) helps keep things intimate and allows guides to give personalized attention, making the ride suitable for those with limited riding experience.

What Makes This Ride Special?

The small group setting is a noticeable perk, fostering a friendly, conversational atmosphere. Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and approachable manner. Samantha, one of the reviewers, called her guide “the best,” emphasizing how her friendly guidance enhanced the experience. With fewer people, guides can tailor their instructions and ensure everyone feels safe and included.

The scenery is another highlight. You’ll experience a blend of lush, green hills and imposing volcanic landscapes. The Rauðhólar lava formations are a major visual draw, their vivid red color providing a stark contrast against the surrounding green. It’s a landscape that’s both dramatic and uniquely Icelandic—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the wild beauty.

Evening riding adds a special touch. During the Nordic summer, the late sunset bathes the landscape in a warm glow, creating a magical atmosphere. As Ashley put it, she “highly recommends” this ride as a way to see Icelandic horses “while near Reykjavík,” highlighting how accessible and rewarding this experience can be.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. Viking Horses’ team provides riding helmets and rain gear, so you’ll be prepared regardless of weather conditions. Expect a brief riding lesson at the stables—no prior experience necessary—and then you’ll set off with a small group.

The ride takes you through several scenic areas:

• Hólmsheiði Hills: rolling, green terrain perfect for a relaxed ride and photos. These hills offer a peaceful atmosphere, far from city noise.
• Stallion Valley: a charming name, and you may see some of the well-cared-for Icelandic horses. This part of the ride provides a closer look at these sturdy, friendly animals, which are famous worldwide for their smooth tölt gait.
• Rauðhólar Lava Formations: a highlight of the ride. These majestic red lava structures are both striking and geologically fascinating, offering spectacular views that seem almost otherworldly.

After the ride, you’ll relax at the Viking Horses stables with hot beverages, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, plus deep-fried kleina, a traditional Icelandic sweetbread. One reviewer, Kate, appreciated how guide Monica made the experience memorable by taking photos and videos of riders, capturing this special moment.

The Cost and Value

At $202 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, personal attention, and culture. Considering the inclusion of pickup and drop-off, riding gear, a short riding lesson, and cozy refreshments, the price seems fair. It’s not a long, adrenaline-fueled ride but rather a relaxed, scenic experience emphasizing comfort and connection.

Given the small group size, personalized service, and the quality of the horses, many travelers find this a good value for a unique Icelandic adventure. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility—helpful for travelers trying to keep flexible plans.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This ride is perfect for beginners or those with limited riding experience, as it starts with a short lesson and emphasizes safety. It’s also suited to travelers who want a relaxed, scenic** outing in Iceland, with a focus on nature and culture rather than high speeds or physical challenge.

Nature lovers will appreciate the volcanic landscapes and rolling hills, while animal enthusiasts will enjoy bonding with Icelandic horses. The small group size makes it a good choice for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a personal experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 3 hours, including pickup, riding, and refreshments.
• Availability: Check current schedules to see when rides start, typically in the evening.
• Weather: Rain or shine—be prepared with warm clothing and rain gear provided.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and comfortable attire. Backpacks, alcohol, or drugs are not allowed.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.
• Pickup: Included within Reykjavik, so no need to worry about transportation logistics.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Authenticity and Reviews

While the experience currently holds a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews, the glowing feedback from participants underscores its quality. Travelers consistently praise the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and well-trained horses. Samantha’s comment about the “amazing” horses and guide, Ashley’s strong recommendation, and Kate’s mention of the memorable photos all point to a consistently positive experience.

Authentic, small-scale, and intimate, Viking Horses’ tour really delivers a glimpse into Iceland’s natural and equine heritage, making it a memorable highlight for many travelers.

The Sum Up

This Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour offers a lovely balance of scenic beauty, personal service, and culture at a reasonable price. It’s best suited for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic ride in Iceland’s stunning landscapes. The inclusion of cozy refreshments and the chance to bond with Icelandic horses make this a genuine, heartwarming experience.

If you’re after a relaxed, visually striking way to see some of Iceland’s volcanic terrain with expert guides and friendly horses, this tour should be on your list. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best adventures don’t need to be the longest or most intense—they just need to be authentic and memorable.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed for beginners or riders with little experience, starting with a short riding lesson and emphasizing safety.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable attire. The tour provider supplies rain gear and helmets.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Yes, it runs regardless of weather; be prepared for rain or wind.

How long is the ride?
The ride itself lasts about three hours, including pickup, riding, and relaxing afterward.

What is included in the price?
Pickup within Reykjavik, riding helmets, rain gear, a riding lesson, and hot beverages with snacks.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included within the Reykjavik area.

What scenic sights will I see?
You’ll ride through Hólmsheiði hills, Stallion Valley, and the volcanic formations of Rauðhólar.

Can I book this tour on the day of?
Availability varies, so it’s best to check current schedules and book in advance.

Are children allowed?
Not suitable for children under 8 years old.

This ride offers a charming way to experience Iceland’s landscape and horses in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re a horse lover or simply seeking a peaceful way to enjoy Iceland after a day of sightseeing, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: