Reykjavik: Small-Group Mjölnir Afternoon Horse Riding Tour

Horseback riding near Reykjavik feels surprisingly close to magic.

This Mjölnir afternoon tour takes you out of the city for a small-group ride on friendly Icelandic horses, with big views of volcanic mountains, lakes, and Reykjavik. I especially love how you get to ride in different terrain—Hólsmheiði forest trails and the dramatic red lava rock field at Rauðhólar—so the experience feels like more than just going in circles.

Second, I like the personal touch. Your guides (Cille and Viggó are specifically called out for their skill and care) help you get comfortable fast with a short lesson and safety briefing, then match your riding to your experience level. One thing to consider: it runs rain or shine, so you’ll need warm clothing and you’ll get wet if the weather turns.

Key moments I’d plan around

• Small group (up to 10): easier attention when you’re learning or just want a relaxed ride
• Short lesson + safety briefing: you’ll be moving with confidence before you head out
• Tölt riding time: the Icelandic 4th gait is famously smooth and comfortable
• Hólsmheiði forest trails: a quieter, scenic change from open hill views
• Rauðhólar red lava rocks: photo stops with striking volcanic color close to the city
• Tea/coffee at your hosts’ home: a warm landing after time in the saddle

Why This 3-Hour Horse Ride Works So Well in Reykjavik

If you only have part of an afternoon in Reykjavik, this tour hits the sweet spot. You’re not signing up for a long day with hours of driving, yet you still get outside into volcanic country that looks far from the city. The whole vibe is calm: you meet your horse, get oriented, ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, then return while the rest of your day is still intact.

At $188 per person, it’s not the cheapest activity in Iceland—but it does feel like the kind of price that goes toward actual guiding, training, and keeping the group small (limited to 10). You’re also provided key riding gear like helmets and rain clothes, plus hot drinks and cookies afterward. In other words, the cost covers both the experience and the basics you’d otherwise have to sort out yourself.

From Pickup to Safety Briefing: What You’ll Do Before You Ride

The tour starts in the afternoon with hotel pickup around 13:30 to 13:45. You’ll want to be ready at the pickup point about 30 minutes before the start time, and yes, you’ll feel like you’re slightly early—this is Iceland, so build in a little breathing room.

Before you head out, you’ll spend time at the farm base going over safety and how the ride will work. Even if you’ve ridden before, this matters because Icelandic horses move differently than many people expect. You’ll get a short lesson and a safety briefing, and you’ll be introduced to your horse based on your previous riding experience (the goal is comfort first, not showing off).

This part is where the tour earns trust. Good instruction means you spend the ride focusing on scenery and rhythm instead of guessing. And if you’re nervous, the setup here is beginner-friendly, since the tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience.

Meet Your Icelandic Horse and Learn the Rhythm Fast

Once you meet your horse, the pace shifts from logistics to connection. Icelandic horses are known for being friendly and well-trained, and you’ll feel that quickly during the lesson. You’re not thrown into complicated moves right away. Instead, you get oriented enough to handle basic riding while the guide keeps an eye on your balance and comfort.

Here’s the practical win: you don’t need advanced riding skills to enjoy this. The tour is built around making it easy to participate. Your guide’s job is to help you find a comfortable seat and riding feel, so you can relax and enjoy what’s outside—wind, volcanic hills, and the kind of weather Iceland loves to invent.

If you’ve never ridden before, you’ll likely appreciate the guided structure. If you have ridden, you’ll probably appreciate that the lesson is short and focused, then you’re out riding instead of stuck in a classroom.

The Hill Views and Hólsmheiði Forest: Where the Ride Gets Beautiful

After the briefing and lesson, you head out over the hills surrounding Reykjavik. This is where you start earning those Iceland postcard feelings—views of volcanic mountains, lakes, and the city in the distance. Depending on the day and weather, the light can change fast, so it’s smart to keep your camera accessible once you’re moving at a steady rhythm.

You’ll ride through Hólsmheiði forest, which acts like a scenic “breather.” Open hill views are dramatic, but forest trails feel more intimate and sheltered. You’re still moving across Icelandic terrain, just with a different texture: tree cover, softer shadows, and a sense of quiet that you don’t get in the city.

Along the way, you’ll make stops for photos. Those short pauses sound minor, but they’re actually one of the best parts of horseback riding. From a horse, your legs and attention are busy. Planned photo stops let you step out of that rhythm briefly and actually enjoy what you’re seeing.

Rauðhólar: The Red Lava Rock Stop That Changes the Mood

One of the tour highlights is the red lava rock field called Rauðhólar. The color is the headline here: bright, volcanic reds against darker earth tones create a visual punch you don’t forget. This part is timed with a short scenic stop, plus a photo window so you can capture the views without rushing.

What I like about this stop is the contrast. You’ve spent the ride moving through hills and forest, then you arrive somewhere that looks unmistakably volcanic. It’s the kind of scenery that makes people understand why Iceland’s landscapes became the backdrop for so many movies and myths.

The practical note: lava terrain and photo spots can be slick if conditions are wet. Your guide will handle the movement, but wear or bring clothing that keeps you comfortable and warm if you’re standing still for those few minutes.

Tölt on Icelandic Horses: Why People Come Back

You’ll get to ride tölt, the Icelandic horse’s famously comfortable 4th gait. If you’re picturing constant bouncing, forget that. Tölt is known for being smooth, which means you’re more likely to enjoy the ride rather than brace yourself through it.

The tour also includes time where you can experience different movement patterns. Some riders specifically mention getting to trot, and that makes sense given the guide-led route and the focus on riding time. The point isn’t speed. The point is feeling that Icelandic “horse magic” for yourself—how the gait changes the whole experience.

Here’s what to remember for your enjoyment: the more relaxed you are, the better your horse will move for you. Stay loose, follow the horse’s rhythm, and let the guide coach you rather than stiffening up.

The Wrap-Up: Tea, Coffee, and Coming Back Warm

After your ride, you return to Reykjavik to keep your evening open. The finish includes hot beverages—tea or coffee—and cookies, served at the home of your hosts. That small detail matters more than you’d think. After time outside in Icelandic weather, warmth feels like a reset button.

This is also where the tour closes the loop. You’re still talking about the ride, still thinking about Rauðhólar, and now you’re comfortably warm enough to actually process it. It turns the experience from a “thing you did” into a memory you can talk through.

Value Check: Is $188 Worth It for This Tour?

For $188, you’re paying for four things that add up:

• Small group guiding (max 10), which usually means better attention
• Real instruction (lesson + safety briefing before you ride)
• Gear and comfort (helmets, rain clothes, hot drinks, cookies)
• Time outside (about 1.5–2 hours in the saddle within a ~3-hour tour)

If you’re the type who likes to get the most out of limited time in Reykjavik, this tour can feel worth it quickly. You get both riding and scenery without losing half a day to transportation. And if you’re new to horseback riding, the lesson makes it less risky and more enjoyable.

If you’re an advanced rider looking for a long, intense ride or hours of trail miles, you might find the duration a bit short. But for most people—especially first-timers or anyone who wants a relaxed Iceland experience—this length is a strength, not a limitation.

Who Should Book This and Who Should Skip It

This is a strong fit if:

• you’re a beginner or mostly new to riding
• you want a calm afternoon activity with a guided structure
• you care about comfort and want to experience tölt
• you like small groups and personal service

This may not be ideal if:

• you’re outside the weight limit (it’s not suitable for people over 243 lbs / 110 kg)
• you’re traveling with an infant under 1 year
• you hate being outside in changing weather (it runs rain or shine)

Also, think about your stamina. You’re riding for 1.5–2 hours in the saddle, so wear or pack warm clothing you can move comfortably in.

Final Call: Should You Book the Mjölnir Afternoon Tour?

I’d book this if you want an Iceland horse experience that’s not stressful, not rushed, and not trapped inside a bus tour. The mix of Hólsmheiði forest, the volcanic views near Reykjavik, and the red lava stop at Rauðhólar gives you variety without turning your afternoon into a marathon. Add in the small group size and the warm-host finish with tea or coffee, and it’s the kind of tour that leaves you feeling satisfied instead of tired.

If you’re unsure, this is one of those activities where a short lesson and a guided route really pay off. You’ll come away with more than a photo—you’ll understand how tölt feels and why Icelandic horses have a reputation for comfort.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The total tour duration is about 3 hours, with around 1.5–2 hours spent in the saddle (the overall time on the tour can run closer to 3.5–4 hours).

Where do they pick you up in Reykjavik?

Hotel pickup is included for the Reykjavik area. Pickup starts between 13:30 and 13:45, and you should wait at your accommodation lobby or the given pickup location.

Is the tour cancelled if it rains?

No. The tour runs rain or shine.

Do I need riding experience to join?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners and riders with little experience, and your horse and riding instruction are matched to your previous experience.

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik area, riding helmets and rain clothes, a riding lesson, hot beverages, and cookies.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, since you’ll be outside during the ride.