Discover a calm, invigorating way to greet the day on the Viking Horses Morning Tour in Reykjavík. This serene Play pairs Icelandic horse heritage with otherworldly terrain, letting you tölt across lava and forest as the city slowly wakes.
Overview
Just minutes from Reykjavík, the Viking Horses Morning Tour leads you through the small forests of Hólmsheiði and into the surreal lava formations of Rauðhólar, a cluster of 5,200-year-old pseudocraters. It’s an unforgettable window into Iceland’s volcanic story and a gentle introduction to the country’s beloved horses.
With a maximum of 10 riders, this small-group experience balances privacy with expert guidance. You’ll start with a short riding lesson, then settle into the saddle for 1.5–2 hours of easygoing exploration (total tour time 3.5–4 hours). After riding, warm up back at the stables with coffee, tea, or hot cacao.
What to Expect
The route and rhythm
You’ll begin on wide, forgiving tracks to build confidence, then follow undulating trails across low, mossy lava and the quiet woodlands of Hólmsheiði. Expect gentle gradients, expansive views, and the chance to try the signature tölt—a smooth, four-beat gait that makes Icelandic horses famously comfortable over distance.
Rauðhólar’s rust-red cones and crater rims create a dramatic backdrop. As you ride between lava flows and birch thickets, guides share stories of eruptions, geology, and horse culture. Pace stays relaxed, ideal for conversation, photographs, and mindful moments.
For beginners and seasoned riders
This Play is suitable for first-timers and experienced riders alike. Newer riders gain confidence through a clear briefing and steady horses; returning riders can refine technique, ask for more pace where conditions allow, and savour time in classic Icelandic terrain.
Your guides are English-speaking and attentive, pairing each guest with a well-matched mount. With group sizes capped, you’ll have space to ride your own line while still feeling looked after.
Safety, kit, and comfort
All essential riding gear is included—helmets, jackets, and rain pants—so you’re protected from wind and drizzle. Wear warm base layers, gloves, and wool socks, and bring a compact camera or phone for on-the-go shots. Conditions can change quickly, and layered clothing ensures comfort throughout.
After the ride, gather at the Viking Horses stable for hot drinks and a gentle debrief. It’s an inviting finish that leaves you restored and ready for the rest of your Reykjavík Stay & Play.
Best Time to Visit
The Viking Horses Morning Tour operates year-round, and each season brings its own character. Summer offers long days, wildflowers, and mild temperatures, with excellent trail visibility and photogenic light. Late spring and early autumn can feel even quieter, with fewer riders on the paths.
Winter riding is magical—frosted lava, crisp air, and, on clear mornings, pastel skies. Dress warmly and trust your sure-footed Icelandic horse; these sturdy companions thrive in all seasons. For official guidance on weather, daylight hours, and road conditions, consult Visit Iceland before travelling.
Looking to pair morning riding with ocean wildlife? In peak summer, the golden-hour seascape sets the scene for Reykjavík Classic Whales in the Midnight Sun. Spring through late summer is also prime for seabirds—consider a coastal outing on Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching.
Why Choose This Experience
Iconic horses, iconic landscape
Riding an Icelandic horse is a cultural immersion as much as an outdoor pursuit. The tölt’s smooth cadence encourages presence and ease, while Rauðhólar’s iron-rich cones and Hólmsheiði’s quiet trails bring Iceland’s geology to life within easy reach of the capital.
Small groups with thoughtful guidance
With no more than 10 riders, the atmosphere stays personal, unhurried, and adaptable. Your guides shape each tour to the day’s conditions and your comfort level, creating a premium experience that feels both polished and personal.
Wellness at a walking pace
This Play champions mindful movement—gentle rhythm, fresh air, and clean horizons. That cup of coffee, tea, or hot cacao at the stable isn’t an afterthought; it’s the closing note in a morning arranged for clarity and calm.
Easy to pair with other Reykjavík Plays
Balance land and sea by heading out later for marine life on Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching. Prefer to keep things hands-on? Fresh-catch believers can round out the day with harbour-to-table techniques on Reykjavík Sea Angling Gourmet.
Practicalities
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Duration: 3.5–4 hours total, with 1.5–2 hours in the saddle.
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Group size: Maximum 10 riders.
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Included: Riding gear (helmets, jackets, rain pants), refreshments, and English-speaking guides.
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Bring: Weather-appropriate warm layers, gloves, and a camera or phone.
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Suitability: Beginners and experienced riders welcome; terrain is forgiving with options to adjust pace.
For additional inspiration on how to build a well-rounded Reykjavík itinerary—blending trail time, wellness, and culture—browse our editorial guide, Hidden Trails: Reykjavík Stay & Play on Laugavegur. For a broader primer on the country’s highlights and practicalities, see Lonely Planet’s Iceland guide.
Make it a Signature Reykjavík Stay & Play
Epanoui’s Stay & Plays are designed to flow—mix a mindful morning ride with an ocean outing or a geothermal soak, add an evening of Nordic cuisine, and you’ve composed a day that reflects Iceland’s elemental rhythm. The Viking Horses Morning Tour brings you close to the land without rushing, so you can feel the textures of lava, forest, and coastal air in a single, harmonious arc.
When you’re ready, reserve your saddle, dress in layers, and greet the day the Icelandic way—smooth, steady, and beautifully grounded.
