Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Two hours on the Icelandic tölt. This Reykjavik horseback ride is a great way to get out past town, meet the horses up close, and learn why the tölt is so special. I love that the instruction is structured, with ability-based grouping so beginners are kept comfortable and experienced riders can go faster. My main consideration is simple: you mount from the ground, with no mounting block, so you should be confident with that step.

If you add the pickup option, you’ll make the ride feel effortless, since you’re not trying to time a bus or rent a car for a short excursion. After the ride, you warm up again with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables, and the whole experience stays focused on riding, not a long lecture. The horse gear is provided too, which matters in Iceland where weather changes fast.

Key things to know before you go

• Tölt instruction included, so you’re not just sitting on a horse, you’re learning how to ride the gait.
• Groups are split by level during the ride (beginner, intermediate, and experienced) to match your comfort and pace.
• Lava fields and moorland are part of the route, with views of volcanic mountains and lakes.
• All-weather gear is included, including helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls.
• Warm drinks at the stables help you cool down or warm back up after the trek.
• You mount from the ground, so consider that if you have balance or mobility concerns.

Entering Ishestar, getting to the stables, and meeting your instructor

This tour is based out of Ishestar in Hafnarfjörður, with the meeting point at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. If you choose the pickup option, you’ll be collected from one of the selected Reykjavik pickup points. If your exact hotel isn’t on the list, you’ll need to contact the operator so they can match you with the nearest pickup stop.

Either way, plan for a short drive out to the stables. Once there, you meet your instructor, talk through your comfort level (beginner, intermediate, or experienced), and get set up for the riding lesson. That first conversation is practical, because Icelandic horses respond differently than many big-horse breeds, and your instructor needs to know what you can handle.

A lot of the value here is that the early part of the experience is about getting you physically and mentally ready. You’ll also get a quick safety and riding orientation before you go out. This keeps the next phase, learning the tölt, from feeling random or intimidating.

Icelandic horses and the tölt lesson you actually use

The star of the show is the Icelandic horse. These horses have a long story tied to Viking-era imports, and today they’re famous for the tölt, a four-beat gait that stays smoother on rugged terrain than a lot of other gaits.

You start by getting up close with the horses. Your instructor then has you watch a short instructional video, and you put on the provided riding gear before hopping into the saddle. After that, it’s not just follow-the-leader. You’re taught how to help your horse ease into the tölt so it feels controlled and comfortable.

Then you ride behind your instructor. Early on, the instructor shows you how to maintain the gait without tensing up or overcorrecting. If you’re a total beginner, that’s a huge deal. If you’re more experienced, you still benefit because your instructor is teaching you how to communicate with a tölt-ready horse, not just generic “walk and trot” trail skills.

How the ride becomes beginner-friendly, intermediate-smart, and fast-possible

One of the smartest parts of this tour is how they manage skill levels. After watching you ride, the instructor splits the group into three categories: beginners, intermediates, and experienced. That happens during the ride, not just before you mount.

For beginners, the pace stays calm, and the terrain stays easier. This is where you really learn to feel the rhythm of the tölt without being rushed. For intermediate and experienced riders, the route is more challenging, and the pace changes based on what the group is doing.

The best practical tip is to tell your instructor right away if you want to ride slower or faster than you initially planned. Your level is meant to be adjusted, not locked in on day one. That flexibility is especially helpful if someone in your group is more nervous than expected once they’re sitting on the horse.

If you’re hoping to go into faster riding, this is the type of setup that can make that possible. The tour’s design includes more advanced paces for more advanced groups, so you’re not stuck in a slow shuffle for the full time.

Two hours through lava fields, moorland, and real Iceland views

The ride is scenic in a very Iceland way, with stops and movement through lava fields and moorland. You’ll pass volcanic mountains and lakes as you go. This is the kind of scenery that changes how you experience the land, because you’re moving at horse speed, not car speed.

Because the group splits by ability, your “view experience” can vary a bit depending on which group you’re placed in. Beginners will likely focus more on staying relaxed and learning the gait. Intermediate and experienced riders may cover more challenging ground at a faster pace, which can make the ride feel more energetic.

Timing also matters. You can choose morning or afternoon rides. Morning can be especially rewarding if the light is nice, and afternoon can be a good fit if you want to sleep in. The ride length is about two hours, so it’s long enough to feel like you left Reykjavik behind, but short enough that it won’t wreck your whole day.

One practical note: Icelandic wind can jump on you quickly. Even with gear provided, wear items that can handle gusts and keep you comfortable.

Gear matters here: boots, rain gear, warm overalls, and what not to wear

This is a tour where you’ll be grateful for the included kit. You get helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. That coverage helps whether the weather is dry and chilly or wet and windy.

Do not show up in your best shoes. The ride gear uses rubber boots, and the stables and trails are muddy or wet depending on conditions. Riders have been pretty clear that nicer footwear can get ruined, so leave your expensive stuff in the hotel.

A small but useful comfort tip: bring or plan on wearing a hat or ear protection. Wind can be intense. If you’re riding in cold weather, the warm overall helps a lot, and you should feel better protected than you would in a normal jacket.

Also note a safety detail that’s easy to overlook: used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the horses. That means you should expect to rely on the gear provided, even if you brought your own helmet or boots.

Price and value: why $133 for a short ride can be a good deal

At $133.02 per person for about two hours, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Iceland. The value comes from what’s wrapped into the experience.

You get:

• Guided riding with tölt coaching, not just a casual trail loop
• Grouping by ability so time is spent riding, not waiting for the slowest pace
• Provided safety and comfort gear (helmets, rain protection, boots, warm overalls)
• Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate after the ride

Short Iceland tours can be pricey because transportation is a fixed cost. Here, the pickup option (if you choose it) and the included gear help justify the total. You’re also not paying extra just to stay warm, which matters in a country where weather can change hour to hour.

The maximum group size is 30, and there are enough instructors and handlers to split you up. That split is a big part of what makes the ride feel responsive rather than overcrowded.

If you want to do only one horseback option near Reykjavik, this one makes sense because it mixes instruction, scenic terrain, and practical comfort support.

Who this tour fits best, and who should double-check

This tour is a strong match if you love nature and you want an Icelandic horse experience that teaches you something real about riding. It’s also beginner-friendly, because you’re grouped and paced by ability, with an instructor coaching you into the tölt.

Moderate physical fitness is recommended. That usually means you can handle being outside, dressing in layers, and sitting and balancing while the horse moves. You should also be able to mount the horse by your own strength from the ground.

A few restrictions are worth taking seriously:

• Weight limit: 110kg / 240lbs
• Age limit: 7 years old
• Pregnant women cannot ride
• Riders must be able to mount from the ground with no mounting block
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

If any of those limits are a concern for you, it’s smart to contact the operator before booking rather than hoping it works out on the day.

Also check your footwear and clothing choices. Dress for wind and rain, and remember that rubber boots and rain gear are part of the plan.

Should you book this Reykjavik Icelandic horse ride?

I’d book this if you want a guided tölt experience with real scenery, good gear included, and an instructor who adjusts the ride based on your ability. It’s a great first horseback day in Iceland, and it’s not boring for more confident riders because the groups can ride at different paces.

I would not book it if you’re worried about mounting from the ground, or if you fall into one of the key restrictions like the pregnancy rule or limits on age and weight.

If your goal is simply to see Reykjavik from a different angle, there are cheaper ways. But if you want an Icelandic-horse experience that feels structured, scenic, and comfortable enough for the weather, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour from Reykjavik?

The tour runs for about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup available in Reykjavik?

Pickup is offered if you choose the tour option that includes pickup. You’ll need to select from the available Reykjavik pickup points, and if your hotel is not listed you should contact the operator to find the nearest option.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus riding gear such as helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear clothes suitable for Iceland weather and expect to use the provided gear. Avoid bringing your nice shoes, since the conditions can be wet and muddy and the ride uses rubber boots.

What are the age and weight limits?

The weight limit is 110kg / 240lbs. The age limit is 7 years old.

Are beginners allowed to ride?

Yes. The instructor assesses your ability level and groups you into beginner, intermediate, and experienced categories during the ride.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.