Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Iceland on horseback is a total wow. You get a relaxed ride through volcanic terrain near Reykjavik, plus the chance to feel the Icelandic horses’ special gait. I also love how you are matched to your riding level, so first-timers aren’t stuck pretending they know what they’re doing.

My one heads-up is weather, since rain and mud are common in Iceland, and part of the charm comes with getting a little cold or damp. The good news is you get proper rain gear and gloves, and the guides keep things moving at an easy pace.

Key Points Before You Saddle Up

• Icelandic horses with the tölt gait that feels smooth and different from typical riding
• Small groups up to 8 people, so you get real attention and fewer delays
• Level-based horse pairing, which makes beginners feel safe and comfortable
• Full gear provided, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes
• Lots of photo help, so you can ride first and worry about cameras less

Reykjavik Horse Riding, the Real Way: What Makes This Different

This is not a big “line up and trot along” situation. It’s a 2-hour outing built around one thing: putting you on an Icelandic horse and letting you actually enjoy Iceland’s outdoor drama from horseback. Expect volcanic ground around Reykjavik, color in the mountains, and that glacier-and-volcano shaped feeling that Iceland does so well.

The most consistently praised part is how the guides run a short “riding school” first. In one recent tour, hosts Begga and Sveinn started with basics on how Icelandic horses move and how to handle them, then matched riders to the right horse. Even if you have never ridden, you learn enough to feel in control.

The second big win is the horses themselves. Many riders describe them as well cared for and easy to manage. And then there is the tölt, the signature stepping gait Icelandic horses can do, which shows up when your horse is comfortable and your group is settled.

The 2-Hour Flow From Stables to Volcanic Terrain

Here’s how your time usually breaks down. You start at the stables, a short drive from Reykjavik, where you’ll check in and get oriented. Then the group gets briefed, gear gets sorted, and you’re taught how to handle the horse so you’re not improvising in a windy field.

Arrival and the short briefing

At the meeting point, you’ll see a parking area with horse trailers. There’s a boom barrier gate, and you simply wait there until they open it. That small detail matters, because it can feel like you missed something if you are expecting a big sign.

Once you’re at the stables, you get a briefing on handling the horse. Guides emphasize how to control your position and respond calmly, which makes a big difference when you are sitting on a living, moving animal in a wide-open place.

Riding gear setup

All riding gear is provided. That includes rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes, which is exactly what you want in Iceland when conditions change fast. You are also encouraged to use a helmet as part of the safety approach.

Horse assignment and the ride length

Your Icelandic horse is assigned based on your level of experience. Tours last between 1 and 1.5 hours on horseback, even though the overall experience is listed as 2 hours. That timing works well if you want a real ride without eating your entire day.

Back at the stables

After your ride, you head back and usually get help adjusting after being layered up in rain gear. This is also where the staff’s photo and video work can pay off, since many riders mention the guides took lots of shots during the tour.

What You Learn Before You Move: Safety That Still Feels Friendly

Horseback riding is not without risk, so the rules are clear. You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you should inform the company about any illnesses or bad health ahead of time. On the horse, you also need to avoid sudden noises, screaming, or big hand waving.

The key thing is how this is taught. Multiple riders highlight how the owners and guides keep it simple and supportive, not scary. If you are nervous, that matters. Guides help you get comfortable in the saddle, and they keep giving tips during the ride so you can relax into it instead of tensing up.

Inga, Christian, and Inga again appear in rider stories as instructors who explain riding in a way that fits the whole group. Different guide names show up, but the theme stays the same: careful prep plus hands-on coaching.

Gear That Actually Solves the Iceland Problem

Iceland weather can be the boss. The good part here is that the tour operator provides the stuff that usually ruins plans: rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That means you can show up without playing guess-the-right-jacket in Reykjavik.

What you should do on your end is wear clothing that can handle being layered. Think warm base layers, and plan to move easily. If it’s wet, your provided gear is going to do the heavy lifting, but you still want to stay comfortable under it.

One more practical note: keep your expectations realistic about the ground. Reviews mention rainy days where it was muddy and cold, and the ride still happens. That is Iceland. The gear helps, but you still feel the difference between sunny and wet.

The Icelandic Horse Advantage: The Tölt Gait You Came For

This is the big “only in Iceland” piece. Icelandic horses have a special way of moving, and riders repeatedly call out the tölt as a highlight. It’s not just a trick, it’s a real riding experience that feels distinct from a standard trot.

Why it matters for you: if you’re a first-timer, the tölt can feel smoother and easier than you expect from a horse you just learned to control. If you’re more experienced, you still get that wow factor of seeing a different gait system in action.

Guides explain what you should do to help the horse move well. In practice, that means you learn how to sit, stay calm, and let the horse do its thing instead of fighting the rhythm. Riders often mention safety tips and encouragement throughout, which is exactly how you should want it when your body is figuring out balance.

Redhill Area Views and Volcanic Country From Your Saddle

You’ll ride through volcanic scenery around Reykjavik, and the tour specifically points to the Iceland Redhill area. From the saddle, the views are wide and immediate. You see mountains and the open countryside, and the terrain shows how glaciers and volcanoes have shaped this place.

This is not a sightseeing bus ride where you only get a few seconds at a stop. You move through the country at a relaxed pace while staying connected to the horse’s rhythm. That’s why riders keep saying this is one of the best experiences on their trip, even when the weather isn’t perfect.

One balancing point: the ride is relatively short. You get time to feel the space and watch the scenery pass, but you won’t cover huge distances the way a long day tour would. If your top priority is maximum time outdoors, you might pair this with another Iceland adventure.

Small Group Size and Personalized Attention

This tour is limited to 8 participants. That number matters more than it sounds. In a small group, your guide can watch your position, adjust your horse choice if needed, and answer questions without turning the briefing into a rushed lecture.

It also affects the overall vibe. Several riders mention individualized attention and a supportive atmosphere. When hosts like Begga and Sveinn are guiding, you get the sense that the experience is run by people who care about both riders and the horses.

And yes, the photo support comes up again and again. Many riders say the guides took lots of pictures and videos, so you can keep your hands where they belong and still get memories.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth It?

At about $200 per person for a 2-hour experience, you’re paying for more than just time in the saddle. You’re paying for:

• A guide and instruction, including how to handle your horse
• Gear provided for cold and wet conditions
• A horse assignment matched to your riding level
• Icelandic horses with the tölt gait
• Small group attention, capped at 8 people

If you’ve compared Iceland activities before, you know pricing can swing hard based on logistics and group size. Here, the value is in preparation plus horse quality plus your chance to actually experience a signature Iceland movement style. Riders repeatedly describe the horses as calm, well taken care of, and easy to manage, which reduces the stress factor that can make some “adventure” tours feel less fun.

The one reason the price might feel steep is the shorter on-horse duration, typically 1 to 1.5 hours. If you want a long scenic day, consider this a focused, high-impact outing rather than a full-day adventure.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great fit if you want an Iceland experience that combines nature with hands-on animal time. It’s also a solid match for beginners because of the pre-ride instruction and the level-based horse assignment.

It’s especially good if you care about the Icelandic horse culture. Reviews highlight how riders learn about the horses and how they differ from other breeds. You’re not only riding, you’re being taught.

You should also like the style of the guides. Riders praise hosts like Begga and Sveinn for being warm, humorous, and attentive, with guides like Christian and Inga also mentioned as strong instructors.

Two practical limits to note:

• There is a 12 years age limit
• Intoxication is not allowed

And as a general expectation, you should be comfortable riding in variable weather, since the tour may still go forward even in rain, and you’ll likely need to accept muddy or chilly conditions at times.

When to Adjust Your Expectations

If you are the type who wants dramatic wildlife or long remote hiking, this is not that. You’re in a guided riding setting, and the focus is the horse and the gait. You also get limited time in the saddle, so keep that in mind.

If you are super camera-focused, this tour may still help, because guides often take plenty of photos and videos. But you’ll still want to plan for a hands-on activity where you don’t want to be juggling your device the entire time.

Finally, if you hate any form of risk or uncertainty, remember that horse riding includes real safety rules. The good news is the operator emphasizes helmets, instruction, and clear behavioral expectations.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horse Ride?

If you want a truly Iceland-style experience that you can actually enjoy, I’d book it. The combination of level-matched Icelandic horses, the tölt gait experience, and the small group size is what makes this ride feel worth it. Add the provided rain gear and the instruction before you move, and it becomes a smart way to spend a short window of time in Reykjavik area.

I’d hesitate only if you strongly dislike getting wet or muddy, or if you need a long outdoor day. Otherwise, this is one of the most rewarding ways to see Iceland’s volcanic surroundings from a perspective that feels like it belongs to the country, not a roadside stop.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour?

The experience is listed as 2 hours. The actual time riding on horseback is typically between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Where do we meet the tour?

You meet at the stables, about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavik. At arrival, go to the parking place with many horse trailers, find the boom barrier gate, and wait until they open it.

What is the minimum age?

The tour has a 12 years age limit.

Are helmets provided or required?

A helmet is recommended as part of the safety approach mentioned in the safety statement.

What riding gear is included?

The tour provides riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, the live tour guide is English.

How big are the groups?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

Are riders matched with horses based on experience?

Yes. Horses are assigned to best suit each participant’s level of experience.

Is alcohol or drug use allowed?

No. Intoxication is not allowed, and you cannot be under the influence while on horseback.

What if the weather is bad?

The operator reserves the right to cancel orders if necessary, for example due to weather conditions, and may change product or service types being sold.