Tölt in the open Iceland air. If you want Iceland that is quiet, hands-on, and moving, this ride around Þorlákshöfn delivers. I really like the chance to experience an Icelandic horse’s tölt gait up close, with guides who shape the route to fit the group instead of running everyone on a schedule.

My favorite part is how personal it stays for such a short outing: this is a small group capped at 12, and guides adjust the pace so the ride feels comfortable even if you are new to horses. I also appreciate the practical inclusions like helmets/riding equipment and snacks, so you are not scrambling last minute.

One thing to keep in mind: the route can change with weather and season, so what you see most depends on what the day gives you. If you are booking hoping for one exact scenery set, you will want some flexibility.

What makes this horseback ride worth your time

• Icelandic horses and the tölt gait: you get a real taste of what makes this breed special
• Small-group feel (max 12): easier to learn, easier to get guidance, fewer bottlenecks
• Þorlákshöfn on the South Coast: a quick drive from Reykjavik, with fishing-village vibes
• Route adapts to weather: you may get beaches, lava fields, and mountain views depending on conditions
• Guides pace the group: you ride so no one gets left behind, slowest rider sets the tempo
• Helmets, equipment, and snacks included: you pay for the experience, not extra add-ons

Why horseback riding around Þorlákshöfn feels different

Reykjavik is dramatic, but it is also loud in a good way. This tour is the opposite mood. You trade city noise for the feel of the South Coast, with the small fishing village Þorlákshöfn as your anchor point.

The ride focuses on nature that is very Iceland: beach views, lava fields, tall grass banks, and mountains in the distance. The best part is that you are moving through it at a horse’s pace, not just looking at it from a bus window. And because you are on an Icelandic horse, you do not just sit there and hope for the best. You learn what the ride feels like when the horse falls into its signature motion—tölt—which guides highlight as a key moment of the experience.

This is also a very friendly setup for first-timers. Icelandic horse tours can be intimidating on paper, but here the approach is built around matching you to the group’s comfort level.

Getting there from Reykjavik: pickup, meeting point, and timing

The tour runs about 3 hours total, so it fits nicely into a day without swallowing your whole itinerary.

You have two ways to start, depending on what you booked:

• Round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels are included for this experience.
• The listed meeting location is AlhestarFaxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. If you are not using pickup, you can treat Þorlákshöfn as the base.

Either way, the logistics are straightforward. Þorlákshöfn is only about 30 km (19 miles) from Reykjavik, which is roughly 45 minutes by car. That short transfer matters because it reduces the time you spend bundled up before you even get on the horse.

You will also get a mobile ticket (and confirmation at booking), which is a small thing but it helps on travel days when you are already juggling weather, layers, and directions.

Meet your horses: helmets, equipment, and the tölt moment

You will be given helmets and riding equipment, plus snacks during the tour. That takes away the biggest stress for many people: what if I arrive and I do not have the right gear.

The tour is designed to work for both beginners and experienced riders. That does not mean it is vague. It means the guides are watching how you handle the basics—mounting, sitting balance, steering cues—and then they set the ride pace accordingly.

And yes, you are there for the Icelandic horse experience. The highlight is the tölt gait, and guides aim to give you a chance to feel it during the ride. If you are hoping for a riding experience that feels distinct from a typical trail ride elsewhere, this is the reason to book.

A quick reality check

You should expect to learn by doing. You are not just touring the countryside; you are participating in it. Even if you have ridden before, the Icelandic horse’s gait and the way you communicate can feel different than what you might be used to.

The ride itself: beaches, lava fields, and grass banks (weather permitting)

The core setting is around Þorlákshöfn. From there, the route you ride depends on weather and season, but the area is described as stunning, with:

• beach views
• lava fields
• green grass banks
• mountains in the wider background

Because the trail can change, your best strategy is to picture the ride as a nature sampler rather than a fixed itinerary with the same scenery every time. Some days may lean more toward open views. Other days may focus on pastures and paths that suit the ground conditions.

There is also a practical upside to this flexible approach. When the weather is right for it, the guides can take you off the main tracks and into more varied terrain (lava-adjacent areas and open pastures have come up in rider accounts). When conditions are not ideal, the goal stays the same: keep it safe, keep it fun, and keep the pace friendly for everyone.

Who this is best for (and what “beginner friendly” really means)

If you are a total beginner, this tour is built for you—within limits. You should be comfortable with the idea that horses are animals, not machines. The good news is that the guides are used to teaching riders in a calm, step-by-step way.

Your physical requirement is listed as moderate physical fitness level. In real terms, that usually means you can handle:

• getting on and off the horse safely
• sitting upright while the horse moves
• staying steady if the terrain changes
• dressing for Iceland weather

This tour also explicitly says it is suitable for all levels of horseback riding experience. For more experienced riders, that does not automatically mean you get a speed race. The focus stays on the group and the pace matching the slowest rider, so you should come for the countryside and the Icelandic horse experience, not for breaking records.

The pace is part of the product

A lot of tours claim small-group personalization. This one backs it up with a clear rule: the guides will not go faster than the slowest rider. That matters because it changes your experience from performative to genuinely enjoyable. You are less likely to feel stressed, and you get time to watch and learn.

Price and value: is $207 fair for this 3-hour ride?

At $207, this is not a cheap activity, especially if you are trying to rack up a full Iceland trip on a budget. But value is not only about price; it is about what is included and what kind of experience you get for the money.

Here is what you are paying for, based on the tour details:

• Round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels
• Small-group format (max 12)
• Helmets and riding equipment
• Snacks
• A guided horseback experience designed for different skill levels
• Access to the South Coast area around Þorlákshöfn

For many people, the “gotcha” with horseback riding tours is that you end up paying extra for basic needs. Here, the essentials are bundled.

Still, it is worth a reality check: a 3-hour tour includes travel time. So you are paying for the full outing, not just a long block in the saddle. If you are the type who wants maximum riding minutes, you might compare this to longer tours. If you want a one-day, well-run introduction to Iceland on horseback, the value makes more sense.

What to pack: shoes, layers, and weather readiness

The tour includes equipment and helmets, but it does not include your personal comfort items. The listing calls out two key things you should bring:

• good shoes
• warm & comfortable clothes

That is not a suggestion for Iceland. It is the difference between enjoying the ride and feeling miserable before it even starts. Even in calmer conditions, you will be outside while gearing up and moving between pickup, meeting point, and the stables area.

A good rule: dress like you expect wind and cool air, then add a layer you can remove if you warm up with movement. Also, pick shoes with solid grip. You want stable footing when mounting and when you step around the barn area.

Safety and guidance: getting comfortable fast

If you come in nervous, do not fight it. Many people do. The guides focus on keeping things controlled and safe while also teaching you how to ride.

A few things you can rely on:

• You ride at a pace that matches the slowest rider
• Equipment and helmets are provided
• Guides actively help you learn how to manage your horse during the ride

Communication is mostly handled with instruction and practical cues. Icelandic horse guides are often very used to mixed groups with different languages. If you prefer lots of detailed English explanations, keep an open mind. If your priority is feeling safe and learning through guidance, you will likely be fine.

A note on expectations

Because the route can change with conditions, you may not see every exact type of scenery every day. Some days might give more open views. Others might keep you closer to the paths that work best for safety and timing. That is part of traveling in Iceland with weather in charge.

The small touches that make it feel less touristy

The best horseback experiences feel simple: horses, countryside, good teaching. This one keeps that tone. You are not asked to do fancy paperwork dances. You show up, gear up, ride, and then the experience ends where it began.

There is also often a warm, hospitable vibe after the ride. In rider accounts, getting coffee at the farm is a common kind of bonus, especially if your guide invites you to warm up and talk for a few minutes. It is not listed as a formal inclusion, but the chance for a friendly post-ride moment is part of the overall feel.

Should you book Countryside of Iceland by Horseback Riding?

Book it if:

• you want a real Iceland experience that is not just driving past sights
• you want to try riding an Icelandic horse and experience tölt
• you like the idea of a small group (max 12) and a ride paced for everyone
• you value included essentials like helmets, equipment, and snacks

Skip or rethink if:

• you want a guaranteed checklist of scenery and you hate route changes based on weather
• you do not handle cold or outdoor waiting well (and you might not pack enough warmth)
• you are expecting a racey, high-speed ride rather than a guided, group-focused trail

If your goal is to trade city time for horses and South Coast air, this tour fits the bill. It is short enough to work any time you have a gap, and it is structured enough to feel safe even if you are new to riding.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

You’ll ride around the small fishing village of Þorlákshöfn on Iceland’s South Coast.

Do I get pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes, round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels are included, and the activity ends back at the start point.

Is this tour good for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, and the guides adjust the ride to the group’s abilities.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included, along with helmets and riding equipment, and snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring good shoes and warm, comfortable clothes.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

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