Horseback riding in Iceland hits different.

This Reykjadalur ride (just about 45 minutes from Reykjavik) gets you out fast into the countryside on a classic 5-gaited Icelandic horse, with a small group so you actually get help. I especially like that they provide winter jumpsuits and rain clothing, plus helmets, so you’re not spending your trip hunting for the right gear. Small groups also mean the guides can adjust to your comfort level without turning it into a conveyor belt.

The best part for me is learning the feel of Icelandic gaits. On this tour, you’re guided to experience the fifth gait—tölt—and even true beginners can do it because the coaching is built in from the start.

One thing to plan for: bugs can be intense in some conditions, and helmet-net support isn’t always consistent. The horses and the guides are great, but if you’re bug-sensitive, bring a backup plan (more on that below).

Key things to know before you book

• Small group feel: capped at a maximum of 14 riders (the general tour info also mentions up to 18).
• All levels welcome: no prior riding experience needed; coaching is part of the ride.
• 5-gait Icelandic horses: you can experience the fifth gait, tölt.
• Gear included: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets, plus coffee or tea.
• Weather matters: the tour requires good weather and will be rescheduled or refunded if canceled for poor conditions.

Reykjavik’s close-up: why Reykjadalur is such a smart day plan

Reykjadalur is famous for a reason: you get that Iceland “out of town” feeling without committing to a full-day road trip. This ride is based in Reykjadalur / Hveragerði, and the meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. That location makes this easy to slot into a day when you also want time for geothermal areas, waterfalls, or just a slow wander around Reykjavik.

The timing also helps. The full experience runs about 2 hours, and the actual riding time is described as roughly 1.5 hours. For a lot of people, that’s the sweet spot: long enough to feel like an activity, short enough that weather and energy don’t derail your entire day.

And because there’s no hotel pickup, you’re not waiting around for transfers. You’ll just need your own ride to the stables area. If you’re renting a car, it’s straightforward. If you’re relying on taxis or shuttles, just plan a little cushion so you arrive early.

Safety gear and comfort: what’s included (and what it changes)

This is one of those tours where what’s included actually matters. They provide helmets, a winter jumpsuit, and rain clothing. That means you can travel with lighter layers and still stay warm and dry, which is huge in Iceland where “dry” can change every 20 minutes.

It also changes how you pack. Instead of bringing bulky riding outerwear, you can focus on:

• layers you can move in
• warm socks or something you like wearing for comfort
• simple, grippy footwear you’ll be comfortable in for standing and climbing on

They also include coffee and/or tea. It’s a small thing, but it takes the edge off chilly mornings and gives you a calm moment before you head out.

The meeting point: what you’ll do before you mount

Your tour starts and ends at the same place, back at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur. Expect the usual rhythm for a guided ride:

• arrive, check in, and get your safety gear
• get helmet fit and winter/rain clothing sorted
• meet your guide and group
• receive a quick riding briefing tailored for the group’s skill level
• head out for the countryside route

Because the group is small, the briefing tends to feel more hands-on than you’d get with big groups. If you’re a first-timer, that’s a win. If you’re more experienced, you’ll still appreciate having a guide who can correct your balance and handling before you start switching gaits.

How the ride actually feels: pace, training, and the tolt

This isn’t a “sit back and watch the guide” experience. It’s active, but it should feel manageable for beginners. The tour is specifically described as suitable for all riding levels, including people with no prior experience.

From what I’ve seen in similar Icelandic riding setups, and what this one is clearly designed for, you can expect:

• a calm warm-up on familiar ground
• time to learn posture and basic communication
• then a progression as the group settles into the rhythm of the horses

One key detail: you’re riding 5-gaited Icelandic horses. Most people are used to a simple walk/trot/gallop rhythm. Icelandic horses add their own system, including the tölt, which is often described as a smooth, fast action that can feel surprisingly comfortable once you find the horse’s pace.

In the reviews, people highlight that they not only learned the tolt, they were actually able to feel it during the ride. That’s the difference between being shown a concept and being taught how to ride it.

As for intensity: the ride isn’t built like a nonstop thrill ride. One person described getting mostly a walking pace for about 98% of the time, with faster moments only a handful of times. Translation for you: it’s more “scenic riding with instruction” than “constant adrenaline.”

The route in the countryside: rivers, fields, and a few curveballs

You’re riding in Reykjadalur / Vorsabæjarvellir Valley area, and the countryside experience is the whole point. The tour info talks about taking in beautiful countryside views, and the ride description makes it sound relaxing and exciting at the same time.

In real terms, expect the route to include:

• open fields
• some river terrain, with low crossings mentioned in the experience
• a simple, straightforward trail pattern that doesn’t try to turn into a full-blown expedition

There’s also a small note to keep in mind. One experience mentioned part of the route running along the shoulder of a road. If you get cranky when scenery isn’t uninterrupted, that’s worth factoring in. It didn’t stop the ride from being fun for them, but it’s the only “logistics-style” complaint that stands out.

On the positive side, people like that the ride feels varied enough to be more than just looping around a fenced area. Low rivers and different ground textures make the horses’ training obvious—and make you feel like you’re out in the real area, not just on a short practice path.

Who it’s best for (and who might want a different style)

This tour is set up for wide appeal:

• Beginners: it’s explicitly beginner-friendly, and the coaching is described as patient and supportive.
• Kids age 9+: the tour says it works for adults and children from 9 years old.
• All riding levels: you’ll still be guided, even if you know what you’re doing, because Icelandic gaits require a specific feel.

There are also clear limits:

• Max 110 kg
• helmet and provided clothing means you’re expected to fit their gear system

If you want a more technical riding clinic, this isn’t marketed that way. It’s an experience ride with instruction, not a long training session. If you want deep history or a long lecture about Icelandic horse culture, the ride is short—so you might find the educational pieces are more like highlights than a full program.

Horses and guides: the part that usually makes or breaks it

Good horseback riding is mostly about horse temperament and human guidance. Here, the setup sounds strong.

The horses are described as:

• well-behaved and trained
• still “spunky” in the sense that they’re not robots

That’s actually a good sign. A living horse should react and move with character, but you should still feel safe and in control.

The guides are a major strength. Multiple accounts describe them as:

• friendly
• patient with first-timers
• good at teaching you how to ride the Icelandic style
• willing to explain what’s happening during the route

One review specifically mentions a guide teaching how to ride and also talking about bunkers in the area. Even if that’s not the main focus of the ride, it’s a reminder that you’re not just moving through scenery—you’re moving through a landscape with layers of human history nearby.

The one big downside to watch for: bugs

Bugs are the standout complaint. One account described helmet nets being missing, with swarms making the ride miserable. Another account said nets were provided and that flies were bad that year anyway. Translation: conditions can vary, and insects can be a real factor.

If you’re booking in insect-heavy months (or you’re someone who can’t ignore biting flies), I’d treat this like a real possibility, not an edge case. Bring repellent if you’re allowed to use it, and consider asking about helmet-net availability when you check in. The guides and horses may be perfect, but bugs can ruin your attention and your comfort fast.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $126.50

At $126.50 per person for around 2 hours, the value comes from what you don’t have to manage:

• gear is included (winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmet)
• you get a guided ride on a trained Icelandic horse
• you get a small group experience with hands-on help
• you get coffee or tea

So the price isn’t just “horse time.” You’re paying for the teaching, the safety equipment, and the guide’s work to match the pace to your group.

If you were to rent or buy proper outerwear yourself, or if you had to pay for a lesson separately, the total quickly climbs. Here, the tour wraps a guided lesson and the clothing basics into one booking—so you spend more of your time outside and less time preparing.

Weather planning: why “good weather” is part of the deal

The tour requires good weather. That’s not a tiny footnote—it matters because this ride takes place outdoors and depends on safe ground conditions and visibility.

The good news is that the ride still works in dreary weather. One account described dreary conditions but still called it great to get out on horseback. If the whole tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

My practical advice: watch the forecast the day before, then keep your day flexible. If you’re stacking tours back-to-back, don’t book this as the one that must happen no matter what.

Should you book this Reykjadalur horse ride?

Book it if you want:

• a classic Icelandic activity close to Reykjavik
• a beginner-friendly guided ride that can teach you how the Icelandic gaits work
• a small-group feel with real help and safety gear provided
• a short, satisfying outing (about 2 hours total) without draining your whole day

Consider skipping or choosing a different style if:

• you know you’re extremely sensitive to insects and you don’t want to take any risk
• you’re hoping for a long, deep education on horse culture (this ride is short)
• you strongly dislike any roadside segments (there’s at least one mention of riding along a road shoulder)

If none of those are dealbreakers, this is a smart way to experience Iceland from the back of a well-trained Icelandic horse—especially if you want to learn the tolt without feeling overwhelmed.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur?

The experience lasts about 2 hours (approx.), with around 1.5 hours described as riding time.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland.

Is pickup from hotels included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. The tour is described as beginner-friendly and says no prior experience is needed.

What’s the minimum age to join?

The tour is suitable for adults and children from 9 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 110 kg.

How big are the groups?

The activity lists a maximum of 14 travelers, and the tour description also mentions a maximum group size of 18.

What’s included in the price?

Included: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmets, and coffee and/or tea.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Canceling less than 24 hours before start time does not get refunded.

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