Want Iceland in one satisfying ride? This tour gives you a close-up meeting with Iceland’s favorite land animals without feeling like a big production. You get pickup from Reykjavik, a short drive to a family-run horse farm, and then a guided ride through the countryside just outside the city.

I especially like that they match you with a horse based on your experience, so first-timers are not stuck on some wild guess. I also love the warm wrap-up after the ride, with hot drinks and pastries that turn a cold day into a good one. One drawback to watch: weather matters, and in winter you must pack real warmth because the ride is outside for a good chunk of time.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Short drive from Reykjavik so you spend less time commuting and more time riding
• All riding gear included (helmet, coveralls/snowsuit, boots/rain gear)
• Horse matching by experience so beginners can relax and learn fast
• Gorgeous countryside ride with river crossings on many routes
• Small group size (max 15) for more personal attention
• Warm cocoa/coffee and pastries after you come back

Icelandic Horses Near Reykjavik: Why This Ride Feels Different

I’ve ridden plenty of tourist activities in Europe, and most of them feel like a checkbox. This one feels more like meeting a local tradition. The Icelandic horse has its own personality and movement, and if you’re lucky you’ll experience the tölt style gait mentioned by multiple riders as a standout moment.

The best part is that this is not just about sitting on a horse. You learn how to handle the basics, then you get a proper countryside hack with attentive staff and horses that know the route. That combination makes it feel special even if you have no riding background.

Another thing I like: you’re not sent on an endless training circuit. You ride, you enjoy the views, and you warm up afterward. That simple flow is a big reason this tour has such a strong reputation for first-timers and families.

From Reykjavik Pickup to the Stables: The Easy Part First

Pickup starts about 1 hour before departure, and it can take up to 20 minutes to collect everyone. Plan to be ready a little earlier than you think, especially if your hotel is in a no-pickup zone in central Reykjavik. In those cases, you’ll get an updated meeting point and instructions.

If you’re on a cruise, pickup is arranged at the main port terminal. That matters because it removes a lot of stress from the day—getting to a farm outside town is one thing, but doing it right from the ship schedule is another.

The drive itself is quick. You travel roughly 15 minutes from Reykjavik to the riding destination. It’s short enough that the morning stays light and you’re not stuck in a bus with heavy luggage for ages.

Getting Suited Up: Helmets, Boots, and Winter Snowsuits

This tour handles the bulky part for you. Before you ride, you’ll be given essential gear like a helmet and protective clothing—boots and rain gear in wetter months, and snowsuits in wintertime.

That sounds basic, but it’s actually a comfort upgrade. In Iceland, being cold and wet turns a good experience into a miserable one fast. Riders repeatedly mention how happy they are not to manage their own riding gear, and that coveralls help keep you warm even when the weather tries to win.

If you’re riding in cold weather, bring your own common-sense warmth too. One review notes the lack of hand and foot warmers can be an issue, which is exactly the kind of small planning detail that makes a difference when you’re outdoors longer than you expect. In other words: gear is covered, but you still control how warm you’ll be.

Matching Your Horse: How They Reduce Risk Without Making It Complicated

Right after gear fitting, they gather basic information about how much you’ve ridden before. Then they match you to a horse that fits your experience level. This is one of the most praised parts of the experience because it removes the anxiety of thinking you’ll be paired with the wrong animal.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely get exactly what you need: quick guidance, a calm mount, and a route that stays manageable. Several riders highlight that children and true beginners were able to handle the ride, largely because the horses are so well-trained and the staff stays helpful with mounting and care.

One practical tip from riders: Icelandic horses are short. That can sound intimidating until you remember they make mounting easy. If you need a boost, the farm staff helps, and there’s no step like you might see on some other tours.

Also, this is not a full-on riding lesson. Instructions are given early, then you’re on a guided trail ride with horses following a line. So if what you want is technique drills and classroom style instruction, you might want a different kind of program. If what you want is a real ride outdoors, this hits the sweet spot.

The Countryside Ride Outside Reykjavik: Rivers, Views, and Tölt

Once everyone is mounted, you head out into the countryside outside Reykjavik. Riders talk about wide views, river crossings, and that calm feeling you get when a horse walk/trot rhythm takes over and your brain stops worrying about the next turn.

Many people mention river crossings specifically, and at least one rider describes a route that includes an extended stretch along water. Another mentions lava fields and streams, which tells me the route can vary with season and ground conditions. Either way, you’re not just watching scenery from a lookout. You move through it.

What about ride style? Expect a smooth trail experience rather than a rocky, technical adventure. People describe the ride as relaxed and long enough to feel like you actually went somewhere. One rider also flags that you may have opportunities for different speeds like trotting and tölt depending on your group and the horses assigned.

If you’re curious about the tölt: riders describe it as an amazing experience. It’s the kind of detail that makes you remember the ride later, not just the photos. Even if you don’t know the name ahead of time, the movement tends to stand out.

The timing matters, too. The whole tour is about 3 hours 30 minutes. That includes pickup, gear, riding, and returning. So yes, you do get real riding time, not just a quick loop around the barn.

Coming Back to Warm Up: Cocoa, Coffee, and Pastries

Here’s a small detail that can be huge in Iceland: you don’t end the day shivering. After the ride, you return to the stables where the farm serves warm drinks like hot cocoa, coffee, and tea, plus pastries mentioned again and again.

Riders describe a warm tea room atmosphere that makes the ride feel complete. You also get a chance to dry off, swap stories, and calm down your legs. If you’ve ever done an outdoor activity where you get off the bus and instantly freeze, you’ll appreciate how this tour builds in a recovery moment.

Then you’re driven back to your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. It’s a clean end to the tour day: no last-minute directions, no wandering in the cold while you search for your ride.

Price and Value: Is $152.37 Worth It?

At about $152.37 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for Iceland horseback riding. The key question is what’s included, because that’s where the value shows up.

You’re getting:

• Hotel pickup and return from Reykjavik (and port pickup for cruise passengers)
• Provided riding gear like helmets and protective coveralls/snowsuits with appropriate footwear
• A matched horse by experience plus staff support before and during the ride
• About 3.5 hours of total time with a real countryside trail ride
• Warm drinks and pastries after you ride

When you stack those together, it becomes more than a basic ride ticket. You’re buying convenience and comfort, plus a guided experience that reduces risk for beginners. Riders rate it extremely high (4.8 with nearly 800 reviews), and the repeating theme is that the staff and horses are gentle and well cared for.

Could you find cheaper options? Maybe, but you’ll likely give up some of this included stuff. In Iceland, the difference between bringing gear and having it supplied can be the difference between a fun day and a cold one.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a smart choice for:

• Beginners who want a guided trail ride with a horse matched to them
• Families with kids from the minimum age (more on that soon)
• Travelers who want a quick, high-reward nature experience right near Reykjavik
• Anyone who wants Icelandic horses, not generic horseback riding

It may not be ideal if you:

• Have bad knees or a bad back. At least one rider flags this directly as a consideration. Even with a gentle pace, you’re still riding for a while, and your body feels it.
• Expect a technique-heavy riding class. This is trail riding with early instructions, not a long lesson.

Weather and comfort also matter. The operator requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, they’ll offer another date or a full refund. That’s not a bad thing; it’s a safety and quality choice.

Practical Tips So You Don’t Waste Your Energy

I’d go in prepared to stay warm and dry, because even with provided gear, you can still get chilled if you underpack for wind and damp air.

A few tips that match what riders found useful:

• Wear warm layers under the provided coveralls/snowsuit if you’re riding in winter
• Bring warm socks, and consider extra insulation if you run cold
• If you ride in winter, consider hand and foot warmers, especially if you tend to feel cold quickly
• Don’t expect a huge instruction session. Get ready for quick basics, then riding
• Wear shoes that work well with the gear they provide, and follow staff guidance for fit and safety

Also, keep your schedule loose around pickup. Pickup windows can take time, and the farm run is short, so the staff needs everyone ready.

Should You Book This Icelandic Horse Ride?

I think you should book it if you want a beginner-friendly way to meet Icelandic horses and see the countryside without spending half your day traveling. The combo of quick Reykjavik pickup, included gear, horse matching, and a warm finish is hard to beat for the money.

I’d skip it only if riding comfort is a concern for you physically, or if you’re specifically looking for a long riding lesson rather than a guided trail ride. Otherwise, this is the kind of activity that feels like a real Iceland moment: horses, weather, views, and a farm family atmosphere that keeps things human.

If your calendar allows flexibility with weather, this is a strong pick for a memorable half-day from Reykjavik.

FAQ

Do you get picked up from Reykjavik hotels?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Pickup starts about 1 hour before departure and can take up to 20 minutes to collect all passengers. Some central hotels are in a no-pickup zone, so you may be given an updated meeting point.

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is this tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the operator gathers info about your riding experience to match you with a suitable horse.

What is the minimum age for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 7 years.

What gear is provided for the ride?

You’re provided with basic riding gear such as helmets, boots, and rain clothes. In wintertime, snowsuits are provided.

Is this a lesson or more of a trail ride?

It’s mainly a guided trail ride. You’ll receive basic information and instructions before riding, and then you ride along the route with staff support.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.

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