Two hours, Iceland on a saddle. This ride puts you up close with Icelandic horses and teaches you the tölt, their four-beat gait that keeps your seat surprisingly smooth even over rough lava terrain. I love how the instruction starts simple (a short skills check, gear on, then you ride behind the guide), and I love that you get ability-based grouping so the pace fits your comfort level.

One heads-up before you book: pickup is only from selected pickup points, and it must be pre-booked—so if your hotel isn’t on the list, you’ll need to coordinate the nearest stop and plan for the short walk from there.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Tölt instruction for a smoother ride over lava fields and moorland
• Three riding groups (beginner, intermediate, experienced) after a quick assessment
• Full gear included: helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall
• Warm drinks before and after with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers
• Real Iceland scenery: lava, volcanic mountains, and lakes on the route

Entering The Experience: A Reykjavik Horse Ride That Actually Fits Your Skill

This is a two-hour horseback riding tour that stays practical from start to finish. You start with a quick meet-and-greet with the instructor, then get matched to the right ride level. The whole point is to make Iceland’s signature horse experience feel doable, even if you’ve never ridden before.

The horses are Icelandic—sturdy, calm, and famous for the tölt. That’s the four-beat gait designed to stay comfortable on uneven ground. If your goal is to see Iceland’s terrain from horseback without spending your whole trip on lessons, this is a strong match.

You can pick a morning or afternoon ride, which matters because light changes everything here. Even if the ride time is fixed, your timing affects how scenic the lava fields and distant peaks feel when you’re out there.

Getting There Smoothly: Reykjavik Pickup Options and the Real-World Meeting Point

The big logistics decision is pickup. You can choose a tour option with pickup from Reykjavik, but pickup isn’t automatic for every booking. If you do want pickup, you have to pre-book it, and you should double-check exactly where the driver will meet you.

One more detail: pickup might be at a nearby bus stop rather than directly in front of your hotel. That means you should plan a little buffer for walking time and waiting. It’s also why your safest move is to confirm pickup location with the operator after booking.

If you’re driving yourself, arrive at the stables 30 minutes early. The tour starts at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, and you’ll want time to check in, get gear fitted, and get comfortable before you step into the riding area.

At the Stables: Gear Up, Mount Without Drama, and Get Sorted

When you arrive, you’ll meet your instructor first to discuss your ability level. The tour is set up for three levels—beginner, intermediate, and experienced—and you’ll be coached based on where you’re most comfortable.

Then you’ll watch a short instructional video. It’s not meant to turn you into an equestrian; it’s to get you moving safely and help you understand how the tölt works. After that comes the practical part: you’ll put on provided riding gear, which includes a helmet and rubber boots, plus rain gear and a warm overall.

Two safety/comfort points you should take seriously:

• You must be able to mount from the ground on your own strength. There’s no mention of a mounting block, so don’t assume you’ll get a step-by-step lift.
• The tour has a weight limit of 110kg / 240lbs and an age limit of 7 years old.

Also, used riding gear isn’t allowed on the tour or near the horses. That’s the kind of rule that sounds fussy until you realize it’s mainly about hygiene and safety around the animals.

The Icelandic Horse and the Tölt: Why This Ride Feels Special

Icelandic horses have a reputation for being friendly and sure-footed, and the tölt is the reason they’re so popular for visitors. The tölt is a four-beat gait, not a trot or a standard canter. Practically, it often feels smoother on rocky or uneven ground—so the route feels more enjoyable than you might expect.

Before you set out, your instructor will show you how to ease your horse into the tölt. The goal is to help you find the rhythm without forcing it. As you ride, you’ll follow the instructor and stay guided, rather than trying to manage everything by yourself.

There’s also a bigger reason to learn the tölt here: it changes your whole view of Iceland’s rough terrain. Instead of thinking about every bump, you can actually look around—lava fields, moorland, volcanic mountains, and lakes—while still feeling secure.

And yes, you’ll often get opportunities to ride at different paces depending on your group. That’s why the ability matching is so important.

Riding the Lava Fields and Moorland: What You’ll See on the Route

Your ride takes you through volcanic scenery that feels very Iceland, with lava fields and moorland on the menu. You’ll pass volcanic mountains and lakes, and the terrain gives you plenty of chances to stop and take photos.

This is one of those tours where the scenery is the attraction, but the horses are what make it feel alive. You’re not just looking at a view from a road. You’re moving through it at a natural pace, which makes the scale feel real.

Weather matters a lot in Iceland. The ride requires good weather, and you’ll be provided rain gear and warmth layers to help you handle the conditions you get. Wind can show up fast here—so consider bringing a hat or ear protection if you’re sensitive to sound or cold gusts.

One practical note from real-world experience: you don’t want your best shoes. Even with rubber boots provided, you’ll be walking around the stable area, and muddy terrain is always a possibility.

Group Splits That Keep the Ride Fun (Not Frustrating)

One of the best parts of this tour is the way they handle different riding abilities. After watching you, the instructor splits riders into three groups: beginners, intermediates, and experienced riders.

Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain. Intermediate and experienced riders take on more challenging routes at different paces. The key is that you’re not stuck in a single-speed experience.

If you feel like you’re going too slow or too fast, your best move is to tell your instructor. The tour is designed to adjust, rather than treating everyone as the same rider.

You may also get opportunities for more advanced riding options depending on the group. Some riders look for tolt time specifically, others want to feel more speed. Either way, the grouping is what keeps the ride from turning into a traffic jam of mixed abilities.

The Pleasant Finish: Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate at the Stables

After your trek, you’ll head back for hot drinks at the stables. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is included, which is a welcome reset after time outside in wind or rain.

This part matters more than it sounds. Iceland weather can change quickly, and warming up with something hot helps you enjoy the day instead of just enduring it. It’s also a nice moment to breathe, dry out a bit, and chat with your guide while the ride is still fresh.

If the sky is clear, you’ll also likely feel satisfied in a different way: you see the scenery both during the ride and in your post-ride photos. It’s the kind of ending that makes the whole two hours feel complete.

Price and Value: Why $133-ish Can Be Worth It

At about $133.02 per person for a ride lasting roughly two hours, this isn’t a bargain in the budget-travel sense. But it can be good value if you compare what’s included versus what you’d otherwise need.

You’re getting:

• A guided Icelandic horseback experience with instruction and ability grouping
• Gear included (helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall)
• Hot drinks included

That adds up fast. Renting gear in Iceland can cost real money, and buying the right rain/warm layers just for one activity can be a hassle. Here, the tour handles that for you. Plus, the guidance matters—proper coaching is the difference between feeling nervous and feeling confident.

The other value angle is timing. Two hours is short enough to fit into a packed Reykjavik itinerary, but long enough to actually feel like you did something meaningful outdoors.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour suits you if you want nature and horseback riding in the same package. It’s especially good for people who like structure: you get a quick check-in, instruction, gear, then a guided ride with groups that match ability.

It also works well for first-timers. Beginners ride more slowly over easier terrain, and you’ll be instructed on easing into the tölt. If you already ride, you can choose the more advanced group for more challenging terrain and pace options.

You should consider alternatives if any of these apply:

• You can’t mount from the ground by yourself.
• You’re over the 110kg / 240lbs weight limit.
• You need a different option due to pregnancy—pregnant women can’t ride.
• Your child is under 7 years old.

Also plan for a basic “outdoor fitness” level. This is described as requiring moderate physical fitness. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should feel comfortable walking around and sitting through outdoor conditions.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Icelandic Horseback Ride?

If your dream is to see Iceland’s lava-and-lake scenery from the back of an Icelandic horse, I think this is a smart booking. The biggest reasons: the tölt instruction makes the ride smoother, the grouping helps you keep a good pace, and the gear + warm drinks help you handle the weather.

The main thing I’d double-check before paying is pickup. Make sure you’re choosing the pickup-inclusive option, and confirm the exact pickup spot since it may not be in front of your hotel. If you handle that, you’ll likely spend less time coordinating and more time actually riding.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

Pickup is offered as an option. You must select a tour option that includes pickup, and pickup is pre-booked from selected Reykjavik pickup points.

Where do I meet if I’m not using pickup?

The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

What riding gear is provided?

You get helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The instructor assesses your ability level on arrival and groups you for a beginner, intermediate, or experienced ride.

What are the age and weight limits?

The tour lists an age limit of 7 years old and a weight limit of 110kg / 240lbs.

What if it rains or the weather is poor?

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

Are pregnant women allowed to ride?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

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