Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Iceland looks different from the saddle. This two-hour ride near Reykjavík takes you across volcanic terrain shaped by glaciers and volcanoes, with wide mountain views and the chance to try the famous Icelandic horse tölt. I like the careful horse matching and the patient instruction, especially for first-time riders. I also like the small groups, limited to eight people, which gives the guides time to help each rider.

The main drawback is the weather. Rain, wind, mud, and cold are all possible, and a horse can react to a sudden noise or passing vehicle. You receive rain clothes and other riding gear, but this is still an outdoor activity, not a polished indoor attraction. At $200 per person, it is a worthwhile splurge for horse lovers and a fair price if you value personal attention, but less compelling if you want a long, fast ride.

Key points to know before you book

• Only 10 minutes from Reykjavík: You reach the stables quickly, making this an easy half-day addition to a city stay.
• A real introduction to Icelandic horses: The briefing covers how these horses move, how to handle them, and what makes their gait different.
• The tölt is the star: This smooth, distinctive gait gives you a riding experience you cannot easily duplicate elsewhere.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight participants, guides can pair horses carefully and offer useful corrections during the ride.
• Gear is supplied: Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are included, though you should still dress warmly underneath.
• Minimum age is 12: The activity suits older children, teenagers, adults, beginners, and experienced riders.

Reaching the stables just outside Reykjavík

The riding center is in Iceland’s Capital Region, about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík. That short transfer is one of the tour’s strongest practical points. You do not need to give up a full day of sightseeing, and the ride can fit neatly around time in central Reykjavík.

When you arrive, look for the parking area with several horse trailers and a boom barrier gate. Wait there until the gate is opened. This is a small detail, but it prevents confusion if you arrive before the staff are ready to bring you in.

The setting quickly leaves the city behind. The horses, open ground, mountains, and volcanic colors give you a strong sense of Iceland beyond the cafés and souvenir shops. You are not being taken deep into a remote wilderness, but the terrain feels open and exposed in a way that makes the city seem far away.

Your first lesson comes before the horses

The ride begins with a briefing at the stables. Plan on about 10 minutes of basic instruction before you meet your horse. The guides explain how to handle the reins, how to communicate with the horse, and how Icelandic horses differ from the animals you may have ridden at home.

This opening is especially useful if you are a beginner. The staff do not simply place you in a saddle and send you out in a line. Begga, one of the owners, has been praised for making her explanations clear, friendly, and often funny. Sveinn has also been noted for giving steady riding advice once the group is on the trail.

The lesson has value for experienced riders, too. Icelandic horses are not just small versions of other riding horses. They are famous for their extra gait, the tölt, and you need some instruction to feel how it works. The guides explain how to sit, use your hands, and stay balanced.

You should arrive ready to listen. Safety depends on calm behavior around the horses. Sudden noises, screaming, waving, or quick movements can unsettle an animal. You also cannot ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That is common-sense advice, but it matters here because you are working with a living animal in an exposed outdoor setting.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The staff assign a horse to suit your riding ability. This careful matching is a major reason the activity works for mixed groups. A first-time rider may need a calm, steady horse, while an experienced rider may appreciate a little more energy.

The horses are repeatedly described as gentle, well-trained, and well cared for. That is important. A good riding tour is not only about the views. You want animals that appear healthy, manageable, and treated with respect. The care shown by Begga, Sveinn, and their team is one of the most praised parts of the experience.

You will have time to meet your horse and get comfortable before setting off. The guides continue to watch the group rather than disappearing ahead. They offer encouragement and small corrections that help you sit better, hold the reins more effectively, and feel less nervous.

The tour suits beginners, but do not confuse beginner-friendly with risk-free. Horseback riding always has an element of risk. One past rider described a friend being thrown when a horse reacted to a loud passing vehicle. It was an unusual event, but it is a useful reminder to wear the riding helmet, follow instructions, and remain calm.

One to one and a half hours across volcanic terrain

The mounted portion lasts about one to one and a half hours within the two-hour activity. The pace is relaxed rather than a hard-driving gallop. That makes the ride suitable for a mixed group, but it also means experienced riders seeking speed or technical riding may find it gentle.

The setting around the Redhill area gives the outing its character. You ride through open volcanic ground with mountains in view, seeing terrain shaped by fire and ice. The colors and forms can change with the weather, and the broad views are a welcome contrast to Reykjavík’s compact streets.

This is not a sightseeing bus with a guide pointing out a long list of landmarks. Your attention shifts between the horse beneath you, the group ahead, and the mountains around you. That slower pace helps you notice the ground and weather in a more direct way.

The ride is also a lesson in Icelandic scale. From the saddle, the terrain seems larger and less managed than it does from a road. The horses give you a quiet way to move through it without the noise of an engine.

Some people may wish the scenic portion lasted longer. One experienced rider found the ride a little short and hoped for more extensive scenery. That is fair criticism at this price. Still, the length has a benefit: you get a genuine riding experience without committing to a full-day expedition.

Feeling the tölt for the first time

The tölt is the special feature of the Icelandic horse. It is a distinctive four-beat gait that can feel remarkably smooth compared with an ordinary trot. The guides introduce it during the ride, and many people consider this their favorite part.

Do not expect every moment to be spent in the tölt. The group must stay together, and each rider has a different comfort level. Beginners need time to manage the basics before trying another gait. The instructors watch the group and help you find a safe, comfortable rhythm.

For an experienced rider, the tölt adds a real sense of place. You are not simply riding a horse in Iceland. You are learning one of the country’s best-known equestrian traditions on an Icelandic horse. For a first-time rider, it offers a memorable challenge without requiring advanced skills.

The smooth motion also changes how you take in the views. Once you stop concentrating on every hand movement, you can enjoy the mountains and open volcanic ground around you. That combination of movement, animal, and scenery is what gives the tour more character than a standard beginner trail ride.

The guides make the small group work

A maximum of eight participants is a useful limit. Horse rides can become frustrating when a large line moves at the pace of its least confident rider. Here, the guides have more room to give individual help and keep the group comfortable.

Begga and Sveinn receive the strongest praise for their warmth, humor, and care. Begga explains the horses and riding in a way that helps nervous participants relax. Sveinn gives practical tips during the ride and helps riders stay safe and comfortable. Their personal involvement gives the experience a family-run feel.

The guides also add context about Iceland, the horses, and the local terrain. That extra explanation turns the ride into more than a simple mounted outing. You learn why the horses matter and how the country’s volcanic and glacial forces shaped the ground beneath you.

Photography is another thoughtful touch. Guides have taken photos and videos of riders, horses, and scenery, allowing you to focus on riding instead of trying to operate a camera from the saddle. You should confirm the current photo arrangement when booking, since the supplied information does not promise a fixed photography package, but this has been a repeated part of the experience.

What to wear when Iceland supplies the outer layers

Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are included. That removes much of the worry about getting the right riding kit, especially if horseback riding is not part of your normal travel wardrobe.

I would still wear warm layers underneath. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and a waterproof outer layer does not automatically keep you warm. Avoid clothing you cannot move in, and follow the staff’s advice about what to wear before mounting.

Expect the ground to be muddy if it has rained. A rainy day does not necessarily cancel the ride, and the tour has operated in poor weather before. Some riders enjoyed the experience despite rain, while others found the cold and mud less comfortable. Your attitude and clothing will make a real difference.

Weather can also force a cancellation or change. The operator reserves the right to alter or cancel the activity when conditions make it necessary. That is sensible for a horseback tour, but keep some flexibility in your Iceland schedule.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200, this is not a cheap casual ride. You are paying for the horses, staff, riding gear, a small group, instruction, and a location close to Reykjavík. The price makes more sense if you are a horse lover or if trying an Icelandic horse is a major trip goal.

The value is strongest for beginners. You receive a proper introduction, a horse selected for your ability, close supervision, and a chance to try the tölt. A large commercial ride with little instruction might cost less, but it may not give you the same personal attention.

Experienced riders should think about what they want. If you want a longer route, fast riding, or challenging terrain, this two-hour outing may feel limited. If you want to understand Icelandic horses and ride in open volcanic surroundings without giving up an entire day, the format is practical.

The near-perfect 4.9 rating from 127 reviews supports the idea that the tour delivers what it promises. The consistent praise focuses on the guides, the horses, the safety briefing, and the beautiful setting, rather than on flashy extras. That is a good sign for an activity built on simple ingredients.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Experienced riders curious about the tölt
• Couples seeking a memorable outdoor activity near Reykjavík
• Families with children aged 12 and older
• Animal lovers who care about how horses are treated
• Anyone with only a few hours available for a countryside outing

You should think twice if you dislike cold, rain, mud, or uncertain weather. You should also avoid it if you expect a fast, athletic ride or a long wilderness route. The pace is relaxed, and the group must accommodate different abilities.

The age limit is 12, so this is not a choice for younger children. Anyone with an illness or health concern should tell the company in advance, since the staff may assess whether riding is suitable.

Should you book Reykjavík Horse Riding Tours?

Book it if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses, not just a generic trail ride. The close location, small group, kind horses, and patient instruction make it a strong choice for beginners. The tölt gives experienced riders something genuinely distinctive, while the volcanic surroundings add real Icelandic character.

At $200, I would place it in the special-occasion category. It is worth the money for a couple, horse enthusiast, or first-time rider who wants one memorable activity outside Reykjavík. If your budget is tight or you want a long, adventurous ride, choose a cheaper or longer outing instead.

The best reason to go is the combination of people and animals. Begga, Sveinn, and their team put care into matching riders with horses and helping everyone feel safe. That attention, more than any single mountain view, is what makes this short tour feel worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The actual ride on horseback lasts about one to one and a half hours, with the remaining time used for arrival, instruction, and preparing with the horses.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

The stable is about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík in Iceland’s Capital Region.

What is the meeting point?

Go to the parking area with many horse trailers and a boom barrier gate. Wait at the gate until the staff open it.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guides provide a riding briefing, assign horses according to each person’s experience, and offer help throughout the ride. The tour also suits experienced riders.

What equipment is included?

The tour supplies riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. A riding helmet should be used for safety.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel or change the activity if weather conditions require it. Rain is possible during the ride, and the supplied rain clothing helps protect you, but you should still dress warmly.