Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

Iceland’s volcanic countryside looks even better from horseback. This two-hour outing near Reykjavik gives you a small-group ride on Icelandic horses, a short riding lesson, and a chance to try the famous tölt, the breed’s smooth four-beat gait. I like the limited group size of eight, and I like that the guides take photos so you can focus on the ride instead of your phone. The main drawback is the price: at $200 per person, this is not a casual budget activity.

You do not need to be a serious rider to consider it. The tour is designed for a mix of ability levels, and the horses are carefully matched to the people riding them. Still, you should be comfortable around animals, dress for changeable outdoor conditions, and accept that the ride may be slightly delayed.

Key points to know before you book

• The tölt is the star of the ride: This smooth, distinctive gait is one of the special reasons to choose Icelandic horses over a standard trail ride.
• Groups are limited to eight people: That makes it easier to hear the guide, ask questions, and receive useful help in the saddle.
• The ride is near Reykjavik: The meeting point is Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur, with bus number 5 available.
• Photos are taken during the outing: You can keep your attention on the horse and the scenery, with photos provided afterward at no extra cost.
• Both new and experienced riders can fit in: The owners are praised for pairing horses carefully and helping mixed-ability groups ride together.
• The tour lasts two hours: That is enough time for a proper introduction and countryside ride, but you may wish it lasted longer once you get comfortable.

Meeting the horses in Víðidalur

The experience begins at Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur, within the Capital Region. Use Google Maps for the most reliable directions. Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work in map searches, but the full business name is the safer choice.

Arrive 15 minutes early. That extra time matters because you need to find the meeting point, get settled, and prepare for the introduction. Public transportation is available by bus number 5, which makes this one of the easier riding outings to reach without a car.

The setting gives you a quick change of pace from the city. You are still close to Reykjavik, but the ride takes place among Icelandic countryside and volcanic terrain rather than streets and buildings. That makes the outing useful for a short stay when you want a taste of rural Iceland without committing to a full-day excursion.

Your guide starts with a short introduction to horseback riding. This is not just a formality. If you have limited riding experience, it gives you basic direction before you set off. If you have ridden for years, it helps you understand how this particular group of horses works and what the guide expects from everyone.

The horses are an important part of the experience. Icelandic horses are compact, sturdy, and famous for their calm character and unusual gaits. The people running the tour know their horses well, and they assign them with the group’s different skill levels in mind. That careful pairing helps a first-time or occasional rider feel more at ease while allowing experienced riders to enjoy the horse’s movement.

Learning the tölt on an Icelandic horse

The tölt is the feature that gives this ride its special character. It is a smooth, distinctive gait associated with Icelandic horses. For you, that means the ride can feel different from a basic walk or trot, even if you have ridden elsewhere.

The guide introduces the gait as part of the outing rather than treating the horses as simple transport. That is a worthwhile distinction. You learn something about Icelandic horse culture while also getting a physical feel for the breed.

The strongest practical point here is that riders with different backgrounds can take part together. One group may include someone who has sat on a horse only a handful of times and someone else who rides regularly. The horses are assigned with that in mind, and the instruction helps keep the group comfortable.

You should still be realistic about your own ability. This is an outdoor horseback ride, not a lesson in an indoor arena. Listen closely to the guide, follow the instructions, and let the horse and guide set the pace. The tour is intended to be welcoming, but it is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Riding through volcanic countryside

Once the introduction is complete, you head into the surrounding countryside. The appeal is not one single landmark. It is the combination of Icelandic horses, open views, volcanic ground, and the quiet rhythm of moving through the country on horseback.

I like this type of outing because it gives you a slower way to see Iceland. From a bus window, you can look at the countryside. From a horse, you notice the movement of the ground, the weather, and the animal beneath you. The experience feels more connected to the setting than a quick photo stop.

The terrain is described as volcanic, and the scenery is a major part of the ride. Expect broad countryside views rather than a packed sequence of attractions. The beauty comes from the setting itself and from the unusual contrast between rugged Icelandic terrain and the sure-footed horses carrying you through it.

The tour offers morning and afternoon departures. That gives you useful flexibility when planning around other Reykjavik activities. Check the available start times for your date, then choose the slot that fits your plans and the kind of light or weather you prefer.

Tours may run slightly late, so leave a little breathing room around the booking. You do not want to schedule a tight transfer or a must-see reservation immediately afterward. The ride lasts two hours, but your total time at the meeting point may be a little longer once arrival and preparation are included.

Why the small group makes a difference

A maximum of eight participants is a real advantage here. Horseback riding needs clear instructions, and a small group makes it easier for the guide to watch how everyone is doing. You can also ask questions about the horses, the tölt, Icelandic culture, and the countryside without shouting across a large line of riders.

The owners and guides receive particularly warm praise for their care toward the horses and their friendly approach to people. That matters to me when judging a riding experience. You are not simply paying for an animal to carry you around. You are also choosing how the horses are treated and whether the people running the tour take time to explain what they are doing.

The group format also helps mixed-ability riders. Beginners can receive direction without feeling lost, while experienced riders are not automatically forced into a beginner-only outing. The horse assignments are handled with care, which helps the group ride together more comfortably.

One useful extra is the photography. The guide takes pictures during the ride, and the photos are provided afterward at no additional cost. That solves a common problem with horseback tours: trying to hold onto your phone, manage a camera, and control a horse at the same time. You can keep your hands free and pay attention to the ride.

What to wear for Icelandic weather

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and outdoor clothing. The instructions are simple, but you should take them seriously. You will be outside, and Icelandic weather can make a pleasant ride feel very different from a cold or wet one.

Choose clothing that lets you move easily in the saddle. Layers are a sensible choice because conditions can shift during the morning or afternoon. Avoid arriving in delicate clothes that you would worry about getting dirty or exposed to the elements.

Comfortable footwear is essential. You want shoes that feel secure while mounting, riding, and walking around the stable area. The supplied guidance does not specify a special riding boot, so focus on comfort and practical outdoor use rather than packing specialist equipment.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. That is both a stated rule and basic good sense around horses. Arrive alert, follow directions, and treat the animals with calm respect.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, the tour is a significant expense for two hours. It makes the most sense when you value a small group, local guidance, horse care, the tölt, and the included photographs rather than judging the price by riding time alone.

You are paying for more than a basic horse rental. The price includes a local guide, an introduction to riding, an organized route through the Icelandic countryside, and access to Icelandic horses selected for the group. The personal attention is more meaningful in a group of eight than it would be in a large commercial outing.

The free photos also improve the value. You do not need to arrange your own photographer or choose between taking pictures and enjoying the ride. The guide’s explanations about Icelandic horses, culture, and the country add another layer that a simple trail rental would not provide.

Still, two hours goes quickly. Several riders felt the time passed fast and wished they could have stayed out longer. If you measure value strictly by duration, the price may feel high. If this is a special Iceland trip and riding an Icelandic horse is near the top of your list, the personal format can justify the cost.

There is also no food, drink, or transportation included. Plan those separately. Since the meeting point can be reached by bus number 5, you may be able to keep additional costs down if the route works with your plans.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this tour most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction in a small group
• Experienced riders curious about the tölt and Icelandic horses
• Couples looking for an active countryside experience near Reykjavik
• Visitors who want photos without stopping to manage a camera
• People with a limited schedule who cannot fit in a full-day horse excursion

It is less suitable if you dislike animals, have an allergy to them, are pregnant, or are under 12. The weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, and you should treat that limit as firm.

This is also not the right choice if you want a fast, athletic riding session. The focus is on enjoying the horses, scenery, instruction, and local setting. You may get to ride the tölt, but the group needs to stay together and the guide sets the rhythm.

Booking, timing, and cancellation

You can choose a morning or afternoon tour, subject to availability. The activity is offered in English, and a live guide accompanies the group.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Iceland schedule may change.

Arrive 15 minutes before the booked time. Tours can be slightly delayed, so do not plan a very tight connection afterward. The experience provider is Islenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse.

Final decision: should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a close, personal introduction to Icelandic horses and prefer a small group over a large riding line. The careful horse matching, friendly local guidance, tölt instruction, countryside setting, and free photos give the experience more substance than a basic ride.

Think twice if $200 feels too high for two hours, if you need transportation and refreshments included, or if you want a long day in the saddle. For the right rider, though, this is a memorable way to see the countryside near Reykjavik and learn why Icelandic horses are so distinctive.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the horseback riding experience and the introduction to riding.

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur. Google Maps is recommended, and Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work in map searches.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to the meeting point is not included, but public transportation is available by bus number 5.

What language is the tour offered in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The tour includes an introduction to horseback riding, and the horses are assigned to suit riders with different levels of experience.

Who cannot participate?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.