Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley)-All Riding Levels

Iceland from horseback feels different. This Reykjadalur ride gives you a close look at the countryside only about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, while introducing you to the famous five-gaited Icelandic horse. I like the beginner-friendly pace and the way the guides help nervous riders settle in. I also like that winter suits, rain gear, helmets, and hot drinks are included.

The main drawback is that much of the route may be slow and fairly simple, with one portion beside the road. Bug protection can also matter in warm conditions, and the information about nets is not fully consistent. At $126.50 per person, this is a good value for a first ride or a short Icelandic experience, but a serious rider may want a longer, more varied route.

Key points to know before you book

• The Icelandic horse has a special fifth gait: You may get to try the smooth tölt, a signature part of riding in Iceland.
• No riding background is needed: Patient instruction and calm horses make this a strong choice for first-time riders.
• The ride is close to Reykjavik: The stable is about 45 minutes from the capital, so you can fit it into a busy day.
• The countryside route is gentle: Expect mostly walking, with some chances to move faster depending on the group and conditions.
• Gear is supplied: Helmets, winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and coffee or tea are included.
• The bug question deserves attention: One experience included bug nets, while another rider found the lack of one very uncomfortable. Ask ahead.

Why Reykjadalur is a smart place for a short ride

Reykjadalur, or Smoky Valley, is in the Hveragerði area, close enough to Reykjavik for an easy outing. You do not need to spend a full day on the road to reach the stable, which matters in Iceland. A morning ride can leave room for other plans, while an afternoon ride can follow sightseeing in the capital.

The setting gives you open countryside, mountain views, fields, and some low river crossings. This is not a polished show or a quick circle around a paddock. You ride out into the area around the stable and get a taste of Icelandic terrain from the saddle.

That said, the route is not wild every minute. One detailed account described roughly two miles beside the road before turning into the fields, then another return section along the base of the mountain. If you want nonstop mountain trails, this may feel modest. If you want a safe introduction to Icelandic riding, the simple route has real value.

Arriving at Sólhestar near Hveragerði

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way there. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Plan extra time for finding the stable and getting ready. The experience is sold as about two hours, while the actual riding portion is described as about one and a half hours. That difference likely covers fitting equipment, meeting the horses, and getting instructions, but you should not plan on a full two hours in the saddle.

The group size matters. The general description allows up to 18 people, while the additional details give a maximum of 14. Since those figures do not match, check the current group limit when you book. Either way, this is not a private ride. A smaller group can mean more individual help, and one especially small group made the experience feel more personal.

Getting ready with Icelandic horses

The first part of the outing is about matching riders with horses and making sure everyone is properly dressed. You receive a helmet, winter jumpsuit, and rain clothing. Coffee and tea are also included, a small comfort that makes sense in Iceland’s changeable weather.

The horses are one of the strongest parts of this experience. They are described as clean, healthy, gentle, and well trained. That does not mean they are dull. Several riders found them calm but still a little spirited, which is a good mix for learning. You get the feel of a real horse beneath you without being thrown into a difficult ride.

The tour accepts adults and children from age nine. It is suitable for most people, but there is a maximum weight of 110 kilograms. You should also be comfortable sitting on a horse for the riding period and following basic instructions.

The guides have earned strong praise for being friendly, patient, and clear. First-time riders received help with the basics, and one rider who had only ridden once before found the instruction reassuring. No guide names are provided, but the staff clearly play a large role in making the ride work for mixed ability levels.

Riding the first stretch beside the road

Once mounted, you set off at a calm pace. The ride is designed for a mixed group, so the first section is likely to focus on control, spacing, and getting used to your horse. That is useful if you are new to riding, though experienced riders may find the opening miles quiet.

One detailed description placed much of the first section next to the road. That is the clearest weakness in the route. You are in a beautiful part of Iceland, yet walking beside traffic is less appealing than being on a dedicated trail through the countryside.

Still, this section serves a practical purpose. The horses can settle into a steady line, and you can learn how your mount responds to simple signals. The guides can watch the group before moving into more open ground. For a beginner, that slow start may feel reassuring rather than boring.

Most of the ride is at a walking pace. One account estimated walking for about 98 percent of the outing, with a few short periods of faster movement. The exact amount depends on the group, the horses, and the weather. Do not book this as a galloping adventure.

Fields, rivers, and the famous tölt

The route becomes more rewarding when it turns into the fields and follows the base of the mountain. Here you get a better sense of the open countryside and the way Icelandic horses handle uneven ground. Some rides include crossing a few low rivers, which adds a small dose of adventure without turning the outing into a technical trek.

The highlight for many riders is the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s distinctive four-beat gait. Icelandic horses are known for having five gaits rather than the usual three or four found in many other breeds. The tölt can feel smooth and comfortable, but the guide decides when it is suitable to try.

This is an important point for beginners. You do not need to arrive knowing how to tölt. The guides can introduce it in a controlled way, and one group got the chance to try it even though the weather was dreary. More experienced riders will probably appreciate this feature most, but it gives first-time riders a memorable taste of local horse culture.

You might also get several short faster sections. One account described four brief periods of increased speed. These moments are not guaranteed, so think of them as a bonus rather than the main event.

What the views feel like from the saddle

From horseback, you move slowly enough to notice the countryside. You can take in fields, mountains, river terrain, and the changing weather rather than watching it pass through a vehicle window. The pace also gives you time to focus on the horse, which is part of the appeal.

The ride does not appear to include a long formal talk about the area. One person wished for more information about Icelandic horse culture and local history, though the short length made that understandable. Another rider learned some interesting history about bunkers, so the amount of storytelling may depend on the guide and the day.

That makes this more of a riding experience than a cultural tour. If you want a detailed lesson on Icelandic settlement, farming, or horse breeding, you may need another activity. If you mainly want to ride a well-behaved Icelandic horse through open country, the balance works.

Weather, rain gear, and the bug problem

Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so the supplied rain clothing and winter jumpsuit are useful. Even a ride that looks mild at the start can feel cold once you are moving slowly outdoors. Wearing layers under the provided gear is sensible, though the supplied information does not specify exactly how the clothing fits or what sizes are available.

Bugs are the one practical issue you should not ignore. One rider had a miserable experience with swarms of insects and felt that a helmet net should have been supplied. Another ride included bug nets and described flies as bad that year. The contradiction may reflect different conditions, different staff, or a change in the equipment offered.

I would contact Sólhestar before you go and ask specifically about insect nets. If you are visiting during a season with heavy flies, bring your own face protection if practical. This is especially important for children, who may find constant insects around the face upsetting.

Is $126.50 a fair price?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you count the supplied riding equipment, the small-group guidance, the location near Reykjavik, and the chance to ride an Icelandic horse in its home country.

You also avoid committing a full day to the activity. The stable is close to the capital, and the total outing lasts about two hours, with around one and a half hours of riding. That makes the price easier to justify for a first-time rider who wants one memorable Iceland experience without giving up a full day of sightseeing.

The value is weaker for a confident rider seeking speed, distance, or a remote trail. Much of the ride is slow, and part of the route may run beside the road. In that case, compare this with longer rides before booking.

For families and mixed groups, the price is more reasonable. A patient guide, calm horses, and included weather gear remove several worries that can make a first ride stressful. Coffee or tea is a modest extra, but welcome after time outside.

Who should book this ride?

I would point beginners toward this tour first. You do not need prior experience, the horses are generally calm, and the instruction is patient. A rider who has only been on a horse once can still enjoy it.

Families with children aged nine and up may also like it, provided everyone meets the 110-kilogram limit and feels comfortable with a slow outdoor activity. The route is not built around speed, which helps mixed-age groups stay together.

Experienced riders can enjoy the Icelandic horses and the tölt, but expectations matter. You may spend most of the ride walking, and the route may not feel remote. Ask about the pace and trail conditions if you want more than a gentle introduction.

This is less suitable for anyone who dislikes riding beside a road, hates insects, or wants a guaranteed gallop. It is also not a hotel pickup tour, so you need to reach Hveragerði on your own.

Booking and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is offered in English. The tour requires suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. The time cutoff follows local Icelandic time.

Should you book the Reykjadalur horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, manageable introduction to Icelandic horses close to Reykjavik. The gentle horses, kind instruction, supplied clothing, and chance to try the tölt make this a strong pick for beginners and families.

Think twice if you want a long trail ride with constant mountain scenery or fast riding. The route can include road shoulder, most of the time is spent walking, and insects may be a serious nuisance in some conditions.

My practical advice is simple: confirm the group size, ask about bug nets, and check how much faster riding is planned for your date. If those points suit you, this is a worthwhile way to spend a half day in Iceland’s countryside.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours, with about one and a half hours spent riding.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point.

How far is the stable from Reykjavik?

The riding location is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders.

What is the minimum age?

Children can take part from age nine.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum listed weight is 110 kilograms.

What equipment is provided?

Winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets are provided. Coffee and tea are also included.

Will I get to try the tölt?

The ride may include a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s fifth gait, the tölt. It depends on the group, guide, horses, and conditions.

How many people can join the tour?

The additional details list a maximum of 14 people, while the general description says up to 18. Confirm the current limit when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.