Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

The special treat here is not simply riding a horse in Iceland. It is learning how the Icelandic horse’s tölt works, then feeling that unusual four-beat gait beneath you as you pass through volcanic country near Reykjavík. The scenery includes mountains shaped by glaciers and volcanoes, with the Redhill area providing a striking setting.

I like the careful horse matching and the short riding lesson, especially if you are new to horses. I also like the small group, limited to eight, because guides can give useful corrections instead of leaving you to trail along on your own.

The main consideration is the price: at $200 per person, this is a costly two-hour outing, and actual riding lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Weather can also turn a pleasant ride into a cold, muddy one, though rain gear is provided.

Key points before you book

• The tölt is the star: This smooth, distinctive gait is one of the main reasons to ride an Icelandic horse in Iceland.
• A short drive from Reykjavík: The stables are about 10 minutes from the capital, making this easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.
• Good for first-time riders: You receive basic instruction, and horses are matched to your riding ability.
• Small groups help: A maximum of eight people allows for more individual help and safer riding.
• Gear is supplied: Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, shoes, and riding equipment are included.
• Expect real Icelandic weather: The ride goes ahead in rain and changing conditions when possible, but strong weather can cause cancellations.

A close-in horseback ride with a distinctly Icelandic feel

This tour gives you a rare combination: a genuine countryside outing without a long transfer from Reykjavík. After roughly a 10-minute drive, you reach the stables and leave the city behind. The setting is open and volcanic, with mountains and broad stretches of Icelandic wilderness around you.

I like this location because it does not ask you to give up half a day in a vehicle. You can ride in the morning and still have time for Reykjavík museums, the harbor, or dinner in town. At the same time, the scenery feels far removed from city streets.

The ride is relaxed rather than built around speed. You will not be asked to perform advanced riding or gallop across open ground. The point is to enjoy the horses, learn their special movement, and take in the views at a comfortable pace.

At the stable: instruction before you mount

Your visit begins with a briefing on handling and riding. Allow about two hours for the whole activity, but understand that the riding itself usually lasts between one and one and a half hours. The remaining time covers arrival, preparation, horse assignment, and instruction.

This early lesson is an important part of the experience. Guides explain how to sit, hold the reins, give basic directions, and behave around the horses. That matters even more if you have never ridden before, since a little confidence at the start makes the entire outing more enjoyable.

Begga and Sveinn, the owners associated with many of the tours, are praised for making the instruction friendly and easy to follow. Begga is known for adding humor while explaining Icelandic horses and riding technique. Guides such as Christian, Selma, Inga, and others have also been singled out for patient instruction and careful horse matching.

You should still be honest about your ability. Tell the staff if you have never ridden, if you are experienced, or if you have any illness or health concern. The staff will assess the situation and choose a horse that fits your level as closely as possible.

Meeting your Icelandic horse

The horses are assigned according to riding experience and comfort. This is one of the strongest parts of the tour. A calm, well-trained horse can make a first ride feel manageable, while a more experienced rider may appreciate an animal with a little extra energy.

Many people describe the horses as gentle, easy to handle, and well cared for. That does not mean they are machines. A horse can still react to a sudden sound or passing vehicle, so you must follow the guide’s instructions and keep your movements calm.

You should not shout, wave your arms, make sudden noises, or jerk around in the saddle. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you must not ride while intoxicated. These rules are sensible, not fussy. They protect you, the guides, and the horses.

The horses are part of the cultural appeal. Icelandic horses have been bred in Iceland for centuries and are famous for their sure footing and extra gaits. Even if you know little about horses, you will notice that the ride feels different from an ordinary walk on a familiar riding horse.

Riding through Redhill and volcanic country

Once the group is mounted, the ride heads into the open country around Reykjavík. The exact route can vary, but the setting features volcanic ground, mountain views, and broad Icelandic scenery shaped by both ice and fire.

The Redhill area is especially appealing for photographs. Its colors and rough volcanic forms contrast with the horses beneath you. You get a better sense of the scale of Iceland from the saddle than from a bus window. The ride is quiet, and your attention shifts from checking off sights to noticing the ground, the weather, and the horse’s movement.

The pace is generally easy enough for mixed groups. First-time riders and experienced riders can take part together, with guides keeping the group comfortable and safe. If you are hoping for a long, fast ride, this may feel too gentle. If you want a scenic introduction to Icelandic riding, the pace is a good fit.

Weather is part of the deal. One group rode in rain and still enjoyed the outing, while another found a wet day muddy and cold. The company supplies rain clothes, overalls, gloves, shoes, and riding equipment, which removes much of the worry about packing specialized gear.

Even with supplied clothing, dress for Iceland rather than for a sunny horse show. Wear warm layers beneath the outer gear. The provided clothes help with rain and mud, but they do not change the fact that you are outside in an exposed setting.

Learning the tölt

The most memorable riding lesson is usually the tölt. This is a special four-beat gait of the Icelandic horse. It can feel smooth and surprisingly comfortable, with less bouncing than you might expect from a faster gait.

You may not master it immediately, and the guide will decide what is suitable for the group and the individual horses. The goal is to experience the movement safely, not to force the horse into something beyond your ability.

Several people who had little or no riding experience particularly enjoyed trying the tölt. Experienced riders also found it a highlight because it is difficult to duplicate the sensation elsewhere. If this is your main reason for booking, tell the guide at the beginning so you understand what the day’s conditions and your horse will allow.

The tölt also gives the ride a stronger connection to Icelandic horse culture. You are not simply sitting on an animal while it follows another horse. You are learning a distinctive part of how these horses move.

How the small group changes the experience

The maximum group size is eight. That matters because horseback riding needs individual attention. Guides can help adjust your position, explain how to communicate with your horse, and respond if you feel nervous.

A small group does not guarantee a private ride. You will still be riding with others, and the pace must suit the whole group. But it is a better setup than a large line of horses where the guide has little time for anyone beyond the front and back of the procession.

The guides also take photographs and videos on many outings. That is useful because it lets you concentrate on your riding rather than trying to hold a phone while managing reins. The availability of photos can vary, so do not treat it as a formal guaranteed package unless your booking specifically says so.

For a honeymoon, birthday, or special trip, the personal touches may matter. One couple received a horseshoe for good luck, and guides have taken time to celebrate occasions. These gestures are not the core reason to book, but they add warmth to a small-group experience.

Value at $200 per person

At $200, this is not a cheap way to fill two hours. You are paying for the horses, staff, riding equipment, protective clothing, instruction, and a small group near Reykjavík. The price makes more sense if you value individual guidance and want to ride an Icelandic horse rather than simply visit a stable.

The location helps the value. A short transfer means less time and expense spent reaching the activity. The supplied clothing is another practical advantage, particularly for visitors who are not carrying waterproof riding gear.

Still, manage your expectations. The full activity lasts two hours, but riding time is about 60 to 90 minutes. If you are an experienced rider looking for a half-day route through remote country, you may find the outing short for the cost. One experienced rider wished for a longer ride and a more scenic route.

For a first-time rider, the shorter format can be a benefit. You get instruction, a real ride, and the chance to try the tölt without committing to a full day in the saddle. That makes the price easier to justify for someone who wants a focused Icelandic experience.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Families with children aged 12 or older
• Couples looking for a memorable outdoor activity
• Horse lovers who want to try the tölt
• Visitors with limited time in Reykjavík
• Experienced riders who enjoy well-trained horses and a relaxed pace

The minimum age is 12. The tour may not suit anyone who is uncomfortable around animals, unwilling to follow safety instructions, or hoping for a fast, athletic ride.

You should also think about your comfort in changeable weather. Rain and wind are normal concerns in Iceland, and the operator may cancel or change the activity if conditions are unsafe. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, which gives you some protection when planning around uncertain weather.

Practical arrival advice

When you reach the meeting area, you will see a boom barrier at the parking place, often with several horse trailers nearby. Wait at the barrier until staff open it. This is a useful detail because the arrival point may not feel like a standard city attraction with a clearly marked reception desk.

The tour is conducted in English. You should arrive ready to listen closely during the briefing, especially if you are new to riding. Tell the guide about your experience and any health issue before you mount, not after you are already on the trail.

The supplied equipment includes rainwear, overalls, gloves, shoes, and riding gear. You may still want warm base layers and clothes you do not mind getting muddy. Keep your personal items simple, since you will be riding and should not be distracted by loose belongings.

My verdict on the Reykjavík horse ride

Book this tour if you want a friendly, well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses, especially if you are a beginner or have only a few hours free. The careful horse matching, patient lessons, small group, and chance to feel the tölt give it more substance than a basic plodding trail ride.

Think twice if you are an experienced rider seeking a long route, fast riding, or a remote wilderness expedition. The ride is short, the pace is controlled, and $200 is a serious price for two hours.

For most visitors who want a manageable outdoor experience close to Reykjavík, I think the combination of unusual horses, volcanic scenery, and thoughtful instruction is worth considering. Just bring patience, warm layers, and realistic expectations about the time in the saddle.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The riding portion usually lasts between one and one and a half hours, with the rest used for arrival, preparation, horse assignment, and instruction.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

The stable is about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík.

What is the age limit?

The minimum age is 12.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The tour includes a riding briefing, and the horses are assigned to suit each participant’s experience level. First-time riders are welcome.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is a special gait of the Icelandic horse. The tour gives you the chance to experience this distinctive movement under the guide’s direction.

What equipment is provided?

Riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are provided.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The operator may cancel or change the activity when necessary, including because of weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.