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

The special thrill here is riding a five-gaited Icelandic horse through Reykjadalur, a countryside setting of fields, mountain views, and low river crossings. You do not need riding experience, and the horses are chosen to suit beginners as well as confident riders. The famous tölt, a smooth extra gait unique to Icelandic horses, may be your most memorable lesson.

I like the small-group feel and the fact that warm clothing, rain gear, and helmets are supplied. I also like the easy access from Reykjavik, since the stable sits about 45 minutes away and the outing fits neatly into a morning or afternoon. The main caution is that much of the ride may be at a slow walking pace, with some roadside riding, and summer insects can be a serious nuisance.

Key points before you saddle up

• Five-gaited Icelandic horses: You may learn to ride the smooth tölt, along with the usual walk and faster paces.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Patient guides and calm, well-trained horses make this a sound first ride.
• Reykjadalur countryside: Expect fields, mountain views, low rivers, and some riding beside the road.
• Warm gear included: Helmets, winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and coffee or tea are provided.
• Short drive from Reykjavik: The stable is about 45 minutes away in Hveragerði, making this easy to add to a city stay.
• Plan for insects: Bug nets may be available, but you should ask about them before setting out, especially in warm weather.

Riding a five-gaited Icelandic horse in Reykjadalur

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and bred for rough ground and changeable weather. The great attraction here is their extra gait, the tölt. It is a quick, smooth four-beat movement that can feel more comfortable than a trot once the horse and rider find the rhythm.

You will not be expected to arrive as an expert. The guides work with first-time riders and explain how to hold the reins, sit correctly, and give simple signals. The horses are described as gentle, responsive, and well behaved, though still lively enough to feel like real animals rather than slow trail machines.

That balance matters. A first ride can be spoiled by a nervous horse or a guide who assumes too much. Here, the experience is built for a mix of abilities. A beginner can stay at a walk and learn the basics, while a more experienced rider may get a chance to ask for a faster pace or try the tölt.

The ride is suitable for adults and children from age 9. The stated weight limit is 110 kilograms. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for roughly 1.5 hours and following basic instructions.

From Sólhestar to the open countryside

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. The drive from Reykjavik takes about 45 minutes, which makes the stable practical for a half-day outing.

At the stable, you receive a helmet and the clothing needed for Icelandic conditions. Winter jumpsuits and rain gear are included, even when the forecast looks mild. That is useful because wind and rain can change the feel of a ride quickly. You should still wear comfortable trousers and sturdy shoes, though the supplied gear handles much of the weather problem.

A cup of coffee or tea is included. It is a small touch, but a welcome one before or after a ride in cool weather. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat separately if you need more than a warm drink.

The group size is worth checking when you book. The general description gives a maximum of 18 people, while the additional tour information gives a maximum of 14. Either way, this is not a private ride, but the smaller stated limit should allow the guides to keep an eye on beginners and match riders with suitable horses.

The first lesson, then a steady walk

The guides begin by helping you meet your horse and get settled. Expect basic instruction rather than a long riding school session. You learn enough to control the horse at a walk, change direction, and respond to the guide.

This is where the tour works best for families and first-time riders. The horses are reported to be clean, healthy, calm, and responsive to simple commands. One first-time rider found the guide especially patient, which is exactly what you want when your main concern is staying relaxed in the saddle.

The ride itself is not a nonstop gallop. For most of the route, you move at a walking pace. One account described the pace as walking for about 98 percent of the ride, with four short occasions when the group moved faster. That makes the trip accessible, but it may disappoint you if you are hoping for a long, fast run.

Experienced riders should set expectations carefully. This is a countryside ride with some instruction, not an advanced riding lesson or a high-speed trek. Your reward is time outdoors, contact with the horses, and a taste of Icelandic riding culture.

Fields, rivers, and the base of the mountain

The route takes you through open fields and along the base of the mountain. You get broad views of the Reykjadalur area and a more direct look at Icelandic countryside than you would from a tour bus.

A notable part of the ride is crossing low rivers. The water crossings are not presented as difficult, but they add a real sense of adventure. Riding through shallow water on an Icelandic horse gives the outing more character than a simple fenced trail.

The route also includes stretches beside the road. This is the biggest scenic weakness. Riding near traffic is less peaceful than being fully out in the fields, and it can make the early or final part of the ride feel more functional than special. A route that stayed off the road would give a stronger countryside experience.

Still, the road sections help connect the stable with the open land, and the ride eventually turns into the fields and mountain setting. You will want to keep your attention on the horse, but there is time to look around and enjoy the views.

Some riders also learn small pieces of local history, including information about bunkers in the area. Do not expect a full cultural tour, though. The main focus is riding, and the total time is short. If you want detailed information about Icelandic horse breeding, local history, or Reykjadalur geology, ask the guide questions during quieter sections of the ride.

Trying the tölt

The tölt is the feature that sets this ride apart from an ordinary trail outing. Icelandic horses can perform five gaits: walk, trot, canter or gallop, tölt, and flying pace. You are most likely to encounter the tölt rather than the fastest gait, and only if the guide feels the group is ready.

The movement can feel smooth because the horse keeps one foot on the ground at a time. That does not mean every beginner will master it instantly. Your balance, the horse’s rhythm, and the guide’s timing all matter.

The best approach is to treat the tölt as an introduction, not a test. Listen closely, relax your hands, and let the guide set the pace. Even a brief attempt can make the ride feel distinctly Icelandic.

More confident riders may also appreciate the occasional faster sections. But the group stays together, so the guide must balance different abilities. You should not book this expecting a private chance to gallop freely across the valley.

Small groups and hands-on guidance

The tour’s strongest practical feature is the guidance. A small group gives the staff more time to help with mounting, reins, pace, and nerves. That makes a real difference when riders range from first-timers to people who have ridden many times.

The guides are described as friendly and patient, with some guides coming from France and Germany. Their clear instruction is especially useful when the weather turns gloomy or the horses become more energetic. One ride took place in dreary weather and still felt worthwhile because the horses and guides kept the mood positive.

You may ride in a mixed group, so the pace is likely to be set by the least experienced rider. That is fair and safer, but it means advanced riders should not expect a demanding workout. The reward is a relaxed outing where you can focus on the setting and the animals.

The horses themselves receive high marks for being well cared for and responsive. That is not just a nice extra. A healthy, well-trained horse makes it easier for a new rider to enjoy the ride and concentrate on learning instead of worrying.

Weather, clothing, and the bug problem

Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, and the supplied jumpsuit and rain clothing are useful insurance. Wear layers underneath so you can adjust if the day warms up. Helmets are provided, and you should use one even if you regularly ride at home.

Insects are the one issue you should take seriously. Reykjadalur can have swarms of flies, and the problem may be worse in some years or weather conditions. One particularly bad experience involved insects constantly hitting the rider’s face, with no net attached to the helmet.

Other riders have had bug nets supplied, so availability may vary. Ask the stable before the ride and request one if possible. If you are sensitive to insects, bring repellent and consider a light face covering that is safe and comfortable under the helmet. This small bit of preparation could make the difference between a pleasant ride and a miserable one.

The weather requirement also matters. The activity can be canceled in poor weather, with a choice of another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Last-minute changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is $126.50 a fair price?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a bargain horseback ride. The price makes more sense when you count the supplied winter clothing, rain gear, helmet, guides, coffee or tea, and the short transfer distance from Reykjavik.

You are also paying for the chance to ride an Icelandic horse in Iceland, rather than taking a generic stable ride at home. The tölt and the open countryside add value. For a first-time rider who wants a simple, well-supported introduction, the package is reasonably priced.

The value is weaker if you want a long ride or a fast ride. The mounted portion lasts about 1.5 hours, while the whole activity takes roughly two hours. Much of the riding is at a walk, and parts of the route follow the road. If your main goal is speed, a longer or more advanced outing may suit you better.

For families, couples, and people with limited time in Reykjavik, the convenience helps justify the cost. You can spend part of the day riding and still have time for other plans. Just remember that you must get to the meeting point yourself and arrange lunch separately.

Who should book this ride?

You should consider this tour if you want:

• A first horseback ride in Iceland
• A gentle outing suitable for children from age 9
• A chance to ride an Icelandic horse and try the tölt
• A short trip from Reykjavik
• A guided activity with warm clothing supplied
• A mix of fields, rivers, mountain views, and simple instruction

You may want another tour if you need a private group, a long gallop, a fully off-road route, or a detailed cultural presentation. Riders who dislike insects should also check on bug nets before booking.

The activity has a rating of 4.4 from 32 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong horses and guides, with a few practical complaints about insects and the roadside sections. The main experience is dependable and friendly, but it is best approached as a scenic introduction rather than a serious riding challenge.

Should you book the Reykjadalur horse ride?

I would book it if you are new to riding, traveling with family, or want an easy way to meet Icelandic horses near Reykjavik. The calm horses, patient instruction, supplied clothing, and chance to try the tölt give the outing real appeal.

Before paying, confirm the group limit and ask whether helmet bug nets are available for your date. If you need speed or a fully wild route, skip this one. If you want a relaxed, distinctly Icelandic ride with low rivers, open fields, and a good chance of feeling comfortable in the saddle, it is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland.

How far is the stable from Reykjavik?

The riding location is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long does the activity last?

The full activity takes about two hours, with approximately 1.5 hours spent riding.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders, and no previous experience is required.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children from age 9 can take part.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The tour provides a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets. Coffee or tea is also included. Lunch is not included.