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

The special appeal here is the chance to ride a five-gaited Icelandic horse through the countryside near Reykjadalur, only about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. You do not need riding experience, yet confident riders may get a taste of the famous tölt, Iceland’s smooth extra gait.

I like the small-group instruction and the fact that warm suits, rain gear, helmets, and hot drinks are supplied. I also like how neatly this fits into a day based in Reykjavik. The main drawback is that much of the ride may be at a slow walking pace, with some time beside a road rather than on a completely remote trail. Bug protection can also matter in warm, still weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Five-gaited Icelandic horses: You may have the chance to try the tölt, a distinctive, smooth gait.
• Beginner-friendly from age nine: Guides provide basic instruction and use calm, well-trained horses.
• About 45 minutes from Reykjavik: The location near Hveragerði makes this a practical countryside outing.
• Riding time of about 1.5 hours: Allow roughly two hours for the full activity, including preparation.
• Small groups up to 14 people: The group limit allows more support than a large coach-style excursion.
• Bring a plan for insects: Bug nets may be available, but conditions can vary, so ask about them before setting out.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Reykjadalur

This tour takes place at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. From Reykjavik, the drive takes about 45 minutes, so you can fit the ride into a morning or afternoon without giving up a full day of sightseeing.

You meet at the riding center, and the activity ends there as well. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point. That is a modest inconvenience for independent visitors with a car, but it matters if you are relying on tours or public transport during your Iceland trip.

The stated tour duration is about two hours, with approximately 1.5 hours in the saddle. That is a useful distinction. You are not paying for two nonstop hours of riding, since time is needed to get ready, receive instructions, and mount safely.

The setting gives you a taste of Iceland’s open countryside without sending you far from the capital. You ride around the Reykjadalur area near Hveragerði, with views of fields, mountain slopes, and the valley. The scenery is the reason to choose this outing over an indoor riding lesson or a short arena session.

Getting ready with supplied riding gear

You do not need to pack a full set of riding clothes. The operator supplies a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet, along with coffee or tea. That is particularly useful in Iceland, where a bright start can turn wet or chilly before the ride is over.

Wear sturdy shoes that can handle stirrups and damp ground. The supplied clothing helps with wind and rain, but it is still sensible to dress in layers underneath. You should also expect the supplied rainwear to be practical rather than fashionable. On horseback, keeping dry and warm matters more than looking polished.

The helmet is part of the standard equipment. Guides help you get organized before riding out, and the small group size means you have a better chance of receiving individual help than on a large stable outing.

One detail deserves attention: ask about insect nets before you leave. Insect levels can be high in some conditions, and one particularly difficult ride was made unpleasant by swarms of flies. Another outing had bug nets available, so equipment may be provided, but you should confirm this rather than assume. If you are sensitive to insects, bring repellent and ask whether a netted helmet is available.

Meeting calm horses and learning the basics

The Icelandic horse is a major part of the appeal. These compact, sturdy horses are famous for their sure-footed nature and for having five gaits instead of the three commonly taught on many riding horses. The extra gait is the tölt, a smooth, four-beat movement that can feel more comfortable than a conventional trot.

The horses used here are described as healthy, clean, friendly, and well trained. That matters for first-time riders. A calm horse lets you focus on posture, steering, and the countryside instead of worrying about every small movement under the saddle.

You receive basic guidance before setting out. First-time riders have been able to manage the experience with patient instruction, and the horses respond to simple commands. Children from age nine can join, provided they meet the tour requirements and are comfortable around horses.

The maximum weight listed is 110 kilograms. The group limit is listed as a maximum of 14 people, which is the figure I would use when planning. Smaller departures can feel much more personal, especially if you are nervous or have only ridden once before.

The guides may come from different countries. French guides have been praised for being friendly and helpful, and a German guide was described as especially kind with first-time riders. Names are not provided, but the useful point is that instruction is offered in English and the staff are accustomed to helping an international group.

What the 1.5-hour ride is really like

Once mounted, the ride follows a simple route through the countryside. You should expect a relaxed pace for most of the outing. One detailed account described about two miles along the road, a turn into the fields, and a return route along the base of the mountain.

That route has two sides. Riding beside a road is less scenic and less peaceful than staying on a trail, and it may disappoint you if you expect a completely wild ride. At the same time, the easy route is a plus for beginners. A straightforward path gives you time to settle into the saddle and learn how your horse responds.

The horses may cross low rivers or wet ground, adding a little variety to the outing. This is not a technical mountain trek, but the changing surface gives the ride more character than circling a paddock.

Most of the time is spent walking. A detailed account described four brief chances to speed up, while another outing included a first experience of the tölt. These faster sections depend on the group, the horses, the conditions, and the guide’s judgment. You should not book this as a guaranteed galloping tour.

For a new rider, the slow pace is reassuring. You can look around, take in the mountains, and work on your balance without feeling rushed. For an experienced rider, it may feel too gentle if you are hoping for long stretches of fast riding. The likely reward is not speed, but the chance to ride an Icelandic horse and perhaps try its special gait.

Trying the tölt without turning the ride into a lesson

The tölt is the feature that makes this experience different from an ordinary trail ride. Icelandic horses can move in this smooth, four-beat gait while keeping one foot on the ground at all times. When it works well, the motion feels steady and less bouncy than a trot.

You may get to try it under the guide’s direction. One rider described the chance to tölt as a highlight, while another noted that the outing was walking pace for nearly all of the ride. Those details fit together: the tölt is a possible treat, not the main format of the tour.

If you are new to horses, do not worry about mastering it. Your first goal is to sit comfortably, hold the reins correctly, and follow instructions. If you already ride, tell the guide what you can do and what you would like to try. The small group can make that conversation easier.

The horses are described as having some spirit but remaining well behaved. That is a good combination. A completely passive horse can make a ride dull, while a lively but responsive horse lets you feel that you are actually riding rather than simply being carried.

The countryside, rivers, and mountain views

The ride gives you a close view of Iceland’s countryside at ground level. From the saddle, fields and mountain edges pass at a slower pace than they do from a car window. You can watch the horses place their feet and notice how the ground changes beneath them.

The low river crossings add a memorable touch. They are not presented as major obstacles, but they break up the walk and give you a small sense of adventure. Expect wet terrain rather than a dramatic water crossing.

The route also passes areas with local history. One rider learned about bunkers along the way, so the guides may share bits of information about the area as you ride. Still, this is primarily a riding experience, not a formal history tour. If you want detailed background on Reykjadalur, Hveragerði, or Icelandic horse culture, you may need to find that elsewhere.

Weather can change the character of the trip. Gray or rainy conditions do not necessarily spoil the outing, since rain clothing and winter suits are supplied. The tour does require good weather, however, and the operator may cancel for poor conditions and offer another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong choice if you are a first-time rider, a family with children age nine or older, or an experienced rider who wants a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. The horses, patient guidance, and mostly slow pace make the activity approachable.

It also suits you if you are staying in Reykjavik and want a countryside experience without committing to a full-day excursion. The short drive to Hveragerði leaves room for other plans before or after the ride.

You may want to choose a different activity if you are looking for a long, fast trail ride. The route is simple, much of the ride is at a walk, and part of it may follow the road shoulder. Experienced riders should set expectations accordingly and ask how much tölt or faster riding is likely on their departure.

The tour can accommodate up to 14 people, but the experience may feel very different in a full group than in a small one. A small departure gives you more personal support and makes it easier to ask for help. Since the tour is often booked about 38 days ahead, reserving early is wise if your dates are fixed.

Is the $126.50 price a good value?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. You are paying for the horse, guide support, riding equipment, and access to a scenic area close to Reykjavik. Coffee or tea is included, but lunch is not.

I think the price makes sense if you value a focused Icelandic experience and do not already have a horse-riding plan. The supplied winter suit, rainwear, and helmet save you from renting or buying specialist equipment, and beginner instruction reduces the risk of booking an activity beyond your ability.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want dramatic scenery or fast riding. Some of your time is spent preparing, walking slowly, and traveling beside a road. In that case, compare the price with longer riding tours before booking.

The strongest value comes from the cultural and animal experience: you are not simply taking a short pony ride. You are learning how an Icelandic horse moves, riding through open countryside, and possibly trying the tölt. For many people, that is enough to justify the cost.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour is offered in English, and you receive confirmation at booking. Most people can participate, but the 110-kilogram maximum applies. Children must be at least nine years old.

Plan to reach the meeting point with enough time to get suited up. Since there is no hotel pickup, allow for the drive from Reykjavik and check your route carefully. The exact address is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði.

There is no lunch included, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. You can have coffee or tea during the experience, but bring food if you need more than a drink afterward.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded, and the cutoff follows local Icelandic time. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Reykjadalur horse ride?

Book it if you want a gentle, well-supported ride on an Icelandic horse and you like the idea of seeing the countryside from the saddle. It is especially good for beginners, families with older children, and riders who want to try the tölt without signing up for a demanding trek.

Think twice if you need a fast ride, a completely remote route, or a detailed cultural tour. Ask about insect nets before departure, especially in warm weather, and remember that the ride may include road-side sections and long stretches at a walk.

For the right rider, this is a practical way to add an authentic Icelandic activity to a Reykjavik stay. The horses and guides are the main strengths, while the simple route and possible insects are the details to weigh before you pay.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

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

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and no previous experience is required.

What age must children be to join?

Children must be at least nine years old.

What is included in the price?

Winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, helmets, and coffee or tea are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur at Reykjadalur 9 in Hveragerði.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.