Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

The real draw here is the Icelandic horse, a sturdy, friendly breed with a smooth extra gait called the tölt. You ride through volcanic ground near Reykjavík, with mountains, open wilderness, and traces of ice-and-fire geology all around you.

I like two things in particular: the careful horse matching, which helps first-time riders settle in, and the small groups of no more than eight. Begga and Sveinn are known for warm, lively instruction, and they have taken photos and videos during rides so you can keep your hands on the reins. The main drawback is simple: you pay $200 for two hours at the stable, but only about 1 to 1.5 hours is spent riding.

Key points to know before booking

• The ride begins with a practical lesson: You learn how to handle and communicate with your horse before leaving the stable.
• The tölt is the special treat: This smooth Icelandic gait gives the ride a distinct feel, even if you have ridden elsewhere.
• The setting is close to Reykjavík: The stables are about a 10-minute drive from the capital.
• Beginners are welcome: Horses are assigned to suit each rider’s experience, and guides offer help throughout the ride.
• The group stays small: A maximum of eight people allows for more individual attention.
• Weather is part of the deal: Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are supplied, but muddy or cold conditions can still affect the outing.

A close-to-Reykjavík ride with real Icelandic character

Horse riding in Iceland can feel more personal than ticking off another bus-stop attraction. You are not looking through a window at lava fields or mountain slopes. You are sitting above the trail, moving at the pace of an animal bred for this country, with the weather on your face and a guide explaining how the horse responds.

This tour takes place in the Redhill area, a volcanic setting within the Capital Region. The surroundings combine mountains and broad open ground shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. It is not a long wilderness expedition, but it gives you a strong taste of Iceland’s natural setting without requiring a full day away from Reykjavík.

That short transfer matters. If you are staying in the capital, you can fit this into a morning or afternoon rather than surrendering an entire day. The meeting point is at a parking area with horse trailers and a boom barrier. You wait at the gate until it is opened, a small detail worth knowing so you do not wonder if you have arrived at the wrong place.

The first 10 minutes: arriving at the stables

The stable is about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, so the change from city to open country comes quickly. Once you arrive, the focus shifts from sightseeing to preparation.

The staff provides riding equipment, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That is useful in Iceland, where a clear forecast does not guarantee a dry ride. You should still dress for cold and wet conditions underneath the supplied gear, since weather can change and horseback riding keeps you outdoors for the full outing.

You also receive a briefing on handling your horse. This is not just a quick instruction to sit down and follow the horse in front. The preparation covers how to ride and communicate with an Icelandic horse, giving first-time riders a basic set of tools before they head out.

Begga has been especially involved in explaining the horses and riding technique, while Sveinn has helped riders stay comfortable and safe on the trail. The team has also included guides such as Inga, Selma, Christian, Salka, and others over the years. The common thread is hands-on instruction rather than leaving you to figure things out alone.

Choosing the right Icelandic horse

The horses are assigned according to each rider’s experience. This is one of the most important parts of the tour, particularly if you are nervous, have never ridden before, or are traveling with someone at a different skill level.

The Icelandic horses used here are described as calm, friendly, well-trained, and easy to manage. That does not mean they are machines. A horse can still react to a loud vehicle or an unexpected sound, and one past outing included a rider being bucked off after a horse was startled by traffic. The risk is small but real, as it is with any horseback activity.

The guides reduce that risk by matching riders and horses carefully, explaining safe behavior, and staying involved throughout the ride. You are expected to wear a riding helmet and tell the company about illnesses or poor health. Staff may assess your situation before deciding if riding is appropriate.

You also need to remain calm around the horses. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and sudden noises, screaming, waving, or sharp movements can frighten an animal. These rules are sensible, not fussy. A quiet rider makes the experience safer for the whole group.

Riding out through volcanic Redhill

The riding portion lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. The exact route is described as a ride through the Redhill area, with mountain views and open Icelandic wilderness shaped by glaciers and volcanoes.

This is where the tour earns its price. The scenery is not simply a backdrop for a photo. The horse changes how you notice it. You move slowly enough to see the colors and folds of the ground, yet the ride still has a sense of travel and discovery that walking may not provide.

The setting is especially appealing if you want to experience Iceland beyond waterfalls and crowded scenic stops. You get the stark combination of mountains, volcanic ground, and wide spaces that defines much of the country. The tour does not promise a long backcountry route, so experienced riders hoping for a serious trek should keep expectations in check. It is a short ride designed for a broad range of abilities.

The guides offer advice during the outing. They correct your position, help you communicate with the horse, and answer questions about Iceland and the animals. That ongoing support is valuable for beginners, but experienced riders also get a chance to learn about this breed and its unusual way of moving.

Feeling the tölt, Iceland’s special gait

The highlight for many riders is the tölt. Icelandic horses can use this smooth four-beat gait, which feels different from the usual walk, trot, or canter. You may get to experience it during the ride, depending on the group, the horses, and the conditions.

The tölt is not just a technical curiosity. It is part of what makes riding an Icelandic horse in Iceland different from taking a standard trail ride at home. Several guides have made time to explain the gait, and riders with both little and extensive experience have found it memorable.

Do not assume you will spend the whole outing at the tölt. The ride is paced for the group, and safety comes first. First-time riders need time to become comfortable, while more experienced riders may wish the ride lasted longer or included more scenic distance. Still, even a short introduction gives you a genuine connection to the breed.

The horses themselves are a major part of the appeal. Their gentle temperaments and individual personalities make the experience feel less like a vehicle tour and more like meeting a working animal. The care shown toward them is also visible in the way staff talk about matching, training, and looking after each horse.

Guides who teach instead of simply leading

A good riding tour depends heavily on the guide. Here, instruction begins before you mount and continues once you are on the trail.

Begga and Sveinn, the owners, have led tours with a mix of humor, riding advice, and information about Icelandic horses. Begga has explained how the horses differ from other breeds and how to give clear signals in the saddle. Sveinn has helped riders refine their technique while keeping an eye on safety and comfort.

That personal approach can make a major difference. If you are a first-time rider, you need plain directions and reassurance, not a long lecture filled with riding jargon. If you already ride, you may appreciate learning how the Icelandic horse responds and why the tölt feels so distinct.

The small-group limit of eight strengthens this format. Guides have more time to watch each rider and respond to problems before they grow. It also means you are less likely to feel lost in a long line of horses.

Some outings have included photos and videos taken by the guides. That is convenient because handling a phone from the saddle is awkward and can distract you. Treat this as a welcome feature rather than a guaranteed part of the package, since the supplied tour details do not list photography among the inclusions.

Weather, clothing, and the practical tradeoffs

Icelandic weather can change the tone of this experience. A rainy day may mean mud, cold hands, and less dramatic visibility, even with the supplied rainwear. At the same time, the ride can still go ahead in imperfect weather if conditions are considered safe.

The operator can cancel or alter the service when weather makes riding unsuitable. The policy is sensible, but it means you should not build your entire Reykjavík schedule around one fixed riding time if your plans are tight.

The provided equipment includes rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. You should still wear warm layers and clothes that can get dirty. Comfortable trousers are more practical than anything restrictive, and you should expect the possibility of mud, especially outside the drier summer months.

The activity has a minimum age of 12. That makes it suitable for teenagers and adults, but not for younger children. Intoxication is prohibited, and the safety rules require riders to remain composed and able to follow instructions.

Is $200 a fair price for two hours?

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price covers a small-group experience, an English-speaking Icelandic guide, riding equipment, weather gear, and a ride near the capital. You are also paying for careful horse selection and supervision, not just time on a saddle.

The value is strongest if you are new to Icelandic horses or want a personal outdoor activity rather than another large coach excursion. The instruction, small group, and close access from Reykjavík make the outing efficient and approachable.

The value is weaker for an experienced rider who wants several hours in the saddle or a long route into remote country. About half an hour to an hour of the two-hour booking is taken up by stable preparation and instruction, leaving 1 to 1.5 hours of riding. That is appropriate for beginners, but short for serious equestrians.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later also reduce the financial risk. Still, read the timing carefully before booking, since the advertised two hours includes the full stable experience, not just trail riding.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this tour to first-time riders, casual riders, couples, and families with children aged 12 or older. It also suits anyone who wants to meet Icelandic horses in their home country rather than simply photograph them from a roadside stop.

It is a good match for a mixed group. One person can arrive with years of riding experience while another has never mounted a horse, and the staff can assign suitable horses and adjust the level of support.

It is less ideal if you want speed, a long trek, or a remote wilderness expedition. The ride is relaxed, and the group stays together. You should also reconsider if you dislike uncertain weather, mud, or the physical risk that comes with being around horses.

Should you book the Icelandic Horse tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, well-supported introduction to Icelandic horses, especially if you are staying in Reykjavík and have only half a day to spare. The combination of volcanic scenery, careful horse matching, the tölt, and a maximum of eight riders gives the experience real value.

Skip it if $200 feels steep for 1 to 1.5 hours of riding or if you are an experienced equestrian seeking a longer, more demanding route. For most visitors who want a memorable taste of Iceland from the saddle, this is a strong choice. Dress warmly, listen closely, keep your movements calm, and let the horse do some of the sightseeing for you.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding activity last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The riding portion lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, with the remaining time used for arrival, equipment, and riding instruction.

How far are the stables from Reykjavík?

The stables are about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour is limited to eight participants, making it a small-group experience.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. You receive a briefing on handling and riding the horse, and horses are assigned to suit each rider’s experience level.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. A riding helmet is required for safety.

What age must participants be?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

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