Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

If you want Iceland in motion, pick horses.

This 2-hour tour sends you from near Reykjavík into volcanic terrain where Icelandic horses do their famous tölt. I love the mix of hands-on riding coaching and real outdoor scenery you only get at horse height, not from a bus window.

Two things I’d highlight right away: first, you get a proper “riding school” style briefing, and the guides match you with a horse that fits your level. Second, the owners and guides take a bunch of photos and video so you can enjoy the ride without constantly filming.

One consideration: it’s short. Plan on about 1 to 1.5 hours riding, with the rest of the time going toward setup, gearing up, and getting your confidence before you head out.

Key points before you go

• Small group (up to 8) means more attention during your first minutes in the saddle
• Level-matched Icelandic horses help first-timers feel steady and safe
• Tölt is the main event, that special, smooth gait you’ll feel under you
• Rain gear is included, which matters because weather changes fast in Iceland
• Volcanic Redhill area views come from a truly different perspective than on foot

Near Reykjavík, but you feel far from it all

The stables are only about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík, so this works even if your schedule is packed. You’re not committing to a full day in the countryside. You’re getting a concentrated taste of Iceland’s wild side, with the bonus of being on an animal built for Icelandic terrain.

The ride area is described as volcanic landscape around Reykjavík, including the Redhill area. That combination is why it’s so memorable: you’re up close to raw-looking ground, layered colors on the hills, and dramatic features shaped by glaciers and volcanoes.

Because this is outdoors, bring the mindset that Iceland will do Iceland things. Even when it’s damp or windy, you’ll still get to ride since rain clothes and overalls are provided.

Your “riding school” start: instruction that actually helps

This tour starts with a briefing when you arrive at the stables. Expect a short, practical session on how to handle your horse so you feel natural in the saddle. The guides don’t just point and hope. They watch you, check your comfort, and answer questions while the whole group gets ready.

A big plus here is how they match horses. Each participant gets a horse assigned to suit their experience. That matters because Icelandic horses can be spirited, but the well-trained ones used here are managed to fit the rider, not the other way around.

If you’ve never ridden, you’ll still be in good shape. Many past riders talked about feeling calm during the initial instruction. Guides like Begga and Sveinn (the owners) are known for mixing safety guidance with humor, like you’re getting taught by people who genuinely love sharing Iceland.

Icelandic horses and tölt: what you’ll feel from the saddle

The headline is the Icelandic horses’ special gait, the tölt. If you’ve never felt it before, don’t expect it to be just “another walk.” It’s that distinctive smooth, rhythmic stepping that can feel surprisingly comfortable once you sync with it.

Why this is more than a fun detail: you’re not just passively moving forward. You’ll learn enough about riding cues to stay comfortable and follow your horse’s pace. Guides also give safety and comfort tips during the ride, not only at the start.

From the saddle, you’ll notice how Icelandic horses handle uneven ground and how calmly they can navigate volcanic terrain when they’re well managed. That’s why first-time riders often come away saying it felt easier than they expected.

The route highlights: Redhill views and volcanic terrain at 2-hour pace

You’ll ride through the volcanic area around Reykjavík and enjoy views of the Redhill area from horseback. The terrain is described as carved by glaciers and volcanoes, which is a fancy way of saying you’ll see big, dramatic shapes and layered colors.

At horse speed, those visuals land differently. From a vehicle, you tend to scan broadly. On horseback, your attention narrows to what’s in front of your horse’s feet, then it widens to take in the hills around you. That rhythm helps you actually see Iceland instead of just passing through it.

The ride time is typically between 1 and 1.5 hours, with the full tour about 2 hours. So you’ll get enough time to feel the rhythm of the tölt and to enjoy the views, without ending up exhausted.

A small drawback of short tours: you won’t have hours to roam. If you’re chasing a long, remote expedition, this isn’t that. But for many people, it’s exactly the right length in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Gear that keeps you comfortable when the weather shifts

Cold wet Iceland weather is not a theoretical problem here. It’s the default setting for a good chunk of the year. The tour includes riding gear plus rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes, which takes a lot of pressure off your packing list.

Here’s the practical win: once you’re properly layered, you can focus on riding instead of shivering. Also, you don’t have to guess whether your own jacket or boots will work on muddy, slippy ground.

Safety rules are clear. You’ll be expected to wear a helmet and follow staff instructions. You also can’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And you should avoid sudden noises or movements while mounted, because the staff is managing risk in a real outdoor environment.

If you’re worried about riding in bad weather, remember this: rain gear is provided. That doesn’t mean you’ll be dry and warm no matter what, but it does mean you won’t be stuck with the wrong clothes.

Meet-up details: finding the gate with horse trailers

Logistics are simple once you know what to look for. When you arrive, look for a parking place with many horse trailers and a boom barrier gate. Wait there until they open it up.

That matters because this tour is built around tight timing. If you arrive early and know where to wait, you won’t lose your briefing time.

If you’re unsure, plan to arrive with extra minutes. Reykjavík area driving can be fast, but weather and traffic can still slow you down.

Guides you’ll remember: owners, humor, and lots of photos

One of the standout strengths is the human side. Multiple riders highlighted that the owners and guides teach with patience and confidence, and they do it in a friendly way.

In particular, the names Begga and Sveinn show up repeatedly as owners who guide, pair horses to riders, and make the experience feel personal. Other guides also appear in past bookings, including Christian and Inga/Inger, which suggests the company runs with a team that keeps the same core approach: explain the basics well, then keep you comfortable throughout the ride.

A very practical perk: guides take photos and video. That’s not just for fun. It helps you avoid stopping to manage your camera during the ride, which keeps things safer and lets you enjoy the tölt.

Also worth noting: past riders talked about how the guides took time to make sure everyone was safe and comfortable, even when people had little riding experience. That’s the kind of detail that turns a “try something new” tour into a real highlight.

Price and value: is $200 worth a short ride?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour experience, this is not the cheapest thing to do near Reykjavík. The question is what you’re actually buying, and here the value case is strong.

You’re paying for four things:

• Icelandic horses with a special gait, not generic riding
• Small group size (limited to 8) that supports better guidance
• Gear included, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes
• Instruction built for your level, plus ongoing safety tips while you ride

The ride itself is about 1 to 1.5 hours, but the full experience includes the setup time that makes it feel safe and doable. When guides match you with the right horse and give you clear starting cues, that short window becomes high quality.

If you’re a rider who wants hours of trail time, you may feel you could get more riding for the money. But if your goal is a confident, safe introduction to Icelandic horses plus unforgettable volcanic Redhill views, this price feels more fair.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong fit if:

• You want an authentic Iceland experience close to Reykjavík
• You want to try horseback riding without long, intimidating preparation
• You like animals and appreciate caring staff and well-managed horses
• You want to feel the tölt, not just sit on a horse and move slowly

It also fits couples and small groups thanks to the max group size. Many riders described personalized attention, which is exactly what you’re buying when you avoid mega-tour groups.

There’s a 12 years age limit, so it’s not a fit for younger kids. If anyone in your group struggles with hearing or mobility, you’ll want to coordinate with the operator ahead of time, since the staff may need to tailor how they give directions. (The tour data includes safety and staff oversight, but it does not spell out accessibility accommodations.)

What to do before you book

Keep these practical points in mind:

• Pack for damp weather even if the forecast looks mild
• Wear clothes you can layer under the provided rain gear
• If you’re anxious about riding, focus on the briefing, ask questions, and let the guide pair you with the right horse
• Bring a camera only if you truly won’t fumble it during the ride, since photos and video are typically taken for you

Also, set your expectations correctly about time. This is a short, well-run experience. You’re not going to cover massive distances. You’re going to get an excellent Iceland horse moment.

Should you book Islenski Hesturinn horseback riding near Reykjavik?

If you want a high-value, close-to-town way to ride Icelandic horses and feel the tölt for real, I think booking makes sense. The biggest selling points are the small group attention, the level-matched horse selection, and the fact that you get guided instruction before you head out into volcanic terrain.

Skip this only if you’re specifically chasing a long wilderness horseback trek. Otherwise, this is one of those Iceland experiences that feels custom, even at a short duration, because the staff focuses on comfort and safety first, then on fun.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time is actual riding?

The tour is about 2 hours total. The riding portion typically lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The tour has a 12 years age limit.

What riding gear is included?

You’ll be provided with riding gear, plus rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. You’ll receive a briefing on handling your horse, and the horses are assigned to best suit each participant’s level of experience. The guide also supports you throughout the ride.

Are there safety or conduct rules I should know?

Yes. Horseback riding is not without risk, and you must wear a riding helmet. You also cannot ride if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you should avoid sudden noises or sudden movements on the horse.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at the parking area with many horse trailers, by the boom barrier gate. Wait there until the gate opens.