Two hours on Icelandic horses beats a museum day. In Reykjadalur, just about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, this ride brings you up close to the real countryside on a 5-gaited Icelandic horse, with guides that keep the experience hands-on even for first timers. I also like how small the groups are, so you get support as you learn your seat and your cues.

The one drawback to plan for is bugs. One guest wasn’t warned and felt helmet netting was missing, and swarms can make an otherwise great trail ride feel miserable.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Small group feel, not a cattle train: the cap is kept low (and your booking may be limited to fewer riders), which helps with coaching and control.
• A real Icelandic horse experience: you’re on a classic 5-gaited Icelandic horse, with chances to try the famous fifth gait, tolt.
• Beginner friendly from age 9: no prior experience is required, and it’s built for a wide range of riders.
• Warm and weather-ready kit included: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet are part of the deal.
• Short, scenic ride time near the road and fields: you’re out for about 1.5 hours on horseback, with a relaxed pace most of the way.

Reykjadalur, the Easy Day Ride From Reykjavik

This is one of those Iceland activities that fits cleanly into a packed trip. The stable is near Reykjavik, and the ride area is reached in roughly 45 minutes. If you want an active morning or afternoon without committing to a full-day tour, this is a strong match.

The meeting point is at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, in Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, address Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. You ride out and then come back to the same place, so you’re not dealing with transfers or complicated end points. The total time is listed at about 2 hours, with the actual time on horseback around 1.5 hours.

There’s also a practical sweet spot in the age and rider range. The tour is for adults and children from 9 years old, and it’s described as suitable for all riding levels. Add the weight limit of 110 kg, and you’ll have a clearer idea fast if this is workable for your group.

Your Icelandic Horse, Plus a Chance to Try Tölt

This tour is built around a 5-gaited Icelandic horse. That matters because it changes the ride from a generic walk-and-trot trail experience into something more distinctly Icelandic. The key idea is that you’re not just watching horses do their thing from the ground, you’re learning how to ride and feel the horse’s movement.

One of the most appreciated moments is getting to experience the horse’s fifth gait, tolt. Guides also teach riders how to handle the ride, so even if you’re nervous at the start, you’re not thrown into the deep end. Expect training to focus on control, balance, and simple cues you can use right away.

Group comfort is another theme here. Horses are described as well behaved and responsive, including for first-timers. That gives the tour a different vibe than more intense equestrian trail rides where you need advanced skills to stay comfortable.

What the Ride Actually Feels Like, Pace and Terrain

This ride is short enough that it stays fun and manageable, but long enough to feel like you got out into the countryside for real. The path is simple, and you spend most of the time at a walking pace. One detail that came up is that the route can include stretches running near the road, then turning into fields, and returning along the base of a mountain area.

Even with a mostly relaxed pace, you should still feel variety. Riders mention moving through areas with low river crossings, plus changing terrain from field surfaces to more uneven trail conditions. That mix helps the ride feel like more than a loop around one paddock.

There’s also pacing in the “turn it up” moments. Riders described quickened moments a handful of times, including a few opportunities to gallop. That means you should go in expecting a calm foundation first, and then some bursts of speed once you and the horse are synced.

And yes, the weather can shape the ride. The countryside can look gray and dreary, and you may still be out in drizzle, so you’ll want to treat it like an Iceland activity, not a theme park ride. The good news is that you’re outfitted for weather, which makes the whole experience more resilient.

Beginner Friendly Coaching, and Why Small Groups Matter

If you’re brand-new to riding, you’ll likely appreciate the structure. The tour is explicitly beginner friendly, and the experience is designed so you don’t need prior knowledge to participate. That starts with gear and helmet safety, but it continues with instruction once you’re on the horse.

A recurring strength is the guide attention. With a small group cap, you’re not just another number waiting for your turn. You can get corrections and encouragement, which helps you avoid the classic first-time mistake of tensing up too much.

Guides are described as patient and friendly, and one ride notes coaches who were very attentive while teaching riders how to ride and how to feel the different gaits. Even when the course stays simple, the payoff is that you learn enough to feel in control during the ride rather than just holding on.

If you do have more experience, you’re still likely to enjoy it. The horses can be responsive while still staying safe and controlled, so it’s a workable “skill builder” for confident riders who want a countryside ride close to Reykjavik.

Gear, Weather, and the Bug Factor

This is a big part of why the tour can feel like good value. Included with your ticket are winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets. You also get coffee and/or tea, which is a small but real morale boost if the day starts cold or damp.

That included gear reduces the number of decisions you need to make, especially on a trip where you already have too much to pack. Iceland weather can change fast, so having rain and cold layers handled for you makes the ride more comfortable.

Now the one caution: bugs. Helmet nets are not listed as part of the included items. One guest said bug swarms were incessant and made the ride miserable when nets were not provided, and the issue was bad enough to ruin the experience for their child. Even though that may not happen every day, it’s smart to think ahead if you know you react to biting flies.

If you’re prone to allergies or just hate getting covered in insects, consider packing a small bug solution of your own. And if you spot the guide wearing extra helmet protection, take that as a hint for your own comfort planning.

Price and Value, What You Really Get for $126.50

At $126.50 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it is priced like a tour that includes real equipment and a guided experience in the Reykjavik area. You’re paying for the horses, the instructors, safety gear, and weather clothing.

To see the value clearly, compare what’s included. Your ticket includes the winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmet, and coffee and/or tea. What’s not included is lunch, so plan to eat before or after your ride depending on your schedule.

Also, pickup at hotels is not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point. That can affect total value if you’re far out from the city. On the other hand, the tour’s short distance from Reykjavik is a plus, since it keeps time and transit friction lower than remote Iceland excursions.

The tour is also described as offering English instruction, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking time. A mobile ticket is included, which is convenient on a trip where you might not want to print anything.

Who Should Book This Horse Ride, and Who Might Skip It

This works best for people who want a classic Iceland activity without getting locked into a full day. If you’re staying in or near Reykjavik and want a hands-on outdoors experience, this is a practical choice.

It’s especially good if you:

• Want an activity that fits all riding levels, including first-time riders
• Prefer a tour with small group attention
• Like the idea of riding a 5-gaited Icelandic horse and trying the fifth gait, tolt
• Appreciate included cold weather gear and safety helmets

It might be a less ideal fit if you:

• Hate bugs and have had trouble outdoors before (bring or plan extra bug protection)
• Want a long ride or a big adventure day. This is short and guided, not an all-day route challenge
• Expect pickup convenience. You’ll need to reach the meeting point on your own

For families, the age minimum of 9 makes it doable, and the focus on gentle, well behaved horses can help kids feel more secure. Still, the bug factor is worth considering if you’re traveling with children.

Getting There and Making the Most of Your 2-Hour Slot

Your ride begins at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur at the address listed in Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so your day stays simple.

Because the experience is weather dependent, come ready for Iceland conditions. Since rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are provided, you can keep your own packing list shorter. Still, it’s smart to show up with a calm mindset. A horse ride goes best when you’re not rushing and you’re ready to follow guide instructions.

Group size is capped and can vary. One part of the info states a maximum of 18 people per group, while another part of the activity details lists a maximum of 14 travelers. Either way, the practical takeaway is consistent: this is not a massive group. You should expect a more personal experience than you’d get on high-capacity tours.

Should You Book This Reykjadalur Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a true Iceland horse experience close to Reykjavik, with included safety gear, weather-ready clothing, and a small group that helps first-timers feel comfortable. The chance to experience the horse’s fifth gait, tolt, is the kind of payoff that makes this more than a basic scenic ride.

I’d pause or plan carefully if you’re sensitive to insects, because bug nets are not clearly listed as included and at least one guest had a rough time with swarms. If you’re okay with weather and you’re prepared for the realities of the countryside, this is a fun, classic ride with a real chance to learn something and feel confident in the saddle.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour in Reykjadalur?

The tour is listed at about 2 hours total, with about 1.5 hours spent riding.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included.

What is included in the price?

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

What should I bring?

The tour provides winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets. Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to plan a meal before or after.

Who can participate, and are there age limits?

The tour is suitable for adults and children from 9 years old.

What is the maximum weight?

The maximum allowed weight is 110 kg.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.