One great way to feel Iceland fast is on horseback. This Icelandic horse ride takes you out from Reykjavik to rugged ground where you can learn the horses’ signature four-beat gait, the tölt, and then settle into the rhythm with your guide. You’ll also get warm drinks at the stables after, which is a small thing that matters when the wind picks up.

I really like that the ride is built for mixed skill levels. You get a lesson, a quick video, and then you’re grouped so beginners take it slow while stronger riders can go more spirited, often with extra tölt time in the mix. I also like the practical setup: helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall are provided, so you’re not stuck guessing what to wear.

One thing to consider: this tour is weather-dependent and it’s not a long, leisurely stroll. It’s about a two-hour experience on uneven terrain, and you need to be able to mount the horse under your own power from the ground.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Tölt training for comfort: you learn how to ease into the tölt so the ride stays smooth on rough ground
• Ability-based grouping: beginners, intermediate, and experienced riders are separated after you’re assessed
• Full gear kit included: helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall take pressure off packing
• Warm drinks after your ride: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables helps you warm up fast
• Short drive from Reykjavik: pickup (if selected) gets you moving without a complicated plan
• Icelandic horses with calm temperaments: you’ll spend time close to the animals before heading out

Icelandic horses and the tölt: why this ride feels different

If you’ve only seen horses at a distance, this tour changes that quickly. You arrive at the stables, meet your instructor, and talk through your ability level—beginner, intermediate, or experienced—before you climb on. Then you get close with the horses and learn a bit about this gentle breed.

The big word you’ll hear is tölt. It’s a four-beat gait that many Icelandic horses can do naturally. The payoff for you is comfort: you’re not fighting a bouncy trot over rough terrain the whole time. With the guide’s cues, you learn how to encourage your horse into that rhythm, and soon your seat starts to feel like part of the motion instead of reacting to it.

Even if you’re nervous, the approach matters. You’re not thrown into the wild and told good luck. You watch a short instructional video first, then get fitted with gear, then ride behind your instructor while you pick up the basics. That sequence is what makes the tölt achievable for first-timers.

Where the ride starts and how pickup really works

This experience is based out of Ishestar, with the main meeting point at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. The tour ends back at the same meeting place, so you’re not dealing with a late transfer or a complicated drop-off.

If you want pickup from Reykjavik, you need to select the pickup option when you book. Pickup isn’t automatic from any address; you’re limited to selected pickup points in Reykjavik. If your hotel isn’t listed, you should contact the operator so they can point you to the nearest pickup option. The pickup location may be from a nearby bus stop instead of right at your doorstep, so plan to walk a few minutes.

One practical note: the tour needs good weather, and that can affect timing. If you’re using pickup, it’s worth staying reachable and ready when the vehicle arrives. Iceland travel runs on “be on time, but flex when needed.”

What happens at the stables before you ride

Before you head out, you do four useful things in a row: assess, learn, gear up, then mount.

First, your instructor checks your ability level. This isn’t just a formality. It sets expectations for how fast the ride will go and what kind of terrain you’ll handle.

Second, you watch a short instructional video. You’ll likely see how to settle into the tölt and how the guides manage the group.

Third, you get fitted with provided equipment: helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. This is a smart value piece for Iceland. You can travel lighter, and the gear is designed for what Iceland throws at you—wind, rain, and cold that sneaks in fast.

Finally, you mount. And this is a key requirement: you must be able to mount the horse by your own strength from the ground. There’s no mounting block mentioned in the tour info. If that sounds challenging, you should think carefully before booking.

Grouping by ability: beginner to experienced without the awkward parts

One of the strongest reasons to choose this tour is how it handles mixed rider skill. After you start riding and the instructor watches you, the group is split into three categories: beginners, intermediates, and experienced riders.

Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain. Intermediates and experienced riders handle more challenging routes and can move at different paces. The guide also encourages you to speak up if you want to go slower or faster.

This matters because it keeps the ride fun for everyone. You’re not stuck behind riders who aren’t ready to move, and you’re not forced to ride beyond your comfort level. It also gives you a clear path if you start as a beginner and realize you’re doing fine—you can often ask for a better pace once you’re comfortable.

The ride itself: lava fields, moorland, mountains, and lakes

Once you’re underway, you follow your instructor through some classic Iceland scenery. Expect lava fields and moorland, with volcanic mountains and lakes along the way.

The terrain is rugged, which is exactly why the tölt is such a big deal. A gait that stays smooth on uneven ground turns a rough landscape into a ride you can actually enjoy without constant strain.

In terms of photos and time on the trail, the ride is short enough that you don’t feel like you’re spending your whole day on transport. Yet it’s long enough that you’re not just stepping onto a horse and immediately turning back. Many riders call it a sweet spot, and the structure supports that: you get instruction, then real time riding with a few key scenery stops.

Gear, warmth, and wind: what to wear so you’re comfortable

The tour provides a lot, but you still control what you show up in. The stables issue helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. That’s excellent if you don’t want to buy Iceland-specific outer layers.

Still, the Iceland weather can change fast. One review tip that lines up with the tour’s gear is this: it can get very windy, so bring a hat or plan to use ear protection. Since you’ll likely be outdoors and moving, it helps to protect your comfort, not just your temperature.

Also, don’t wear your favorite expensive shoes. Even with rubber boots provided, your own footwear still matters for comfort and stability at the stable and during any brief walk-arounds. Plan for damp conditions.

Warm drinks at the end: a small finish that feels big

After your trek, you’ll get coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables. This might sound like a throw-in, but it’s one of those Iceland details that improves the whole experience. You’re likely going from cold, wind, and motion to warm, calm, and a chance to dry off.

It’s also a good time to ask quick questions about what you saw and what you might want to do next in Iceland. Since this ride is only about two hours, it fits nicely as either a first-day activity or a mid-trip reset.

Price and value: is $133 worth it?

At about $133 per person for roughly two hours, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s also not just paying for a few minutes in a saddle.

You’re paying for several concrete benefits:

• Instruction time with an instructor who groups riders by ability
• A guided ride across varied ground like lava fields and moorland
• Safety gear included (helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, warm overall)
• Warm drinks after the ride

When you factor in that you don’t need to rent or buy much gear yourself, the price starts to look more reasonable—especially if you’re traveling light. Add Reykjavik pickup options (when selected) and the ride’s proximity to the city, and it becomes a straightforward way to experience Iceland’s outdoors without a full-day logistics project.

If you’re the type who wants iconic scenery plus an active, hands-on experience, this is one of those purchases that can punch above its weight.

Who this tour suits best

This ride fits best if you:

• Love nature and want a guided way to see lava fields up close
• Want to try Icelandic horses without needing prior riding experience
• Care about getting instruction before moving onto rough terrain
• Like the idea of being grouped so your pace feels right

It’s also a solid choice for mixed groups—adults with different comfort levels, or a parent/child pair (with the tour’s age rule). The grouping helps keep everyone moving well together.

Who should think twice before booking

There are clear limits, and they matter:

• Age limit is 7 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Weight limit is 110kg / 240lbs.
• Pregnant women cannot ride due to possible harm to unborn children.
• You must be able to mount the horse by your own strength from the ground.
• You’ll want moderate physical fitness for riding on uneven terrain.

If any of those are a problem, it’s better to look for another activity where the requirements match your situation.

Also, be aware that the tour is small—maximum 30 travelers. That’s usually a benefit, but with mixed experience levels you should expect some waiting and some crowding around stables during check-in and gearing.

Weather, cancellations, and what to do if conditions change

This experience requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That flexibility is important in Iceland. You’re not in control of wind and rain, and the good news is the operator plans for it. Gear is included so you can still ride in bad weather more often than you might expect—just keep your schedule flexible.

Should you book this Icelandic horse ride from Reykjavik?

I think you should book it if you want a real horseback experience, not a quick photo stop. The combination of tölt training, ability-based grouping, and included gear makes it one of the more traveler-friendly ways to ride Icelandic horses. If you’re chasing that mix of guided safety and authentic nature time, this works.

Skip it (or research alternatives) if you can’t mount from the ground on your own, if you’re within the weight/age limits where you’d struggle with the requirements, or if weather would break your schedule in a way you can’t handle.

Bottom line: for most visitors, this is a practical, enjoyable “Iceland outdoors plus horses” activity. The price reflects the instruction and the gear, and the ride’s structure makes it feel right whether you’re a first-timer or a confident rider.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

It’s about 2 hours, roughly.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup from Reykjavik available?

Yes, pickup is offered as an option. You must pre-book a tour that includes pickup, and you’ll select from selected Reykjavik pickup points. If your hotel isn’t listed, contact the operator for the nearest pickup point.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

Do I need riding experience?

No. Your instructor will assess your ability level and group you with other riders. Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain.

Will I ride at different speeds depending on skill?

Yes. After watching you early on, riders are split into beginner, intermediate, and experienced groups, with options to go slower or faster based on what you tell your instructor.

What are the weight and age limits?

The weight limit is 110kg / 240lbs, and the age limit is 7 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Are pregnant women allowed to ride?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

What is the cancellation policy?

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