If you want Iceland in a form you can ride, this fits. You’ll go out from Reykjavík on Icelandic horses through volcanic terrain, then learn the basics before heading out at a relaxed pace.

My favorite part is how the guides match you with a horse for your level and then teach you what to do once you’re in the saddle. I also love that you’re not just trotting along; the horses’ special gait, the tölt, often shows up on the ride.

One thing to consider: the full tour is about 2 hours, but actual riding is typically around 1–1.5 hours, so it’s best if you want a taste of the outdoors rather than a long day on horseback.

Quick hits before you go

• Small groups (up to 8): you’re not lost in the crowd.
• Icelandic horses matched to you: less guessing, more confidence.
• Tölt time: that unique, smooth gait is a big reason people book.
• Volcanic + glacier-shaped scenery: dramatic ground, big skies.
• Gear included: rain layers, gloves, and overalls make a difference in Iceland.
• Photos and video support: you focus on riding and the views.

A Two-Hour Reykjavík Horse Ride in Volcanic Terrain

Reykjavík gets attention for its city energy. But one of the easiest ways to feel Iceland’s raw power is to get off the streets and onto a horse—right near town.

This tour is built around a short, clear goal: you’ll ride Icelandic horses through volcanic terrain around Reykjavík, then take in high-contrast scenery from horseback. Icelandic horses are known for their calm temperament and their distinctive movement, and that combination turns the ride into something you can actually enjoy, even if you haven’t ridden before.

You’ll also get a guide-led prep so you don’t feel thrown into it. Expect a briefing at the stables, gear fitting, and then time in the saddle with constant coaching.

Stables Close to Reykjavík: How the Start Actually Feels

The stables are about a 10-minute drive from central Reykjavík. You’ll head to the parking area first, where you’ll see a boom barrier gate and multiple horse trailers. Your job is simple: wait there until they open the gate and bring you in.

Once you arrive, the tour starts with a short orientation. The goal is to get you comfortable with basic handling and riding cues so the time in the field is about the ride—not panic management.

In practice, this usually looks like:

• A briefing on how to handle the horse and what to expect
• A quick “riding school” style explanation before you mount
• A check that you’re fitted with the right gear

Owners and guides have a reputation for doing this step in a friendly way. Begga and Sveinn, in particular, are named in past tours for taking extra care with instruction and answering questions on the spot.

From Riding School to Your Assigned Horse

One of the smartest parts of this experience is the way they assign horses based on your level. That matters more than people think. With horses, confidence often comes from two things: knowing what you’re doing and being on an animal that fits that reality.

You’ll be paired with a horse meant to suit your experience level. If you’re new, expect training-focused pacing and simpler guidance. If you have experience, you still get coaching, but the vibe shifts toward tips and comfort tweaks.

This also explains why so many riders mention the horses feel easy to manage. Many Icelandic horses used for tours are well-schooled and used to new faces. Still, the tour staff should confirm that the horse you’re on feels like the right match for you personally.

How the Tölt Gait Changes the Ride

Here’s the big Icelandic-horse difference you’ll want to be ready for: the tölt.

The tölt is a special gait that many riders describe as fun and smooth compared to what you might expect from other horse breeds. Instead of feeling like a constant bouncing trot, it can feel more like a steady, rhythmic glide—while still giving the horse forward energy.

You don’t need to know the mechanics ahead of time. The guides’ job is to help you ride in a way that supports the horse’s movement and keeps you comfortable. In past tours, guides like Begga, Sveinn, Inga, Sven, and Christian are repeatedly mentioned for clear coaching and upbeat energy.

My practical tip: if you feel a little unsure at first, focus on staying relaxed in your body and following the guide’s cues. The tölt is often easiest to enjoy when you stop fighting the motion and start letting the horse do its thing.

Redhill Views and Volcanic Terrain From the Saddle

Once you’re mounted, the ride heads out into dramatic ground shaped by glaciers and volcanoes. This is Iceland without the museum labels: raw terrain, bright mountain colors, and a sense of space that makes Reykjavík feel far away.

One highlight repeatedly mentioned is the Iceland Redhill area. From the saddle, you get viewpoints that most people only see from roads or on short hikes. Riding gives you a slower, closer connection to the ground and the sky.

Expect a relaxed pace. This isn’t a “ride hard and go fast” tour. It’s paced for comfort, photo moments, and letting you absorb the setting. You’ll likely spend more time learning and settling in than you would on a high-energy trail run.

Also, weather in Iceland isn’t a rumor. It can turn the terrain muddy and the air cold. The good news: the tour provides rain gear and warmer layers options, so you can stay outside and keep the experience going without turning it into a suffering contest.

Gear and Safety: What You’ll Be Taught to Do

You get riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, and gloves, plus shoes. That’s a big value point because Iceland outdoor weather can be changeable, and buying the wrong gear before a ride is a common travel mistake.

Bring your own normal layers you can move in, and plan for wet conditions. You’ll be in this for a short time, but it’s outside, and the wind can matter.

Safety guidance is clear and non-negotiable:

• You’ll use a riding helmet.
• Staff will evaluate conditions during the tour.
• You must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• You’re also asked not to make sudden noises or sudden movements while on the horse.

And yes, horseback riding isn’t risk-free. That’s why the brief is part of the experience, not a formality. The staff is there to keep things smooth: matching you with the right horse, watching comfort, and giving corrective tips so you feel in control.

What the 2-Hour Schedule Looks Like

The overall tour duration is listed as 2 hours. The riding portion is usually 1 to 1.5 hours, with the rest of the time spent on arrival, fitting gear, and your briefing.

That timing matters. It means:

• It’s long enough to feel like a real experience.
• It’s short enough to fit into a busy Reykjavík day.
• It’s not so long that everyone’s patience gets tested by Iceland weather.

Because it’s a small group (limited to 8), you also tend to get faster attention during the prep and better guidance once you’re moving.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Reconsider)

This tour has a 12 years age limit, so it’s not for younger kids.

It’s a strong fit if you want:

• Iceland’s outdoors without a full-day hike
• The chance to experience Icelandic horse behavior and the tölt
• A guided ride with real instruction, not just a leader up ahead

It’s also a good choice if you’re a first-timer. Many previous riders describe being nervous at the start, then feeling safe after instruction and horse matching.

If you’re the type who wants hours of nonstop riding, you might find the duration shorter than you expect. In that case, consider whether you’d rather book a longer ride option elsewhere or stack this with another short nature activity.

Price at $200: Value That Makes Sense for Iceland

At about $200 per person for a 2-hour experience, this isn’t the cheapest thing you’ll do in Iceland. But it’s also not overpriced when you look at what’s included and what you’re paying for.

You’re paying for:

• Small-group care (up to 8 participants)
• Icelandic horses and specialized handling
• Helmet and riding gear (rain clothes, overalls, gloves, shoes)
• A guide who stays focused on safety and comfort
• Instruction that helps you ride well, which is a major part of the value
• Photos and video capture by the guides in many past tours, which can save you from fiddling with a camera mid-ride

So the “value question” isn’t just the price tag. It’s whether the experience matches your goals. If your goal is a memorable, Iceland-specific ride with real coaching, this price lands more in the fair range.

If your goal is purely views with minimal expense, you might prefer a drive-and-walk viewpoint day. But if you want Iceland in your own pace, sitting higher and moving through volcanic terrain, horseback changes the whole feel of the trip.

Tips to Get the Best Ride Possible

A few practical pointers before you go:

• Wear layers you can move in. The gear helps, but you’ll still feel the weather.
• Keep your focus on the guide’s cues. Icelandic horses do best with calm body language.
• If you’re new, tell the guide right away what scares you (balance, height, rein control). The matching process works better when they know your concern.
• Treat the briefing like part of the ride. The better you absorb it, the more enjoyable the saddle time becomes.
• If it’s raining, don’t assume you’ll want to cut the ride short. The gear is built for this, and past rides have kept going even in wet or muddy conditions.

One nice touch from past tours: the guides often take photos and video so you don’t have to choose between riding well and documenting everything. Some special occasions have even come with small keepsakes like a horseshoe for good luck, though that’s not something you should expect every time.

Should You Book This Reykjavík Horse Riding Tour?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-impact Iceland experience with Icelandic horses, real instruction, and a good chance to enjoy the tölt. It’s also a smart choice if you’d rather spend your time riding in a volcanic area than searching for a hard-to-find viewpoint.

I’d think twice only if you need long hours in the saddle or you dislike cold, wet outdoor time even with provided gear.

If your timing works and you’re comfortable following the safety rules, this is one of those activities that fits perfectly into a Reykjavík itinerary. You’ll leave with a story that feels distinctly Iceland, not a generic tour.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The total duration is about 2 hours. The ride itself is typically around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You wait at the parking place near the stables area where there is a boom barrier gate and horse trailers. You’ll wait there until the gate is opened.

How far from Reykjavík are the stables?

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

What language is the tour guide?

The live guide speaks English.

Is this tour good for beginners?

The tour provides a briefing and gear, and horses are assigned to best suit each participant’s level of experience.

Do you provide riding gear?

Yes. The tour includes riding gear such as rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes. The tour has a 12 years age limit.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 8 participants.

Are there any rules about alcohol or drugs?

Yes. Intoxication is not allowed, and you cannot ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Can the tour be canceled?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The operator may also cancel due to necessary reasons such as weather conditions.