Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Reykjavík horse riding is interesting for one simple reason: you can swap city vibes for volcanic terrain in a short time, and do it from the back of a horse. Owners Begga and Sveinn (and their guides) run these rides with a warm, practical style, and that makes the whole thing feel focused, not rushed.

I especially like two things. First, you get real “riding school” basics before you go out, so you know how to handle your horse and why the Icelandic horses move the way they do. Second, you get to experience the special gait, the tölt, at a pace that lets you actually look around.

One drawback to plan for: this is a short session on the trail (about 1 to 1.5 hours in the saddle), and weather can mean cold or muddy conditions. Also, horseback riding has real safety rules, including no intoxication and no sudden movements.

Key Things That Make This Ride Worth It

• Small group setup (8 max): you get more personal coaching and a calmer ride.
• Riding school before the trail: you learn how to communicate with your horse, not just how to sit.
• Tölt time: you are not just trotting in circles, you are moving in a uniquely Icelandic way.
• Horses matched to your level: beginners and more confident riders are put with suitable mounts.
• Weather-ready gear: rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes help you stay comfortable.
• Photos and videos included in the experience: you can focus on riding while the team captures moments.

Why This 2-Hour Reykjavik Horse Ride Works So Well

This tour is built for people who want Iceland outside the usual boxes, but do not want a half-day commitment. In about 2 hours total, you go from a parking area near Reykjavik to open volcanic terrain, and you spend your time where it matters, on horseback.

The riding style is relaxed. You are not expected to “perform.” Instead, the guide helps you find a comfortable rhythm and stay balanced, which is exactly what you want when the ground is uneven and the weather can change fast.

The vibe here tends to feel personal. When I see repeated praise for the owners and their staff, it usually means one thing: they are paying attention to the details that make beginners feel safe, and experienced riders feel respected.

Getting There: The Stables and the Boom Barrier Gate

You meet at the stables area, about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavik. Your key navigation clue is the parking lot with many horse trailers, where you will find a boom barrier gate.

Plan to arrive with a little margin. The instruction is simple: wait at the gate until the staff open it. That way you are not wandering around while trailers are shuffling and horses are settling.

It is also a good moment to get your mindset right. Horse tours feel smoother when you treat arrival like part of the experience, not just a waiting room before the fun begins.

The Start-Up Routine: Briefing, Helmet Talk, and Horse Handling Basics

Before you ride, you get a briefing on handling your horse so you feel natural in the saddle. This is not just theory. It is the kind of basics that help you avoid common first-timer confusion, like what to do with your hands, how to keep your balance, and how to stay calm while the horse adjusts.

Even the tone matters. Guides here aim to make the start comfortable and clear, and you will hear safety rules directly tied to what you will do on the trail. That links instruction to action, which is the fastest way to build confidence.

Also note the safety statement: you cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on horseback, and you should not make sudden noises or movements like screaming or waving your hands. The team will evaluate conditions, so listen during the briefing, even if you feel ready.

How They Choose Your Icelandic Horse (and Why It Matters)

You are not handed a random horse. Horses are assigned to best suit your level of experience. That means first-timers can get a mount that feels steady and manageable, while more confident riders still get a horse that keeps things fun without turning the ride into hard work.

This pairing is one of the biggest quality markers of the tour. Icelandic horses are sturdy and often well trained, but every horse has its own personality. Matching your mount to your comfort level keeps the whole group safer and more relaxed.

If you are nervous, this is where you can exhale. The setup is designed to reduce fear quickly by giving you a horse that fits you, then coaching you in what to do next.

Riding School to Tölt: What You Do Before You Go Out

I love the structure here: you start with instruction, then you move. Many tours rush you onto the saddle with minimal coaching. This one does the opposite, and it makes a big difference once you are on uneven ground.

The guides teach you the basics of how to ride and communicate, including how to move with the horse without fighting it. Then, when you are ready, you ride together through the area around Reykjavík Redhill and beyond, where you can enjoy Iceland’s dramatic volcanic terrain.

The tölt is a highlight. It is a distinct Icelandic gait that many riders find smooth and exciting once you learn the feel. More importantly, it happens in a controlled setting. You are guided so you can enjoy the movement instead of trying to figure it out on your own.

What the Trail Feels Like: Volcanic Terrain, Glacier Shaping, and Big Views

From the saddle, you get an up-close sense of why Iceland looks the way it does. The ride area features dramatic terrain carved by glaciers and volcanoes, so every turn of the ground tells a story.

Because the pace is relaxed, you can actually take in what is around you: the mountain colors, the open wilderness feel, and the wide sense of space you just do not get from cars. You are also riding close enough to notice details like how the horse places its feet on rough ground.

A practical note: the ground can be wet. One reason people remember this tour is that it still feels like a win even when it rains or gets muddy. Just dress for it, because Iceland does not negotiate.

Timing and Ride Length: What the 2 Hours Includes

The total tour time is 2 hours. Your ride portion typically lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours.

That means you should treat it as a concentrated horseback experience, not a long scenic expedition. You will still get time to settle in, learn, and enjoy the tölt, but the tour is designed for efficiency and comfort.

If you want a long multi-hour trek, you might compare this with longer day rides. But if you want the Icelandic horse moment plus volcanic scenery without committing half a day, this hits the sweet spot.

Gear and Clothing: Rain Clothes, Gloves, and Staying Warm

The tour includes riding gear plus rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That is a big value point, because Iceland weather can turn quickly, and dry warmth matters when you are sitting on a horse.

Even with gear provided, I recommend you still wear layers you can move in. The goal is not just warmth. It is staying comfortable enough that you can focus on your balance and the guide’s cues.

If you get cold easily, keep that in mind. Short rides can still feel brisk, especially in wind or rain, but the included gear is meant to help you handle that.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour fits a lot of people. You can enjoy it whether you are a complete beginner or you have some riding experience, because the horses are matched to your level and the briefing is part of the experience.

It is also a great choice if you want an Icelandic horse highlight without needing technical riding skills. The way instruction is handled tends to make new riders feel like they are learning a real skill, not just holding on.

One clear limit: the tour has a 12 years age limit. If you are traveling with younger kids, you will need another option.

Finally, if you dislike safety rules or you are traveling with alcohol involved, skip this. It is explicitly not allowed while on horseback, and the staff enforce behavior expectations to keep everyone safe.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth It?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour experience, the value depends on what you compare it to. In this case, you are paying for a lot more than just saddle time.

You also get:

• a small group capped at 8 participants
• instruction before riding so beginners can relax faster
• gear for Iceland weather, including rain clothes and gloves
• horse matching based on experience level
• the Icelandic horses’ special gait experience, the tölt
• a team that takes photos and videos, so you do not have to stop your ride for camera duty

That combination is why the experience earns strong marks repeatedly. You are not just buying a ride. You are buying a guided, coached, and weather-conscious introduction to Icelandic horses, plus the volcanic scenery from an angle most people never get.

If your priority is photography or guided animal care, this tends to be a strong match. If your priority is a very long trail day, the short ride length might feel limiting.

Safety Realities: What the Rules Mean on the Ground

Horseback riding is not risk-free, and the tour says that plainly. The safety statement points out why: you can reduce risk by following staff instructions, wearing a riding helmet, and sharing any illnesses or health concerns ahead of time.

The behavioral rules are practical. You cannot be under the influence. You also should not make sudden noises or movements, like screaming or waving your hands, because those reactions can startle a horse.

I like that the tour makes safety about what you do, not just what you are told. If you treat it like a quiet, respectful activity and listen at the briefing, you will likely feel more in control once you are riding.

The Human Touch: Owners, Coaching, and Those Photo Moments

One theme in the strong ratings is the personal energy from the people running the tour. Names like Begga and Sveinn come up often, and you can see the pattern: the owners and guides work in a way that makes first-timers comfortable quickly.

The coaching style also matters. Instead of just telling you to hold on, guides offer tips during the ride to keep you safe and comfortable. That kind of real-time feedback helps your riding improve during the experience, not after.

And yes, the photo and video part is a plus. They take plenty of pictures and footage of riders, horses, and the scenery, so you can enjoy being present instead of juggling a camera while sitting on an Icelandic saddle.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horse Riding Tour?

I would book it if you want a short, high-quality horseback experience close to Reykjavik. It is ideal for beginners who want coaching, plus it still works for riders who want to feel the tölt on well cared for Icelandic horses.

I would hesitate if you need a long day in the saddle or you dislike weather conditions. Even with gear included, a wet day can make everything feel colder and more slippery.

Bottom line: for value, comfort, and the chance to ride Icelandic horses through volcanic terrain with a small group and real instruction, this is one of the easiest “yes” choices from the Reykjavik area.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how long do I ride?

The total duration is 2 hours. Your horseback riding time is typically between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

No. The tour assigns horses to match your experience level, and you start with a briefing on handling the horse so you feel comfortable from the beginning.

What is the minimum age to join?

The tour has a 12 years age limit.

What riding gear is included?

All riding gear is provided, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Is an English guide provided?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide who speaks English.

How many people are in a group?

Groups are limited to 8 participants, keeping the ride more personal.

Where do I meet the group?

When you arrive, go to the parking place with many horse trailers. There is a boom barrier gate, and you should wait until the gate is opened.

Is alcohol allowed?

No. The tour states that intoxication is not allowed while on horseback.

What safety rules should I expect?

The safety statement says to use a riding helmet and to inform the company about any illnesses or bad health. You also cannot be under the influence, and you should avoid sudden noises or sudden movements.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.