Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

What makes this tour interesting is the combo of Iceland’s volcanic terrain plus riding horses built for a very Iceland-only skill, the tölt. I love how personal it feels in a small group (up to 8), and I also love that the guides take photos for you so you can keep your focus on riding and the views. One real drawback to consider, though, is that it is not suitable for kids under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or anyone over 243 lbs (110 kg).

You’ll meet at Islenski Hesturinn – The Icelandic Horse, get a real intro to riding, then head out with a live English guide for a 2-hour morning or afternoon session. You’re not just sitting on a horse, you’re learning how to move with an Icelandic gait that stays smooth when everyone else would be bouncing.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Small group of 8 max, which makes the instruction feel tailored, not rushed
• Tölt practice, so you ride something truly Icelandic rather than generic horse steps
• Hands-on safety and riding coaching, helpful whether you’ve ridden before or not
• Free photo set after the ride, taken during the tour so you can enjoy the moment
• Owners who care about the horses, with calm handling and clear sharing of horse knowledge

Your 2-Hour Icelandic Horse Ride Starts at Íslenski Hesturinn

This is a short tour by design, and that’s good news if your Iceland day is already packed. You get a full riding session without the half-day drag that can happen when you’re driving far or doing lots of waiting. The whole experience is built around one thing: putting you on Icelandic horses and letting you feel the tölt.

The meeting point is at Islenski Hesturinn – The Icelandic Horse. Use Google Maps to find them, and if Maps is being stubborn, you can sometimes plug in Faxaból 1, Víðidalur as a backup route. Show up about 15 minutes early so you have time to settle in before the intro starts.

This is a live guided tour in English. The ride is limited to a small group, which matters in Iceland where weather and footing can change fast. A smaller group also means the guide can watch how you’re sitting, how you’re holding the reins, and how comfortable you look before the ride really gets going.

The Riding Intro: Where You Learn Without Being Overwhelmed

Before you go anywhere, you’ll get an introduction to horseback riding. That’s not just a formality. With Icelandic horses, your comfort depends on how you’re positioned and how you follow the animal’s rhythm, especially when you try the tölt.

You should wear comfortable shoes and plan on outdoor clothing. Even if the day is bright, Iceland can switch from calm to gusty quickly, and you’ll be outside with your gear. Comfortable layers are the move, and you’ll want clothes that can handle wind.

The tour also has clear rules. Smoking is not allowed, and the same goes for alcohol and drugs. It keeps things safer for horses and riders, and it helps the guide run a clean, controlled experience.

Also note who should skip this one. It is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, riders with animal allergies, or anyone over 243 lbs (110 kg). If any of those apply, it’s better to choose a different Iceland activity rather than hoping it works out.

Trying the Tölt: The Icelandic Gait That Feels Different

The tölt is the star of this tour. Icelandic horses can move in a smooth, distinctive gait that does not feel like the jarring bounce most people expect from a standard trot. The guide has you practicing as part of the ride, so it’s not just a quick demo and then you’re done.

What I like about this setup is that you’re learning a skill inside a guided ride, not studying a video first. If you’ve ridden only a few times, you still get proper instruction. If you’ve ridden more often, you’ll likely appreciate how the guide helps you settle into the horse’s rhythm instead of fighting it.

A good sign here is that mixed experience levels can still have a great time. The ride is designed so beginners and more experienced riders get enough attention to stay comfortable. That’s a big reason the group limit is tight.

Riding Across Volcanic Terrain With a Calm, Small-Group Flow

Once the intro is done, you head out and ride for about two hours total. You can choose either a morning or afternoon tour, depending on your schedule. The ride takes you through Iceland’s volcanic ground and countryside, with plenty of time to take in the scenery from horseback rather than from a car window.

Because this is a guided tour, you’re not responsible for route planning or worrying about where you can safely go. The guide manages the pace and keeps the group together, which helps when the terrain is uneven or the wind shifts the feel of the day.

One practical detail to keep in mind: tours may be slightly delayed. Iceland weather and timing happen. If you have a tight connection right after your ride, give yourself a cushion so you’re not stress-scrolling your schedule while you should be enjoying the ride.

How the Guide Makes It Work for Real Riders, Not Just Models

The best thing about this experience is the human side. The guides and owners share a lot about the horses and the country, and that’s not “lecture style” information. It’s more like getting the story behind what you’re seeing, while you’re actively riding.

From the reviews and the way the tour is described, you get thoughtful instruction before you’re left to figure it out. Riders can be beginners or more confident, and the guide still finds a way to keep everyone moving well. That matters because a horse ride goes better when you feel steady, and “steady” starts with your basics.

Another standout: photo help. The guides take pictures during the ride. You can focus on your position and your surroundings instead of trying to grab your phone every time something looks cool. After the tour, you get the photos for free, which is a nice touch if you don’t want to waste battery time halfway through.

You’ll also get a sense of how much care goes into working with horses in Iceland. A tour like this is only good when horses are treated well and handled calmly, and that care is clearly part of the culture of the place.

What to Wear and Bring for Iceland Weather on Horseback

Your outfit should help you stay comfortable outdoors for the full 2-hour session. Start with comfortable shoes. You’ll be around stable areas and stepping in and out of riding positions, so shoes with grip matter more than looking stylish.

Bring comfortable clothes, then add layers you can handle in wind. Outdoor clothing is a must, and you’ll likely be glad you brought something warm enough for a cool breeze. Think “warm and practical,” not “one light layer and hope.”

The tour does not include food or drinks. So if you’re doing this as part of a longer day, plan a snack or water on either side of the ride. This keeps you from feeling rushed or hungry right when you’re trying to enjoy the ride.

Timing, Transportation, and the Meeting Point Reality Check

This tour is listed at 2 hours. What you feel in real time is usually “intro time plus riding time,” and then you’re back. It’s long enough to learn the tölt and actually settle into a rhythm, not just hop on and off.

You can get to the meeting point using public transportation, and bus number 5 is available. If you’re arriving on your own schedule, that’s useful. Still, the most reliable way to avoid confusion is using Google Maps for Islenski Hesturinn – The Icelandic Horse.

Arrive 15 minutes early. That buffer helps if you’re figuring out where you are, if the weather is weird, or if you just need a minute to get your gear ready. If your day is structured with tight time blocks, build in extra time because tours can run a little late.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For at $200

At about $200 per person for a 2-hour ride, you’re paying for more than time on a horse. You’re paying for horse care, guided instruction, and the small-group setup that keeps the experience calm and personal.

The value becomes clearer when you add the included pieces: a local guide, a real riding introduction, and free photo coverage from the ride. Those three items reduce the two biggest problems people have with tours like this. First, they eliminate the guesswork about how to ride safely. Second, they reduce the temptation to focus on your phone instead of the moment.

Is it a budget activity? Not really. But in Iceland, “short and well run” often beats “cheap and chaotic.” Here, the pricing matches the format: small group, guided coaching, and horses that are treated with care.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Shouldn’t)

This is a strong choice if you want an authentic Iceland experience that is practical and hands-on. You’ll learn about Icelandic horses, try the tölt, and see volcanic terrain in a way that a bus tour simply can’t match.

It’s especially good if you want instruction even as a beginner. You get a riding intro, and the guide helps you feel comfortable on the horse. It’s also a great fit if you’ve ridden before and want something distinctly Icelandic.

Skip it if any of the listed limits apply. Children under 12, pregnant women, riders with animal allergies, and people over 243 lbs (110 kg) should choose another activity. Also, if you’re dealing with a medical situation that makes horseback riding risky, consider talking to your doctor before booking.

Should You Book? My No-Nonsense Take

I’d book this if you want two hours that feel like Iceland, not just a sightseeing stop. The standout features are the small-group feel, the chance to try the tölt, and the guide support that helps you ride comfortably. Add in the free photos and the clear attention to horse care, and it becomes one of those activities that’s easy to recommend.

I would hesitate only if you can’t meet their suitability limits or if you’re trying to squeeze it into an insanely tight schedule with no time buffer for delays. Otherwise, it’s a smart way to spend part of your Iceland day, and you’ll leave with riding memories you can’t easily buy later.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

The included items are a 2-hour horseback riding tour, a local guide, and an introduction to horseback riding.

What is not included?

Transportation to the meeting point and food and drinks are not included.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Islenski Hesturinn – The Icelandic Horse. Google Maps is recommended, and you can sometimes use Faxaból 1, Víðidalur as another map reference.

What group size should I expect?

The group is limited to 8 participants.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon tour?

Yes, you can choose from a morning or afternoon tour.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and outdoor clothing.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or people over 243 lbs (110 kg).

Are there any rules during the tour?

Smoking and alcohol or drugs are not allowed. You should also arrive about 15 minutes before the start time.