Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Icelandic horseback riding near Reykjavik hits a sweet spot of real outdoors and real animal handling, not just sitting in the saddle. The big draw for me is the chance to ride a special Icelandic gait called tölt, and I also like that you get sorted into ability groups early so you are not stuck going too slow or too fast.

I do want to flag one practical consideration: you need to be able to mount from the ground on your own, and weather changes fast in Iceland, so come ready for wind and rain even if the forecast looks calm.

Key points before you go

• You practice the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that makes rough ground feel more manageable
• You are grouped by rider level after the instructor watches you, not just at booking
• Gear is included, from helmets and rubber boots to rain gear and a warm overall
• You refuel after the ride with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers, and splits happen during the ride

Why Icelandic Horses and the Tölt Gait Are the Main Event

The Icelandic horse is a breed with personality, and this tour is built around that. From the start, you are not just handed a horse and pointed in a direction. You meet your instructor, talk through your ability level, and learn how to get your mount settled before you head out.

The star here is tölt. It is a four-beat gait that can keep going over uneven, rocky terrain without the jarring feel you might expect from faster riding styles. Even if you are a total beginner, you will spend time learning what to ask for so the rhythm comes naturally. If you are more confident, you get opportunities to ride in the tolt gait more actively, depending on how the instructor places you.

What I like about this approach is that the ride feels “I can do this” instead of “hold on and hope.” The instructor watches you early, then adapts the experience for your comfort.

What 2 Hours in Icelandic Horse Country Really Feels Like

This is an around 2-hour experience, and the timing works because it matches how long it takes to learn the basics, get suited up, and actually ride. The flow is simple: meet, get gear, watch an instructional video, mount, ride with your instructor, then head back for warm drinks.

Because it is not a half-day trek, you can book it as a first-day activity after you arrive in Iceland, or as a break between heavier tours. It also means you are more likely to stay alert and comfortable in changing weather. When it is windy or rainy, long rides can start to feel like endurance contests, and this length keeps it from going there.

Also, the ride style is flexible. You are advised you can go slower or faster, and the instructor adjusts your group and pace after observing you.

Arriving at the Stables, Getting Fitted, and Meeting Your Instructor

Your starting point is listed as Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. If you choose pickup, you select your pickup point from the options offered for Reykjavik, but note that pickup may happen from a nearby bus stop rather than directly in front of your hotel.

One thing I appreciate is that the program is very clear about what happens on arrival. You meet the instructor and advise your ability level, typically beginner, intermediate, or experienced. That matters because you are not just repeating the same instructions for everyone.

From there, you get suited up. You are provided with a helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. You also get a short instructional video before you ride. That video time is not wasted, because it helps you understand what you are doing with your hands and body before the instructor starts correcting you in person.

A practical note: used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the horses. If you are tempted to bring your own tack from home, skip it and rely on what they provide.

How the Ride Gets Adapted: Watching You, Then Splitting the Groups

One of the strongest parts of this experience is how quickly the ride becomes personalized. After you ride for a bit and the instructor has watched you, the group splits into three level categories: beginners, intermediates, and experienced.

That splitting is not just theory. Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain. Intermediates and experienced riders handle more challenging routes and different paces. If you are unsure at first, you can tell the instructor that you want to go slower or faster, and they route you accordingly.

If you are an intermediate rider who wants to experience more of the tolt gait, this structure is a big deal. Several riders highlight that they could pick a faster option after being evaluated, and that the ride still felt safe because the instructor is actively managing the groups.

And if you are traveling with someone who rides more comfortably, this setup helps a lot. You are not stuck doing one shared pace that suits only one person.

The Best Part of the Trail: Lava Fields, Moorland, Mountains, and Lakes

Once you are mounted and organized, the ride takes you through scenery that feels very Iceland. You travel over lava fields and moorland, with views that include volcanic mountains and lakes.

This is the kind of terrain that makes tölt such a smart choice. Over rough ground, the gait helps you stay steadier than a typical canter or trot rhythm might. You get to look up, take in the scenery, and not spend the whole ride bracing for every change in footing.

In terms of what you will see, the terrain itself is the attraction. Think dark lava textures, open stretches, and big sky. If you are lucky with weather, you can catch stunning light, including sunrise-style conditions mentioned by riders.

Also, the ride includes enough time to feel like you went somewhere, not just circled the barn.

Gear That Actually Matters: Helmets, Rubber Boots, Rain Gear, and Warm Overalls

Included gear is a big reason this tour holds up in real life. Iceland weather has a talent for changing its mind. You are not expected to show up with everything you need, because helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall are provided.

That means your own packing can stay lighter. In particular, rubber boots help protect you from mud and wet ground, and rain gear keeps you from getting soaked during that first taste of Iceland wind.

A tip I picked up from riders who did the tour in tougher conditions: wear a hat, and if you are sensitive to cold air on your ears, bring ear protection. Wind can escalate quickly. They also mention snow suits if it is chilly, so dress in layers under the overall so you can adjust on the fly.

One more “don’t do this” note: do not bring your nice shoes. You will be given rubber boots, but your own footwear still takes a beating while you wear and remove gear around the stable.

Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate After Riding

After your trek, you get coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables. It is a small detail, but it changes the emotional tone of the tour.

Right after riding, especially if the weather shifts, warm drinks help you feel human again. It is also the moment you can talk with the instructor and other riders about what the ride felt like, and what gait you managed to catch most comfortably.

It also adds value to the tour beyond the two hours in the saddle, because you finish with comfort, not just getting cold on the way back.

Price and Value: What $133.02 Buys You in Reykjavik

At $133.02 per person for around 2 hours, this is not the cheapest activity in Reykjavik. But it is also not overpriced for what you actually get: guided riding on Icelandic horses, practical instruction, and all the bulky cold-weather gear.

Here is the value logic I see:

• You get hands-on teaching, including guidance on handling tölt and riding at the right pace for your level
• You get real equipment coverage (helmet, boots, rain gear, warm overall), so your packing and hassle drop
• You get ability-based routing, which usually means you pay for a ride that fits, not a one-size-fits-all loop
• You get warm drinks included, so the tour ends comfortably

If you compare this to renting horses or arranging private instruction on your own, the group format is the cost-saving piece. And if you are already planning to ride in Iceland, the “all-in” gear part is a hidden win, because those items are not cheap to buy on the road.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This works best if you want nature, horses, and guided structure, and you do not want to spend half a day on logistics.

It is a great fit for:

• First-time riders who need clear guidance and group support
• People who want to ride Icelandic horses specifically, not just general trail riding
• Mixed-experience groups, because you get split by skill level early

You might want to rethink if:

• You cannot mount the horse from the ground under your own power
• You are traveling with a child under the age limit (the minimum age listed is 7, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
• You are over the weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs
• You are pregnant (pregnant women cannot ride due to possible harm to unborn children, per the tour rules)

Also, there is a moderate physical fitness requirement. That does not mean you need to train for Everest, but it does mean you should feel comfortable walking to and from the stables and staying balanced while the horse moves.

Should You Book This Icelandic Horseback Ride from Reykjavik?

If you want a high-impact Iceland experience without spending your whole day driving, I would book it. The strongest reasons are the instruction, the focus on tölt, and the way you get split into ability groups after being observed. That combo makes it more than a simple “ride for photos” outing.

Book this tour if:

• You care about learning how Icelandic horses move
• You want included gear so you can show up in normal travel clothes
• You want a guided ride through lava fields and moorland close to Reykjavik

Consider passing if:

• You know you will struggle with mounting from the ground
• You are trying to avoid any cold or wet conditions and do not want to wear rain gear
• Your travel plan can only handle very rigid timing, since pickup and the exact meeting details depend on selected pickup points

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is offered, but you need to select the option with pickup included. Pickup is pre-booked and may be from a nearby bus stop, depending on your chosen pickup point.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is listed as Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

What does the tour price include?

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus riding gear such as helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

What gear should I bring?

You do not need to bring a helmet or rubber boots since those are provided. The tour also provides rain gear and a warm overall. Avoid using used riding gear, since it is not allowed near the horses.

How do they handle different riding abilities?

You meet your instructor and advise your ability level. After the instructor watches you ride, the group splits into beginner, intermediate, and experienced groups, with different routes and paces.

What are the age limits?

The minimum age is 7 years old. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs.

Can pregnant women ride?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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