Reykjadalur is where Iceland riding starts to feel real. I love the small-group guidance that keeps you confident, and I also love that this tour is beginner-friendly even if you’ve never mounted a horse before. One thing to plan for: bugs can be intense in some seasons, and helmet netting isn’t always mentioned as standard.

This is a classic Iceland horse experience just about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, so it fits cleanly into a packed day. You’ll be suited up in weather gear, learn how to control a very capable Icelandic horse, and get to try the famous extra gait when conditions allow. No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll want to reach the stables area on your own time.

Quick hits before you go

• Five-gait Icelandic horses with a chance to experience the extra gait (often described as tolt)
• All riding levels are welcome, including true first-timers
• Weather gear and helmets included, so you’re not guessing what to bring
• Small groups (capped low), which means real attention from the guides
• Rugged-but-practical ride route, including river crossings and some uneven terrain

Reykjavik Meets Reykjadalur: How This 2-Hour Ride Fits Your Day

This tour runs about 2 hours total, with roughly 1.5 hours on horseback. In practice, that includes time to check in, get fitted, meet your group, and learn how to mount and steer safely. If you’re planning a Reykjavik day packed with other stops, this timing is one of its big strengths.

Most rides depart from the Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur area in Reykjadalur, near the Vorsabæjarvellir Valley. You’re close enough to do this without turning it into a whole logistics project.

Price-wise, at $126.50 per person, you’re paying for more than just “an hour on a horse.” You’re also paying for guide attention, horses that are trained for mixed riders, and the full weather setup (including a winter jumpsuit and rain gear). That’s good value in Iceland, where renting proper gear and paying for long transfers can quickly add up.

The 5-Gait Horse Thing: What You’ll Actually Experience

Icelandic horses are famous for more than just a walk and trot. On this ride, you’ll be on a 5-gaited Icelandic horse, which means you get a chance to experience an extra riding style beyond the basics. In one account, riders specifically noted experiencing the fifth gait described as the tort.

For first-timers, this matters because the guides aren’t just letting you “figure it out.” They teach you the cues you need to stay balanced and relaxed, even when your horse shifts to a different rhythm. You’re not expected to control everything yourself.

For more experienced riders, the extra gait is the payoff. If you’ve ridden elsewhere and found Icelandic horses a little “different but in a good way,” you’ll likely appreciate how natural the transitions can feel once the guide shows you what to look for.

Beginner-Friendly Riding: Instruction That Helps You Relax

This is built for all riding levels, and that includes people who have ridden maybe once—or never. The guides focus on hands-on coaching rather than dumping a bunch of theory on you and hoping for the best. You can feel the difference in pacing and how often they check that riders are set.

One rider noted that the guide was patient and taught them how to ride during their first ever experience. Another account mentioned helpful teaching of riding mechanics and even learning some local elements like bunkers in the area they rode through. It’s not a long lecture, but it’s enough context to make the route feel less like a random trail.

Group size also matters here. This activity is capped at a maximum of 14 travelers, and it’s described as small-group (with tour-size often referenced up to 18). Either way, you should expect a ride where the guide can notice if you’re stiff, off-balance, or unsure about the next step.

Gear Included in Iceland Weather: What You Need and What You Don’t

The tour includes winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets. That’s a big deal in Iceland because weather can flip fast, and riding in wet clothes can make even a great day feel miserable.

It also means you can travel lighter. You don’t need to bring a bulky riding jacket just for this one activity.

Here’s the smart rider checklist (based on what’s included and what’s not):

• Wear warm layers under the provided gear.
• Wear closed-toe footwear that’s comfortable for stirrups and standing in the saddle.
• If you’re sensitive to insects, consider bringing your own plan. One rider had a rough time with bugs because they didn’t have helmet netting, while another account said bug nets were provided later in the season.

If you’re going in a bug-heavy time of year, I’d treat helmet netting like a “bring it up in advance” item. Ask before you show up, so you’re not stuck smiling and swatting for two hours.

Where You Meet and How You Get There from Reykjavik

The meeting point is at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, in Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, address listed as Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not building a one-way route into your day.

There’s no hotel pickup. This is common for Iceland activities close to Reykjavik, but it still changes how you should plan your schedule. If you’re relying on a car, give yourself extra time for the drive and parking. If you’re using a transfer, confirm your exact drop-off location and timing.

The ride is described as about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, which is the sweet spot for fitting it between other sightseeing.

The Ride Route: Fields, Low River Crossings, and a Bit of Speed

Your “countryside on horseback” promise comes with real terrain, not just flat walking. Riders mention scenery that includes fields and river terrain, including riding through a few low rivers.

Pacing depends on riders and conditions, but one description gives a clear sense of the basic flow:

• You move along roughly two miles near the road,
• then turn into a field,
• then ride back about two miles along the base of the mountain.

In that same account, they quickened to a faster pace (even describing a gallop a few times). That lines up with the idea that the ride isn’t just a slow shuffle the whole time, even if a large part is calm walking.

One important consideration: at least one rider felt the segment that runs along a road shoulder wasn’t ideal, especially because they wanted more pure countryside paths for the whole time. If you’re the kind of person who hates seeing roads, keep that in mind. Still, the rest of the route includes things like fields and river crossings that make the experience feel hands-on.

Horses and Safety: Well-Behaved, But Still Alive

One of the most consistent positives is horse temperament. Riders describe the horses as well-behaved and trained for mixed groups, yet still spirited in a way that feels like real Icelandic horse energy, not a dozing school pony.

That balance is what you want. If the horses were totally flat and dead, it wouldn’t feel like Iceland. If they were unpredictable, this wouldn’t be truly beginner-friendly.

Safety and confidence come from two things here:

• the guides controlling the ride flow, and
• the fact that you’re mounted on horses that can handle riders who are still learning.

The comfort level isn’t just about safety, though. It’s also about the ride rhythm. You should expect mostly calm walking, with moments where your horse moves into other gaits once you’re comfortable.

Coffee and the Value Equation: Why This Price Makes Sense

You get coffee and/or tea included. That’s not a huge “make or break” detail, but it’s a thoughtful touch, especially if the day feels cold or damp.

Now the value question: why pay $126.50 for a two-hour experience? Here’s the practical math:

• You don’t need to rent gear (winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmet).
• You get guided instruction that helps beginners ride confidently.
• You ride classic Icelandic horses, including a chance at the fifth gait.
• Your group stays small, so you’re not just another body in a long line.

What’s not included is also clear: no lunch and no hotel pickup. So if you’ll be hungry after, plan a meal stop on your own. And plan transportation so you’re not scrambling right before check-in.

Weather, Bugs, and That One Irritating Reality Check

This ride requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s standard, but it’s worth treating seriously since you’re riding outdoors.

Then there’s the bug issue, and it’s real enough to affect your enjoyment. One rider described swarms of insects and said helmet netting wasn’t provided, making the ride miserable for both parent and child. Another rider said bug nets were provided, adding that flies were bad that year.

So what should you do?

• If you’re insect-sensitive, ask the operator ahead of time about helmet netting.
• If you’re traveling with kids, take bugs seriously. If your child is bothered easily, this can turn from fun to frustration fast.
• Even if nets are provided, bring your own comfort plan (like staying calm and using your gear properly), since you can still expect some bites in heavy seasons.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Day)

This tour fits best if you:

• want an Icelandic horse experience near Reykjavik without a long transfer,
• want beginner instruction in a small group,
• care about actually riding (not just walking around a farm),
• and would enjoy river crossings, fields, and that Iceland “out there” feeling.

It’s also suitable for adults and children from age 9, with a max weight of 110 kg. If you’re under 9, you’ll need a different option. If you’re near the weight limit, it’s worth confirming your booking fit.

If your dream is nonstop off-road trails with zero road segments, you might find part of the route less satisfying. If bugs can ruin your patience, plan for that too.

Should You Book This Reykjadalur Horse Ride?

I’d book it if you want a real Iceland horse day with strong beginner support, gear handled for you, and a good chance to feel the rhythm changes on a 5-gaited Icelandic horse. The small group cap and included weather gear make it feel more “thought through” than many simple trail rides.

Skip it or rethink it if bugs are a guaranteed deal-breaker for you, or if you absolutely need fully off-road scenery the entire time. Still, even with those cautions, the consistent story is that the horses are trained, the guides are helpful, and the ride gives you the kind of countryside experience you’ll remember.

If you’re visiting Iceland with limited time, this is one of the easier ways to add horseback riding without derailing your whole schedule.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

The tour starts at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, in Vorsabæjarvellir Valley. The listed address is Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is prior riding experience required?

No. This tour is beginner-friendly and designed so that people with no prior experience can take part.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmets, and coffee and/or tea. Hotel pickup and lunch are not included.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about 2 hours in total, with riding taking about 1.5 hours.

What are the age and weight limits?

The tour is suitable for adults and children from age 9. There is a max weight limit of 110 kg.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

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