Two hours on Icelandic horses feels unreal. I love the smooth tölt gait training, and I also like how the guides split you by ability so you ride at a pace that fits. One thing to consider: pickup only works from selected Reykjavik locations, and you may be sent to a nearby bus stop instead of directly at your hotel.

This is a great nature-first ride with real hands-on guidance: you meet your instructor, get fitted with provided gear, watch a short teaching video, then ride behind your guide through lava fields and moorland. You’ll also get a warm drink afterward—coffee, tea, or hot chocolate—to help your body recover after the wind and cold.

Key things to know before you go

• Tölt-focused instruction so you understand how this four-beat gait feels and when to ask for it
• Ability-based grouping right after you’re watched, with slower and more advanced options
• Provided weather gear including helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall
• Scenic route through lava fields and moorland with mountains and lakes along the way
• Optional pickup from Reykjavik only from selected pickup points, pre-booked in advance
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers

What makes an Icelandic horse ride different (tölt is the big reason)

An Icelandic horse ride isn’t just about sitting on a horse and going for a walk. Here, you’re specifically taught the tölt, a four-beat gait that’s designed to stay smooth even on rough, uneven ground. If you’ve ever been nervous about trail riding on rocky terrain, this kind of gait training is a big deal.

You start with real coaching, not guesswork. You’ll ease your horse into the tölt with your instructor, then ride behind them while you learn what to feel and what to do. The payoff is simple: you spend more time enjoying the ride and less time worrying about your balance.

Getting matched to your riding level without slowing everyone down

The day starts with an instructor checking your ability level—beginner, intermediate, or experienced. That matters because this tour isn’t one-size-fits-all. Soon after the ride begins, the staff splits riders into three groups based on what they observe, so the more confident riders aren’t stuck in a slow line and beginners don’t get tossed into a tougher route.

Here’s how the pacing generally works:

• Beginners ride slowly over easy terrain.
• Intermediates and experienced riders handle more challenging routes at different speeds.
• You can tell your instructor if you want to go slower or faster, and they’ll adjust within the group setup.

One practical benefit: if you’re riding with someone who has a different comfort level, the tour is built for that. You’re not forced into the same pace just because you booked together.

Where you ride: lava fields, moorland, and plenty of photo chances

After the coaching and video lesson, you head out behind your instructor. The route is designed to showcase Iceland’s dramatic texture: lava fields and open moorland, with volcanic mountains and lakes in view.

This is the kind of scenery where your brain goes quiet. You’re outdoors for about 2 hours, moving at a comfortable riding rhythm, so you can actually take it in instead of sprinting between stops. And since you’ll likely be in a group split by ability, you’ll spend less time stuck behind someone going too slow for you—or feeling rushed if you’re new.

A small drawback to flag: it’s Iceland. Wind happens fast. Even with gear, you’ll want to protect your ears and keep your head warm. A hat or ear protection helps a lot when the weather turns.

The full “what happens at the stables” flow

You meet at the tour’s stable area and go through a clear sequence before you ride. First, you get advice on your ability level from your instructor. Then you watch a short instructional video so you know what your horse will do and what the tour expects from you.

Next comes the fit and prep:

• You don provided riding gear (helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall).
• You review how to use the gear and how to stay comfortable on the horse.
• You mount and start riding behind the guide.

A detail worth knowing: the tour says used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the horses. That’s more than a rule for rules’ sake—it helps keep the stable area clean and reduces cross-contamination.

When you finish the ride, you don’t just walk away. You refuel at the stables with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, which is a simple but smart way to end a cold-weather activity.

Gear and comfort: what’s included, and what you should still bring

The included equipment is the backbone of why this tour works year-round. You get:

• Helmets
• Rubber boots
• Rain gear
• A warm overall

That means you can travel lighter than you might expect. You also avoid hunting for waterproof clothing in Iceland right before the tour.

What you should plan to bring is the “small stuff” that makes a difference in Iceland:

• Warm layers under the overall (it’ll help on windy days).
• Something for your head and ears, since wind can pick up quickly.
• Clothes and shoes you’re okay ruining a bit—mud happens around stables, and riding involves getting close to terrain.

Also check your ability to handle mounting. The tour notes you must be able to mount from the ground by your own strength. There’s no mention of a mounting block, so if that’s hard for you, it’s a good idea to think it through before booking.

Reykjavik pickup: convenient when it matches your exact address

Pickup is one of the best reasons to book if you don’t want to figure out buses or car rentals. But it’s not unlimited. You must pre-book the option with pickup included, and you only get picked up from selected Reykjavik points.

A real-world caution: if your hotel isn’t on the pickup list, you’ll need to reach out so the operator can find the nearest pickup point. Even then, pickup might happen at a nearby bus stop rather than right at your door.

Timing tip: if you’re arriving by your own car, plan to be at the stables 30 minutes early. That early buffer helps you get fitted and settled without rushing.

Price and value: why $133.02 can feel fair

At $133.02 per person, this isn’t a throwaway activity. The value comes from what’s built in: trained instruction, quality gear, time on Icelandic trails, and the extra comfort of warm drinks after.

For me, the best value drivers are:

• Special gait coaching (tölt is the selling point, and you’re taught how to ride it)
• Ability-based grouping (you ride the right difficulty instead of hoping for the best)
• Full gear coverage for cold and wet conditions, which can save you money and hassle

Is it expensive compared to a quick scenic stop? Sure. But it’s much more than a view from a bus window. You’re learning something specific about Icelandic horses and spending focused time in the outdoors.

And with a maximum of 30 travelers, you’re not likely to feel swallowed by a huge crowd.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want nature and horses in the same package
• Are open to guided instruction, especially if you’re a first-time rider
• Like the idea of being split by ability so you don’t feel under- or over-challenged

It’s also a solid choice for families who are comfortable following rules. Children must be at least 7 years old, and riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Skip it if:

• You’re pregnant. The operator states pregnant women cannot ride due to possible harm to unborn children.
• You exceed the 110kg / 240lbs weight limit.
• You can’t mount the horse by your own strength from the ground.

You also need moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean athlete mode—it means you should be comfortable with getting in position, staying balanced, and handling uneven terrain while riding.

Weather reality: the ride runs when conditions allow

This experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund. Iceland weather can change quickly, so if you’re trying to stack this with other plans, keep a bit of buffer in your schedule.

The upside is that gear is included for rain and cold, and the operation is set up for winter conditions. One more weather note from experience on Iceland tours: wind can get loud and sharp fast, so plan head/ear protection even on days that start mild.

Should you book this Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour?

If you want a real connection to Iceland—horses, terrain, and a specific riding skill—this is an easy yes. The tölt focus, the ability-based grouping, and the included gear make it feel like a guided experience rather than a tourist-only ride.

I’d especially book it if you’re new to riding or you want your ride to match your comfort level without complicated decisions. You’ll spend your time learning, riding, and taking in the lava-field scenery instead of worrying about whether you’re doing it right.

If your big priority is a long hike or lots of walking time, this may feel short. But if your priority is to ride Icelandic horses well for about two hours, this tour does exactly that.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

What is the price per person?

The price is $133.02 per person.

Is English available during the tour?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Do you get pickup from Reykjavik?

Pickup is offered as an option. You need to pre-book it and select from the listed Reykjavik pickup points. If your hotel isn’t listed, you should reach out so they can find the nearest pickup point.

Where is the meeting point?

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

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

What’s not included?

Pre-booked pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik are not included unless you choose the specific tour option with pickup included. Drop-off returns you to the meeting point.

Is there a minimum age or weight limit?

Yes. The age limit is 7 years old, and the weight limit is 110kg / 240lbs.

Can pregnant women ride?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.