Tölt in Iceland beats most souvenirs. I love riding Icelandic horses at a calm, confidence-building pace, and I love how the guides help you feel the special gait called tölt. The only real catch is the time on horseback is about 1 to 1.5 hours, so it can feel short if you’re chasing a long trek.

This tour also fits nicely into a Reykjavik day. You start with a quick ride-ready briefing a short drive from the city, then you’re matched with a horse that fits your level and kept moving at a relaxed pace. The owners (Begga and Sveinn) and the staff focus hard on comfort and safety, plus they take lots of photos and video so you don’t spend the whole ride wrestling a camera.

Key things I’d circle on your shortlist

• Icelandic horse matching by skill level so first-timers aren’t tossed into the deep end
• Tölt time with instruction that makes the gait feel doable
• Volcanic terrain around Redhill with views you can’t get any other way
• Small groups of up to 8 for more personal help in the saddle
• Rain-ready riding gear included for Iceland-style weather swings
• Photo and video support so you can just ride and look out

Reykjavik horseback riding with a real Iceland focus

This is one of those Iceland experiences that feels “local” without trying too hard. Instead of a long bus transfer and a checklist of stops, you get right to what makes Iceland special: horses and volcanic scenery—from up close, moving with the animals.

The ride is relaxed, but you’re not just along for the trip. Before you set off, you get a briefing on handling your horse, and the staff stays attentive throughout. That matters because Icelandic horses are different from most breeds you might have met elsewhere—especially in the way they move. The whole point is that you get to experience their special gait without needing prior riding skills.

And yes, it’s only about 2 hours total. But within that window you still cover the best part: meeting your horse, learning what to do, and getting time on the route near Redhill.

From Reykjavik to the stables: quick and straightforward

You don’t need a half-day just to get set up. The stables are about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavik, and you’ll meet the group at a parking area with horse trailers. There’s a boom barrier gate there—wait until they open it.

Once you’re at the stables, the rhythm is simple: you get your briefing, you go through the basics, and then you’re on your way to the ride. Because it’s close to the city, this works well even if you’re not planning a big day tour. It also means you’re not stuck waiting for hours if the timing matters for your other Reykjavik plans.

Riding school first: getting comfortable fast with your horse

The best part of this tour is the way they treat “learning” as part of the ride, not a separate obstacle course.

Many guests start with very little experience. That’s exactly why the company assigns horses to match your level. The goal is that you feel in control—standing beside your horse, mounting, and handling the reins—without feeling overwhelmed.

Begga and Sveinn (the owners mentioned in multiple bookings) are known for running a clear start-up session. Guests often describe a short riding-school warm-up where you learn the basics and how Icelandic horses differ from other horses. Then you meet your assigned horse, and the guides add practical safety tips once you’re mounted.

Also, the staff doesn’t disappear once the ride starts. You’ll keep getting small coaching reminders—especially around staying safe and comfortable while your horse is doing what Icelandic horses do naturally.

Tölt on volcanic terrain near Redhill: what you’ll actually experience

The route centers on volcanic country around Reykjavik, with scenery shaped by glaciers and volcanoes. From the saddle, you’re not looking at Iceland—you’re moving through it. You’ll also get the specific highlight area mentioned in the tour description: Redhill.

What makes this different from a generic pony ride is the way your horse moves. Icelandic horses have a special gait called the tölt, and the guides help you experience it. That’s a big deal for value: if you’ve never ridden an Icelandic horse before, the tölt is the moment where it stops feeling like a standard activity and starts feeling like a real Iceland animal experience.

You ride at a relaxed pace, so you can actually look around and notice details. Many tours aim for speed; this one aims for comfort and connection. Even if it’s your first time, you should leave feeling like you participated—not like you sat still while someone led you by the reins.

Gear for Iceland weather: rain clothes, overalls, gloves

The tour includes the essentials to keep you riding in less-than-ideal conditions: rain clothes, overalls, and gloves, plus shoes. That’s a practical win because Iceland weather can change fast, and getting cold while mounted is no fun.

Some past riders have described rainy days where it was muddy and cold, but the ride still went ahead and stayed enjoyable. With the included gear, you’re not starting the tour in street clothes that soak through.

One practical note: the gear helps a lot, but it doesn’t remove the fact that Iceland can be windy and damp. If you run cold easily, dress in warm layers under the provided overalls and plan for the ground to be slick around the stables.

Safety rules that keep the ride calm (and on track)

Horse riding isn’t risk-free, and the operator is upfront about that. The safety statement is clear: you’re expected to use a riding helmet and follow staff directions. You also need to avoid being under the influence—intoxication isn’t allowed.

They also ask for steady behavior while mounted: no sudden noises, no screaming, no waving hands, and no sudden movements. It sounds strict, but it actually makes the ride better for everyone—especially for nervous horses and first-time riders.

Another safety plus: staff evaluate situations during the tour. And the operator reserves the right to cancel orders if needed (for example due to weather). That’s a normal reality in Iceland. If wind or storms roll in, it’s better to reschedule than force it.

Price and value: is $200 worth it?

At about $200 per person for a 2-hour experience, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. You’re paying for four things that matter:

• Instruction and horse matching: they pair you with a horse suited to your level, which reduces stress and improves your ride time
• Included riding gear: rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes cut down what you need to pack or buy
• Small group size: limited to 8 participants, so you’re not lost in the shuffle
• The real Iceland factor: riding tölt on Icelandic horses near Reykjavik in volcanic terrain

If you’re the type who values quality over quantity, this price usually feels fair. It’s not a long tour, but it’s not “short” in the wrong way either. The core moments—horse briefing, saddle time, tölt, and guided support—are built into the schedule.

Who this tour suits best (and who might hesitate)

This works especially well if you’re:

• visiting Reykjavik and want an activity that feels distinctly Icelandic
• a beginner who wants clear instruction and a horse matched to your comfort level
• an animal lover who cares about how riders are taught and how horses are cared for

Past experiences often highlight that even riders with very little experience can feel comfortable once the guide starts the session and the horse assignment makes sense.

The main reason someone might hesitate is simple: the ride is relatively short (about 1 to 1.5 hours in the saddle). If you want all-day riding and big distances, you may feel this is too brief. Also, there’s a minimum age of 12 for the tour.

Should you book this Reykjavik horse riding tour?

If you want a high-quality Icelandic horse experience without a complicated day plan, I think this is a strong choice. The small group size, the tailored horse matching, and the chance to experience tölt make the time feel earned—even when the weather turns.

Book it if:

• you want guided confidence in the saddle
• you’d rather spend a short window doing the right thing than doing “less” for more hours
• you’re excited to ride Icelandic horses in volcanic country near Redhill

Skip it if you’re chasing a full-day trek or you know you’ll be frustrated by a 1 to 1.5 hour ride-in-the-saddle format.

FAQ

What’s the duration of this horseback tour?

The tour is listed as about 2 hours total, with the ride itself lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

You meet at the parking place near the stables with horse trailers. There’s a boom barrier gate—you wait there until they open it.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. Horses are assigned to best suit each participant’s level, and you get a briefing on handling your horse so you feel comfortable in the saddle.

What riding gear is included?

The tour includes riding gear, plus rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

What’s the special gait you’ll experience?

Icelandic horses have a special gait, and this tour highlights the tölt.

What terrain will we ride through?

You ride through volcanic terrain around Reykjavik, and you’ll see scenery shaped by glaciers and volcanoes, including the Redhill area.

What’s the group size?

This is a small group experience limited to 8 participants.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. The tour has a 12 years age limit.

Is intoxication allowed?

No. You cannot ride if you are under the influence, and intoxication isn’t allowed.

Can the operator cancel due to weather?

Yes. The operator reserves the right to cancel orders if necessary, for example due to weather conditions (or change product/service types being sold).