Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

Iceland’s tölt is the star here: a smooth, distinctive gait that lets an Icelandic horse move quickly without the bouncing rhythm many riders expect. You ride through volcanic countryside near Reykjavík, with a local guide, in a group limited to eight people.

I like the careful matching of horses to riders and the chance to focus on the scenery while guides take photos during the ride. I also like that beginners and experienced riders can join the same outing and still get useful instruction. The main drawback is the price, $200 for two hours, and the riding time may feel short if you quickly settle into the saddle.

Key points to know before you book

• The tölt is the special feature: This smooth four-beat gait is a memorable introduction to Icelandic horses.
• Groups stay small: A maximum of eight participants allows for more personal help and a calmer ride.
• The tour suits mixed ability levels: Beginners receive an introduction, while experienced riders can still enjoy the horses and scenery.
• Photos are often taken during the ride: You can keep your attention on riding instead of handling a camera.
• The setting is close to Reykjavík: The meeting point is in Víðidalur, with public transportation available on bus number 5.
• Plan for outdoor conditions: Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and proper outdoor layers matter in Iceland.

Riding Icelandic horses near Reykjavík

This tour gives you a close look at one of Iceland’s best-known traditions without requiring a full day away from the capital. The meeting point is Íslenski Hesturinn, also called The Icelandic Horse, at Faxaból 1 in Víðidalur. Since map searches can be a little fussy, use the business name in Google Maps and arrive 15 minutes early.

The ride lasts two hours from start to finish. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, so it fits neatly around other plans in the Capital Region. That flexibility is useful if you are also arranging a city visit, a museum, or another outdoor activity.

You are not simply put on a horse and sent down a trail. The tour begins with a short introduction to horseback riding. That matters if you have limited experience, since the first few minutes in the saddle can feel unfamiliar even on a calm horse.

The guide also explains Icelandic horses and the country around you. The best part of this format is the combination of practical help and local context. You learn how to sit, handle the reins, and work with your horse, while also hearing about the animal and the volcanic setting.

What makes the tölt different

Icelandic horses are famous for having a smooth gait called the tölt. It is not simply a faster walk, and it does not have the same bouncing feel as a typical trot. For you, the result can be a more comfortable ride, especially when the horse settles into a steady rhythm.

The tölt is not guaranteed every second of the tour, since the horse, rider, and conditions all matter. Still, this is one of the clearest reasons to choose an Icelandic horse ride instead of a general horseback outing. You get to try a movement that is closely tied to Iceland’s horse culture.

The riding ability in a small group may vary. That is not necessarily a problem here. One particularly useful detail is that the horses are matched to riders with care, allowing beginners and experienced riders to share the outing. If you have only ridden a few times, proper instruction before departure should help you feel more at ease. If you ride regularly, you may still enjoy the chance to work with a breed known for its unusual gait.

The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. These limits are important to check before paying, since they affect who can safely take part.

A two-hour route through volcanic countryside

The scenery is a major part of the experience. You ride through Iceland’s volcanic countryside rather than viewing it only from a tour bus window. The open setting gives you time to notice the ground, the broad countryside, and the relationship between the horses and the land.

Do not expect a long expedition with several major stops. This is a focused two-hour ride. The activity centers on getting comfortable with your horse, practicing the ride, trying the tölt, and enjoying the surroundings. That makes it easy to fit into a busy Iceland itinerary, but it also means the time can pass quickly.

The scenery may be at its best when you stop trying to document every moment. Guides are known to take many pictures during the ride, and the photographs are provided afterward at no extra cost. That is a useful touch. You can keep both hands available for riding and still leave with images of the experience.

The exact route and riding conditions can vary. Tours may run slightly late, so avoid scheduling a tight connection immediately afterward. Icelandic weather can also change quickly, which is why outdoor clothing is a practical requirement rather than a suggestion for serious hikers only.

The guide makes the difference

The tour depends heavily on the guide. You want someone who can explain the horses clearly, give simple riding instructions, and keep a mixed group moving at a comfortable pace. The available information points to guides who care deeply for their horses and know the animals individually.

That care shows in the way horses are assigned. A calm, suitable horse can make a first ride much more enjoyable, while a poor match can make even a beautiful route stressful. The guides also provide information about Icelandic culture, the horses, and the country itself, giving the ride more substance than a basic recreational loop.

English is the tour language. The small group, capped at eight people, helps the guide give more attention to each rider. It also means you are less likely to feel lost in a large line of horses.

I especially like the report that riders with very different levels of experience were able to tölta during the outing. That suggests the instruction is not limited to complete beginners. Still, anyone expecting advanced riding lessons or a fast, challenging ride should keep expectations in check. This is a guided scenic activity, not a specialist equestrian clinic.

How the experience feels for beginners

If you have sat on a horse only a handful of times, this tour appears designed to keep the process manageable. You get an introduction before setting off, and the guides take rider ability into account when assigning horses.

Wear clothing that lets you move comfortably. Outdoor layers are wise, and comfortable shoes are required. The supplied information does not promise specialist riding gear, so you should not assume that every item you need will be provided.

You should also be ready for the simple realities of riding. Your legs may feel tired, your clothes may collect dust, and the weather may be cool or wet. None of this is a flaw in the tour, but it is worth planning for. A horseback ride in Iceland is an outdoor activity first, with comfort depending partly on what you wear.

The minimum age is 12. This makes the outing better suited to teenagers and adults than to families with young children. Pregnant participants and people with animal allergies should choose another activity.

Why experienced riders may still enjoy it

Experienced riders may wonder if a short, guided tour will feel too basic. The answer depends on what you want. If you are looking for technical training, long-distance riding, or a demanding route, this probably is not the right choice.

If you want to ride Icelandic horses and try the tölt in a striking setting, the tour has more appeal. The horses are selected with the rider in mind, and the chance to explore a volcanic area on horseback gives the outing a distinct Icelandic character.

Experienced riders can also appreciate the horses themselves. The tour is not just about checking off horseback riding. It offers time with a local breed and a guide who can explain the animals and their place in Icelandic culture.

The small group improves the experience for confident riders, too. You can ask questions, pay attention to the horse, and enjoy the views without being one person in a large procession.

Is $200 a fair price for two hours?

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying about $100 per hour, before transportation, food, or drinks. For a simple short ride, that may feel expensive.

The value improves if you care about four things: Icelandic horses, the tölt, a small group, and local guidance. You also receive an introduction to riding and photographs taken during the tour at no extra charge. Those photos have real value because taking your own while riding is awkward and distracting.

The guide’s attention is another part of the price. A maximum of eight people is a much more personal setup than a large stable operation. That matters most if you are a beginner, are nervous around horses, or want to ask questions about the animals and local culture.

I would view this as a special Iceland activity rather than a cheap way to fill two hours. It makes sense for a trip where you have set aside money for one memorable experience. If your budget is tight, compare it with other horse-riding options before booking, since the duration is limited.

Getting to Víðidalur and preparing for the ride

Transportation to the meeting point is not included. Public transportation is available, including bus number 5, but you are responsible for reaching Íslenski Hesturinn yourself.

Use Google Maps and search for The Icelandic Horse or Íslenski Hesturinn. Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work as a map search. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start, since you may need time to find the stable and get ready.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothes
• Outdoor clothing

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. These rules are sensible around animals and help keep the group safe.

The tour may be slightly delayed, so leave breathing room in your schedule. I would not book a time-sensitive airport transfer or another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Who should book this horse ride?

You should consider this tour if you want a short, well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses and do not want to spend a full day away from Reykjavík. It is particularly suitable for adults and children aged 12 or older who want scenery, local guidance, and a chance to try the tölt.

It is also a good fit for couples or small groups with mixed riding experience. One person can be fairly new to horses while another has ridden often, and both can still find something worthwhile in the outing.

You may want to skip it if you have an animal allergy, are pregnant, weigh more than 110 kilograms, or are bringing a child under 12. You should also think twice if $200 feels too high for a two-hour activity or if you want a long, physically demanding ride.

The five-star rating from 11 bookings is consistent with the strongest features of the experience: friendly guides, well-matched horses, good instruction, beautiful scenery, and useful photos. Those are the details that matter most here.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want an intimate Icelandic experience with horses, not simply a ride through the countryside. The small group, careful horse assignments, photo service, and chance to try the tölt make it more distinctive than a basic scenic outing.

I would book it for a first visit to Iceland if horseback riding appeals to you and the price fits your budget. Just remember that two hours goes quickly, transportation is separate, and weather-appropriate clothing is part of the deal.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur. You can search for that name in Google Maps. Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work as a map search.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to the meeting point is not included, but public transportation is available, including bus number 5.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The tour includes an introduction to horseback riding and is suitable for riders with different experience levels, according to the provided tour information.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and outdoor clothing.

Who cannot take part?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.