Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

Iceland’s volcanic ground looks even better from horseback. This two-hour ride near Reykjavík gives you a close look at the countryside, a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses, and a chance to try the famous tölt, a remarkably smooth gait. I like the small group limit of eight and the friendly local guidance. I also like that the guides take photos during the ride, so you can focus on the horse and the views instead of fussing with your phone.

The main drawback is the price: $200 per person for two hours is a serious spend, especially since transport, food, and drinks are not included. You also need to be at least 12 years old, weigh no more than 243 pounds, and feel comfortable with an outdoor activity that may run slightly late.

Key points at a glance

• The tölt is the star attraction: Icelandic horses are famous for this smooth, distinctive four-beat gait.
• Small groups keep the ride personal: The maximum group size is eight, allowing for more direct help from the guide.
• The tour suits mixed riding levels: Riders with little experience and seasoned horse riders can take part, with an introduction before setting off.
• Free photos add real value: Guides take pictures along the route and provide them afterward at no extra cost.
• You stay close to Reykjavík: The meeting point is at Íslenski Hesturinn in Víðidalur, reachable by public bus number 5.
• Weather-ready clothing matters: Comfortable clothes, outdoor clothing, and comfortable shoes are essential in Iceland.

Starting at Íslenski Hesturinn in Víðidalur

The tour begins at Íslenski Hesturinn, also known as The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur in the Capital Region. Use Google Maps for the most reliable directions. Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work in map apps, but the operator specifically advises checking the exact place before leaving.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start. That extra time matters because you need to find the meeting point, get settled, and be ready for the short riding introduction. Public bus number 5 serves the area, which is useful if you are staying in or near Reykjavík and do not have a car.

The tour runs in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability. You should check the start times when booking and leave enough room in your day for a possible delay. Tours may begin slightly late, so I would avoid pairing this ride with a tightly timed museum visit, airport transfer, or another paid activity.

There is no food or drink included. Bring water and eat beforehand if you need something substantial, but keep in mind that the ride itself is only two hours. The focus is on horses, riding, and scenery rather than a farm meal or long cultural program.

Meeting Iceland’s small, sturdy horses

Before you ride out, the guide gives you an introduction to horseback riding. This is particularly helpful if you have limited experience. One rider described having sat on a horse only about five times, while their partner had ridden for years, and both felt comfortable after the instructions.

That detail tells you something useful about the format. You do not need to be an advanced rider, but you should still be open to following instructions and controlling a living animal. The horses are described as stable and well matched to the people in the group, with the owners taking care to pair horses and riders sensibly.

The Icelandic horse is compact, sturdy, and known for its calm character. The distinctive feature here is not simply riding a horse in Iceland. It is getting a chance to try the tölt, a gait unique to Icelandic horses and a few related breeds. The tölt is a four-beat movement that can feel smoother than an ordinary trot because the horse keeps one foot on the ground at nearly all times.

You may not spend every minute at a tölt. The exact pace depends on the group, the horses, and each rider’s ability. Still, one of the most appealing parts of this outing is that mixed groups can often enjoy some tölting together. The introduction gives you a useful foundation before the guide asks for more.

Riding through volcanic countryside

Once everyone is ready, the group heads into the Icelandic countryside. The attraction is the combination of open scenery and a distinctly Icelandic way to see it. From a car window, volcanic ground can pass by quickly. From horseback, you move at a slower pace and have time to notice the shapes, colors, and uneven texture of the country around you.

This is not presented as a long expedition into remote Iceland. It is a two-hour outing near the capital region, which makes it practical for a shorter visit or a day based in Reykjavík. You get a taste of the countryside without committing to a full-day riding trip.

The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to book. The route moves through volcanic surroundings and countryside rather than city streets. You will want outdoor clothing even if the forecast looks friendly, since Icelandic weather can change and you will be outside for the full ride.

The riding itself also gives the scenery a different rhythm. You are not rushing from one viewpoint to the next. The horse sets the pace, and the guide can talk about the country and the animals along the way. The experience is as much about feeling the terrain and learning how Icelandic horses move as it is about taking in a scenic view.

Local stories, horse care, and free photographs

The guide does more than lead the horses. You can expect information about Icelandic horses, local culture, and the country itself. The most praised part of the experience is the care shown toward the animals. The owners and guides are described as people who know their horses well and take pride in matching them with riders.

That care is important to me. A riding tour should not treat horses as scenery or equipment. Here, the emphasis is on the animals’ character and comfort, which helps make the outing feel more like a meeting with a local tradition than a quick photo stop.

The guides also take photos during the ride. You receive the pictures afterward at no extra cost. This is a practical benefit, not just a nice extra. Riding requires attention, especially if you are learning the tölt, and holding a phone while trying to manage a horse is a poor bargain. Let the guide handle the camera and keep your hands available for riding.

The photos also help preserve the sense of place. You can enjoy the volcanic countryside in the moment instead of stopping to frame every view. If the guide is taking pictures throughout the route, you should still ask about the delivery method before leaving, since the supplied information does not specify how the photos are sent.

How the small group changes the ride

The group is limited to eight participants. That is small enough for the guide to give individual instructions and notice when someone needs help. It also makes it easier for people with different riding backgrounds to share the outing without turning the experience into a large procession.

A small group does not guarantee a private ride. You may still need to adjust your pace to the other riders, particularly if some people are beginners and others are more experienced. The advantage is that the guide can usually explain what to do and keep the group together more easily than on a large commercial ride.

This format works especially well for first-time riders who want structure without being lost in a crowd. It also suits experienced riders who are interested in the Icelandic horse and the tölt, rather than looking for a challenging, fast-paced trek.

I would not choose this tour if you want several hours in the saddle, a private lesson, or a demanding riding route. Two hours gives you a pleasant introduction, but it is not an extended riding holiday. One enthusiastic rider wished the experience had lasted longer, which is a useful warning for experienced equestrians.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for a two-hour ride, a local English-speaking guide, the riding introduction, a maximum group size of eight, and photos taken during the outing. Transport, food, and drinks cost extra.

The price makes more sense if you value personal attention and a smaller group. It also has extra appeal if you would otherwise pay for professional photos or spend much of the ride trying to take your own. The guide’s explanations about horses, culture, and Iceland add a layer that a simple horse rental would not provide.

Still, you should compare it with your own priorities. If you have never ridden before and want a short, well-supported introduction, the price may feel worthwhile. If you ride regularly and want a long day in the saddle, two hours may feel brief for the cost.

I would also consider how much you have already budgeted for Iceland. Many activities around Reykjavík are expensive, and this one is no exception. The best value comes when you care about the specific combination of Icelandic horses, the tölt, a small group, and local guidance. If you simply want to see rural scenery, less costly sightseeing options may suit you better.

What to wear and who should skip it

Wear comfortable clothes and outdoor clothing. Choose comfortable shoes rather than fashion footwear, and dress for changing conditions. The provided guidance does not list a detailed clothing checklist, so I would keep your outfit practical and easy to move in.

The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or anyone over 243 pounds, which is 110 kilograms. These restrictions are important to take seriously. Horse riding involves safety limits for both riders and animals, and the operator may not be able to make exceptions.

You should also avoid alcohol and drugs, and smoking is not allowed. These are straightforward safety rules, but they matter more on horseback than they might on a casual walking tour.

This outing is best for:

• Adults and children aged 12 or older who can follow riding instructions
• First-time or occasional riders seeking a guided introduction
• Experienced riders interested in Icelandic horses and the tölt
• People staying near Reykjavík who want a countryside activity without a full-day excursion
• Anyone who values a small group and free photos

It is less suitable for anyone who dislikes animals, has an allergy to horses, needs a fully accessible activity, or wants a high-speed and highly demanding ride.

Practical timing and cancellation advice

Allow more than the stated two hours in your schedule. The ride itself lasts two hours, but you should arrive 15 minutes early, and the tour may be slightly delayed. Getting to the meeting point and returning to your accommodation will add more time.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure when available. I would select the time that gives you the easiest arrival rather than forcing an early start after a late night. The guide needs you ready at the meeting point, not rushing in from the bus stop.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which helps when Iceland weather and road plans are still changing. These terms are useful, but check the exact booking conditions for your selected date.

Should you book this Icelandic horse ride?

I would book it if you want a short, personal introduction to Icelandic horses and like the idea of seeing volcanic countryside at a slow, human pace. The strongest reasons are the small group, careful horse matching, local guidance, the chance to try the tölt, and the free photos.

I would pause if $200 feels high for a two-hour activity or if you want a longer, more strenuous ride. This is an introductory experience, not a full-day horseback adventure. It is also not the right choice if you fall under the age, health, allergy, or weight restrictions.

For a first encounter with Icelandic horses near Reykjavík, the balance is appealing. You get clear instruction, a manageable time commitment, and a chance to learn about a special part of Icelandic culture without spending an entire day on the road.

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. Google Maps is recommended, and Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work in map applications.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the tour begins.

Is public transportation available?

Yes. Public bus number 5 is available for reaching the meeting area.

What language is the tour in?

The live guide speaks English.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The tour includes an introduction to horseback riding, and it is suitable for people with limited riding experience if they can follow the guide’s instructions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.