You will feel the tölt under you. This 2-hour ride near Reykjavik turns volcanic country into something you can actually touch, with relaxed pacing and real instruction. Expect bright mountain colors, glacier and volcano shaped terrain, and Icelandic horses known for their special gait (tölt) and calm temperament.

What I like most is the hands-on start. You get a briefing at the stables 10 minutes from Reykjavik, and the guide works to make sure you feel steady before you move off. I also love the way the horses are matched to your level, so first-timers and experienced riders end up on mounts that fit.

One thing to plan for: this is not a long, hours-long trail trek. You ride for about 1 to 1.5 hours inside the 2-hour experience, and Iceland weather can make it cold or muddy even when you’re bundled up.

Key things to know before you ride

• Small group (max 8), so instruction stays personal and you are not stuck watching from the back
• Icelandic horses with tölt (that smooth, special gait riders rave about)
• Gear included: rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes, plus you’ll get a safety-focused briefing
• Redhill area views from horseback, with volcanic and glacier-carved scenery
• Owners and guides named in reviews like Begga and Sveinn, praised for teaching and keeping riders comfortable

Why this Reykjavik horse ride is different from the usual trail tour

If you’ve looked at a lot of Iceland activities, this one cuts to the best part of Icelandic horse culture. Instead of a slow “walk and pose” outing, you ride Icelandic horses that have a gait you cannot get on many other breeds. That matters because your ride becomes more than scenery passing by. You learn how the horse moves, how you steer with your body, and how to stay relaxed while the horse does what it does best.

Another thing I really like is the match-up approach. You are assigned a horse based on your experience level, and that sets the tone for the whole outing. When the horse fits you, the ride feels calmer and more enjoyable, even if you’ve only ridden a few times before.

The volcanic setting helps too. Around Reykjavik, you still get dramatic terrain, with the look of glacier and volcano shaping the ground over time. From the saddle, it feels both close and wild.

Getting to the stables: the Reykjavik meeting point you should not miss

The stables are about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavik, which is great if you want nature without spending half your day in transport. When you arrive, you’ll see a parking area with many horse trailers and a boom barrier gate. The simple instruction is to wait there until the gate is opened.

That sounds basic, but it’s exactly the kind of detail that prevents stress. If you arrive early, you’ll waste less energy figuring out where to stand and who to follow, and you’ll start the experience in a good mood.

The 2-hour flow: what happens before you mount up

This tour runs about 2 hours total, and within that you’ll spend about 1 to 1.5 hours riding. The timing is built around a practical progression: briefing first, then horse training in motion.

At the stables, you get a briefing on handling your horse so you feel natural in the saddle. The guide is there for your questions, and they keep an eye on comfort throughout. Reviews mention a short “riding school” feel at the start, where guides explain how Icelandic horses differ from other horses and how to communicate with them.

You also receive riding gear. You’ll be provided with rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That combination is important because Iceland weather can shift quickly, and wet conditions can turn a “nice walk” into a cold one. With the gear included, you’re not hunting for the right outfit at the last minute.

Safety rules that keep the ride fun

Horseback riding isn’t risk-free. The safety statement is clear: you can’t ride if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the ride you also need to avoid sudden noises, screaming, waving your hands, or other sudden movements.

If you’re the type who gets excited when the scenery hits, try to channel that excitement into calm cues. The guides are watching for rider actions because horses react to energy and sudden motion.

Also, there’s an age limit of 12 years. If you’re traveling with teens, this is a good option. If you’re traveling with younger kids, you’ll need a different plan.

The Icelandic horses: matched to you, cared for, and built for Iceland

This company is Islenski Hesturinn – The Icelandic Horse, and the reviews put serious weight on horse care and training. Multiple riders describe the horses as sweet, easy to manage, and well taken care of. People also highlight that guides match riders with the right horse for their skill and comfort level.

That matching step is more than a nice touch. It changes how quickly you learn. When your horse is steady, your brain spends less time bracing and more time learning the basics: how your body position affects the gait, what the horse needs from you, and how to ride without fighting the movement.

And then there’s the tölt. Riders specifically call out the special step as fun and memorable, and that you spend a good chunk of the ride doing it. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Icelandic horse riding so iconic, the tölt is the reason.

Riding volcanic country around Reykjavik Redhill

The ride takes you through volcanic terrain around Reykjavik, with a highlight viewpoint of the Iceland Redhill area from horseback. Expect dramatic scenery carved by glaciers and volcanoes. Even without hiking, you’re moving through a place that looks shaped by forces far bigger than any tourist route.

Riding here works because you get perspective. You’re up off the ground, so you can see color shifts across the hills and the way paths cut through the terrain. Several reviews mention the brightness of mountain colors, and you can feel how those colors look different from the saddle compared with a roadside viewpoint.

The pace is relaxed. That’s also a value point: you can actually enjoy what you’re doing, instead of spending the whole time tense and focused on survival. If you want a “do something active” day without it turning into a workout, this is a strong fit.

Your guide on the ground and in the saddle

English is the live tour guide language. Guides focus on comfort, safety, and clear instruction, and they stay interactive. Many reviews praise guides who are friendly, funny, and genuinely excited to share Iceland and horses with the group.

Some review names you may see mentioned include Begga and Sveinn, the owners who lead and explain the experience, plus guides like Christian and Inga. You should treat those as examples of the sort of personality and expertise that’s been reported, not a guarantee of who you’ll meet.

One pattern shows up in the feedback: guides give tips during the ride. That’s a big deal for first-time riders. Instead of just saying follow the leader, they help you adjust your position and handling so the horse ride gets smoother as you go.

Photos and videos: the small upgrade that saves your day

A lot of tours let you take photos if you remember. This one takes the pressure off. Reviews mention that guides take plenty of photos and videos during the ride.

That’s useful because it helps you ride better. If you’re not juggling a camera, you can keep your focus on cues and balance, especially when the horse moves into the tölt. When you get back, you likely have media that actually captures the experience, not just shaky clips from moments you couldn’t enjoy.

How to pack your day for a cold, wet, or windy Iceland

Even with included rain clothes and gloves, you should still prepare like Iceland weather is unpredictable. If it’s raining, the ground can be muddy, and conditions can feel chilly in between the briefing and your mount.

Here’s the practical approach: wear warm base layers under the provided overalls if you tend to run cold, and plan for damp conditions. Also, bring yourself in a calm headspace so you can follow safety instructions without feeling overwhelmed.

If you show up thinking you will not feel cold, you might get surprised. If you show up ready for Iceland weather, you’ll likely enjoy the ride more because the gear does the heavy lifting.

Price and value: is $200 for 2 hours actually fair?

At $200 per person for about a 2-hour experience, this sits in the mid-range of Iceland activities. But the value comes from what you get inside the time.

You receive:

• Icelandic horse riding in volcanic terrain near Reykjavik
• A briefing focused on handling your horse so you ride with confidence
• Riding gear provided, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes
• Small group size limited to 8, which supports hands-on help
• A strong chance to experience the tölt, highlighted as a major part of the magic

If your goal is to check the box of horseback riding, you might find cheaper. If your goal is to ride the real Icelandic way, on horses built for tölt, with instruction that helps you feel safe and comfortable, this price starts to make more sense.

Also, the short distance from Reykjavik matters. You’re paying for a focused experience, not spending time commuting.

Who this tour fits best, and who should look elsewhere

This is a smart pick if:

• You want an authentic Icelandic horse experience, including tölt
• You’re a first-timer who wants patient guidance
• You like small group settings where the guide can actually correct and help
• You care about horse welfare and trained riding

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want a long ride in the saddle, because you only ride about 1 to 1.5 hours
• You get uncomfortable with weather changes, since Iceland conditions can be cold or muddy
• You need alcohol in your plans, since intoxication is not allowed

The final decision: should you book Islenski Hesturinn?

If you want a memorable, Iceland-specific experience that you can do near Reykjavik without a huge day plan, I’d book this. The combination of Icelandic horses, the tölt gait, and instruction aimed at making you comfortable is the core reason.

Book with confidence if you’re ready to follow the safety rules, wear the provided gear, and enjoy a relaxed ride through volcanic country. Skip it only if you’re after a long wilderness trek or you know you won’t tolerate cold, wet weather.

If you do book, show up on time at the boom barrier gate, listen to the briefing, and let the horse teach you the rhythm. That’s when this tour becomes more than “just riding.” It becomes the kind of Iceland moment you remember.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour in Reykjavik?

The total experience lasts about 2 hours, with riding time usually between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the group at the start?

When you arrive, look for the parking place with many horse trailers and a boom barrier gate. Wait there until the gate opens.

What riding gear is included?

All riding gear is provided, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. The tour has a 12 years age limit.

Is alcohol allowed during the tour?

No. Intoxication is not allowed, and you cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on horseback.

What language is the live tour guide in?

The live tour guide speaks English.