Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

Icelandic horses are the stars here. In a small group of no more than eight, you ride through volcanic countryside, learn about the horses and local culture, and may experience the tölt, a remarkably smooth four-beat gait. I like the personal scale and the chance to see rural Iceland from horseback rather than through a coach window.

I also like that the tour welcomes both newer riders and people with more saddle time. Guides give an introduction before setting off, match riders with horses carefully, and have been praised for taking photos during the ride so you can focus on the scenery. The main consideration is price: at $200 for two hours, this is a special-interest outing, not a cheap add-on.

Key points at a glance

• A small group of up to eight: You get more attention than on a large stable ride.
• The Icelandic tölt: Ask to learn about this smooth, distinctive gait and when you may be able to try it.
• Two hours on horseback: Morning and afternoon departures let you fit the ride around other plans.
• Near Reykjavík: The meeting point is Íslenski Hesturinn in Víðidalur, reachable by bus number 5.
• Photos may be provided afterward: Riders have received complimentary pictures from the guides.
• Strict eligibility rules: The ride is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride different

Iceland’s horses are small, sturdy, and famous for their unusual gaits. The special one to know is the tölt, a four-beat movement that can feel much smoother than a regular trot. It is one of the main reasons to choose this ride over a standard horseback outing.

You are not simply being led around a paddock. The experience introduces you to the horses, gives you basic riding guidance, and then takes you into the volcanic countryside. The exact route can vary, but the central appeal remains the same: you see open Icelandic scenery at horse pace, with time to notice the ground, sky, and changing colors around you.

I like that the tour makes room for mixed ability levels. One rider may have sat on a horse only a handful of times, while another may ride often. The guides have been praised for giving proper instructions and pairing riders with horses carefully, allowing both beginners and more experienced riders to feel at ease.

That does not mean you should treat this as a private riding lesson. It is a shared outing with a fixed two-hour duration. If you already ride regularly, you may find the time passes quickly. One useful point from the available feedback is that even confident riders wished the ride lasted longer, so keep your expectations realistic if you want a full afternoon in the saddle.

Starting at Íslenski Hesturinn in Víðidalur

The meeting point is Íslenski Hesturinn, also called The Icelandic Horse. The directions advise using Google Maps, since some map searches work better with the address Faxaból 1, Víðidalur. Arrive 15 minutes early, not at the advertised start time.

That extra quarter hour matters. You need to find the stable, get settled, and be ready for the introduction without holding up the group. Tours can run slightly late, so leave a little flexibility in your plans afterward as well.

Public transportation is available by bus number 5. The information provided does not promise hotel pickup, so plan to make your own way to the meeting point. Transportation is not included, and neither are food or drinks.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, along with proper outdoor clothing. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and a horseback ride leaves you exposed to wind and rain. The instructions do not require specialist riding gear, so practical layers and comfortable footwear are the sensible choice.

The first riding lesson before the countryside

The ride begins with a short introduction to horseback riding. This is especially useful if you are a beginner or have not ridden for years. You can learn the basic controls, understand how to sit securely, and get a feel for your horse before the group moves away from the starting area.

The guides also know the horses well. That has practical value, since a good match between rider and horse can make the difference between spending two hours relaxed or feeling tense. The available feedback specifically praises the owners and guides for assigning horses carefully to a group that included beginners and more experienced riders.

Expect instruction in English. The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide, who also explains points about Icelandic horses, the countryside, and the country itself. You can use this opening time to ask about the tölt and what you may be able to try during the ride.

This introduction is not a reason to book if you want an advanced training session. It is there to prepare you for a pleasant group ride. You will get guidance, but the main goal is seeing Iceland on horseback.

Riding through volcanic countryside

Once the group sets off, the experience shifts from instruction to scenery. Iceland’s volcanic ground gives the countryside its distinctive look, and the slower pace of a horse lets you take it in without constantly watching the road or rushing to the next viewpoint.

The route description does not list named landmarks or a set sequence of stops. That is worth knowing before you book. This is a countryside ride rather than a sightseeing circuit with several formal attractions, and the pleasure comes from the setting, the horses, and the guide’s explanations.

I like the way the ride combines movement with context. You are not just looking at volcanic terrain from a distance. You are passing through it while learning about Icelandic horses and local life from someone who works with the animals. That connection gives the outing more character than a short photo stop.

The scenery is likely to be a major part of your memory, but the weather will shape it. Outdoor clothing is essential, and you should be comfortable with the possibility of wind or rain. The operator warns that departure times can slip slightly, so avoid scheduling a tight connection or another activity immediately afterward.

Trying the smooth tölt

The tölt is the signature lesson of this ride. Icelandic horses can use this smooth, distinctive gait while keeping one foot on the ground at all times. For a rider, that can mean less bouncing than a standard trot, although your ability to try it will depend on the horse, group, and instructions on the day.

Do not assume you will spend the whole ride at the tölt. The activity promises an opportunity to learn about it and enjoy the gait, not a guaranteed nonstop session. Still, it is the feature that makes this experience particularly suited to anyone curious about Icelandic horsemanship.

The guides have been praised for helping mixed groups ride together comfortably. That matters here. If one person is new to horses and another has ridden for years, the pace and instruction need to work for both. The available comments describe riders of different abilities getting proper guidance and plenty of time to tölta.

Ask questions as you go. A local guide can explain how the tölt differs from other gaits and why Icelandic horses are so closely tied to the country’s culture. You will get more from the ride if you treat it as a meeting with Icelandic horse culture, not only as a scenic activity.

Small-group attention and the photo bonus

The group limit is eight people. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on the riders and answer questions, while still giving the outing a social feel. It is not a private ride, but it is far more personal than a large group moving in a long line.

Several riders have also received photos taken by the guides during the ride and made available afterward at no extra cost. This is a useful touch. Horseback riding makes it awkward to take your own pictures, especially when you want to keep both hands free and pay attention to the horse.

Treat the photographs as a welcome possibility rather than the core promise of the booking. The formal inclusions list covers the two-hour ride, the local guide, and the riding introduction. It does not separately guarantee a photography package.

The strongest part of this arrangement is that you can focus on the horse and the scenery. If pictures are taken during your outing, they can preserve the experience without asking you to constantly stop and reach for your phone.

Is $200 a fair price for two hours?

At $200 per person, this is expensive for a two-hour activity. The price becomes easier to justify if you value a small group, local instruction, Icelandic horses, and a more personal outing near Reykjavík.

You are paying for more than time in the saddle. The booking includes the guide and riding introduction, and the small group limit means your experience should not feel like a mass operation. The chance to learn about the tölt and Icelandic culture adds another layer of value.

Still, you should compare it with your own priorities. If your Iceland budget is tight, a free walk through Reykjavík or a scenic drive will cost much less. If riding Icelandic horses is high on your wish list, this is a focused way to do it without committing to a full-day excursion.

Food and drinks are not included, and transportation to the meeting point is your responsibility. Those costs are modest compared with the booking price, but they belong in your planning. The two-hour length is convenient, though riders who love horses may wish it were longer.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the financial commitment more flexible. The activity information says to check availability for exact starting times.

Who should book this ride?

This tour suits adults and young people aged 12 or older who want a close look at Icelandic horses and do not need a full-day adventure. It works especially well for a mixed pair or group, since the guides can accommodate both newer riders and more experienced horse people.

I would recommend it to you if:

• You want to ride an Icelandic horse near the capital.
• You are curious about the tölt.
• You prefer a group of eight or fewer.
• You enjoy learning about local culture from a guide.
• You are happy with a scenic countryside ride rather than a list of famous stops.
• You want a morning or afternoon activity that fits into a larger Iceland plan.

I would think twice if you have an animal allergy, are pregnant, weigh more than 243 pounds or 110 kilograms, or are booking for a child under 12. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

It may also be a poor match if you need guaranteed sunshine, a private lesson, or a long ride. The operator gives you two hours, and tours may be slightly delayed. Icelandic weather is part of the deal, so bring outdoor clothing and accept that the day may feel brisk.

Practical details for a smoother ride

Book a morning or afternoon departure based on the rest of your plans. Since the tour lasts two hours and may start a little late, allow extra time on both sides rather than rushing to a museum, airport transfer, or dinner reservation.

Use Google Maps for Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse. If needed, try Faxaból 1, Víðidalur. Bus number 5 serves the area, but you should still check your route and leave enough time to arrive 15 minutes before the ride.

Wear comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and outdoor layers. You do not need to bring food or drinks as part of the tour, and none are provided in the listed inclusions, so plan your meals separately.

The experience is conducted in English. You can expect a live guide, a short riding introduction, explanations about Icelandic horses and culture, and a small group capped at eight participants.

Should you book the Icelandic Horse ride?

Book it if the idea of riding an Icelandic horse through volcanic countryside sounds more appealing than simply checking another viewpoint off your list. The small group, careful horse matching, friendly local guidance, and chance to try the tölt give the two hours real character.

Skip it if $200 feels too high for a short activity, or if you want a longer trek with named stops and a packed meal. For the right rider, though, this is a focused and memorable way to meet Iceland’s horses and see the countryside at their pace.

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 use Google Maps, and Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work as a map search.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is transportation included?

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

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour 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 the available information describes groups that included both beginners and more experienced riders.

Who cannot take this tour?

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