Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley)-All Riding Levels

Iceland’s famous horse has an extra gear. This ride through Reykjadalur gives you a close look at the countryside from the saddle, with friendly, well-trained Icelandic horses and guides who work patiently with beginners. I especially like the small group setting and the chance to feel the famous five-gaited tölt, a smooth Icelandic riding pace. The main drawback is that much of the route may be slow and simple, with some riding beside the road.

The tour begins about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and lasts about two hours at the meeting point, with roughly 1.5 hours on horseback. Winter suits, rainwear, helmets, and hot drinks are included, which helps cut down on packing. You should still ask about insect protection before setting out, since flies can be a serious nuisance in some conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• The tölt is the special feature: You may get to try the Icelandic horse’s famous extra gait, a smooth movement distinct from an ordinary walk or trot.
• Beginners are welcome: No riding experience is needed, and guides provide patient instruction before heading out.
• The horses are gentle but not dull: They are well behaved and responsive, with enough spirit to make the ride feel like more than a slow pony walk.
• Reykjavik access is easy: The stable is about 45 minutes from the capital, making this a useful half-day addition to a city stay.
• Small groups matter: The stated maximum is 14 people, though another tour detail lists 18, so confirm the exact group size when booking.
• Prepare for changing conditions: Rain gear and warm clothing are supplied, but bug nets may not always be available.

Meeting the Icelandic horses near Hveragerði

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, near Hveragerði. This is not a hotel pickup tour, so you need to arrange your own way to the stable. The drive from Reykjavik takes about 45 minutes, which is close enough to fit around other plans without consuming a full day.

The setting is part of the appeal. You are not being led around an indoor arena or a small fenced track. The ride heads into open countryside near Reykjadalur, with mountain views, fields, river sections, and the broad, quiet feel that makes horseback riding in Iceland so appealing.

At the stable, you receive the riding equipment provided with the tour. That includes a helmet, winter jumpsuit, and rain clothing. Coffee or tea is also included, a small but welcome touch in Iceland’s cool, changeable weather.

You will meet horses of the Icelandic breed, known here for their compact build, sure footing, and unusual range of gaits. The tour is built around the five-gaited horse, rather than simply offering a standard walk through a paddock. You may not spend much time at every gait, but trying the tölt is one of the clearest reasons to choose this ride over a basic trail outing.

Getting comfortable in the saddle

The tour accepts adults and children from age nine. You do not need prior riding experience, and the guides are used to helping people who have only ridden once or twice, or never at all.

That matters because a first horseback ride can feel awkward at the start. Mounting, holding the reins, stopping, turning, and keeping your balance all take a little thought. The guides focus on simple instructions, and the horses are described as gentle, responsive, and well trained.

I like that the horses are not presented as completely lifeless beginner machines. A few are calm and mild, while still having enough character to make the ride interesting. For an experienced rider, that means the tour may feel relaxed rather than technical. For a beginner, it offers a safe way to try Icelandic riding without being thrown into a demanding route.

The small group is another real advantage. The maximum is listed as 14 people in one place and 18 in another, so I would confirm the number before booking if personal attention is important to you. Either way, a smaller departure generally gives the guide more time to adjust reins, explain the horse’s behavior, and help nervous riders settle in.

Riding through fields, rivers, and mountain country

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours, while the full experience runs close to two hours. That difference likely allows time for arrival, equipment, instructions, and returning the horses, so do not expect two full hours in the saddle.

The route gives you a broad sample of the area rather than a long wilderness expedition. You may ride through fields, pass low rivers, and follow the base of the mountain. One detailed account described a route of roughly two miles along the road, followed by a turn into the field and another two miles back along the mountain.

That description is useful because it sets the right expectations. This is not a remote backcountry ride where you spend every minute on a narrow trail far from traffic. Some of the route may use the shoulder of the road, which can feel less scenic than the open countryside around it.

Still, the road sections help keep the outing accessible. A simple route lets the guide stay close to the group and gives new riders time to find a comfortable rhythm. If you want a fast, technical ride, this will probably feel too tame. If you want to sit on a horse, enjoy the views, and avoid an exhausting test of skill, the easy pace is a plus.

The ride is described as walking pace for most of the outing. There may be a few chances to quicken the pace, with one account describing four short gallop sections. The exact pace will depend on the group, the horses, the weather, and the guide’s judgment. You should not book this expecting a full-speed gallop from start to finish.

Feeling the famous Icelandic tölt

The tölt is the feature that gives this ride a true Icelandic flavor. Icelandic horses can perform five gaits: walk, trot, canter, gallop, and tölt. The tölt is a smooth four-beat movement that can feel steadier than a regular trot.

Not every rider will spend much time in the tölt. Beginners may need to stay at a walk until they are comfortable, and the guide may choose the pace that best suits the entire group. Still, several parts of the experience point to an opportunity to try it, which adds something special even if you only feel it briefly.

If you have ridden before, tell the guide your experience level. You may be able to take part when the group tries a faster gait. If you are new to horses, do not worry about missing out. The main goal is a safe, pleasant ride, not proving that you can master every gait in one morning.

The horses themselves are a major strength. They are described as clean, healthy, friendly, and responsive to simple guidance. That combination matters more than flashy scenery. A beautiful route is not much fun if the horse is badly behaved or the rider feels ignored.

Guides who keep the mood calm

The guides receive some of the strongest praise for their patience and warmth. One group had two French guides, described as friendly and helpful. Another guide was a young woman from Germany who was especially kind with new riders.

The names of the guides are not provided, but the pattern is clear: instruction is a central part of the outing, not an afterthought. Guides help riders understand the horses, give basic riding advice, and keep the group moving together.

You may also hear a little about the area. One ride included information about old bunkers, though the amount of local history appears limited. That is not surprising for a short ride focused on handling horses. If you want a full lesson in Icelandic horse culture, farming, and Reykjadalur’s past, you may need a separate activity or more time at the stable.

The strongest fit is for families, couples, and first-time riders who want a calm outdoor activity. Children must be at least nine years old, and most people can participate, subject to the maximum weight of 110 kilograms.

Weather, clothing, and the insect problem

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the tour supplies winter jumpsuits and rain clothing. That is valuable at this price because renting or packing specialist outerwear can add hassle, especially if this is your only riding activity in Iceland.

You still need to think about what is not clearly covered. Insects have caused a serious problem on some outings, particularly when flies gather in swarms. One family found the bugs so bad that the ride became miserable, while another group said bug nets were provided and found them useful.

That conflicting experience leads to one simple tip: ask the operator directly about bug nets before you go. Do not assume that a supplied helmet includes a face net. If insects are active, a net can make the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the whole time waving flies away.

The weather policy is also worth noting. The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel yourself, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is $126.50 a fair price?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. I see the price as reasonable if you value the equipment, the guided instruction, the Icelandic horses, and the easy access from Reykjavik.

The included rainwear, warm suit, helmet, and coffee or tea improve the value. You are paying for more than a horse rental because the guides match riders with horses, teach the basics, manage the group, and control the pace.

The short duration keeps the cost from becoming a full-day commitment. You can ride in the morning and still have time for Reykjavik, Hveragerði, or another nearby plan. On the other hand, the ride may feel expensive if you are already an experienced rider seeking several hours of fast trail riding.

I would compare it with the kind of day you want. For a gentle introduction to the Icelandic horse, the price is defensible. For a serious riding holiday, it is better viewed as a short taste rather than a major riding expedition.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour makes the most sense for:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Families with children aged nine and older
• Riders who want to try the Icelandic tölt
• People staying in Reykjavik who need a nearby outdoor activity
• Experienced riders who enjoy gentle horses and scenic routes
• Anyone who prefers a small group to a large stable operation

You may want to choose something else if you need a long, fast ride with challenging trails. The route is mostly slow, and some of it may run beside the road. You should also be cautious about booking if you dislike flies or have a strong reaction to insects unless the stable confirms that nets are available.

The meeting point is also important. Since hotel pickup is not included, you need your own transport to Hveragerði. The tour ends back at the stable, so there is no one-way transfer to arrange afterward.

Should you book the Reykjadalur horse ride?

I would book this tour if you want a friendly, low-pressure introduction to Icelandic horses within easy reach of Reykjavik. The gentle horses, patient guides, small-group feel, and chance to try the tölt give it more character than a basic walking trail.

Before paying, I would confirm two details: the actual maximum group size and whether bug nets will be supplied. If the weather looks poor, keep your schedule flexible. For beginners, families, and curious riders, this is a practical way to experience Iceland from horseback without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The full activity lasts approximately two hours, with about 1.5 hours spent riding.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point.

Is previous horse riding experience required?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.

What is the minimum age for children?

Children must be at least nine years old to take part.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet. Coffee or tea is also included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.