Experience Countryside of Iceland by Horseback Riding

The best part of this ride is the setting: you leave Reykjavik behind and spend time on an Icelandic horse near the fishing village of Þorlákshöfn. Depending on the weather and season, your route may cross open moorland, lava fields, grassy banks, and beach country, with mountains in the distance.

I like the small maximum group of 12, since the guides can keep an eye on each rider. I also like the calm pace for beginners and the chance for experienced riders to feel the Icelandic horse’s special tölt gait. The main consideration is that the route can change, and some outings may not reach the beach.

The horse farm experience is friendly and informal. Guides including Magnus, often called Maggi, and Sigrún have been praised for patient instruction, safety, and a warm cup of coffee after the ride. Still, communication in English may be limited at times, and a few outings have had problems with lateness, basic equipment, or a shorter route than expected.

Key Things to Know Before You Ride

• The tölt is the signature moment: Icelandic horses can use a smooth four-beat gait called the tölt, though exactly how much you ride it depends on your ability, the group, and conditions.
• Þorlákshöfn is close to Reykjavik: The village is about 30 kilometers away, roughly a 45-minute drive from central Reykjavik.
• The pace follows the least experienced rider: Guides do not move faster than the slowest person, which makes this a sensible choice for first-time riders.
• Scenery changes with the route: You may ride beside beaches, across lava fields, through grass and moorland, or toward mountain views.
• The welcome is personal rather than polished: Coffee and conversation after the ride may be part of the visit, but do not expect a luxury stable or a formal show.
• Dress matters: Helmets and riding gear are supplied, but you need warm, comfortable clothing and good shoes.

Riding an Icelandic Horse Near Þorlákshöfn

Þorlákshöfn sits on Iceland’s South Coast, close enough to Reykjavik for a half-day outing. The drive is short by Iceland standards, but the change in mood is clear. Instead of city streets and tour buses, you reach a small fishing village surrounded by open country.

The riding property is at Alhestar, on Faxabraut 6. Your outing begins and ends there unless your booking includes the advertised transfer from central Reykjavik hotels. Pickup is a real convenience in Iceland, where renting a car for one short activity can feel like overkill. If you are staying in an Airbnb or outside the central hotel area, confirm the pickup details before booking, since some pickups have involved an extra fee.

At the stable, you receive a helmet and the riding equipment needed for the outing. You should arrive in warm, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and sitting on a horse for several hours exposes you to wind more than a normal sightseeing stop would.

The horses are Icelandic horses, often called ponies by visitors because of their smaller size. They are sturdy animals bred for Iceland’s conditions, and their compact build can feel reassuring if you are nervous around horses. The ride is not presented as a fast, athletic event. The guides adjust the outing to the group, keeping everyone together and making sure no one is pushed beyond their ability.

That approach is especially useful if your group includes mixed experience levels. An experienced rider can still get time on horseback, while a beginner receives help with steering, stopping, and staying comfortable in the saddle.

What the Three-Hour Ride Is Like

The full activity lasts about three hours, though the exact time in the saddle and the order of the preparation are not specified. Plan for a relaxed outing rather than a tightly timed attraction. The route depends on season and weather, so the ride can feel different from one date to another.

You might begin across grassy banks or open moorland around the village. In good conditions, the scenery can include broad beach views, black volcanic ground, tall green grass, and mountains. The appeal is the combination of ordinary Icelandic countryside and the feeling of moving through it at horse height.

The route may also pass through lava fields. These are not smooth, manicured trails. Volcanic ground gives the countryside its rough Icelandic character, but it also means the horse chooses its footing carefully and the ride may remain at a walking pace.

Beach riding is possible, and some outings have included black sand along the coast. It is important not to treat the beach as guaranteed. Weather, season, trail conditions, and the needs of the group all affect the route. If reaching the shore is your main reason for booking, ask about current conditions before setting out.

The guides keep the pace comfortable. The promise that the group never goes faster than its slowest rider is a strong point for nervous beginners, families with mixed ability, and anyone who has not ridden recently. The tradeoff is obvious: experienced riders looking for long stretches of speed may find the outing restrained.

The most memorable technical detail is the tölt. This is a distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse, known for its smooth four-beat rhythm. Not every rider will spend much time doing it. Your chance depends on your riding skill, the horse assigned to you, the route, and the guide’s judgment. Still, even a short demonstration or controlled stretch can make this feel different from a standard horseback ride.

Several past outings have included a guide demonstrating how the horses move. That can help you understand the breed instead of simply sitting on an unfamiliar animal and following the group.

Beginners Get Careful Help, With a Few Limits

You do not need advanced riding ability for this tour. The experience is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders, and the guides adjust the route and pace to the group. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, since mounting, balancing, and sitting in a saddle for an extended period can be tiring.

If you feel nervous, say so early. Magnus, also called Maggi, has been specifically praised for calm instruction and careful attention to safety. The practical lesson is simple: you should be shown how to control your horse before the group heads out, and the guide should check that you are comfortable.

The experience can be especially good for a first ride because you are not expected to manage a fast-moving group. Riders have described being taught the basics, guided for part of the route, and allowed to settle into the horse’s rhythm. The small group size helps here. Twelve is still not a private ride, but it is far more manageable than a large stable operation.

You should also keep expectations realistic. This is not a substitute for a multi-day riding course. Experienced riders who want technical instruction, advanced tölt work, or a fast ride may need a more specialized booking. One particularly enthusiastic rider completed three different outings, finding that several hours in varied terrain taught more than a short lesson in a stable. That is a useful clue about the tour’s strength: practice in changing ground, not formal arena training.

Magnus, Maggi, Sigrún, and the Human Side of the Visit

The strongest personal quality of this experience is the relationship between the guides and the horses. Magnus has been described as gentle with the animals and deeply familiar with farm life. That matters because a horseback ride feels much better when the horses seem well handled and the person leading the group clearly watches their behavior.

Maggi is also known for humor and a relaxed manner. Several outings ended with coffee and an informal visit, sometimes at the property or the guide’s home. That is not the usual polished tourism routine. It can make the activity feel like a local farm visit rather than a ride assembled only to move customers through a schedule.

Sigrún has also guided outings, including rides with people of very different ability levels. Ali has handled transfers and rides as well. Since staff and arrangements can change, I would not book on the assumption that one named guide is guaranteed. If meeting a particular guide matters to you, ask before confirming.

Language may be the biggest practical issue. Some accounts describe limited English, with communication handled through gestures, translation tools, and the universal language of horses. Safety instructions still need to be clear. If you are unsure about anything, ask the guide to demonstrate rather than relying on a quick explanation.

This informal style will suit you if you value warmth, flexibility, and contact with a small local operation. It may disappoint you if you expect polished English commentary, detailed information about Icelandic horse breeding, or a fully scripted cultural program.

Price, Transfers, and What Your $207 Buys

At about $207, this is not a cheap short activity. The value depends on what you want from your Iceland trip. You are paying for roughly three hours, riding equipment and helmets, snacks, possible round-trip transport from central Reykjavik hotels, and a small group capped at 12.

The transfer adds real value if you are not driving. Þorlákshöfn is near Reykjavik, but a taxi or rental car for a single ride would add cost and planning. Check the exact pickup area, especially if you stay at an Airbnb, since some arrangements have required an extra fee.

The price makes more sense for you if horseback riding is a priority and you want countryside rather than a quick photo with a horse. It is harder to justify if you mainly want a beach stop or a broad South Coast sightseeing tour. This activity focuses on riding, not on visiting several named attractions.

The included snacks are a small convenience, not a meal. Bring water and eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch. The tour is three hours, but transfers and preparation can take up more of your day.

The informal nature also affects value. Some people will appreciate the coffee, personal attention, and unfussy farm setting. Others may find the equipment basic or the property less polished than expected. One negative account described an old setup, a dirty stable, a late guide, and a route that ended in a nearby pasture. Those concerns should not be ignored, especially at this price.

Weather, Route Changes, and Possible Disappointments

This outing runs year-round, but Iceland’s weather has the final say. Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Even when the ride goes ahead, weather may change the route and shorten the scenic variety.

That matters because the advertising includes beaches, lava fields, grass banks, and mountains, but no single ride is promised to include every setting. If wind, rain, or ground conditions make the coast unsuitable, you may spend more time in fields or moorland. That can still be pleasant, but it is a different experience from a beach ride.

Timing is another point to watch. One poor account described a guide arriving 45 minutes late and stopping the tour halfway through. Other outings included prompt pickup and a full, enjoyable ride, so this appears to be an occasional problem rather than the normal plan. Still, I would keep some flexibility in your day and confirm the pickup time shortly before the activity.

The equipment has also received mixed comments. Helmets and riding gear are included, but you must bring suitable footwear and warm clothes. If you are sensitive to worn riding equipment or expect modern technical gear, ask what is provided before you commit.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a slower, personal way to see Iceland and do not need a packed sightseeing schedule. It suits first-time riders, cautious riders, couples, and families or friends with mixed experience.

It is also a good choice if you are curious about Icelandic horses themselves. The tölt, the breed’s calm presence, and the chance to ride across volcanic countryside give the activity a clear identity. You are not simply taking a horse ride in a generic field.

Experienced riders can enjoy it too, particularly if they value the horses and the setting more than speed. The ride may feel too gentle if you want cantering, advanced instruction, or a long beach gallop. Ask about the current route and pace if you have strong riding goals.

I would be more cautious if you need highly polished organization, guaranteed English commentary, spotless facilities, or a specific beach route. The personal farm atmosphere is part of the appeal, but it also means the experience may feel less standardized.

Booking and Cancellation Details

The meeting point is Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours at Faxabraut 6 in Þorlákshöfn, and the activity ends there. Pickup is offered from central Reykjavik hotels, but check your exact accommodation before booking.

You receive confirmation when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the tour has a maximum of 12 people. The activity needs good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Is This Iceland Horseback Tour Worth Booking?

Book it if you want a genuine countryside ride with a small local operation, and you are comfortable with a flexible route, simple facilities, and a pace set by the least experienced rider. The Icelandic horses, the chance to feel the tölt, and the open country near Þorlákshöfn make this more memorable than a short stable loop.

Skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed beach ride, advanced riding, luxury facilities, or a tightly managed schedule. Before paying $207, confirm pickup, the likely route, the guide’s language, and what riding equipment is supplied. With those points clear, this is a strong choice for a relaxed horse-centered outing close to Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The ride takes place around Þorlákshöfn, a small fishing village on Iceland’s South Coast. The area includes beaches, lava fields, grassy banks, moorland, and mountain views, depending on the season and weather.

How far is Þorlákshöfn from Reykjavik?

Þorlákshöfn is about 30 kilometers, or 19 miles, from Reykjavik. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Round-trip transfers are included from central Reykjavik hotels. Pickup arrangements can vary for other accommodation types, so confirm the details if you are staying outside the central hotel area.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed for beginners and experienced riders. Guides adjust the route and pace to the group and do not go faster than the slowest rider.

Will I be able to ride the tölt?

The tour includes the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s tölt gait. How much you ride it depends on the group’s ability, the horse, the guide, and the conditions.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets and riding equipment are included. You need to bring good shoes plus warm and comfortable clothing.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or experience, or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.