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

The special draw here is the chance to ride a five-gaited Icelandic horse through the countryside near Reykjadalur, with a real shot at trying the famous tölt. You do not need riding experience, and the horses are chosen for calm, steady behavior while still having some spirit.

I like the short drive from Reykjavik and the small-group feel, which gives guides time to help with mounting, steering, and pace. I also like that winter suits, rain gear, helmets, coffee, and tea are included. The main caution is that parts of the route follow a road shoulder, and insects can be a serious nuisance in some conditions if bug nets are not available.

Key points to know before you book

• Try the Icelandic tölt: This smooth fifth gait is a memorable feature when conditions and rider ability allow it.
• Made for first-time riders: Patient guides and gentle horses make this a practical introduction to riding.
• Close to Reykjavik: The stable is about 45 minutes from the city, so you can fit the tour into a busy day.
• Expect a mostly gentle pace: The ride is mainly walking, with only limited faster sections.
• Gear is supplied: Helmets, winter suits, and rain clothing are included, though you should ask about insect protection.
• Check the group limit: The published details refer to groups of up to 14, while another description lists 18, so confirm the number when booking.

Riding an Icelandic horse in Reykjadalur

This tour gives you a pleasant taste of Iceland on horseback without taking up an entire day. The stable, Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, is in Hveragerði, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. You meet at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, and return to the same point when the ride ends.

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours, while the full activity is listed at roughly two hours. That difference likely covers getting fitted with equipment, meeting your horse, and receiving basic instruction. Plan your day around the longer time rather than treating the 1.5 hours as the complete door-to-door outing.

The setting is the real reason to choose this tour. You ride through open Icelandic countryside near the Smoky Valley, with mountain views, fields, and sections of river terrain. It is not a grand expedition into remote wilderness. Instead, it is an accessible way to see the area from the back of an animal that is central to Icelandic culture.

Meeting the horses and getting ready

At the stable, you receive a helmet and weather gear. Winter suits and rain clothing are included, which matters in Iceland, where a dry morning can turn wet and cold with little warning. You should still wear sensible trousers and sturdy shoes, since the provided clothing is meant to protect you from weather rather than replace proper riding clothes.

The horses are Icelandic horses, a compact breed known for being sure-footed and capable of five gaits. The usual walk, trot, and canter are joined by the tölt and flying pace, although this short beginner-friendly ride focuses on what the group can safely manage. Do not book expecting a full-speed showcase of every gait.

Your guide helps you get comfortable with the reins and basic control. That support is particularly useful if you have ridden only once or twice, or if your last ride was years ago. The horses are described as gentle, clean, healthy, and responsive to light instructions, with enough personality to keep the ride from feeling like a slow amusement-park loop.

The guide team includes staff from different countries, including French and German guides. The important point is that instruction is offered in English, and the guidance is aimed at both beginners and experienced riders. If you already ride, tell the guide early. You may receive more useful advice about balance, the tölt, or adjusting your pace.

The first stretch through the countryside

Once everyone is mounted, the ride settles into a calm rhythm. For most of the outing, you should expect walking rather than sustained trotting or cantering. That is good news for a first-time rider, families, and anyone who wants to look around instead of concentrating on speed.

The route includes fields and countryside near the base of the mountain. One account describes a simple course with a road-side stretch, a turn into the fields, and a return along the mountain base. The precise route can change, but you should not picture a continuous trail far from roads.

That road-side section is the clearest weakness of the ride. Walking along a shoulder is less scenic and less relaxing than riding on a dedicated trail, especially in a place with such striking natural surroundings. The rest of the setting can still feel worthwhile, but the route is not entirely made up of quiet mountain paths.

The reward is the view and the sense of scale. From a horse, you move slowly enough to notice the changing ground, the open fields, and the mountain shapes around Reykjadalur. You also get a better feel for Iceland’s weather. Rain, wind, and low cloud are not interruptions here, they are part of the setting, so the supplied clothing earns its keep.

Low rivers and the famous tölt

The ride can include a few low river crossings or wet river terrain. These sections add variety without turning the tour into a rugged endurance outing. Your guide controls the group and the pace, while the horses handle the ground with the confidence for which Icelandic horses are valued.

The tölt is the feature many riders hope to try. It is a smooth four-beat gait unique to certain horse breeds, including the Icelandic horse. When a horse performs it well, the movement can feel surprisingly comfortable, with less bounce than a conventional trot.

A successful tölt is not guaranteed for every rider or every horse on every outing. The group may include complete beginners, children, and people with different levels of balance, so the guide will put safety and control first. Still, even a short demonstration or attempt gives you a taste of what makes this breed special.

Some riders may get brief faster sections. One description of the outing notes four short moments at a quicker pace, while also saying that about 98 percent of the ride was walking. That is a useful expectation to carry: this is a scenic introduction, not a fast trail ride.

Why beginners and families fit well

Children from age nine can take part, and the tour welcomes adults with no previous riding experience. The combination of mild horses, patient instruction, and a small group makes the outing a good choice for families who want to try riding together.

You should still be comfortable sitting on a horse for around 1.5 hours. Most participants can take part, but the listed weight limit is 110 kilograms. If you are close to that limit, check with the operator before booking rather than leaving it until arrival.

The group limit is worth checking, too. The supplied information gives a maximum of 14 in one place and 18 in another. Since the practical feel of a riding tour depends heavily on group size, ask Sólhestar to confirm the current number. A smaller group means more direct help and less waiting when riders need instruction.

This is also a good fit for the mixed-ability group. A confident rider can enjoy the horse and the scenery, while a novice can remain at a controlled walk. Do not expect an advanced riding lesson or long stretches of independent cantering. The tour is built around shared pacing.

Weather, flies, and what to wear

Icelandic weather makes the included clothing a real advantage. Helmets, rain clothing, and winter suits are provided, and coffee or tea is included as a simple comfort after the ride. You need to bring yourself to the meeting point, since hotel pickup and lunch are not included.

The insect issue deserves more attention than a standard packing note. Conditions can bring swarms of flies, and one especially difficult outing was made miserable because the riders did not have helmet nets. Another outing had nets available, and the problem was far easier to manage.

That inconsistency means you should ask about bug nets before you go, especially in warmer months or on a still day. If the stable supplies them, use one. If not, bring suitable insect protection if you have room. It is a small detail, but it can decide whether you enjoy the ride or spend two hours waving insects away from your face.

You should also expect weather gear to make you warm and bulky. Wear layers underneath, but avoid loose scarves or clothing that could catch on equipment. Sturdy closed shoes are the sensible choice, even though the supplied information does not specify a required shoe type.

Guide support and the Icelandic horse connection

The guides are one of the strongest parts of the outing. They help riders with basic technique, keep an eye on the group, and adjust their approach for different abilities. A patient guide can make the difference between a nervous first ride and a comfortable one.

The horses receive equal praise in practical terms: they are well cared for, clean, healthy, gentle, and responsive. That matters more than having a dramatic horse. A calm animal lets you pay attention to the scenery and the instructions instead of worrying about every movement.

You may receive some background about Icelandic horses and local sights, but the amount of cultural explanation can be limited by the short format. One ride included an interesting note about old bunkers, yet the overall focus stayed on riding rather than a full lesson in Icelandic horse culture or the Reykjadalur area.

If that cultural side matters to you, ask a question. Guides may be able to explain the five gaits, local riding traditions, or the area as you go. Just do not mistake this for a dedicated history tour.

Is $126.50 a fair price?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on what you want from a two-hour outing. You are paying for the horse, guide support, stable operation, riding equipment, and access to a countryside setting close to Reykjavik. Winter clothing and rain gear also save you from renting or packing specialized items.

The price makes more sense if this is your first Icelandic horse ride or if you have limited time in Iceland. You get the chance to try the tölt, ride through fields and river terrain, and return to Reykjavik without giving up a full day.

It is less compelling if you want a long, fast ride on remote trails. Much of the outing is at a walk, and part of the route may run beside a road. In that case, compare the length, route, and riding pace with other stable tours before paying.

The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation arrives when you book. Hotel pickup is not included, so factor in your own transport to Hveragerði. The location is close enough to combine with other plans, but allow more than the stated 45-minute drive if your schedule cannot absorb delays.

Who should book this ride?

I would point beginners first toward this tour. The horses are mild, guides give hands-on help, and the slow pace leaves room to enjoy the countryside. Families with children age nine and up can also find it a manageable shared activity.

It suits you if you want:

• A first ride on an Icelandic horse
• A short countryside outing near Reykjavik
• A chance to try the tölt
• Weather gear supplied on site
• A relaxed pace rather than a demanding trail ride

It may not suit you if you need a fully off-road route, dislike insects, or want frequent fast riding. Ask specifically about the road-side sections, current group size, and helmet nets before booking. Those three answers will tell you more about the day than the general promise of a scenic ride.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. That gives you some protection in Iceland’s changeable conditions, but you should still keep your schedule flexible.

Should you book the Reykjadalur horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, practical introduction to Icelandic horses and you value convenience over a long, wild route. The gentle horses, supportive guides, supplied clothing, and nearby location make it an easy choice for beginners and families.

I would book with two questions ready: Will helmet nets be supplied on the date of your ride, and what is the current maximum group size? If the answers are favorable, $126.50 buys a distinctive Icelandic outing with real countryside scenery and a good chance to feel the tölt. If you want speed, solitude, or a completely trail-based route, choose a longer ride instead.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How far is the stable from Reykjavik?

The riding location is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders, and no previous experience is required.

What is the minimum age?

Children can participate from age nine.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The listed maximum weight is 110 kilograms.

What equipment is included?

Winter suits, rain clothing, and helmets are included. Coffee and tea are also provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.