Five-gaited Icelandic horses near Reykjavik are a rare treat. This Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley) ride brings you into the countryside fast, with a small group and hands-on 5-gaited instruction that fits beginners and more confident riders alike.

I especially like that the tour gives you real gear included for Iceland weather—winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet—so you can travel lighter. The one thing to watch is bug nets (and insects in general): on some days, helmet bug protection may not be enough or may feel missing, and that can turn a fun ride into a swat-and-giggle workout.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small-group control (14 max noted) keeps you close to the guides for quick fixes and safer handling.
• Tölt and the fifth gait are part of the promise, and you’ll get chances to feel what makes Icelandic horses different.
• Gear is provided: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets mean less cold-weather stress.
• Reykjadalur scenery is close to Reykjavik—about 45 minutes out—so this fits a day plan.
• Most of the ride stays smooth at a walking pace, with a few chances to quicken depending on your comfort.

Why Reykjadalur Horse Riding Fits So Well With a Reykjavik Day

Reykjadalur is one of those names you’ll see again and again in Iceland travel plans because it’s easy to reach and it feels like Iceland, not a staging area. This ride is located in the Reykjadalur area near Hveragerði, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, so you’re not giving up your whole day to get to the horses.

The tour lasts about 2 hours total, and the ride time is roughly 1.5 hours. That makes it a practical add-on if you’re already doing a Golden Circle loop, or if you just want one memorable outdoor activity without committing to an all-day trek.

Value matters here. At $126.50 per person, it’s not a “cheap” activity, but it’s not a luxury-only price either. You’re paying for guided handling, a real Icelandic horse experience (including the fifth gait), and included cold-weather clothing plus coffee/tea. In a place where buying gear for one day can get expensive, the included stuff helps the math.

Meeting at Sólhestar Horse Rental (Reykjadalur, Hveragerði)

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, in the Reykjadalur 9 area of Hveragerði:

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

The tour does not include hotel pickup, so you’ll need your own ride. If you’re using a rental car, parking and timing are usually the main practical concerns. If you’re not, plan on getting yourself out to Hveragerði and then to the Reykjadalur area on your own schedule.

Good news: the activity starts and ends back at the meeting point. That means you’re not dealing with transfers at the end of a ride when everyone is cold, hungry, and mildly sticky (horses do that).

Gear and Pre-Ride Basics: What You Actually Get

One of the best parts of this tour is the “show up and go” setup. You’ll be provided with:

• Winter jumpsuit
• Rain clothing
• Helmets
• Coffee and/or tea

This is the real Iceland advantage. When the wind comes up or the sky hangs low, being properly layered changes the experience from uncomfortable to genuinely enjoyable.

I’d still plan like a cautious traveler. Even with the provided gear, you’ll want to wear warm base layers under the jumpsuit and bring gloves you can ride in. If you get cold easily, pack an extra warm layer. Iceland weather can shift fast, and your biggest comfort enemy is usually damp and wind.

Also check the rules before you go:

• Max weight: 110 kg
• Age: children and adults from 9 years old
• English offered
• Confirmation received at booking
• Mobile ticket (so save it offline if your signal is moody)

How the Ride Works: Training, Safety, and Getting to the Tölt

This ride is built for all riding levels, including true beginners with little or no prior experience. The focus is confidence and control, not turning you into a pro in 90 minutes.

Here’s what the structure typically feels like:

1. You get fitted and geared up for Iceland weather.
2. You get taught how to ride your Icelandic horse, including how to hold position and how to respond when asked to move faster or slower.
3. You practice the basics on a calm pace so your body learns the rhythm.

Once you’re settled, you’ll be taken through the countryside with chances to do more than just “walk and smile.” A core highlight is experiencing Icelandic horse movement—especially the fifth gait, the tolt (tølt). Guides help you get into that rhythm in a way that’s usually far easier than it looks from the ground.

One note for expectations: this is still a short ride. You should expect riding instruction and quick context, not a full lecture on Icelandic horse culture and the full history of the area. If you want deep background, pair this with time in town afterward.

Route Reality Check: Walk Mostly, Rivers Briefly, Road Shoulders Sometimes

The ride pattern here tends to be steady and manageable. Expect mostly walking pace for the majority of the trip, which is a big deal if you’re new to horseback riding or riding in the cold. There are also occasional moments where you may quicken to a faster gait for a bit.

The route is typically simple:

• You may spend time riding along the edge of the road.
• Then you head into fields.
• And you ride back along the base of the mountain area.

This is good for beginners because it keeps the path clear and the pace predictable. It’s also why many people describe the horses as well-behaved while still feeling lively once in a while.

A fun element is getting into the actual terrain. You can expect low river crossings during the ride, which adds that “real countryside” feeling rather than a pavement-style trail. And yes, the weather can be dreary. Iceland will do Iceland things. Even under gray skies, the ride still works because you’re moving through open areas and watching the countryside unfold at horse speed.

One consideration: if you’re picky about where your horse is stepping, spending time on a roadside shoulder is not everyone’s favorite part of a scenic day. If you’re the type who hates being near traffic, you’ll probably feel it more on this one.

The Horses: Gentle Control With a Little Spark

Icelandic horses have a reputation for being both special and practical, and that shows up in how this ride is run. The horses you get are typically well-trained and responsive, and they’re used to guiding different skill levels without turning the experience into chaos.

At the same time, they’re not robots. Even described as gentle, horses can still feel a bit spunky—especially when they notice wind, movement, or the change in terrain. The guides help you manage that. For first-timers, that’s reassuring: you’re not expected to guess what the horse wants. You’ll be told how to respond.

The best “why this matters” part is the fifth gait. Riding an Icelandic horse at tolt is a different sensation than a standard trot. It’s smoother in a way that surprises many people the first time they feel it. You’re not just riding a horse—you’re riding a local breed’s signature movement.

Price and Value: What $126.50 Really Covers

Let’s talk value like an adult.

For $126.50 per person, you get:

• A guided Reykjadalur countryside ride (about 1.5 hours)
• Beginner-friendly coaching
• A chance to experience tölt and the Icelandic 5-gait concept
• Included cold-weather clothing: winter jumpsuit and rain gear
• Helmet
• Coffee and/or tea

Not included:

• Lunch
• Hotel pickup

So the real comparison isn’t just price versus other tours. It’s price versus the cost of staying warm and dry for a winter countryside activity. If you’re already packing layers, you’ll likely feel this is fair. If you were going to buy or rent weather gear just for one activity, this becomes a better deal.

My practical advice: budget one more snack stop after. Coffee/tea helps, but it won’t replace lunch.

Weather, Bugs, and Comfort Tips That Make or Break It

This is Iceland. The weather requirement is real—the tour depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll either get a new date or a full refund.

But there’s another factor people sometimes underestimate: bugs. Iceland has seasons where insects can be relentless, and if you’re sensitive, it can affect how much you enjoy a ride. One of the most practical tips I can give you is to ask the staff ahead of time whether helmet bug protection is available or expected for your ride date. If they offer it, take it. If not, consider bringing your own simple bug solution for your head/neck area (something lightweight that you can use without interfering with the helmet).

Also plan clothing for the ride itself:

• Warm base layers under the provided suit
• Socks that keep your feet warm even if the ground is damp
• Gloves that let you hold reins comfortably

If the day is dreary, it’s still worth going. The ride is paced for comfort, and the outdoors time in the Reykjadalur area is still a win even when the sky doesn’t put on a show.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Reconsider)

This tour is a strong fit for:

• Beginners who want coaching and a calm pace
• Families with kids 9 and up
• People who want an Icelandic horse experience close to Reykjavik
• Riders who want a guided outdoor activity that doesn’t require a whole-day commitment

You might reconsider if:

• You’re sensitive to insects and you don’t want to plan for bug protection
• You dislike roadside riding segments and prefer trails that stay far from roads the entire time
• You’re looking for a longer ride with deep cultural explanations—this one is mainly about the horses and the experience, not a long multi-hour history lesson

Should You Book the Reykjadalur Five-Gait Horse Ride?

If you want a short, guided Icelandic countryside ride with tölt and you value included gear, this is an easy yes. It’s beginner-friendly, time-efficient, and you’re close enough to Reykjavik to build it into a real day plan.

Book it if you’re willing to dress for Iceland weather and you’ll handle the bug question early. Skip it if bugs or roadside segments are deal-breakers for you.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours total, with roughly 1.5 hours spent riding.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup at hotels is not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point on your own.

What riding level is this tour for?

It’s suitable for all riding levels, including beginners with no prior experience.

What should I wear since it’s Iceland weather?

You’ll be provided with winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet, but you should still dress in warm layers under the provided gear.

Are helmets included?

Yes. Helmets are included.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children and adults from 9 years old can participate. There is a maximum rider weight of 110 kg.

Is coffee or food included?

Coffee and/or tea are included. Lunch is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.