Iceland on horseback is the kind of switch you feel fast. This 1-hour tour is a gentle, beginner-friendly way to meet the Icelandic horses and see the countryside around Ölfus without needing any prior experience. The setting is farm country, the pace is relaxed, and the views keep widening as you ride.

I like the two practical wins here: you get a professional English-speaking guide and the gear is handled for you (helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls). That means you can show up with normal clothes and still be comfortable when the weather does its quick changes.

One thing to consider: you’re not supposed to bring a backpack, and the ride is not for everyone—children under 7, people with mobility impairments, and guests over 110 kg/243 lbs aren’t suitable.

Quick hit points before you go

• Beginner-friendly intro so you’re not thrown onto the horse and told good luck
• Scenic farm routes around Eldhestars farm Vellir with meadows and farmland views
• Full riding kit for the weather: helmet plus rain gear and winter overalls
• Small constraints that matter: no professional cameras and no backpacks on horseback
• Guides can make or break it and this tour has staff like Stella and Anna noted for patience and friendliness

Icelandic horses near Vellir: what this tour actually feels like

This is a short tour, and that’s the whole point. You’re not signing up for a half-day adventure where you spend the first hour getting oriented and the last hour wishing you’d eaten. Instead, you meet at Vellir, get a quick riding introduction, and then head out for about one hour of riding along established paths.

You’re riding in a countryside setting that feels genuinely Icelandic: open meadows, farmland views, and mountains in the distance when the sky is clear enough. The route is guided, so you can focus on staying balanced, watching your footing, and letting the scenery do its work.

And yes, you’ll also get a sense of why Icelandic horses get such a following. They’re known for their special qualities, and this kind of short ride is a good first taste—enough to feel the animal’s character without making it a long commitment.

Where you start: meeting at Vellir and getting geared up

The tour starts at Vellir, at Eldhestars farm Vellir. Expect the rhythm of a farm outing: friendly check-in, getting matched with a horse, then a brief how-to so you know what to do once you’re in the saddle.

A big value point here is that they provide riding and safety equipment, including a helmet. You’ll also be given rain gear and winter overalls. That’s not just a comfort perk. In Iceland, weather changes fast, and you don’t want your ride to turn into an emergency gear hunt five minutes from the start.

What you should wear matters, though. They recommend sturdy shoes or good sneakers (hiking boots are fine too) and pants that you can move in. Riding pants aren’t required. If you’ve got gloves, bring them. If you don’t, you’ll still likely be okay, but gloves help with comfort when there’s wind or damp air.

One small tip that’s easy to miss: they suggest a thin hat under the helmet—a buff works well. It keeps things warmer and more comfortable, and it helps you avoid that helmet itch that shows up faster than you’d expect.

The first minutes on horseback: your beginner-friendly intro

Before you ride, you’ll get a short introduction to horseback riding. That matters more than people think, especially if it’s your first time.

This intro is where you learn how to hold yourself, how to work with the horse’s movement, and how the guide expects you to behave while riding. You’ll also learn the basics of safety—what to do and, equally important, what not to do.

The best part of a beginner setup is mental. Once you understand what’s expected, you stop worrying about the wrong things. You can relax into the experience and actually enjoy the motion. In the feedback you’ll see repeated praise for the guides’ patience, including names like Stella and Anna described as exceptional, friendly, and careful—exactly what you want if you’re nervous on day one.

Riding around Eldhestars farm Vellir: meadows, farmland, and distance mountains

Once you start your journey, the ride takes you along excellent paths around Eldhestars farm Vellir. The scenery is the main event here.

You’ll ride through meadows and around farmland views, with picturesque mountains showing up in the distance when conditions are right. Because this is a countryside route rather than a busy roadside experience, the pace feels calmer. It’s a good match for families and groups because everyone can take in the view without feeling rushed.

Now, a practical note: even though the ride is only about an hour, Iceland weather can still make it feel longer if you’re not prepared. If it’s raining or if you’re riding during winter season day tours, they recommend bringing extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat in case you get wet during the ride. The point is simple: don’t rely only on the provided gear. Bring backup warmth so you don’t feel cold once the ride ends.

Ölfus on horseback: what that stop means for your day

You’ll see the name Ölfus as part of the tour description, which fits the setting. In plain terms, this is countryside riding in the southern region area, not a city escape.

Why that matters: you get that open-feeling Iceland scenery without spending extra time transferring to remote areas. If your day plan includes other stops in the south (waterfalls, towns, viewpoints), this kind of ride is a clean add-on because it’s short and focused.

And for families, that’s huge. A one-hour commitment is easier to handle with kids than a long excursion. It’s also easier for solo travelers who want the “Iceland horse” experience without letting it swallow the whole itinerary.

What’s included, and why it’s better than you might think

The included items are straightforward, but they’re also smart for Iceland.

You get:

• An English-speaking guide
• Riding and safety equipment: helmet, rain gear, winter overalls
• Hotel pick-up for groups of 8 or more (so larger groups aren’t stuck coordinating transport)

This is where value lives. At a price point like this, what you’re paying for isn’t only the horses. You’re paying for the setup that makes the tour comfortable and safe: equipment, guidance, and a route planned for riders with little or no experience.

Also, the guide being English-speaking makes a real difference. You can ask questions and understand what the guide wants without slowing things down with translation.

The practical rules that can trip you up (camera, backpacks, and weight)

Small rules can have big consequences. Here are the ones that matter most:

Not allowed

• Professional cameras
• Backpacks

On horseback, that backpack rule is about safety and stability. A backpack can shift, snag, or interfere with how you sit and hold yourself. If you want a camera or small items, they recommend bringing them as a small waist bag instead.

Then there’s body-size suitability:

• Not suitable for children under 7
• Not suitable for mobility impairments
• Not suitable for people over 110 kg / 243 lbs

If you’re close to the limits, I’d treat it as a hard stop. It’s better to pick a different activity that fits than to force a ride that isn’t meant to work for your needs.

What to wear and bring: my checklist for a comfortable Iceland horse ride

I’d plan for cool air, wind, and the possibility of getting damp. Even when it looks fine at first, Iceland has a sense of humor.

Wear:

• Sturdy shoes or snug sneakers (not overly broad)
• Comfortable pants (riding pants are not required)
• Gloves if you can
• A thin hat under the helmet (a buff works well)

Bring:

• A small waist bag for small items like a compact camera
• Extra socks, gloves, and hat if you’re riding in rainy weather or winter day conditions

Avoid:

• Backpacks
• Anything you’d hate to get wet if the weather turns

If you do this, you’ll feel the comfort advantage right away—and your ride is more likely to end with that satisfied, sleepy grin instead of the “why am I cold?” feeling.

Price and value: is $96 per person worth it?

At $96 per person for a 1-hour countryside ride, this tour sits in a value spot for Iceland. The math works when you consider what’s included.

You’re not paying extra for:

• helmets and safety gear
• rain gear and winter overalls
• an English-speaking guide
• a route designed for beginner riders

The short duration also helps value. You get the horseback experience plus the scenic payoff without sacrificing an entire block of your day. For many people, that’s the real Iceland travel win: doing one special thing well, then still having time to explore elsewhere.

Where it may not feel like a bargain is if you’re specifically looking for a longer riding adventure or a more advanced training experience. This is built for getting started and seeing the countryside. Think taste and comfort, not a long expedition.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This fits best if you want:

• A beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horses
• A short countryside outing that doesn’t eat your whole day
• A family activity that stays manageable
• An English-speaking guide and provided weather gear

It may not fit you if you:

• Need an activity designed for mobility support
• Are traveling with kids under 7
• Need to bring a backpack (because you can’t)

If you’re a solo traveler, it also works well. You’re not alone in a strange system—someone guides you from the first minutes on the farm to the ride out into the meadows, then back again.

Should you book Hveragerdi countryside horse riding at Eldhestar Volcano Horses?

I’d book it if you want a simple, comfortable Iceland horse experience that’s short enough to fit real travel schedules. The provided gear removes a lot of guesswork. The beginner setup keeps you from feeling behind. And the countryside route around Vellir and Ölfus gives you that open, quiet Iceland feeling without needing a day-long drive.

Skip it if you’re hunting for a long, advanced ride or if the rules (no backpacks, no professional cameras, weight/age/mobility limits) don’t match your situation.

If you’re ready for a relaxed hour on horseback, this is a very solid way to start.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour, with about 1 hour of riding time after a short introduction.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at Vellir and return to Vellir.

Do I need any prior horseback riding experience?

No experience is required. The tour includes a short introduction before you ride.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide and riding and safety equipment, such as a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls.

Are helmets and weather gear provided?

Yes. Helmets are provided for safety, and rain gear and winter overalls are provided for weather comfort.

Can I bring a professional camera?

No, professional cameras are not allowed on this tour.

Can I bring a backpack?

No. Backpacks are not allowed on horseback. If you want to bring small items like a camera, you should use a small waist bag.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear sturdy shoes or good sneakers, and comfortable pants. They also suggest gloves and a thin hat under the helmet.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children under 7 are not suitable. People with mobility impairments are not suitable. The maximum weight is 110 kg / 243 lbs.

Is pickup available if I don’t have my own car?

Hotel pick-up is available for groups of 8 persons and more.