Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Ready for a smooth ride on Iceland’s lava? This 2-hour horseback tour from Reykjavik gets you up close to Icelandic horses and helps you feel their famous tölt gait while you roll through lava fields and moorland.

I love how they teach you the horses’ famous tölt instead of just handing you reins. You watch a quick instruction video, get your gear, and then ride in ability-based groups so you’re not stuck going too fast or too slow.

I also like that you’re set up for Iceland weather with helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overall—plus coffee or something hot after your ride. One catch: there’s no mounting block, so you must be able to mount from the ground yourself and handle moderate fitness.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Tölt coaching, not just a trail ride: you’re shown how to ask for the four-beat gait.
• Group splits happen early: beginners, intermediates, and experienced riders go at different paces.
• Gear is included: helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall help you ride comfortably.
• Hot drinks after: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables.
• Weather matters: the tour needs good conditions, so wind and rain can affect schedules.
• Weight and age limits: 110kg/240lbs max and age 7+; pregnant women can’t ride.

Getting to the stables and getting fitted fast

Most of the experience is about time on horseback, so the start matters. You’ll meet your instructor at the stables area (Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland). If you chose the pickup option, you’ll be picked up from one of the selected Reykjavik locations (the exact stop can be a nearby bus stop, not necessarily right outside your door).

Then it’s gear time. You’ll get a helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. This is a big deal in Iceland, where weather can flip from calm to sideways in minutes. Also note that used riding gear isn’t allowed on the tour or near the horses—so show up ready to use what they provide.

One practical thing to keep in mind: they don’t mention a mounting block. You’ll need to mount by your own strength from the ground. If you have balance issues or leg limits, this is the part to take seriously before you commit.

Meet the Icelandic horses and learn what the tölt actually feels like

These are Icelandic horses, and they’re famous for a smooth, four-beat gait called tölt. The tour explains that these horses are descendants of Viking horses brought to Iceland in the 10th century. In plain terms: they’re sturdy, good-natured, and built for rough terrain.

At the start, you’ll meet your instructor and talk through your ability level—beginner, intermediate, or experienced. Then there’s a short instructional video. After that, you’ll put on your gear and get into the saddle.

Your first goal isn’t speed. It’s control. You’ll learn how to ease your horse into the tölt, so your ride feels steady instead of bouncy. That matters more than you’d think. When the ground is uneven—lava rock, uneven trails, moorland—it’s the gait that makes horseback riding actually comfortable.

If you do want to push the pace, the ride is set up for that too. After you start riding and your instructor watches you, you’ll be split into groups based on skill. So you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the tölt. And if you are experienced, you still get options that match your comfort.

How the ride is paced: beginners, intermediates, and experienced riders

Here’s the part that makes this tour work for different riders: the instructor doesn’t just “keep everyone together.” You ride behind your instructor first, then you’re sorted into three groups.

• Beginners ride more slowly over easier terrain.
• Intermediates and experienced riders tackle more challenging routes and different paces.
• If you want to go slower or faster, you tell the instructor.

That structure is useful because horseback riding can be mentally tricky at first. One rider may feel great after 10 minutes. Another may need a calmer rhythm. Being sorted early helps you relax and enjoy the scenery rather than focus on staying balanced.

The tour also runs with a capped group size (up to 30 travelers). So it’s not a tiny private ride, but it’s also not a massive cattle-car operation. In practice, the group is managed so the ride feels purposeful.

What you’ll see while riding through lava fields and moorland

You won’t just trot around a flat pen and call it Iceland. The route takes you through lava fields and moorland, with volcanic mountains and lakes in view.

This is where the tour earns its “worth it” reputation. Icelandic horses are comfortable on rugged ground, and the tölt helps you glide along in a way that feels surprisingly calm. You’ll get those Iceland photo moments where the background looks unreal, but the ride itself stays manageable.

Also, plan on it being more ride time than a hiking adventure. The pacing is built around the horses and the gait. If you’re hoping for long stops off the trail, adjust your expectations. Think: short scenic moments while you’re riding, plus plenty of time outdoors.

And yes—wind can change the experience quickly. One rider tip that fits reality: wear a hat or ear protection if it’s blustery. You’re provided warm gear, but your head still needs protection when the weather decides to show off.

Choosing your morning or afternoon slot for better conditions

This tour offers both morning and afternoon rides. That’s not just a scheduling convenience—it changes the feel of the trip. Iceland’s light shifts fast, and weather can be different by time of day, even when distances are short.

My practical advice: book the slot that gives you the best chance of stable weather. If you’re flexible, afternoon rides can sometimes dodge the earliest wind. If you’re chasing dramatic sky colors, earlier day options may be more photogenic. Either way, you’ll be riding in the open air, so dress like the weather will remember you.

If the conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and you’re offered another date or a full refund. That’s the tradeoff for outdoor riding in Iceland: you don’t control the sky, but you do get managed options.

Pickup from Reykjavik: convenient, but confirm the stop

The pickup option is one of the smartest ways to start your day. Reykjavik is close enough that you don’t lose half your itinerary in transit.

That said, you need to treat pickup like a checklist, not a guess. You’ll pre-book pickup, and you’ll select your pickup point from the available list. If your hotel isn’t listed, you’re expected to contact the operator so you can get the nearest pickup point in Reykjavik. They also note that pickup might occur from a nearby bus stop.

So if you’re staying near the center, great. If you’re outside the pickup map, don’t assume they’ll improvise. Confirm your stop and leave yourself a little buffer time.

Value check: what you’re paying for at $133.02 per person

At $133.02 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s also not “just a short walk with horses.” You’re getting several things bundled together:

• Instruction for riding, including learning the tölt
• Group management with riders split by ability
• Iceland-ready riding gear (helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, warm overall)
• A hot drink after the ride (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate)
• Guided time in dramatic terrain (lava fields, moorland, volcanic scenery)

For Iceland, this price starts making sense when you count what you’d otherwise have to arrange yourself: proper outerwear, boots/gear, a guide who understands tölt and horse handling, and transport from Reykjavik.

Another value point: the tour is structured so beginners aren’t “stuck” and advanced riders aren’t bored. That ability sorting is what turns a basic horseback ride into an experience you can actually grow into during the same outing.

If you care about value, pick your time well. Morning/afternoon flexibility can matter. And if you’re going as a couple or with family, the shared experience can justify the spend quickly.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a nature-forward horseback experience. You’ll be outdoors, and you’ll be on uneven ground. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness.

Here’s the key fit checklist based on the rules:

• Age minimum is 7 years old
• Weight limit is 110kg/240lbs
• Children under 18 must ride with an adult
• Pregnant women can’t ride (they mention concerns due to harm to unborn children)
• You must be able to mount from the ground by yourself
• You should be ready to ride in rain/wind—gear is provided, but you still need basic comfort outdoors

If you’re a first-timer who wants the Icelandic horse experience without stress, this is one of the better formats because you’re grouped and guided. If you’re returning to riding after a long break, you’ll likely feel supported by the beginner pace and instruction.

If you have mobility limits that make mounting hard, or if you’re uncomfortable with uneven terrain, this is the part to weigh carefully.

After the ride: warm drinks and a real cooldown

Once you finish your trek, you don’t just head back into the cold. The stables provide coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It’s a small detail, but it changes how the tour ends. Your body cools down fast outside, and a warm drink gives you that “I did it” feeling without needing extra stops.

You’ll also have time to talk with the team and compare notes if you’re riding with someone. Even if your ride felt slow or fast, the goal—smooth tölt over rugged scenery—is shared.

Should you book this Icelandic horseback ride with Reykjavik pickup?

Book it if:

• You want the Icelandic horse experience and you care about actually learning the tölt
• You like guided structure (beginner/intermediate/experienced splits)
• You don’t want to source Iceland gear yourself—helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are included
• You want a 2-hour adventure that fits neatly into a Reykjavik-based trip

Skip or rethink it if:

• Mounting from the ground is a problem for you
• You’re looking for a long hike more than a guided ride
• Weather volatility would stress you out—yes, there’s a weather safety approach, but you should still be ready for schedule shifts

If you want one standout outdoors activity that feels unmistakably Iceland, this is a strong choice. It’s short enough to stay fun, structured enough to stay safe, and scenic enough that you’ll remember it long after you’ve dried your boots.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

Pickup is offered if you choose the option that includes pickup. Pickup is pre-booked and happens from selected Reykjavik pickup points.

What’s included with the tour?

You get coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

What are the age and weight limits?

The weight limit is 110kg/240lbs, and the age limit is 7 years old.

Are beginner riders welcome?

Yes. You’ll meet the instructor about your ability level, and then you’re split into groups so beginners ride slowly over easier terrain.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear clothing you’re comfortable riding in outdoors. You’ll be given rain gear and a warm overall, and you’ll use rubber boots from the stables. If it’s windy, it helps to wear a hat or ear protection.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.