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

Reykjadalur is a fine place to meet Iceland’s small, sturdy Icelandic horses, especially if you have never ridden before. The route crosses open countryside near Hveragerði, with mountain views, fields, a few low river crossings, and the chance to try the breed’s famous fifth gait, the smooth tölt. I like the gentle horses and the patient, hands-on instruction. I also like that the stable is only about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, so you can fit this outing into a busy day.

The main drawback is that this is not a nonstop canter across wild country. Most of the ride moves at a walking pace, with only a few faster stretches, and part of the route follows a road shoulder. Summer insects can also be a real nuisance, so ask about a fly net for your helmet before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: The smooth fifth gait is the special feature of this ride.
• Good for first-time riders: Calm horses and supportive guides make this a sensible introduction to riding.
• Roughly 1.5 hours in the saddle: The full outing lasts about two hours, including preparation.
• Near Reykjavik: The stable is around 45 minutes from the capital, at Sólhestar Horse Rental in Hveragerði.
• Small group support: The published maximum is 14 people, with another tour detail listing up to 18, so confirm the group size when booking.
• Gear is supplied: You receive a helmet, winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and coffee or tea.

Why Reykjadalur works for a first Icelandic ride

Icelandic horses are famous for more than their looks. Along with the usual walk, trot, and canter, many can perform the tölt, a four-beat gait that can feel remarkably smooth. This tour gives you a chance to experience that feature without committing to a full-day riding trip.

The ride takes place in the countryside around Reykjadalur and Hveragerði, a practical choice if Reykjavik is your base. You do not need to spend a full day reaching a remote stable. The drive is about 45 minutes, leaving room in your schedule for other stops or for a quiet morning outside the city.

The setting is rural rather than polished. You ride through fields and along the base of the mountain, with sections beside the road and some low river terrain. That mix gives you a genuine taste of Icelandic farm country, though it also means the route is not a completely secluded trail ride.

At Sólhestar, preparation comes first

The meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental, at Reykjadalur 9 in Hveragerði. The activity starts and ends there, and hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to the stable.

Allow a little time for getting dressed and matched with a horse. The stable provides winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets. That matters in Iceland, where a mild forecast can still mean wind, damp ground, or a sudden shower. You will not need to pack riding gear, but comfortable trousers and sturdy shoes are still sensible beneath the supplied clothing.

The guides work with the group before it heads out. Beginners receive basic riding advice, and the smaller group format allows more direct help when you need to adjust your reins, seat, or pace. The horses are described as clean, healthy, well trained, and responsive to simple instructions. That is exactly what you want when you are learning in an unfamiliar setting.

The tour is offered in English. Adults and children from age nine can take part, and the maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms. Most people can participate, but you should take those age and weight limits seriously when deciding if this is the right outing for your family.

The first miles are slow and steady

Once mounted, expect a calm start. The route is mainly at a walking pace, which gives a first-time rider time to settle in. You can watch how the horse responds to gentle rein and leg cues without feeling rushed.

The horses have enough character to keep the ride interesting. They are described as mild and well behaved, but not dull. A little spirit is useful here. It lets you feel that you are riding a real Icelandic horse rather than sitting on a sightseeing platform with four legs.

The route includes several miles along or near the road. One account describes roughly two miles beside the road, followed by a turn into the fields and another two miles along the mountain base. Exact distances can vary, but the point is clear: this is a straightforward countryside circuit, not a remote backcountry trek.

That roadside section is the weakest part of the ride. You get open views, but you may wish the route spent more of its time on country paths. If your ideal horse ride means complete quiet and no pavement nearby, this tour may feel too modest.

Fields, rivers, and the famous tölt

The ride becomes more appealing once it turns into the fields. Here you get a closer feel for Iceland’s open countryside, with mountain views and broad stretches of land around you. The route may also pass through a few low rivers, adding a small sense of adventure without making the trip extreme.

The guides may let the group increase speed several times. One account describes four faster stretches, but most of the ride remains at a walk. That balance makes sense for a group containing both beginners and experienced riders. You get a little excitement without turning the outing into a race.

The moment many people are waiting for is the tölt. The guides can show you how to experience this special gait, and some riders find it smoother than a normal trot. It is not guaranteed to become effortless at once. Your comfort depends on the horse, your balance, and the guide’s instructions, but even a short try gives you a memorable connection to Icelandic horse culture.

Do not book this tour expecting long gallops. The faster sections are brief, and the emphasis is on control, scenery, and a safe introduction to the horses. For a first ride, that is a strength. For an experienced rider looking for hours of open-speed riding, it may feel restrained.

What the guides add to the ride

The human side of this outing is one of its strongest features. The guides are described as friendly, patient, and clear when teaching riders how to manage the horses. That support matters most during the first few minutes, when you are working out how much pressure to use and how to sit comfortably.

The group can include people with very different levels of experience. A small group gives the guide more room to help individuals rather than simply leading everyone along. The published information gives two possible group limits, one listing 18 people and another listing a maximum of 14. I would treat 14 as the more useful working figure, but confirm the expected size before booking if personal attention is important to you.

The guiding seems focused on riding rather than a long cultural talk. You might hear some local detail, including a bit about bunkers and the area, but the short duration does not leave much time for a full lesson in Icelandic horse history. If you want a detailed explanation of breeding, farming, or local traditions, ask questions while you are at the stable.

Weather and insects can change the mood

Icelandic weather is part of the calculation. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy protects you from being sent out in poor conditions, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your itinerary.

Rain clothing and a winter jumpsuit are included. Coffee or tea is also provided, a small but welcome touch before or after the ride. You should still dress for cool conditions and bring layers that work under the supplied gear.

Insects deserve more attention than they usually get in a horse-riding description. One rider found swarms of flies so bothersome that the outing became miserable, while another said bug nets were provided and found the flies manageable. The difference may be seasonal or related to the equipment available that day.

My practical advice is simple: ask about helmet netting before you leave the stable. If the guides have nets, use one. You can also bring insect repellent if you already have some, though the supplied details only confirm the helmet, rain clothing, and jumpsuit. This is the clearest comfort issue in an otherwise pleasant ride.

The value of $126.50

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you count the setting, the horse, the guide, the riding equipment, and the convenience of reaching the stable from Reykjavik in under an hour.

You are paying for roughly two hours at the stable, with about 1.5 hours of actual riding. A helmet, rainwear, and a warm jumpsuit are included, which saves you from renting or packing specialist clothing. Coffee or tea is included as well, though lunch is not.

The value is strongest for a beginner, a family with an older child, or someone who wants a short Icelandic activity rather than an entire day in the saddle. You get a controlled introduction to the Icelandic horse and a chance to try the tölt without giving up most of the day.

The value is weaker if you want a long, fast ride or a completely off-road route. Part of the outing follows the road, and most of the pace is walking. In that case, compare the duration and route carefully before paying.

Who should book this ride?

I would point first-time riders toward this tour. The horses are gentle, the guides offer patient instruction, and the pace leaves room to learn. Children age nine and older can join, making it a possible family activity, provided the child meets the tour’s requirements and is comfortable around horses.

It also suits experienced riders who want to try the Icelandic breed. You may find the pace slow, but the tölt and the distinctive horse itself provide something different from a standard trail ride.

This is less suitable for someone who wants a private lesson or a demanding riding adventure. The group may include several ability levels, and the short route is built for broad appeal. You should also think twice if you dislike insects, road-adjacent riding, or changeable weather.

Booking and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered in English with a mobile ticket. It is often booked well ahead, with an average lead time of about 38 days, so do not assume you can always arrange it at the last minute.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Because hotel pickup is not included, build transport time into your plan. The meeting point is at Sólhestar Horse Rental in Hveragerði, and the tour returns there when finished.

My call: a friendly, practical Icelandic ride

I would book this if you want a beginner-friendly horse ride near Reykjavik with reliable gear, calm horses, and a real chance to try the tölt. The guides and horses appear to be the heart of the experience, and the short format works well when your Iceland schedule is already full.

I would not book it for a fast, isolated trail ride. The roadside section, walking pace, and possible fly problem are real considerations. Ask about helmet nets, confirm the group size, and arrive ready for cool or wet weather. If those limits suit you, this is a good way to meet Iceland’s remarkable horses without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

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

How far is the stable from Reykjavik?

The riding location is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

How long does the experience last?

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

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. No previous riding experience is required, and the tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders.

What is the minimum age?

Children can participate from age nine.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum stated weight is 110 kilograms.

What equipment is included?

The stable provides a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet. Coffee or tea is also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, and the activity ends back there.