Experience Countryside of Iceland by Horseback Riding

Feel Iceland from the saddle. This outing takes you beyond Reykjavik to Þorlákshöfn, where Icelandic horses carry you past fields, lava, beaches, and mountain views. I like the small group size, capped at 12, and the careful pace set by the slowest rider. The main catch is that weather and season shape the route, so a beach ride is possible but not guaranteed.

I also like that beginners are welcome and that guides adjust the ride to the group. Magnus, also called Maggi, is praised for patient instruction, safety, and a warm cup of coffee after the ride. Still, communication may be limited at times, and a few people have found the equipment basic or the ride less varied than expected.

Key things to know before you ride

• The Icelandic tölt is the star: This smooth, four-beat gait is a special feature of Icelandic horses and may be introduced during the ride.
• Þorlákshöfn gives you varied scenery: Depending on conditions, you may ride beside beaches, across grass banks, over moors, through lava fields, or with mountains in view.
• Beginners get a steady introduction: The guides provide riding equipment, help you control your horse, and keep the group together.
• The pace is deliberately gentle: The group does not go faster than its least experienced rider, which is reassuring for first-time riders but may feel slow for advanced equestrians.
• Pickup makes the outing easier: Round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels are included, with the tour beginning and ending at the stable in Þorlákshöfn.
• The atmosphere is personal, not polished: Coffee and conversation after the ride may be part of the welcome, but this is a working horse operation rather than a luxury ranch.

Riding Icelandic horses near Þorlákshöfn

This is a countryside outing, not a quick photo stop with a horse. You travel from Reykjavik to Þorlákshöfn, a small fishing village on Iceland’s South Coast about 30 kilometers from the capital. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes, giving you a useful change of scene before the ride begins.

At Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours, you meet the horses, receive a helmet and riding equipment, and get ready for a ride of about three hours. The exact route changes with the time of year and the weather. That flexibility is sensible in Iceland, where wind, rain, and soft ground can quickly change a safe route.

I like the setting because Þorlákshöfn offers more than one type of scenery. You might see the sea and beach, ride beside tall grass banks, cross open moorland, pass lava fields, or look toward the mountains. The views are not arranged for tourists. They are simply the countryside around a working coastal community.

That also means you should set realistic expectations. You are not promised one fixed sightseeing route. If the conditions are poor, the ride may stay closer to the farm or village. Some outings have reached a black-sand beach, while another account describes a route mainly around pasture behind the village. Ask about the planned route when you arrive if seeing the beach matters to you.

Getting comfortable with the Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is small, sturdy, and well suited to the country’s rough ground. For many people, the most memorable part is learning about the tölt, a distinctive gait that feels different from the usual walk, trot, or canter.

You may not spend the whole ride at the tölt. The group’s ability, the horses, and the ground all affect what the guides can offer. Experienced riders may get a chance to feel more of the horse’s movement, while beginners are first shown how to sit, steer, and manage the reins.

That order matters. A horse ride can feel intimidating if you are unsure how to stop or turn. Magnus has been praised for helping nervous riders gain confidence, checking that everyone understands the basics, and taking safety seriously. The horses are treated with care, too, which adds to the sense that this is a genuine horse operation rather than a conveyor belt of short rides.

The guides keep everyone together and never go faster than the least experienced rider. This is good news for a mixed group, a family with different levels, or someone who has not been on a horse for years. If you are an advanced rider hoping for long stretches of speed, this may feel restrained.

The three-hour route through Icelandic countryside

The ride itself is shaped by the conditions, but you can expect a gradual progression rather than a rushed circuit. You get settled on your horse, learn the basic controls, and then head out around Þorlákshöfn.

Pastures, grass banks, and open moors

The first part may take you through pasture and open ground near the village. This is where beginners can focus on the horse without being distracted by a demanding trail. The tall grass, wide views, and open moors give you a strong first taste of rural Iceland.

For experienced riders, this section may feel familiar rather than thrilling. Its value is the calm setting and the chance to get used to the horse before the route becomes more varied. It also gives the guides room to keep the group together.

Lava fields and rougher ground

Lava fields add a more recognizably Icelandic touch. Dark rock, uneven ground, and hardy vegetation create a sharp contrast with the grassy areas. Riding here helps explain why Icelandic horses are valued for sure-footed travel across difficult terrain.

The exact lava-field section depends on the route chosen that day. Do not assume every group reaches every feature. Weather, season, and the ability of the riders all play a part.

Beach and mountain views

A beach section can be the visual highlight. Some rides have included black sand and sea views, with mountains completing the scene. It is a fine way to see Iceland because you are moving at horse pace, close to the ground and exposed to the weather.

Still, the beach is not a guaranteed stop. This is the most important point to understand before paying $207. If the advertised price feels worthwhile mainly because of a beach ride, confirm the day’s route before setting out. The surroundings remain attractive even when the route stays inland, but the outing may feel less special if you expected shore views.

What the guides add to the day

The human side of this outing is one of its strongest features. Magnus, often called Maggi, is repeatedly described as friendly, funny, patient, and careful with both riders and horses. He has helped nervous beginners, taught people who knew little about horses, and welcomed groups for coffee afterward.

Sigrún is also named as one of the instructors. Together, the guides can support riders with different levels of experience, including a group where one person rides confidently and another needs more help.

You should be prepared for a relaxed, informal style. Some people have found that communication in English is limited, particularly with Magnus. Hand signals, demonstrations, and translation tools may help, but you should not expect a long technical talk about Icelandic riding or local history.

That is a real tradeoff. If you want detailed guiding in fluent English, this may not be the best match. If you care more about a kind horse handler, patient help, and an unforced local welcome, the informal approach may suit you well.

Coffee afterward is not listed as a formal inclusion, so treat it as a possible courtesy rather than part of the guaranteed package. Several accounts describe being invited in for coffee and conversation, and that personal touch seems to be part of the character of the operation.

Group size, comfort, and equipment

The maximum group size is 12. That is small enough for the guides to keep an eye on individual riders, yet large enough that the ride will not feel like a private excursion unless the booking happens to be quiet.

The tour provides helmets and riding equipment. You must bring suitable shoes and warm, comfortable clothing. That wording is important in Iceland. Wear footwear that is practical around horses and able to handle wet or uneven ground. Bring layers rather than relying on one heavy coat, since a calm start can turn into a cold ride quickly.

The experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You do not need advanced riding skills, but sitting on a horse for several hours takes effort. If your knees, hips, back, or balance make riding difficult, consider that before booking.

Equipment quality may feel basic. One account described the gear as old and the stable as untidy. This does not prove that every visit will feel the same, but it is fair to say that the setting is practical rather than polished. Think working farm, not luxury equestrian center.

Is $207 a fair price?

At $207, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on what you want from the day.

The price includes all fees and taxes, riding equipment, snacks, and round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels. The transfer matters because reaching Þorlákshöfn on your own adds planning and transport costs. You also get about three hours in the saddle, a small group, instruction, and a chance to ride an Icelandic horse in its home country.

I think the price is easier to justify for a first-time rider who values help, transport, and a slower pace. It is also more appealing if the route reaches varied ground such as lava fields and the beach.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a highly polished stable, a guaranteed coastal route, advanced riding, or a long English-language talk. A shorter or less varied ride can make the cost feel high, especially for a group of three or more.

Before you book, decide what you are paying for. You are paying for access to the countryside, the horses, the transfer, and the personal atmosphere. You are not paying for luxury facilities or a guaranteed checklist of scenery.

Who will enjoy this horseback ride most?

I would recommend it most to:

• First-time riders who want patient help and a controlled pace
• Families or mixed groups with different riding abilities
• People who want to see Iceland outside Reykjavik without planning a full day trip
• Horse lovers interested in the Icelandic horse and its tölt
• Riders who value a personal, informal experience over polished presentation

I would be more cautious if you are an advanced rider seeking speed or technical instruction. The group follows the slowest rider, so the pace may be too gentle for you.

I would also think twice if a clean, modern facility and fluent English guiding are essential. The operation appears friendly and personal, but not formal. That can be part of its charm, or it can be a frustration, depending on your expectations.

Practical details that affect your booking

Pickup is offered from central Reykjavik hotels, and the activity ends back at the meeting point in Þorlákshöfn. The listed start location is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed. Bring warm, comfortable clothes and good shoes, since those are not supplied.

The tour runs all year, but the route and comfort level will change with the season. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason gives you the choice of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Icelandic time.

How this compares with a standard Reykjavik day

A city-based Reykjavik activity gives you cafés, museums, and easy transport. This ride gives you open ground and a slower view of Iceland. You trade convenience and shelter for weather, fresh air, and direct contact with the countryside.

The drive to Þorlákshöfn is short enough to work as a half-day outing. You do not need to spend a full day on the South Coast to ride an Icelandic horse, though the tour does not replace a major sightseeing route to waterfalls, glaciers, or other famous sights.

I like that distinction. This is best treated as a focused horse experience, not as a general South Coast tour. Add it to your plans because you want to ride, not because you expect it to cover Iceland’s main attractions.

Should you book the Alhestar ride?

Book it if you want a small-group introduction to Icelandic horses, appreciate a careful pace, and like the idea of meeting friendly local guides near Þorlákshöfn. The strongest reasons are the patient help for beginners, the horse-centered setting, the varied countryside, and the chance to feel the tölt.

Pause before booking if the $207 price only makes sense to you with a guaranteed beach ride or polished facilities. Ask about the expected route, English support, and pickup details before you commit.

For the right person, this can be a warm and memorable half-day. Just arrive dressed for Icelandic weather, ready for a simple stable, and open to a route that changes with the day.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour take place?

The ride takes place around Þorlákshöfn, a small fishing village on Iceland’s South Coast about 30 kilometers from Reykjavik.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Is transportation from Reykjavik included?

Round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels are included.

What scenery might I see?

Depending on the weather and season, you may see beaches, tall grass banks, lava fields, moors, and mountains.

Is the beach guaranteed?

No. The route changes according to weather and season, so a beach ride is not guaranteed.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and the guides adjust the outing to the group’s abilities.

Will the group ride fast?

The guides do not go faster than the slowest rider in the group, so the pace is designed to keep everyone together.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour allows a maximum of 12 participants.

What is included in the price?

The price includes all fees and taxes, helmets, riding equipment, and snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring good shoes and warm, comfortable clothing. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.