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

Horses make Iceland feel wonderfully close. This ride takes you into the countryside near Hveragerði, only about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, where you can see open fields, mountain scenery, and a few low rivers from the back of a sturdy Icelandic horse. I especially like the beginner-friendly pace and the chance to try the famous five-gaited horse’s smooth tölt. The supplied riding gear, coffee, and tea also make the outing easy to manage.

I also like the small-group guidance, which gives you more help in the saddle than a large trail ride usually can. The main drawback is that much of the route may be at a walking pace, with some riding beside the road rather than entirely through open countryside. Bug protection can also matter greatly in summer, so ask about helmet nets before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: This special gait is smooth and distinctive, and some riders get a chance to experience it during the outing.
• Suitable from age nine: You do not need previous riding experience, making this a sensible choice for families and first-time riders.
• About 45 minutes from Reykjavik: The location near Hveragerði fits neatly into a day based in the capital.
• Maximum group size of 14: The smaller setting allows guides to help with mounting, steering, pace, and confidence.
• Rivers and open countryside: The route can include low river crossings, fields, mountain views, and a few faster sections.
• Bring your own lunch plan: Coffee and tea are included, but hotel pickup and lunch are not.

Reaching Reykjadalur from Reykjavik

The riding center is at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. It is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, so you can reach the meeting point without giving up an entire day to transport.

That short transfer is a real advantage. Iceland has plenty of horse outings in remote areas, but this one works well if you are staying in the capital and want to add an active countryside stop between other plans. You arrange your own way to the start, since hotel pickup is not included.

The activity ends where it begins. That makes the timing simple, especially if you have a rental car. If you are using another form of transport, make sure you plan the trip to Reykjadalur separately, since the tour operator does not collect you from your accommodation.

The tour lasts about two hours in total, with roughly 1.5 hours in the saddle. That leaves enough time to prepare, meet the horse, receive instructions, and return equipment without feeling rushed.

Getting ready for an Icelandic horse

At the center, you receive a helmet, winter jumpsuit, and rain clothing. These layers are useful even when the forecast looks mild. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and sitting on a horse exposes you to wind and rain more than walking through town does.

Coffee and tea are included, which is a small but welcome touch after the ride. Lunch is not included, so plan food separately if this outing sits between breakfast and dinner.

The horses are Icelandic, a breed known here for being sure-footed and able to perform five gaits. Most people know the walk, trot, and canter. The extra gait you may hear about is the tölt, a smooth four-beat movement that can feel easier on the rider than a regular trot.

You should not assume you will spend the whole ride tölting. The tour is designed for mixed abilities, and the pace depends on the group. New riders need time to learn basic control, while experienced riders may have opportunities for a faster pace when conditions allow.

The stated weight limit is 110 kilograms. Children can participate from age nine, and the tour is suitable for adults as well. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable sitting on a horse and following basic guide instructions.

A calm start for first-time riders

This is not a tour that expects you to arrive as an accomplished rider. Guides give instructions and help you learn how to manage a gentle, responsive horse before the group moves into the countryside.

That makes the outing a good match for someone who has ridden once or twice, or perhaps never at all. The horses are described as well behaved, healthy, clean, and well trained. A little spirit is still possible, which is part of the fun, but the animals are generally responsive to simple guidance.

I would still tell a complete beginner to expect an active lesson, not a passive carriage ride. You need to sit upright, listen, hold the reins correctly, and pay attention to the horse ahead. The smaller group size helps here. With a maximum of 14 people, the guides have a better chance to notice when you need help.

The ride may include several instructors. One group had two friendly French guides, while another praised a patient guide from Germany. Since guide assignments can change, do not expect a particular person, but the strong pattern is clear: instruction and encouragement are important parts of the outing.

Riding through fields, roads, and river terrain

Once everyone is ready, the group heads into the countryside around Reykjadalur. The exact route can vary, but expect open fields, the base of the mountain, road-side riding, and low river crossings.

The setting gives you a good taste of rural Iceland without requiring a full-day expedition. You see the country at horse speed, which is slow enough to notice the terrain, the weather, and the way the horses move beneath you.

The river sections are among the more memorable parts. They are described as low crossings, so this is not a dramatic water adventure, but riding through shallow water adds a real sense of place. It also shows why sure-footed Icelandic horses are such a practical part of local life.

Do not expect every minute to take place on a remote trail. One account describes a simple route with stretches beside the road, a turn into the fields, and a return along the mountain base. That can feel less scenic than a ride entirely away from traffic.

The pace is also conservative. Around 98 percent of one ride was at a walking pace, with four short chances to move faster. That will suit families and nervous beginners. Experienced riders hoping for long stretches of cantering should lower their expectations before booking.

The famous tölt and what you may actually do

The tölt is a major reason to choose an Icelandic horse ride instead of a standard trail ride. It is a distinctive gait, and having the chance to try it gives the outing a clear Icelandic identity.

Some riders get to experience it during the tour. Others may spend most of the time walking, depending on ability, weather, and the group. The guides decide what is safe and suitable, so the tölt is an opportunity rather than a guaranteed performance.

If you are new to riding, the tölt may feel exciting because it is different from the familiar bump of a trot. Listen closely to your guide and do not worry if it takes time to find the right rhythm. The point is to enjoy the horse and the setting, not to prove anything.

Experienced riders may appreciate the horses’ responsiveness and the chance to feel this famous gait. Still, this is a mixed-level outing, not an advanced training session. The experience puts safety and group control ahead of speed.

The views are good, but the route is not wild

Reykjadalur gives you a strong countryside setting close to Reykjavik. Mountain views, fields, river terrain, and open air make this much more scenic than riding in a fenced arena.

At the same time, you should picture a working countryside route rather than an untouched wilderness trail. Road-side sections can interrupt the sense of escape. One rider felt that new paths would make better use of the area, and that is a fair criticism.

I see this as a trade-off. The easy access near the capital is part of the value, but convenience often means sharing a road or using a simpler established route. If you want a longer, wilder ride far from development, you may prefer a different Icelandic horse tour. If you want a manageable half-day activity with real countryside and low logistical fuss, this location works well.

The setting may also feel very different depending on the weather. Gray skies did not ruin one outing, and Icelandic scenery can look dramatic in soft rain. Still, poor weather can lead to cancellation, with the choice of another date or a full refund.

Summer insects deserve serious attention

One practical issue deserves more attention than it usually gets: insects. A ride can be lovely in one season and miserable on another day if flies are thick.

One particularly unhappy family found swarms of bugs so persistent that a child cried during the ride. The complaint was not about the horses or guides, but about the lack of netting for the helmets. Other riders received bug nets and said flies were bad that year, so availability may vary.

I would contact the operator before your ride and ask specifically about insect nets. If they are not supplied, bring suitable protection if you have it. This is especially important for children and anyone who dislikes insects around the face.

This concern should not erase the good points of the tour. It does show why Icelandic weather preparation needs to include more than rainwear. A helmet net can make the difference between a pleasant ride and two hours of swatting.

Is $126.50 a fair price?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap casual activity. You are paying for the horse, guide support, equipment, and access to a countryside ride near Reykjavik. The winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmet, and hot drinks add useful value because you do not need to rent or pack specialist riding gear.

The price makes the most sense if you value convenience and a first taste of Icelandic riding. You get about 1.5 hours on horseback, and the total outing lasts about two hours. A small group can also mean better instruction, especially if you are learning.

For an experienced rider seeking a long, fast route, the value is less convincing. The ride may be slow, and parts of the route may follow the road. In that case, you could feel that the time in the saddle is too limited for the cost.

For families, couples, and first-time riders, the calculation is better. The gentle horses, supplied clothing, nearby location, and friendly instruction reduce the stress that can come with booking an unfamiliar activity abroad.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a safe introduction to Icelandic horses
• Families with children aged nine and older
• Couples seeking an active outing near Reykjavik
• Riders who want to try the tölt without committing to a full-day trek
• Visitors with a rental car and a flexible day around Hveragerði

You may want to skip it if you need a fast, technical ride, dislike road-side sections, or expect every minute to be on a remote trail. You should also check the insect situation before booking in summer.

The tour’s average booking lead time is about 38 days, so it is sensible to reserve ahead if your Iceland schedule is tight. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and weather-related cancellations offer another date or a full refund.

Final verdict: A friendly first ride in Iceland

I would book this tour if I wanted an approachable way to meet Icelandic horses without spending a full day away from Reykjavik. The horses are gentle but not dull, the guides provide patient help, and the chance to cross low rivers and try the tölt gives the ride real character.

Go in expecting a calm, mixed-level outing rather than a galloping adventure. Ask about bug nets, pack a plan for lunch, and allow extra time to reach the meeting point. With those expectations in place, this is a practical and enjoyable introduction to Iceland on horseback.

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 riding center from Reykjavik?

The riding center is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

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

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders, and no prior experience is required.

What is the minimum age?

Children can participate from age nine.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet. Coffee and tea are also included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.