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

The best part of this Reykjadalur horse ride is the chance to try an Icelandic horse’s famous fifth gait, the smooth tölt, while riding through fields and low river crossings near Hveragerði. You are close enough to Reykjavik for an easy half-day plan, yet the setting feels far removed from the city.

I like the gentle, well-trained horses and the patient instruction for first-time riders. I also like that helmets, winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and hot coffee or tea are included, so you do not need to pack a full riding kit. The main drawback is that much of the ride moves at a slow walk, with some time on the shoulder of a road, and summer insects can be a serious nuisance.

Key points at a glance

• Try the Icelandic tölt: You may get a chance to experience the horse’s smooth fifth gait, a special part of riding in Iceland.
• Built for beginners: No previous riding experience is required, and the horses are described as calm, responsive, and well behaved.
• A short trip from Reykjavik: The stable is about 45 minutes from the capital, making this easy to pair with other sights.
• Small-group support: The stated maximum is 14 people, giving guides room to help with mounting, steering, and pace.
• Real countryside riding: Expect fields, mountain views, low river terrain, and some roadside riding rather than a nonstop wilderness route.
• Bring your own transport: Hotel pickup is not included, and the meeting point is at Sólhestar Horse Rental in Hveragerði.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Reykjadalur

This outing gives you a classic Iceland experience without requiring a full day away from Reykjavik. You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental, at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. The drive from Reykjavik takes roughly 45 minutes, though you need to arrange that transport yourself.

The advertised experience lasts about two hours, with around 1.5 hours spent riding. That distinction matters. You are not getting two full hours in the saddle, but the shorter riding time is sensible for a beginner-friendly outing. It leaves room for fitting helmets, matching riders with horses, and receiving basic instruction before you set off.

The tour is offered in English and accepts adults and children from age 9. The maximum listed group size is 14 people. A small group does not guarantee a private ride, but it should give the guides a better chance to watch your position and help if you are uncertain with the reins.

The stable uses Icelandic horses, a sturdy breed famous for its extra gaits. Along with the usual walk, trot, and canter, many Icelandic horses can perform the tölt and flying pace. This tour focuses on the five-gaited Icelandic horse, and some rides include a chance to try the tölt. Do not treat that as a guaranteed long stretch at speed. The route is mainly calm and controlled.

Getting ready at the Sólhestar stable

You will be supplied with a helmet, winter jumpsuit, and rain clothing. That is useful in Iceland, where a bright morning can turn cold or wet quickly. The riding gear also means you can take part without bringing specialized outerwear, though sturdy trousers and closed shoes remain sensible choices.

Coffee or tea is included. It is a small touch, but a welcome one after riding in damp or chilly weather. Lunch is not included, so plan food separately if this is part of a longer day around Hveragerði.

The guides have been praised for being friendly and patient. One group had two French guides, while another had a German guide, so the staff mix can vary. The important point for a novice is their teaching style: you receive help getting comfortable, learning how to guide the horse, and adjusting to the pace of the group.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. They are described as clean, healthy, gentle, and responsive to simple instructions. Some have a bit of spirit, which can make the ride feel like an actual riding experience rather than a slow amusement-park circuit, but they are generally considered suitable for people with little or no experience.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms. This is a firm practical restriction, so check it before booking if it may affect you.

The first stretch: fields, roads, and mountain views

Once the group leaves the stable, you ride into the countryside around Reykjadalur. The exact route can vary, but the ride has included open fields, the base of the mountain, and low river crossings. You get broad views and a clear sense of Iceland’s open terrain from horseback.

The countryside is the star here, but the route is not a completely remote trail. One detailed account described roughly two miles along the shoulder of a road before turning into a field, followed by a return along the mountain base. That roadside section is the tour’s clearest weakness. It is practical and easy for a stable to manage, but it is less scenic and less peaceful than a dedicated trail.

You should also set your expectations for speed. The ride is at a walking pace for most of the time, especially for groups containing first-time riders. A few quicker sections may be offered, and some outings have included brief gallops or faster stretches. The route has also allowed riders to try the tölt, which gives the experience a distinctly Icelandic flavor.

This pacing works well if you are nervous, riding with a child, or have only been on a horse once or twice. It is less satisfying if you want a long, fast ride across open country. The tour is best understood as an introduction to Icelandic riding, not an advanced trail expedition.

Low rivers and the famous tölt

The low river sections add a little adventure without changing the basic gentle nature of the tour. Crossing shallow water on horseback gives you a closer connection to the setting than simply looking at it from a bus window. Still, the route is designed for a mixed group, so do not expect difficult water crossings or technical riding.

The tölt is the experience’s most distinctive feature. Icelandic horses can move with a smooth four-beat gait that gives the rider a different sensation from a standard trot. If your horse and the conditions allow it, the guide may introduce you to this gait for a short section.

For a beginner, even a short attempt can be memorable. You will need to follow the guide’s instructions and stay relaxed rather than trying to force the horse into a new pace. More experienced riders may find the introduction too brief, but it offers a genuine taste of why Icelandic horses are so prized.

The horse’s behavior matters more than speed on this tour. A calm mount lets you take in the views, manage the reins, and enjoy the ride without spending the whole time worrying about control. The horses used here have earned strong praise for being gentle but not dull, with enough personality to keep things interesting.

How beginner-friendly is the ride?

This is one of the better choices near Reykjavik for a first riding experience. The horses are well trained, the guides explain the basics, and the route is mostly slow. Riders with only one previous horse ride have managed to enjoy it, and children from age 9 can join.

You should still be comfortable sitting on a horse for about 1.5 hours. Even a quiet ride can leave your legs and lower back tired. If you have never ridden before, tell the guide early. That helps the staff match you with an appropriate horse and place you where you can receive useful instruction.

The group format also shapes the experience. With up to 14 riders, the guide must keep a steady pace for everyone. Beginners benefit from that structure, while experienced riders may find it restrained. You will not be free to choose your own route or speed.

The guides have been particularly well received for their patience and friendliness. That makes a real difference in the first 15 minutes, when you are learning to steer, stop, and maintain a safe distance from the horse ahead. The riding itself may be simple, but good instruction can turn a nervous outing into a comfortable one.

What the route does not provide

This is not a full lesson in Icelandic horse culture or the history of Reykjadalur. Some basic local information may be shared, including a mention of bunkers in the area, but the short format leaves limited time for storytelling.

If you want a detailed explanation of breeding, farming, the horse’s role in Icelandic life, or the valley’s geology, you may find this ride light on context. The focus is on getting you safely onto a horse and out into the countryside.

The route also includes a roadside section. That may disappoint you if you picture a continuous mountain trail. The payoff comes when the ride reaches the fields and mountain base, but you should book this with a realistic picture of the route.

Insect conditions can change the experience sharply. One outing was badly affected by swarms of flies, while another included bug nets and was much more comfortable. This is especially important in warm, still weather. Ask the operator about current insect conditions and whether nets are supplied. If you are prone to irritation, bring repellent and consider protective clothing, even though the stable provides rain gear.

The supplied gear is useful, but it does not remove every comfort concern. Rain clothing helps with wet weather. It does not necessarily protect your face from insects or replace your own preferred gloves and base layers.

Is $126.50 a fair price?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you count the included riding equipment, the guide support, the small maximum group, and the chance to ride a five-gaited Icelandic horse close to Reykjavik.

You are also paying for convenience. The stable is only about 45 minutes from the capital, so you do not need to spend a full day traveling to a remote riding center. That makes the tour useful during a short Iceland visit, especially if you want to combine it with other stops in the Hveragerði area.

The value is strongest for beginners and families. You receive a gentle introduction, warm outer gear, and help from guides who are used to mixed ability levels. For an experienced rider seeking several hours of fast riding, the price is harder to justify because the ride is mainly slow and includes road shoulder time.

The lack of hotel pickup is an added cost or planning task. You need to reach the meeting point in Hveragerði, and lunch is separate. Still, for a compact, guided horseback outing with equipment included, the price is reasonable if riding an Icelandic horse is high on your Iceland wish list.

Who should book this Reykjadalur ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Families with children age 9 and older
• Couples looking for a countryside activity near Reykjavik
• Riders who want to try the Icelandic tölt
• Visitors who prefer a small guided group over a large commercial ride
• People who want an outdoor activity that fits into a half-day schedule

I would be more cautious if you want a fast, long-distance trail ride, a remote mountain route, or an in-depth cultural talk. The ride is gentle and scenic, but it is also structured and fairly slow.

You should also consider your tolerance for insects. Bug conditions are not described as a constant problem, but they have been severe on some days. Ask about helmet nets before you go, and pack repellent if the weather is warm.

The weather requirement is worth noting. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. For your own plans, keep a little flexibility around the booking rather than scheduling a tight connection afterward.

Practical planning before you go

Wear comfortable clothes that fit under the supplied jumpsuit. Closed shoes are sensible for riding, and you should avoid loose items that could catch or distract you. The stable provides helmets, so you do not need to bring one.

Allow enough time to reach the meeting point at Sólhestar Horse Rental. Hotel pickup is not included, and the activity ends back at that same location. Since no lunch is supplied, bring or arrange food if you plan to continue sightseeing afterward.

Book ahead if your dates are fixed. The tour is often reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 38 days. That is a sign that it can fill during popular travel periods, especially when families and first-time riders are looking for easy activities near the capital.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, and the cut-off follows local Icelandic time.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, manageable ride on an Icelandic horse rather than a demanding equestrian outing. The calm horses, supportive guides, included gear, nearby location, and chance to try the tölt make it a strong choice for beginners and families.

Skip it if you dislike slow group rides, roadside stretches, or the possibility of flies. Before paying, ask about the day’s route, the expected weather, and helmet bug nets. With those details clear, this is a pleasant and distinctly Icelandic way to spend a morning or afternoon outside Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

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

How far is the meeting point from Reykjavik?

The riding center is approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long does the experience last?

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

What age can children join?

Children from age 9 can take part.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders.

What is the maximum group size?

The stated maximum is 14 participants.

What equipment is provided?

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

What happens if the weather is too poor for riding?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.