Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this two-hour ride is the chance to see Iceland’s dark volcanic countryside from the back of an Icelandic horse. You get a small group, an English-speaking local guide, and time to try the tölt, a remarkably smooth gait that makes these compact horses special.

I like the careful matching of horses to riders, which helps both beginners and experienced riders settle in. I also like that the guide takes photos during the ride and provides them free afterward, so you can pay attention to the horse and the views. The main drawback is the fixed two-hour length: at $200 per person, this is a fairly costly short outing, and it may feel too brief if you already ride often.

Key points at a glance

• The tölt is the star: Try Iceland’s smooth four-beat gait, with instruction from your guide.
• Small groups feel personal: A maximum of eight participants allows for closer help and a calmer ride.
• Good for mixed abilities: Riders from first-timers to experienced equestrians can take part, with horses assigned to suit each person.
• Photos are included: Your guide takes pictures during the ride and sends them to you at no extra charge.
• Easy from Reykjavík: The stable is in Víðidalur in the Capital Region, with public transportation available on bus number 5.
• Plan for outdoor weather: Wear comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and proper outdoor clothing, since Iceland’s conditions can change.

Meeting Iceland’s compact, sure-footed horses

This outing is less about covering a huge distance and more about getting a proper introduction to Icelandic horses and the countryside around Reykjavík. You begin at Íslenski Hesturinn, also called The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur. Use the stable’s name in Google Maps, since Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also appear as the address.

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start. That extra time matters. You need to find the meeting point, get settled, and listen to the initial instructions without making the group wait. Tours can run slightly late, so keep a little flexibility in your schedule afterward.

The group is limited to eight people. That is a useful size for a riding activity. You are not lost in a long line of horses, and the guide can give more direct help when riders mount, adjust, or need a reminder about control. The experience is offered in English.

The horses themselves are a major reason to choose this ride. Icelandic horses are sturdy, compact animals bred for the country’s demanding conditions. The ride gives you a direct way to connect with a part of Icelandic culture that you would miss from a tour bus or a roadside viewpoint.

A short introduction before you ride out

The tour starts with an introduction to horseback riding. You do not need to arrive as an expert. The guide explains the basics before the group sets off and helps you get comfortable with your horse.

That makes this suitable for a mixed group. One person may have ridden only a handful of times, while another may ride regularly. The horses are assigned with the rider’s experience in mind, and the guides have shown care in pairing people and animals sensibly.

You should still be honest about your experience when booking or meeting the guide. A beginner’s needs are different from those of an experienced rider, and clear information helps the stable make a suitable match. The tour is not designed for children under 12, and it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or anyone weighing more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allow you to sit and move easily. Outdoor clothing is important in Iceland, even if the forecast looks mild. You are outside on horseback, and the weather can shift quickly. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

Riding through Víðidalur’s volcanic countryside

Once the group leaves the stable, the focus shifts to the volcanic countryside around Reykjavík. The scenery is broad and open, with the distinctive dark forms and rough surfaces associated with Iceland’s volcanic character.

This is not a route built around a long list of named stops. The appeal comes from the steady change of viewpoint as you ride. A walking tour shows you Iceland at ground level. From horseback, you notice the rhythm of the animal beneath you, the space around the trail, and the way the countryside opens in front of the group.

The pace is guided and controlled. That is good news for less experienced riders, since you can concentrate on posture, steering, and enjoying the setting instead of trying to keep up with a large procession.

The route is also a good fit for visitors who want something more active than sightseeing but do not want an all-day excursion. The two-hour schedule leaves room for another Reykjavík activity, though you should not treat the ride as a quick photo stop. Mounting, instruction, riding time, and returning to the stable all form part of the experience.

Trying the tölt, Iceland’s smooth specialty

The tölt is the distinctive feature to look forward to. It is a smooth gait associated with Icelandic horses, and your guide introduces you to it during the ride when conditions and rider comfort allow.

The sensation is different from an ordinary walking pace. The gait is often prized because it reduces the bounce that can make longer rides tiring. You should not assume that every moment will be spent tölting, though. The guide sets the pace for the group and keeps the ride appropriate for the riders and horses present.

For a first-time rider, the tölt can be a memorable introduction to what makes Icelandic horses different. For an experienced rider, it gives the outing a clear purpose beyond simply sitting on a horse while admiring the view.

The guide’s role matters here. You receive instruction before the ride and help along the way, rather than being expected to figure out the gait on your own. The local guides also explain the horses, Icelandic culture, and the country around you, adding context to what you see.

Free photos let you focus on the ride

A particularly useful touch is the photography. The guide takes pictures throughout the outing and makes them available afterward at no extra charge.

That changes the feel of the ride. You do not need to keep reaching for your phone while holding the reins, adjusting your position, or trying to enjoy the scenery. You can give your attention to the horse and still come away with images of the experience.

The photos also help if you are traveling with someone else. Horseback riding is one of those activities where it is hard to take a good picture of yourself while participating. Having the guide handle the camera solves that problem without adding a separate photography fee.

Do not book the tour solely for the pictures, since the exact number and style of images are not specified. Think of them as a welcome extra attached to a real riding experience. The main value remains the small group, the horses, the guide, and the chance to try the tölt.

What $200 buys you in two hours

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. The fee includes a two-hour horseback riding tour, a local guide, and the riding introduction. Food, drinks, and transportation to the meeting point are not included.

The price makes more sense if you value personal attention. With no more than eight participants, this is not a mass-market ride with a long queue of horses. The guide can help riders with different experience levels, explain the horses and local culture, and take photos during the outing.

The free photo service adds some value, but it should not be the deciding factor. The better question is how important horseback riding is to your Iceland trip. If riding an Icelandic horse has been on your wish list, the cost may feel fair for a short, focused experience near the capital.

If you are simply looking for a cheap way to see rural Iceland, this is harder to justify. A two-hour ride passes quickly, especially for confident riders who would prefer a longer route. You are paying for the setting, the horses, the instruction, the limited group size, and the specialist nature of the activity.

Getting to the stable from Reykjavík

Transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Public transportation is available on bus number 5, which makes the stable more accessible without a private vehicle.

Use Google Maps to search for Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse. You can also try Faxaból 1, Víðidalur, but the stable name is the more useful search term. Check the route before leaving and allow enough time to arrive 15 minutes early.

This is one area where a little planning pays off. You do not want to start an outdoor activity feeling rushed, especially when you still need to find the stable and prepare to ride. Since tours may be slightly delayed, leave some space after the activity if you have a timed reservation elsewhere.

Morning and afternoon departures are available. Choose based on your wider Reykjavík plans, but remember that outdoor light and weather can affect how the countryside feels. The available start times change, so check the schedule for your chosen date.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to visitors who want a close look at Icelandic horses without committing to a full-day riding trip. It suits beginners who want instruction, as well as experienced riders who would enjoy trying the tölt in Iceland.

It is also a strong choice for couples and small groups. The group cap of eight keeps the outing personal, and the complimentary photos make it easier to share the experience afterward. The guides have experience handling groups with different riding backgrounds, which is useful when one person is confident and another is still learning.

You should think twice if you dislike animals, have an allergy to them, or are uncomfortable outdoors. The activity is also not suitable during pregnancy, for children under 12, or for people above the stated 110-kilogram limit.

Riders who want a long, fast, or technically demanding outing may find two hours too short. This is a gentle introduction and cultural experience, not a full day in the saddle.

Practical preparation for an Icelandic ride

Dress for comfort first. Choose clothing that lets you move freely and add outdoor layers suitable for Icelandic weather. Comfortable shoes are required, and you should avoid arriving in footwear that makes walking around the stable awkward.

Do not count on buying food or drinks during the tour. Neither is included, so plan around the two-hour schedule before or after your ride. The activity itself is focused on horses and riding rather than a meal or a wider sightseeing program.

Keep your hands free as much as possible. Since the guide takes photos, you have less need to carry a phone in your hand. You can concentrate on instructions, the horse, and the countryside.

The cancellation terms are useful for uncertain weather or changing plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Still, check the exact start time and transport route before booking, since getting to the stable is your responsibility.

Should you book the Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses, a chance to try the tölt, and an active outing close to Reykjavík. The small group, thoughtful horse matching, local explanations, and free photos give this short tour more substance than a basic pony ride.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible price or a long day on horseback. At $200 for two hours, it asks you to place real value on the horse, the guide, and the setting.

For most suitable riders, I think the strongest reason to go is the balance between ease and authenticity. You receive enough instruction to feel supported, but you still get a genuine ride through Icelandic countryside rather than a staged indoor demonstration. Arrive early, dress for the weather, and book this when Icelandic horses are one of the experiences you most want to remember.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the riding experience and the introduction to horseback riding.

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at Íslenski Hesturinn, The Icelandic Horse, in Víðidalur in Iceland’s Capital Region. Google Maps can help you find it, and Faxaból 1, Víðidalur may also work as a map search.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is transportation to the stable included?

No. You arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. Public transportation is available on bus number 5.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour includes an introduction to horseback riding, and it can accommodate riders ranging from beginners to more experienced equestrians. Horses are assigned to suit the riders.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and outdoor clothing.

Who cannot take part in the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, or people weighing more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.