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

Reykjadalur is the kind of place where it feels like Iceland slows down. This horse ride puts you right in the fields and low river terrain, close to Reykjavik, with the added twist that you’ll be on a 5-gaited Icelandic horse. I like that it’s a small-group outing with hands-on coaching, so first-timers are not left to figure it out alone. The one thing to consider is that the ride is short, so if you’re craving a long, deep trail day, you may feel like you blinked.

The good news: you can show up as a total beginner. You get winter gear and helmets sorted for you, plus tea or coffee before you head out, and the guides teach you how to ride at a pace that keeps things fun. One more practical note: depending on the season and bugs, you might want to be ready for helmet-fly annoyance if netting is not part of the kit you receive.

Key Highlights You Should Actually Care About

• Beginner-friendly setup means you can ride without prior experience, with clear instruction at the start
• A real Icelandic horse with an extra gait experience, so you may feel tölt on this ride
• Small-group feel with a cap that keeps the ride guided and personal
• Warm, wet-weather gear included so you are not stuck trying to layer up in the parking lot
• 45 minutes from Reykjavik makes this easy to plug into a sightseeing day
• Gear and coffee/tea are included, which adds real value compared with tours that charge extra

Entering Reykjadalur on an Icelandic Horse That Does More Than Walk

This ride is built around a classic Iceland experience: getting on horseback and moving through countryside that you just cannot reach the same way by bus or on foot. What makes it especially fun for the curious rider is the kind of horse you’re on. These are Icelandic horses, and the goal is that you experience more than a simple walk and trot.

On a good day, you’ll get time to feel the extra gait that Icelandic horses are famous for, often described as tölt. It’s not just a party trick. Once your body learns the rhythm, it can feel smoother and more “riding-friendly” than you expect. Even if you’re new, the tour is designed so you’re guided into the right pace, rather than thrown into speed.

The horses themselves are well trained and calm enough for beginners, but not so dull that the ride feels like a slow classroom. That balance is what makes it feel alive.

Where You Ride Near Reykjavik, and What the Terrain Feels Like

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, in the Reykjadalur area near Hveragerði, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. That location matters. You get out of the city quickly, without losing half your day to long transfers. And once you’re riding, you’re not trapped in a tiny ring. You’re out in the countryside with views over valleys and fields, plus the kind of trail conditions Iceland is known for.

Expect a mix of surfaces and low obstacles. The ride includes a route that can take you through areas with low rivers and along terrain that changes as you move through the valley. It’s not a technical mountaineering problem, but it is “real trail riding” rather than parade lap.

One detail to keep in mind: part of the route may involve walking near the road for a short stretch. For some people, that breaks the sense of being fully out in nature. For others, it’s a quick connector and the rest of the ride feels well worth it. Either way, you should go in knowing this is a short regional trail, not a multi-hour backcountry expedition.

The 2-Hour Rhythm: Gear Up, Learn Fast, Then Ride for About 1.5 Hours

This is an approximately 2-hour total experience, with around 1.5 hours spent riding. That timing is great for a day that already has waterfalls, hot springs, or a drive to another town.

Here’s the flow of how the experience usually feels:

First, you show up at the meeting point in Reykjadalur and get geared up. The tour includes a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets. That’s a huge practical win in Iceland, because weather can shift fast. With gear provided, you can focus on riding instead of playing layer-management Tetris.

Next comes the prep and instruction. You’ll get coaching on how to mount, hold the reins, and ride safely. The tour is explicitly for all riding levels, which means the guides pace your learning. If you’ve never ridden, you should get time to get comfortable before you’re asked to do anything beyond a steady gait.

Then you head out for the main ride. This is the moment you’re paying for: moving through Reykjadalur’s valley scenery on a 5-gaited Icelandic horse. If conditions are right and the ride plan goes as expected, you may get to experience the extra gait, often described as tölt.

Finally, you ride back to the meeting point. Coffee and/or tea are included, so there’s a small reset at the end rather than an abrupt stop.

Gear, Weather, and the One Annoyance You Might Want to Plan For

I love that this tour includes winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets. In Iceland, weather is not a suggestion. It changes. Having your outer layers covered and your helmet sorted means you can dress in normal base layers and not worry about finding the right waterproof setup last minute.

The bigger comfort win is that you are not trying to fight cold, wet, or wind while you’re also learning to ride. A calm ride experience is one where your focus stays on balance and steering, not shivering.

Now, the one irritation that came up: bugs around helmets. One rider had a rough experience when bug netting was not provided and the insects made the ride difficult, especially for a child. Another rider said bug nets were provided and that flies can be bad that year. So here’s the practical way I’d handle it: if you’re riding during bug-heavy months, ask what helmet netting is offered, or bring whatever you personally prefer if the company allows it. This is one of those “small fix, big difference” situations.

Guides Who Teach Without Making It Awkward

The guides are a major part of why this tour scores well. The vibe is supportive and patient, not performative. What matters most for first-timers is that instruction happens in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you.

A few review highlights point to friendly, knowledgeable coaching and guides who help you understand the basics quickly. One guest called out especially gentle teaching for a true first-time rider. Another noted guides were good at teaching you how to ride and that they were friendly and knowledgeable. There’s also mention of guides being lovely and attentive, including references to French and German guide staff, though no specific names are provided in the information you have.

If you’re an experienced rider, you can still enjoy the day because the horses are responsive, and the route includes enough movement that it does not feel static. The “all riding levels” label is not marketing fluff here. It’s built into how the tour is run.

Price and Value: What $126.50 Includes, and What It Does Not

At $126.50 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Iceland. But it’s also not one of those “pay extra for everything” setups.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Gear is included: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmet
• Coffee and/or tea are included, so you’re not paying again right before you ride
• You are near Reykjavik with a short transfer time, which saves time and hassle
• Small-group guiding helps make the experience feel safer and more personal

What is not included:

• Pickup at hotels is not included
• Lunch is not included

So you should plan your day accordingly. If you want a full meal afterward, build in time for lunch before or after the ride. And if you’re staying in Reykjavik proper, plan your own way to the meeting point in Reykjadalur.

Who This Horse Ride Is Best For (and Who Might Rethink It)

This is a strong choice if:

• You’re a beginner and want structured instruction with a calm horse
• You want a classic Iceland activity that fits into a short day
• You’re traveling as a family with children aged 9 and up
• You’re curious about Icelandic horses and the extra gait experience

There are also a couple of “think twice” factors:

• If you want a long, full-day trail ride, the duration is fairly short
• If you hate any road-side riding at all, be aware the route may include a stretch near the shoulder of the road
• If bugs tend to ruin your outdoor experience, consider asking about helmet netting beforehand

On the safety side, the tour lists a max weight of 110 kg. That’s important to check before you book.

Practical Tips Before You Go

You don’t need to overthink this tour, but a few things will help you enjoy it more:

• Dress for Iceland wet and cold even if the morning looks fine. You’ll wear the provided outer gear, but you still need a comfortable base layer.
• Wear closed shoes you’re happy to walk around in before mounting.
• If you get motion sensitive, keep it calm at the start and listen closely during instruction.
• Bring a positive mindset for a short ride. This is a hit of Iceland by horseback, not a marathon.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjadalur horse riding tour?

It runs for approximately 2 hours total, with around 1.5 hours of riding time.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. The ride ends back at the same meeting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $126.50 per person.

What is included in the price?

Included are a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmets, and coffee and/or tea.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Pickup at hotels is not included.

What ages can participate?

Adults and children from 9 years old can participate.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the maximum listed weight is 110 kg.

Do I need good weather for this activity?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Reykjadalur Horse Ride?

I’d book it if you want a beginner-friendly Iceland horse experience that’s close to Reykjavik, runs on a reasonable timeline, and includes the gear that usually causes trouble in bad weather. The combination of small-group guidance, well-behaved Icelandic horses, and the chance to experience the extra gait makes it a solid value for a half-day activity.

I’d pause before booking if you’re hoping for a long backcountry trek, or if road-side riding and bugs would seriously bother you. If you’re flexible and prepared, this is the kind of day that gives you photos, movement, and a real Iceland flavor without draining your entire schedule.