Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

If you want an Iceland experience that is both active and scenic, this Icelandic horse ride is a smart choice. You spend about two hours in the saddle learning the tölt gait, the four-beat rhythm that helps Icelandic horses feel smooth even on rough ground.

I love that you get real instruction first, then you are matched into riding groups after the guides see your comfort level. Another big plus is the pickup option from Reykjavik, which can save you hassle on a cold day, and you finish with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables.

One thing to plan for is that pickup only works from selected Reykjavik pickup points, and it is possible your stop is at a nearby bus location. That is an easy fix, just double-check before you arrive so you do not waste time hunting for the right place.

Key things to know before you go

• Tölt coaching right at the start, so you are not just along for the ride
• Ability-based grouping after a short look at your riding comfort
• Pickup can be convenient, but you must pre-book and confirm the exact stop
• Full weather gear provided, including helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall
• Small group feel, with a maximum of 30 riders and multiple guides
• Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate after the trek, included in the price

Icelandic horses and the tölt gait in about two hours

This tour is built for one thing: riding Icelandic horses well, even if you are new. You start by meeting your instructor, and they assess your ability level so you are not thrown into the deep end. Then there is a quick instructional video, gear fitting, and hands-on coaching before you get moving.

The big star is the Icelandic horse itself. These horses are known for tölt, a four-beat gait that is designed to travel comfortably over Iceland’s uneven terrain. If you have ever ridden where every step feels like it goes straight to your spine, the tölt can feel like a breakthrough. Your job is to learn how to help your horse settle into that rhythm.

Riding time is short enough that it works on a packed day, but long enough to feel like you actually did something. And because you can pick morning or afternoon, you can choose the time that best fits your sightseeing plan.

Pickup from Reykjavik: saving time, avoiding stress

If you choose the option with pickup, you should treat it like a reservation with an exact address. Pickup is pre-booked, and it is only offered from selected pickup points in Reykjavik. If your hotel is not listed, you will need to reach out so they can identify the nearest pickup point.

Also, do not assume the pickup is directly at your lodging. The tour notes that pickup might be from a nearby bus stop. That matters because in Reykjavik, it is common for hotels to be close to multiple stops, and you want the exact one.

Practical move: once you book, confirm your pickup location with the operator and have the meeting details saved offline. When the weather turns windy or rainy, you will be glad you planned that part early.

If you are driving yourself, the rule is simpler: arrive at the stables 30 minutes before your tour start time.

What happens at the stables: gear, video, and group matching

When you arrive at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, you will do a classic Iceland tour rhythm: meet the instructor, listen, get geared up, then go. What makes this version feel efficient is the gear setup and the way they prepare you before you mount.

You are provided with:

• A helmet
• Rubber boots
• Rain gear
• A warm overall

That is a big deal in Iceland. You do not have to guess what will keep you warm and dry, and you can avoid ruining your good shoes. Still, wear clothing that you are comfortable getting a little sweaty in. You are riding, not just walking around.

Next comes the instructional piece. You watch a short video that explains how to ease your horse into the tölt, and then you get coaching from the guides. The guides are there for safety and comfort, including helping you learn what to do with your position and pace.

Then the tour gets personal. After you ride a bit, the instructor splits you into three groups based on ability:

• Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain
• Intermediates ride at a more active pace
• Experienced riders tackle more challenging routes

You can also tell the instructor if you want to go slower or faster, which is helpful if you are right on the line between groups.

Riding lava fields and moorland: what you will see from the saddle

Once you are settled, the route focuses on Iceland’s dramatic mix of ground textures. You ride through lava fields and moorland, with views toward volcanic mountains and lakes. Even though the ride is only a couple hours, it feels like a proper nature break because the scenery changes as you move across the terrain.

The tölt portion is what makes the ride feel special. Instead of bouncing over every rock and edge, your goal is to help your horse find that smooth, four-beat gait. When it clicks, you get more time to look around and enjoy the ride, not just hold on.

A bonus with the group approach is pacing control. Beginners can stay on comfortable footing at an easier speed, while more confident riders get routes that match their ability. That reduces the frustration of being stuck behind someone going too slow, or feeling pressured when you are not ready to go fast.

If you pick a morning ride, you might catch early-day light that makes the terrain look extra crisp. Iceland’s weather can change fast, but timing can still help your photos.

The included coffee moment: warm drinks, real payoff

After the trek, the tour keeps things simple and satisfying. You get coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables. It is not just a nice gesture. It is a smart way to reset your body after time in wind and cold.

This is one of those “small included things” that you feel immediately, especially if you are dressed for rain and you have been wearing gloves and heavy layers.

Price and value: is $133 per person fair?

At $133.02 per person for about two hours, the pricing feels reasonable when you look at what is actually included. You are getting:

• Guided instruction, including coaching for tölt
• Helmet and protective riding gear
• Rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall
• Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate after the ride
• Grouping based on riding comfort
• Pickup option from Reykjavik if you book that specific variant

In other words, you are not paying just for access to horses. You are paying for teaching time, safety support, and gear that handles Iceland weather without you bringing a suitcase full of technical clothing.

The value also improves if you are short on time in Iceland. Two hours is not a huge commitment, but it is enough to learn a new riding skill and see the kind of terrain you only get to experience on horseback.

If you have your own gear and you are an experienced rider, you might wonder if you could find cheaper. But the tölt-focused instruction and the ability grouping are hard to replicate for less money.

Who should book, and who might skip this one

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a guided horseback experience in Icelandic horses, not just a one-time sit
• Like learning something practical, not only taking photos
• Prefer being matched into an ability group during the ride
• Want pickup from Reykjavik to reduce day-of stress
• Are comfortable riding for about two hours with a moderate fitness level

It is also a good fit for families with older kids, with rules that keep it safer and more organized. The tour allows up to two children or youth to travel with each adult, paying full fare. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

On the other hand, you should skip if any of these apply:

• You are under the age limit of 7
• You exceed the weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs
• You are pregnant (the tour states it is not allowed)
• You cannot mount the horse by your own strength from the ground
• You plan to use old riding gear near the horses (used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the stables)

Also, note that the tour requires decent weather. Iceland loves surprise conditions, but the operator will cancel and offer a different date or a full refund if weather prevents the ride.

Wind, rain, and the small details that make a big difference

Icelandic weather has a personality. Even if the morning starts calm, wind can pick up quickly. Wear layers that work with the provided warm overall, and keep your hat situation ready.

One smart tip from riders is to use a hat or ear protection in windy conditions. The good news is that the tour provides warm gear and rain protection, so you are not starting from scratch.

Two more practical thoughts:

• Do not bring your favorite expensive shoes. Rubber boots and wet terrain can ruin delicate footwear.
• Be ready for physical work. You are mounting and riding, so pick clothing that lets you move naturally.

If you arrive by car and have to park, give yourself buffer time. The stables check you in and gear you up, and you want to be calm when the cold air hits.

Is the staff experience consistent?

Most riders describe guides who are friendly, patient, and enthusiastic, and they appreciate how the instruction is tailored to the group. You are also likely to see multiple guides working with different skill levels, which helps the tour feel more hands-on.

Still, like any operation with several staff members on shift, experiences can vary. A small number of people have mentioned that some interactions felt less warm than others. The safest move is to focus on the riding instruction and safety guidance, and if something feels off, communicate clearly and politely in the moment.

In general, the key part is that your ride is guided, and that is where the quality shows up.

Should you book this Reykjavik Icelandic horse tour?

Book it if you want a real skill-building horseback ride focused on the tölt, plus gear and drinks included, plus the option to start with pickup from Reykjavik. It is a strong choice for first-timers and for people who already ride, because you get sorted into groups and routes match your comfort.

Hold off if you know you cannot meet the basic requirements, like mounting from the ground or staying within the weight limit. Also think twice if two hours in cold wind would be miserable for you, even with rain gear and a warm overall.

If you choose the morning option, you also give yourself a better shot at that clean early light that makes Iceland look extra sharp. Either way, this is a practical, fun way to see Iceland on horseback, without needing prior experience and without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is offered, but it must be pre-booked, and it only happens from selected pickup points in Reykjavik. If your hotel is not listed, you need to contact the operator to find the nearest pickup point. Pickup may be at a nearby bus stop.

What’s included in the tour price?

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are included. You also receive helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. You meet an instructor first to review your ability level, then you ride and get placed into beginner, intermediate, or experienced groups. You can also ask to ride slower or faster.

What are the age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 7 years old. The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

What happens if weather is bad?

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