Experience Countryside of Iceland by Horseback Riding

Iceland’s famous horse gives you a fresh way to see the countryside. Near the fishing village of Þorlákshöfn, you ride past beaches, lava fields, grassy banks, and mountains, with the route shaped by the weather and season.

I like the small maximum group of 12, and I like the calm, personal teaching style associated with Maggi, Magnus, and Sigrún. The horses are suited to beginners, yet experienced riders may get a chance to try the tölt, the smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses. The main caution is that you may not reach the beach, and some rides can stay close to the farm if weather or conditions change.

Key points before you book

• The tölt is the star: You may experience the Icelandic horse’s distinctive smooth gait, depending on your ability and the group’s pace.
• A beginner-friendly ride: Guides match the outing to the least experienced rider, so nobody is pushed to go faster than feels safe.
• Þorlákshöfn feels rural: The setting includes open fields, lava, mountains, and possible beach views, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
• A genuinely small group: The maximum is 12 people, allowing more direct help with mounting, steering, and control.
• The route can change: Weather and season decide where you go. A beach ride is possible, not guaranteed.
• Warm clothing matters: Helmets and riding equipment are supplied, but you need good shoes and warm, comfortable clothes.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Þorlákshöfn

The ride begins at Alhestar on Faxabraut 6 in Þorlákshöfn, a small fishing village on Iceland’s South Coast. From central Reykjavik hotels, the drive takes about 45 minutes, placing you quickly in open country without committing to a full-day excursion.

The setting is part of the appeal. This is not a city sightseeing activity with a horse added on at the end. You are riding around a working coastal community, with the countryside spreading into fields, moorland, lava, and mountain views.

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy animals with a calm reputation, and this ride is designed for people at different skill levels. You do not need years of riding experience to take part. The guides adjust the pace and route to the group, with a clear rule that the ride does not go faster than its slowest rider.

That promise matters. A mixed group can be awkward on horseback if confident riders are allowed to pull ahead. Here, your time in the saddle should feel more like a shared outing than a test of your riding ability.

The first part: meeting your horse and learning the basics

Expect the ride to begin with the practical work of getting comfortable around the horses. Helmets and riding equipment are included, and the guides help riders get mounted and ready.

If you are nervous, say so early. Maggi is praised for being patient with first-time riders, explaining how to control the horse and taking safety seriously. Magnus is also described as a gentle instructor who has worked with Icelandic horses for much of his life.

You will need to take some responsibility, even on a beginner ride. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for an extended period. Riding for three hours can be tiring, especially if you are not used to the position.

The small group size helps here. With no more than 12 people, the guide can pay closer attention to riders who need extra help. This is useful at the start, when a little guidance with the reins or posture can make the rest of the outing much more relaxed.

Across fields, moorland, and old lava

Once the group is ready, the ride moves into the countryside around Þorlákshöfn. The exact route depends on the season and weather, so you should treat the advertised scenery as a range of possibilities rather than a fixed sequence of stops.

You might ride alongside tall grass banks, across open moorland, or over ground shaped by old lava flows. The scenery is broad and uncluttered, with mountains in the distance and the coast nearby. On a clear day, the simple pleasure is the steady rhythm of the horse beneath you and the quiet view opening around the group.

The lava fields give this ride a particularly Icelandic setting. They are a reminder that the countryside is not just green pasture. Black, rough volcanic ground and open grass sit close together, creating the stark contrasts Iceland does so well.

The pace should remain controlled. This is not a galloping adventure, and the guides adjust the ride to the least experienced person. Strong riders may find the pace gentle, but that is the tradeoff for a group activity intended to work for beginners.

If your main goal is a fast ride, this may feel too restrained. If your goal is to enjoy the horses and scenery without feeling hurried, the approach is sensible.

The famous tölt and what you may actually experience

The Icelandic horse is known for the tölt, a distinctive four-beat gait that can feel unusually smooth. It is one of the main reasons experienced riders seek out this type of outing.

The chance to try it depends on the group, the horse, the guide, and the conditions. Do not assume you will spend the whole ride at the tölt. A beginner may stay at a walk, while a more experienced rider could receive instruction and a short chance to feel the gait.

That flexibility makes the ride work for a wide audience, but it also means expectations need to be realistic. This is not a specialist riding lesson built around advanced techniques. It is a countryside ride where the tölt may become one memorable part of the morning or afternoon.

Some riders have completed several rides with Magnus and felt that the variety of ground, including pastures, moors, dunes, and lava, helped them learn more than an hour in a stable. That makes sense: a horse responds differently to changing surfaces, and you become more aware of your balance as the surroundings shift.

You should also understand that the horses are not props. The guide’s job is to keep the animals and riders safe, and the route may slow down or change when conditions call for it.

Beach views are possible, not promised

The coastal setting gives the ride its visual appeal, but the beach should be treated as a possibility rather than a guarantee. The route changes with weather and season, and at least one account describes a ride that stayed in the pasture and did not reach the shore.

That is the most important expectation to set before booking. If seeing a black-sand beach is essential to your Iceland plans, choose a dedicated coastal excursion instead. If you are happy with a ride through fields, lava, and open country, the trip can still deliver a worthwhile setting even when the route remains inland.

When the ride does reach the coast, the combination of horse, open shore, and Icelandic weather can be memorable. But conditions in Iceland can change quickly, and the guide has good reason to favor safety over a particular photo opportunity.

The same applies to views of the mountains. You may see them clearly, or cloud and weather may soften the outlook. Part of the charm is that the ride takes place in real countryside, not a controlled scenic park.

The people make this feel personal

The most consistent strength of this activity is its friendly, hands-on character. Maggi is described as calm with nervous riders and quick with a joke. Magnus is often associated with patient instruction, affection for the horses, and coffee offered after the ride.

Sigrún is also named as one of the instructors. The exact guide working with you may vary, so do not book based on a promise that one particular person will lead your ride. Still, the personal scale of the operation means you are likely to have direct contact with the people handling the horses.

English ability may vary among the staff. Some riders have found communication easy, while others relied on gestures and translation tools. Horse handling itself is often a shared language, but if detailed spoken instruction in English is very important to you, confirm that point before booking.

The informal coffee welcome is a pleasant extra when offered, but it is not listed as a formal part of the package. You should regard it as hospitality, not as something guaranteed. Snacks are included, along with fees, taxes, helmets, and riding equipment.

Is $207 a fair price?

At $207, this is not a cheap short activity. You are paying for roughly three hours, a horse, equipment, snacks, and transport from central Reykjavik hotels. The small group limit also has real value, especially for a first-time rider who needs more attention.

The price makes more sense if you do not have a rental car and would otherwise need to arrange transport to Þorlákshöfn. The drive is about 30 kilometers, or 19 miles, from Reykjavik, and the pickup removes some of the planning.

Value depends heavily on the route you receive. A longer ride through varied countryside and toward the beach will feel more worthwhile than a shortened outing that stays near the pasture. One negative account describes an outdated setup, an unclean stable, a late guide, and a ride that stopped halfway. Those complaints are not reflected in the overall rating of 4.6 from 16 ratings, but they are useful warnings about the limits of a small, informal operation.

I would book this for the horses, the setting, and the personal instruction, not for polished facilities or a tightly scripted program. If you want a luxury stable, guaranteed beach scenery, or a formal lesson in English, the price may feel high.

What to wear and how to prepare

Warm, comfortable clothing is essential. Iceland’s weather can change during a three-hour ride, and you will be outside for the full activity. Bring good shoes, since footwear is not supplied.

Layering is the practical choice. You can remove a layer if the sun appears, then add it again when the wind picks up. The supplied helmet and riding equipment cover the important specialist items, but your own clothing still determines how pleasant the ride feels.

Wear clothes that allow you to sit and move comfortably. You do not need to arrive as an expert rider, but you should be ready for a moderate physical effort. If you are anxious around horses, tell the guide before mounting rather than trying to hide it.

Service animals are allowed. The activity is not described as fully accessible for every mobility level, and horseback riding itself requires mounting and sitting in the saddle, so ask the operator about your specific needs before booking.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. The slow-group policy, patient instruction, and small size give beginners a fair chance to relax and enjoy the countryside.

It also suits experienced riders who want to feel the tölt or spend several hours on a horse rather than make a quick photo stop. Just remember that the group pace comes first. You may not get as much speed or technical riding as you would on a private specialist outing.

Families and mixed-ability groups can benefit from the flexible approach, provided everyone meets the physical requirements and is comfortable with the outdoor setting. The three-hour length is long enough to feel substantial without taking a full day away from Reykjavik.

I would be more cautious for anyone with a packed schedule. Pickup, the drive to Þorlákshöfn, preparation, and the ride take a meaningful part of the day even though the riding portion is about three hours. Weather-sensitive activities also require some flexibility.

Booking and cancellation details

Pickup is offered from central Reykjavik hotels, while the stated meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn. The activity ends back at that meeting point, so confirm the exact pickup arrangement when you book.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the group maximum is 12 people. The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Icelandic horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group ride through genuine South Coast countryside and you value patient help more than polished facilities. The Icelandic horse, the chance to feel the tölt, and the mix of fields, lava, mountains, and possible beach views give the activity a clear sense of place.

Think twice if you need guaranteed beach scenery, advanced riding, or precise English-language instruction. The route can change, communication may be informal, and the operation appears more personal than polished.

For the right person, $207 buys more than time on a horse. It gives you a quiet view of Iceland from the saddle, with guides who aim to keep the group together and the horses well cared for. Go dressed for the weather, keep your expectations flexible, and you are likely to get the best from this outing.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The ride takes place around Þorlákshöfn, a small fishing village on Iceland’s South Coast. The surrounding area includes beaches, lava fields, grassy banks, moorland, and mountains.

How far is Þorlákshöfn from Reykjavik?

Þorlákshöfn is about 30 kilometers, or 19 miles, from Reykjavik. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Round-trip transfers from central Reykjavik hotels are included in the tour description. Confirm the exact pickup location when booking.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours. It ends back at the meeting point in Þorlákshöfn.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. The ride is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. The guides adjust the pace to the abilities of the group and do not go faster than the slowest rider.

Will I definitely ride on the beach?

No. The route depends on the weather and season. Beach views are possible, but the ride may remain in fields or other countryside near the village.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets and riding equipment are provided. Snacks, fees, and taxes are also included.

What should I bring?

You should bring good shoes and warm, comfortable clothing. The activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

You will be offered a different date or experience, or you can receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.