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

The special thing here is the Icelandic horse, a small, sturdy breed famous for its extra gait, the smooth tölt. You ride through Reykjadalur, or Smoky Valley, on a tour made for first-timers, yet experienced riders still get a chance to ask for more pace and feel what makes these horses different.

I like the patient instruction and the full supply of riding gear. I also like the easy access from Reykjavik: the stable is about 45 minutes away, so you can fit this into a busy Iceland day without giving up a full morning or afternoon.

The main drawback is that much of the route follows the shoulder of a road before turning into open countryside. The ride is gentle and slow for most of the time, which suits beginners and families, but it may feel too tame if you want a long canter or a demanding trail.

Key points to know before you book

• Try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt: The fifth gait is the star feature, and some rides include a chance to experience it.
• Built for beginners: No riding background is needed, and children from age 9 can take part.
• Expect a gentle pace: Most of the ride is walking, with only brief chances to move faster.
• Gear is supplied: Helmets, winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, coffee, and tea are included.
• Small groups help: The group limit is 14 people, allowing useful help with mounting, reins, and pace.
• Plan for insects in warm weather: Bug nets may be available, but the supplied details do not promise them, so ask before setting out.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride special

Icelandic horses are not simply small versions of ordinary riding horses. They are sturdy, sure-footed animals bred for Iceland’s rough ground and changeable weather. Their best-known feature is the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel steadier than a trot.

You may not reach the tölt on every ride, especially if the group includes complete beginners. Still, the guides have introduced it to mixed groups, and riders with some experience may get a chance to feel this distinctive movement. One practical point: the tour description calls the horses five-gaited, but the extra gait is not guaranteed for every person or every moment of the ride.

The horses used here are described as clean, healthy, gentle, and responsive to simple instructions. That matters more than showy speed. A calm horse gives you room to focus on posture, reins, and where to look instead of worrying about control.

The ride also gives you a small piece of Icelandic rural life. You are not watching horses from a stable yard or taking a short photo ride in a paddock. You are mounted and moving through fields, along the base of the mountain, and through a few low river crossings when conditions allow.

Getting to the stable near Hveragerði

The meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. It sits about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, making it a practical outing if you have your own car or have arranged transport separately.

Hotel pickup is not included. That is an important cost and timing point. The listed price is $126.50 per person, but your real budget must also allow for getting to and from the stable.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. This makes planning easier, especially if you are combining the ride with another stop near Hveragerði. Do not assume the activity drops you in central Reykjavik afterward.

Arrive with enough time to get fitted for equipment and receive instructions. The published ride time is about 1.5 hours, while the full activity is listed at roughly two hours. That difference likely covers preparation and return time, but you should keep a little space around the booking rather than scheduling another activity immediately afterward.

Getting fitted for helmets and weather gear

I like that the stable supplies practical clothing instead of asking you to arrive with a full set of riding equipment. You receive a helmet, winter jumpsuit, and rain clothing, along with coffee or tea.

I would still dress in layers. Supplied rainwear protects you from Icelandic weather, but your own base layer, warm socks, and comfortable trousers will make the saddle time easier. You will want footwear that works with the riding equipment and can handle wet ground, though the supplied information does not specify a required shoe type.

Weather matters here. The tour requires good conditions, and the operator may cancel if the weather is poor. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Insects deserve a special note. One ride was badly affected by swarms of flies, while another group received bug nets and found them useful. This suggests that conditions can vary by season and day. Ask the stable about helmet nets before you begin, especially if you are visiting during a period with heavy insects. It is a small item, but it can make a large difference to comfort.

The first minutes in the saddle

The tour suits adults and children from age 9, and no previous riding experience is required. The guides begin with basic help, including how to handle the reins and respond to the horse.

That beginner focus is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. A first ride can feel awkward for the first few minutes, and patient instruction helps you settle into the saddle. The guides are described as friendly and supportive, with enough attention to help people who have only ridden once before.

The group limit is 14 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough for hands-on guidance when everyone is mounting, adjusting equipment, or learning a new cue. The smaller the actual group on your date, the more personal the pace and instruction may feel.

If you already ride, tell the guide early. The tour is not designed as a fast training session, but the staff can help you make the most of the horse’s movement and may offer a chance to try the tölt.

Riding beside the road, then into the fields

The route begins with a long stretch beside the road. One description puts this at roughly two miles in each direction, with the countryside opening up as the route turns toward the fields and the base of the mountain.

This road section is the least scenic part of the ride. Walking along a road shoulder is not as peaceful as having a dedicated trail, and you may find yourself wishing for more time away from traffic. It also means the ride is not a pure wilderness outing from start to finish.

Still, the road section has a practical benefit for beginners. A broad, straightforward route gives you time to settle down, learn the horse’s rhythm, and practice basic control before the terrain becomes less predictable. The horses are trained and responsive, which helps keep this opening stretch calm.

Once the ride turns into the fields, the setting feels more like the Iceland you came to see. You get open countryside, views toward the mountain, and the chance to observe how the horse moves over changing ground. The route is simple rather than extreme, but that is exactly why it works for families and new riders.

Low rivers and the famous Icelandic tölt

Some rides include a few low river crossings. These are not described as large or difficult crossings, but they add a welcome sense of adventure. You get to see the horse step through water and handle terrain that feels more natural than a fenced riding arena.

The low water also gives you a reason to pay attention to the horse. You may notice the animal placing its feet carefully and responding to the guide’s direction. For a first-time rider, this is a memorable part of the outing without turning the tour into a risky challenge.

The fifth gait is the experience many people hope to try. The tölt is a distinctive Icelandic movement, and the guides may introduce it when the group and horses are ready. It is not the same as simply riding faster. The horse changes its rhythm, and you get a taste of what makes this breed so prized in Iceland.

Keep your expectations sensible. The tour moves at a walking pace for most of the time, with only a few chances to go faster. One account describes four brief faster sections, while the rest of the ride stayed slow. That is good news if you are nervous, have children with you, or want to enjoy the views without bouncing around.

If your main goal is sustained trotting, cantering, or a long gallop, this is probably not the right ride. Choose it for the horses, the setting, the tölt, and the relaxed introduction to riding in Iceland.

What the scenery adds to the experience

Reykjadalur is known as Smoky Valley, and the surrounding countryside gives the ride its Icelandic character. The route offers open views rather than a tightly enclosed trail, with the mountain nearby and fields stretching around the stable area.

I would not book this solely for nonstop dramatic scenery. The road section and simple route mean the outing has quiet stretches. Yet the combination of horse, open ground, mountain views, and water crossings creates a more active connection to the countryside than a quick roadside photo stop.

The ride also offers a different pace from typical sightseeing. From a bus window, Iceland can pass in a blur of lava fields, farms, and distant peaks. On horseback, you move slowly enough to notice the ground under you and the way the horse responds to it.

The guides may add local details during the ride. One beginner group learned about old bunkers, while another wished for more explanation about Icelandic horse culture and the area. This suggests the amount of storytelling can vary, so book the tour primarily as a riding experience rather than a full cultural lecture.

How much value do you get for $126.50?

At $126.50 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you count the horse, guide support, riding equipment, a 1.5-hour ride, and the convenience of being close to Reykjavik.

The supplied winter jumpsuit and rain gear can save you from renting or packing specialized clothing. Coffee and tea are also included, though they are a small bonus rather than a reason to book.

The value is strongest for a first-time rider who wants a safe introduction to Icelandic horses without spending a full day away from the capital. Families can also get good value from the gentle pace and age minimum of 9.

The value is weaker for an experienced rider seeking a long, technical trail. You are paying for a guided introduction with a high level of support, not a fast private ride through remote terrain.

The free cancellation policy also reduces some booking risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted. Since the tour depends on good weather, a weather cancellation brings a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Reykjadalur ride?

I would choose this tour for a family with older children, a couple wanting a distinctly Icelandic activity, or a first-time rider who wants friendly instruction. It also suits you if you have only a few days in Reykjavik and want a countryside outing that takes about half a day once transport is included.

You will likely enjoy it if you value calm horses, personal help, and a chance to try the tölt. The horses are a major part of the appeal, and the staff focus on keeping riders comfortable and in control.

Think twice if you dislike riding near roads, are sensitive to flies, or want an athletic ride. Ask about insect nets and the expected route before departure. If the answer confirms a road-heavy route and very slow pace, you can decide if that matches your plans.

The maximum weight is 110 kg. Most people can take part, but the operator should be contacted if you have concerns about the riding requirements or equipment fit.

Should you book it?

Book this horse ride if you want a friendly, practical introduction to Icelandic horses near Reykjavik. The gentle animals, patient guides, supplied clothing, and chance to feel the tölt make it a good choice for beginners and families.

Skip it if you want a remote trail ride with long stretches of fast riding. The road shoulder, slow pace, and short faster sections may disappoint experienced riders. For the right person, though, this is an easy way to meet Iceland’s remarkable horses and see the countryside from the saddle.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

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

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur at Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, and the tour begins and ends at the stable meeting point.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and no previous experience is required.

What is the minimum age?

Children can take part from age 9.

What equipment is provided?

The stable provides winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets. Coffee and tea are also included.

What happens if the weather is too poor for the ride?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.