Tölt on Icelandic horses feels wonderfully low-key. This 3-hour countryside ride takes you out from central Reykjavík (pickup offered) to Þorlákshöfn on the South Coast, where you can look out over beach views, lava fields, and mountains from horseback. The pace is set for the group, so it’s built for both nervous first-timers and seasoned riders.

What I like most is the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s signature tölt gait, not just a slow walk around a ring. I also like that the ride is small, with a maximum of 12 riders, and guides actively match the speed to the slowest person so nobody gets left behind.

One drawback to consider: this is an outdoors ride that depends on weather and traction, and at least one rider report complained about timing/equipment/route scope. If you go, go with the right expectations: it’s practical, not fancy, and you’ll want good shoes and warm layers.

Key things to know before you go

• Tölt practice, not just basic riding: Icelandic horses can move in a smooth four-beat gait that feels very different from standard trots.
• Small group size (max 12): more attention, less waiting around, and a calmer feel than big busier operations.
• Þorlákshöfn area on the South Coast: rides can include beach scenery, lava terrain, and mountain backdrops depending on season and weather.
• Transfers from Reykjavík: pickup from central hotels is included, which saves you hassle on a far-out location.
• Helmets + riding equipment + snacks included: you just need to bring yourself and dress for Iceland’s mood.
• Route adjusts to riders: guides keep it at the group’s comfort level, including for beginners.

Why a South Coast horse ride beats staying in Reykjavík

You can see a lot of Iceland from the road—waterfalls, towns, viewpoints. But horseback adds something you can’t replicate from a bus window: your body is part of the landscape changes, and the Icelandic horses move with a steady rhythm that makes the countryside feel close. Near Þorlákshöfn, the setting is varied enough to keep your attention, too. One moment you might be thinking about sea air and open views, the next you’re focused on the ground underfoot.

Another reason this works: the tour is organized around a practical, small-group experience rather than a “race to the next photo spot.” That matters because good riding is about timing—mounting, balance, and learning what your horse needs from you. When the group is small and the pace is controlled, you actually get time to settle in.

The Icelandic horse tölt: what you’re really signing up for

If you want a ride that’s more than “sit and watch,” this is it. Icelandic horses have a tölt, a distinctive gait the guides aim to help you experience. You’ll typically spend the ride learning how to communicate with the horse at a comfort level you can manage, then enjoy how smooth (and surprisingly fun) tölt can feel once you stop fighting the motion.

Even if you’re a beginner, the setup is geared for learning. Guides adjust the journey based on the group’s ability and won’t go faster than the slowest rider. That’s not just kindness—it’s how you avoid the common beginner problem of trying to catch up while your horse is still figuring out its work.

If you’ve ridden before, you may still appreciate the focused pace and the chance to ride Icelandic horses specifically. One theme that comes through in the stories from this place is that the owner/guide teaches calmly and takes safety seriously, even when people start out a little tense.

Þorlákshöfn on horseback: beaches, lava, and big mountain views

Þorlákshöfn (Thorlák’s Harbour) is about 30 km (19 miles) from Reykjavík—roughly a 45-minute drive. That’s close enough that the day doesn’t feel like a mission, yet far enough that you get real countryside time.

Here’s what makes the area interesting from the saddle: the region can combine beach scenery, patches of tall green grass banks, lava fields, and mountain views. The exact route changes with weather and season, so you’re not guaranteed every feature every day. But you are guaranteed variety.

In practical terms, what that means for you is simple:

• You’ll ride outdoors with real terrain, not a flat fenced arena the whole time.
• You’ll spend more time outside looking around, rather than staying parked at one scenic point.
• On some days you may get closer to shoreline areas, while other days you might be working more around pasture/lava terrain depending on conditions.

Group size, pace control, and safety that actually feel personal

The tour caps at 12 riders, which is a big deal in a country where weather can force changes. With a smaller group, guides can see who is struggling and adjust without turning the experience into a scramble. The tour also explicitly targets both beginners and experienced riders, which usually means you should feel like the ride won’t punish you for being new.

Safety is handled in a straightforward way:

• Helmets and riding equipment are included.
• The guides keep the speed at the level of the slowest rider.
• The route depends on weather, which helps reduce the “we have to push through” feeling.

In the positive experiences, the guides come across as calm and careful with instruction—especially for riders who are a bit afraid at the start. If you’re worried about control, that matters. Learning to manage your horse comfortably comes from coaching plus repetition, not from being rushed.

A note on expectations

Not every experience is perfect. One sour note in the feedback criticized equipment condition, a late guide start, and a route that didn’t reach a beach as expected. That’s not “the whole story,” but it’s a reminder to set your expectations: this is rural, weather-dependent riding—not a polished, scripted luxury show.

How the 3-hour timing works (and why transfers matter)

This is about 3 hours total. Because pickup from central Reykjavík hotels is included, the time isn’t “just riding”—it’s also about getting out and back. The Þorlákshöfn drive is about 45 minutes, so you can think of the day as roughly a half hour to ride, a good block for the ride itself, plus time for meeting up, getting geared, and returning.

The practical upside of the transfer is that you don’t have to figure out transport or parking on the South Coast. For a first Iceland trip, where daylight and weather schedules are already unpredictable, simplifying logistics is value.

Also, this is an all-year option. Iceland in winter and shoulder season can mean shorter daylight, colder wind, and slicker surfaces. The tour’s “adjust for the group” approach becomes even more important then—so dress accordingly.

What to wear: your biggest lever for comfort (and safety)

The tour doesn’t include “good shoes” or warm clothes, so take that seriously. This is outdoors Iceland, and you’ll be on uneven ground with cold air around you. Your job is to show up ready to stay warm.

I recommend:

• Shoes with grip (not smooth soles). Sturdy footwear helps when you’re stepping around horses and changing terrain.
• Warm, comfortable layers. Even in better weather, Iceland can flip fast.
• Gloves if you get cold easily.
• A hat that keeps wind off your ears.

Helmets and riding equipment are provided, and you’ll get snacks. But clothing is still the difference between a ride you remember for the horses and a ride you remember for being miserable.

Moderate physical fitness is the stated requirement. That usually means you should be comfortable with standing, mounting/dismounting, and walking around for short periods. If you have balance limitations or strong concerns, it’s worth evaluating honestly before booking.

Price and value: does $207 make sense?

At $207 for an approximately 3-hour experience, you’re paying for three things:

1. Icelandic horses and trained handling (including equipment and helmets),
2. small-group management (max 12),
3. round-trip transfers from central Reykjavík hotels.

The ride is not long, but it’s not a “drive by” either. You get real time on horseback plus a chance to ride an Icelandic horse’s tölt. If you’re comparing it to other Iceland activities where you pay for transport and guiding anyway, this feels fairly priced—especially because pickup is included and you don’t need to arrange your own ride out to Þorlákshöfn.

Where value can wobble is what you personally want. If you only care about the flashiest coastal views, and your day’s weather or route doesn’t line up with that, the experience might feel shorter or less scenic than you hoped. If you care more about learning to ride and being on an Icelandic horse outside, the price starts to feel like a fair trade.

The farm vibe: simple, hands-on, and sometimes wonderfully hospitable

One thing you’ll likely notice is the tone: this isn’t a shiny, modern facility. It’s horses, instruction, and getting outside. For many people, that’s the whole appeal. You’re not being managed through a theme-park checklist—you’re being taught to ride.

A recurring detail from the positive experiences: guides/owners are friendly and often invite conversation after the ride. Some riders describe getting coffee afterward at the home/farm area. That’s not listed as a guaranteed included item, but it’s a good sign of how the place operates. If that’s your style, you’ll probably enjoy the relaxed wrap-up.

If you’re someone who needs everything to be perfectly timed, language-perfect, and tightly scripted, then you should plan to stay flexible. Iceland weather and rural operations don’t run like a city tour.

Should you book Countryside of Iceland by Horseback Riding?

Book it if:

• You want to experience the Icelandic horse’s tölt gait in the real countryside.
• You prefer small-group instruction and a guided pace that won’t leave you behind.
• You’d rather pay for pickup and let the logistics handle themselves.

Skip or think twice if:

• You expect luxury or very polished infrastructure.
• You’re extremely sensitive to minor scheduling problems or you need flawless English from start to finish.
• You don’t want to dress for outdoor riding and you don’t have grippy shoes.

My rule of thumb: in Iceland, the best tours are the ones you match to your mindset. If you show up ready to learn, keep warm, and enjoy the horses more than the roadside photos, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The start is AlhestarFaxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from central Reykjavík hotels are included, and pickup is offered.

How long is the horseback tour?

It’s about 3 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

All fees and taxes, helmets and riding equipment, and snacks are included.

What should I bring or wear?

Good shoes and warm, comfortable clothes are not included, so you’ll want to bring those.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, and guides adjust the route and speed based on the group.

What kind of riding can I expect?

You’ll ride an Icelandic horse and experience the Icelandic horse’s unique tölt gait.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Confirmation is received at booking.