Tölting across Iceland countryside feels oddly easy. This all-levels horse ride from Sólhestar takes place in Reykjadalur, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, and focuses on a classic Icelandic horse experience with a 5-gaited mount. The tour runs about 2 hours total.

I love that they keep things hands-on and supportive. Two big wins for me: the gear is included (winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmets) and the ride is designed for first-timers, not just experienced riders. Bonus: you’ll be served coffee and/or tea to warm up before you head out.

One thing to plan for is bugs. If swarms hit on your dates, the ride can feel miserable without proper helmet bug netting, so I’d ask on arrival what’s available and come with a just-in-case mindset.

Key things to know before you go

• All riding levels are welcome, even if it’s your first time on a horse (minimum age is 9).
• You’ll ride a 5-gaited Icelandic horse, and you may get to experience the extra gait called the tort.
• Included outerwear matters in Iceland: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet.
• Small groups keep the coaching personal (the cap is listed at 14 travelers, with group size described as up to 18).
• Most of the ride stays smooth and controlled, with a few faster moments if conditions and your comfort allow.
• There’s no hotel pickup and no lunch, so you’ll want to plan your own timing and food.

Reykjadalur from Reykjavik: why this ride fits your day

Reykjadalur (often nicknamed the Smoky Valley) is a practical choice if you want Iceland horse riding without burning half your day on logistics. You meet near Reykjadalur Valley and you’re back at the same spot when the ride ends. That makes it easy to pair with other nearby stops around the Hveragerði area.

Time-wise, you’re looking at about 2 hours total, with roughly 1.5 hours spent actually riding. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you really got out into the countryside, not so long that you’re exhausted from cold, wind, and sitting still.

This is also a tour built for mixed comfort levels. You don’t need to know the basics of steering or posture ahead of time. The guide-led pacing and hands-on help are a big part of why it works for beginners and why more confident riders still get something fun out of it.

Check-in at Sólhestar and the kit they hand you

You start at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur in the Vorsabæjarvellir Valley (Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði). Bring your mobile ticket, check in, and then get fitted for the kit they provide.

Here’s what’s included:

• winter jumpsuit
• rain clothing
• helmets
• coffee and/or tea

I like this setup because it removes a lot of guesswork. Iceland weather can switch from fine to wet fast, and this tour anticipates that. You’re not stuck trying to DIY layers while also wrangling nerves before you mount up.

The helmet is a must, of course. What’s worth knowing is that one rider had an issue with bugs and mentioned helmet netting. Another rider said they had bug nets. Since that can vary by conditions or season, I’d treat it as a practical question: ask what’s provided for helmet bug protection and whether you should bring anything extra.

How the guides teach: small groups, 5-gait coaching, and safety

This is one of those tours where the group size directly affects the experience. The activity is capped at a maximum of 14 travelers, and it’s described as a small group overall. Either way, you get close guidance instead of getting lost in a line of strangers.

You’ll also feel the difference in the horses. Riders describe the mounts as well-behaved and gentle, but still with enough personality to keep it interesting. That balance matters. It means you get the confidence to focus on learning, not just surviving the walk around the paddock.

Guides play a huge role here. Multiple riders highlighted friendly, patient instruction. One review specifically called out two French guides, and another mentioned a young woman from Germany who was sweet and supportive. Since the tour is offered in English, you can usually expect clear, direct coaching on basics like mounting, holding the reins, and settling your body so your ride stays comfortable.

Because this tour rides a 5-gaited Icelandic horse, the guide’s role doesn’t stop at safety. You’ll be taught how to ride so you can experience the horse’s additional gait when the timing and comfort level line up. For beginners, that can turn a simple trail ride into a memory you’ll brag about for years.

The trail route: rivers, fields, and a few faster moments

The ride takes place just outside Reykjavik, but it doesn’t feel like you’re on a short city excursion. You’re out in Reykjadalur country with open fields and natural terrain.

A good sense of the route comes from how riders describe it:

• you may start with a stretch that runs near the road before moving into fields
• the course can include river crossings, including a few low rivers
• you often ride alongside the base of the mountain on the way back

That matters because it changes the feel. A near-road start can be fine if you’re focused on learning and warming up. But if you’re hoping for uninterrupted “wow, I’m in the wilderness” scenery, you might wish for more dedicated paths for the whole ride. Still, the chance to get into fields and see the valley terrain up close is the point.

Pacing is another big theme. One rider described a walking pace for about 98% of the ride, with quicker transitions a few times. Another rider mentioned experiencing a gallop a handful of times. Translation: expect a mostly controlled pace that keeps beginners comfortable, with occasional faster moments if your comfort and the guide’s timing allow it.

This is also where the “short tour” becomes a benefit. You get variety—fields, low water crossings, and changes in pace—without the fatigue of a full-day ride.

Tölt and the fifth gait (tort): what you’ll try on the horse

Here’s the Iceland horse part you’re paying for. Icelandic horses can move with additional gaits beyond the walk and trot, and this ride is built around that.

Riders specifically mention learning and experiencing the extra gait, including the tolt and the fifth gait called the tort. The key is that you’re not just sitting there hoping for magic. The guides teach you how to ride and then try to get you into that signature movement when they can.

What you should expect mentally:

• You’ll get coached from a stop, not thrown into it.
• You’ll likely feel the ride become smoother or different when the horse shifts gait.
• You won’t have to do anything fancy—this is guided riding, not a DIY horse training session.

If you’re an experienced rider, this still has value. You’ll recognize the structure: learn, adjust your seat, and then try the horse’s special gait with direction. If you’re a beginner, it can feel like someone finally turned the volume up on Iceland travel.

One more practical note: the ride is about 1.5 hours on horseback, so any gait experience is time-limited. That’s not a downside. It’s why the tour works for people who want a classic Icelandic activity without committing to all day in the saddle.

Weather, bugs, and clothing that saves the ride

Iceland is weather-first, and this tour is no exception. It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s what you want to hear when you’re planning a tight Reykjavík-area itinerary.

The weather gear included is a real plus. Winter jumpsuits and rain clothing take a lot of pressure off. You’re less likely to show up in the wrong layers and end up miserable halfway through the ride.

Now, the other issue: bugs. One rider wrote that helmet bug netting was missing and that swarms made the ride tough. Another rider later said bug nets were provided and that flies were bad that year. So here’s the practical approach:

• Plan for bugs as a possibility.
• Ask before you ride whether helmet nets are available on your date.
• If you’re arriving during bug season, consider bringing a repellent you’re comfortable using.

If the weather is dreary and gray, the ride can still be great. One review described dreary conditions but said the experience was still fun, especially once you’re moving and focused on riding.

Price of $126.50: what you get for the money

At $126.50 per person for about a 2-hour experience, this isn’t a cheap activity—but it also isn’t just you paying for an animal and a loop around a field.

You’re getting real value because the essentials are handled:

• winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmet are included
• coffee and/or tea are included
• you get coaching designed for mixed experience levels
• you ride an Icelandic 5-gaited horse on a countryside route

What you still pay attention to: there’s no hotel pickup, and lunch isn’t included. So your true cost is partly about how you’ll get to the meeting point and how you’ll eat before or after. The bright side is that the tour is close enough to Reykjavík (about 45 minutes away) that transportation can be manageable.

Also, book timing matters. The tour is commonly booked around 38 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in peak season or on a tight schedule, I’d aim earlier so you have options if the weather forces a change.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is one of the more versatile horse rides around Reykjavík. It works for:

• beginners who want instruction without stress
• experienced riders who want the Icelandic 5-gait experience
• families with kids 9 years and up

There’s also a weight limit listed: 110 kg. If you’re near that mark, it’s worth checking with the provider directly before you book.

The ride is described as mostly beginner-friendly. Horses are described as gentle and well-behaved, and guides are patient. That matters if you tend to get nervous around animals. Still, remember you’re outdoors in Iceland weather and you’ll be on uneven terrain at times, including river crossings.

If you hate bugs and you’ll be very sensitive to biting insects, you should plan extra carefully and ask about helmet netting availability. If you only want scenery away from any near-road segments, keep in mind the route may start with a stretch that runs close to the road before it opens into fields.

Should you book this Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley)?

I think this is a strong pick if your goal is a classic Icelandic experience you can fit into a Reykjavík day. The included winter outerwear, helmets, and coffee/tea make it lower-friction, and the small-group coaching is exactly what beginners need.

Book it if:

• you want an Icelandic 5-gaited horse ride with the chance to experience the extra gait
• you’d rather learn with support than self-figure your way around
• you’re okay with a short countryside ride that includes river crossings and pacing changes

Consider other options if:

• you’re very bug-sensitive and you can’t tolerate insect conditions (ask about helmet nets first)
• you want a long, uninterrupted backcountry feel with zero near-road moments

If you go in with the right expectations—small-group instruction, mostly controlled riding, and a taste of the horse’s special gaits—you’ll leave Reykjadalur feeling like you really did Iceland your way.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjadalur horse riding tour?

The tour is about 2 hours total. Riders spend roughly 1.5 hours on horseback.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, Vorsabæjarvellir Valley, Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland.

Is this tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. The tour is designed for all riding levels, and prior horse experience is not required.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmets, and coffee and/or tea.

Do they pick you up from hotels?

No. Hotel pickup is not included.

What’s the minimum age?

The tour can accommodate children from 9 years old.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is small, with a maximum of 14 travelers listed. The tour is also described as accommodating a maximum of 18 people per group.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 110 kg.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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