Tölt on Icelandic horses beats most tours. This short, active ride gets you out from Reykjavik to lava fields and moorland, with tölt training and real coaching from start to finish. I also like how they split you into ability groups after watching you ride, so you’re not stuck in the wrong pace.

The main thing to plan for is the “real” riding requirement: you must mount from the ground on your own (there’s no mounting block), and the tour has weight and age limits. If you’re good with that, you’re in for a very Iceland experience.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• Reykjavik pickup available on selected pickup points, pre-booked in advance.
• Ishestar provides the kit: helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.
• You’ll learn the tölt and try it during the ride, not just hear about it.
• Three rider levels (beginner, intermediate, experienced) after a quick check-in and watching you mount and ride.
• Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables after you ride.
• Smallish group size with a max of 30 riders, plus extra staff on larger groups.

Reykjavik Pickup and the Short Ride Out to the Stables

If you want this tour to feel easy from the moment you book, pick the option with pickup included. Pickup works only from selected Reykjavik stops, so if your hotel is not on the list, you’ll need to contact the operator to find the nearest approved pickup point.

Your meeting point is at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, and the tour ends back there. In practice, the stables are only about 15 to 20 minutes from Reykjavík, which helps because you spend more time riding and less time in a van.

If you’re arriving by your own car, plan to be at the stables 30 minutes early. That buffer matters here because you’ll need time for gear, forms, and a quick ability check.

Icelandic Horses and the Tölt Gait You’ll Actually Feel

The Icelandic horse is famous for the tölt, a four-beat gait that’s built for rugged terrain. It’s not just a marketing line. When you get the timing right, the ride feels smoother and more stable than what many first-timers expect.

Before you head out, you’ll meet your instructor and talk through your level: beginner, intermediate, or experienced. Then you’ll watch a short instructional video, get fitted in the provided gear, and learn how to ask your horse to settle into the tölt.

Once you’re riding, your instructor stays nearby at first. Soon afterward, you’ll move into groups based on what you can do. That’s the point: you’ll get help early, then you get enough freedom to enjoy the ride at your level.

How the Tour Matches Your Riding Level (Beginner to Advanced)

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that they don’t just take your self-rating and hope for the best. They watch you ride and then split you into groups—beginners, intermediates, and experienced riders.

What that means for you:

• Beginners usually ride more slowly over easier terrain.
• Intermediate and experienced riders get routes that feel more challenging, and you’ll have different paces to choose from once the guide sees you can handle it.
• You can tell your instructor if you want to go slower or faster, instead of being locked into someone else’s comfort level.

For mixed groups (like families), this is where the experience really shines. I like that you’re not stuck all together with one pace. It’s also why this can work for your partner, kid, or friend who rides well while you’re still learning.

Gear Up Like a Pro: Helmets, Boots, Rain Gear, and Warm Overalls

This is the kind of tour that saves you from packing extra stuff. You’ll be given a helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall for the ride. That matters because weather in Iceland can change fast, and the horse trail is outdoors the whole time.

A practical tip from experience is to leave your nice shoes at home. The provided boots help protect your footing, and you’ll be in wet, muddy conditions if Iceland decides to rain. There’s also a note that snow suits may be available if it’s chilly, so don’t assume you’re on your own for cold layers.

One important rule: used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the horses. So if you’ve been riding elsewhere and you packed that gear, plan to use the provided options instead.

Riding Terrain: Lava Fields, Moorland, Lakes, and Volcanic Mountains

You’ll head out from the stables on a guided trek that takes you through lava fields and moorland. Along the way, you get views of volcanic mountains and lakes—exactly the kind of Iceland scenery that feels bigger than a postcard.

This route is also built for riding comfort. That’s part of why Icelandic horses are such a good match for first-timers and casual riders: the tölt can make rough ground feel more manageable than you’d think.

Plan for picture moments. The ride is scenic enough that you’ll want to stop when your guide allows it, and you’ll usually get chances to capture the lava textures and open air views.

If your route includes a short stop at a small cave or structure, keep expectations modest. The timing tends to be brief, and it’s more of a quick waypoint than a long detour.

What Happens Before and After the Ride

The flow is straightforward. You arrive, meet the instructor, confirm your ability level, and get the basics from the video. Then you dress in the provided gear and get on your horse, typically after you’re shown how to ride at the right pace.

After the trek, you refuel at the stables with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This is a nice touch because the ride takes you outside, and hot drinks make the whole thing feel finished instead of rushed.

Timing Options: Morning vs Afternoon

You can choose between morning and afternoon rides. If you’re hoping for softer light and the classic Iceland mood, morning has an edge, but don’t stress yourself into chasing sunrise if the timing doesn’t fit your schedule.

Also, because this is only about two hours, you’re not signing up for a full-day grind. You’ll get time on horseback without losing your whole day to transit and waiting.

Weather Reality: Wind, Rain, and Why the Tour Cares

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

Even when the tour runs, you should assume wind and rain can show up without warning. One review-style tip that’s worth taking seriously: wear an ear-protection option and have a hat ready, because wind can get aggressive fast. The gear package helps, but hats and ear coverage are still your friend.

When rain hits, you’re covered. The operator provides rain gear, and on chilly days you may get warm layers like snow suits. It’s a big deal, because staying dry helps you stay comfortable enough to actually enjoy the ride.

Safety Rules and Physical Requirements That Matter

Read these before you commit, because they’re not just small-print:

• Weight limit is 110kg/240lbs.
• Age limit is 7 years old.
• Pregnant women cannot ride.
• You must be able to mount the horse by your own strength from the ground (no mounting block).
• The tour assumes moderate physical fitness.

There’s also a family rule: children under 18 must ride with an adult. And in the tour setup, up to two children or youth may travel with each adult, paying full fare.

If any of these are a concern—especially the mounting-from-ground requirement—don’t guess. Ask before you book, so you don’t end up stressed at the stables.

Value for Money: Does $133.02 Make Sense?

At $133.02 per person for roughly two hours, you’re paying for more than trail time. The price covers a guided ride with horse handling, real instruction, and the full equipment kit: helmet, boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. You also get hot drinks after the ride.

The best value angle here is the quality of the coaching plus the chance to ride the tölt. Many short tours in Iceland focus on getting you from A to B. This one focuses on getting you comfortable in motion, then placing you with riders at similar ability so you can actually enjoy the horses instead of fighting the pace.

Pickup can be part of the package too. If that matters to you, make sure you select the option with pickup included, because pickup is not automatic unless chosen.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A nature-and-horses day that starts and ends in Reykjavík
• Coaching that works for beginners but still delivers for more experienced riders
• A chance to experience the Icelandic tölt gait in a guided, confidence-building way

It may not be your best choice if:

• You can’t mount from the ground by yourself
• You fall outside the weight or age limits
• You want a long, hiking-heavy adventure instead of a focused riding experience
• Pregnancy is involved (this tour won’t accommodate it)

Should You Book Icelandic Horseback Riding With Reykjavik Pickup?

Yes, if you’re the type of traveler who likes hands-on experiences and you want Iceland’s nature delivered at riding speed. The ability-group system and the chance to practice the tölt make it feel more like real instruction than a simple ride.

Book it now if you’re traveling in a busy season or you want morning or afternoon specifically, since it’s commonly booked about a month ahead. Skip the stress and be honest about your comfort level with mounting and cold weather—once you match those, this tour is one of the most fun ways to see Iceland right outside the city.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour from Reykjavik?

Plan on about 2 hours, including the time with instruction, riding, and stopping back at the meeting point.

What does the $133.02 per person price include?

The tour includes coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, plus helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

Is pickup from Reykjavik available?

Yes, pickup is offered as an option. Pickup must be pre-booked, and only selected pickup points in Reykjavik are used. If your hotel isn’t listed, you need to contact the operator to find the nearest approved pickup point.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are there different ride levels for beginners and experienced riders?

Yes. You’ll meet your instructor about your ability level, and after a short instructional setup you’ll be split into beginner, intermediate, and experienced groups.

What riding gear is provided?

You’ll be provided a helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

What are the age and weight limits?

The weight limit is 110kg/240lbs, and the age limit is 7 years old.

Can pregnant women ride on this tour?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

Do I need to be able to mount the horse from the ground?

Yes. All riders must be able to mount the horse by their own strength from the ground, and there is no mounting block mentioned.

What happens if weather is poor?

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