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

One good way to feel Iceland fast is on horseback. This Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley) ride puts you close to Reykjavik yet still in fields, river crossings, and open countryside on a five-gaited Icelandic horse. It is beginner-friendly, hands-on, and built around short coaching so you can actually enjoy the ride.

I especially like that the gear is handled for you: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets. You also get warm comfort included with coffee and/or tea, which makes a cold day feel manageable. The biggest drawback to consider is that insect conditions can be rough, and at least one rider was very unhappy about helmet bug netting not being provided.

Reykjadalur Horse Riding: Small-Group Coaching Near Reykjavik

This is the kind of tour that works even if you are nervous on day one. You are only about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, but you leave the city behind quickly and head into Reykjadalur Valley for a classic Icelandic trail feel. Groups stay small, and you get real attention while you learn how to sit, steer, and ask the horse for different gaits.

The star of the show is the five-gaited Icelandic horse. Icelandic horses can do more than the walk and trot. On this ride, you have a real shot at experiencing the extra gait, often described as tölt, which is smooth under you and fun to feel once your body figures out the rhythm.

One note before you book: the route can include a short stretch alongside a road shoulder, which is not as scenic as the field and river parts. And if bugs are active, bring your patience, or ask what they do for helmet netting ahead of time.

What Makes This Ride Worth the Money

At $126.50 per person, the value comes from two places: time in the saddle and included essentials. You are out for about 2 hours total with around 1.5 hours riding, so you are not just walking around in boots while you wait. Then the operator provides winter layers and safety gear, which matters in Iceland because weather changes fast and the cold sneaks in.

You are also not dealing with a crowd. The tour lists a maximum of 14 travelers in the operator details, and the experience is generally described as small-group sized (up to 18). Either way, it keeps things hands-on, especially for first-timers.

Finally, you get the warm and human touch: coffee and/or tea, plus guides who teach rather than just point. Several riders highlight friendly, patient guidance and well-behaved horses that still feel a bit spirited in a good way.

Key Details You Should Know Before You Go

• Beginner-friendly setup: no prior experience needed, and the guides teach you as you ride
• 5-gait Icelandic horse: you may get a chance to feel the extra gait, commonly described as tölt
• Weather-ready clothing included: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and helmets are provided
• Small group size: capped at 14 travelers in the operator details, with a general small-group approach
• Food and warmth included: coffee and/or tea are part of the experience
• Max weight limit: 110 kg

Gear Up Like a Local: What’s Included and What to Bring

This tour does a smart thing: it gives you the protection that actually matters in Iceland. You will be provided a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet. That means you can pack lighter than you would for many tours, and you do not have to guess what level of cold-weather clothing to wear.

Because the gear includes outer layers, your main job is to dress for warmth underneath. If you tend to get cold easily, plan on layers under the provided rain and winter clothing.

Now, insects. One rider had an awful time because helmet bug netting was not provided, and they felt it turned the ride miserable. Another rider said bug nets were provided, with flies being bad that year. So here is my practical advice: ask on booking or at check-in whether helmet bug nets are available, and be prepared with extra insect protection if you know you react badly to bites.

The Ride Itself: From Sólhestar to Smoky Valley Views

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur in Reykjadalur (Vorsabæjarvellir Valley), at Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not stuck with mystery transport plans afterward.

Once everyone is suited up, you get set on the horse and move into the ride. The focus is not racing. It is control, balance, and getting comfortable in Icelandic countryside that feels close enough to touch.

Based on how the route is commonly described, the ride can follow a simple loop: a short stretch along the base of an area near the road, then turning into fields, and returning along the mountain base. You may also go through low rivers during the ride. Those river crossings are usually where you feel the adventure most, because your horse is confident and you get to experience Iceland’s wet terrain without having to hike it yourself.

Gait Time: Walk, Faster Moves, and That Fifth Feel

If you are new to riding, you will likely spend most of your time at a walking pace that gives you time to learn. More than one rider notes that the horses are very calm and well behaved, while still having a bit of life in them once you pick up speed.

You should expect coaching as you go. Guides typically help you with posture and steering, and they help you understand when to ask for a faster gait. One rider described quickening to a gallop a handful of times, which tells me the ride can include short bursts of speed, not just slow walking for the full 90 minutes.

The fun part for horse lovers is the fifth gait. Riders specifically call out experiencing the extra gait, described as tort in one review and tied to the famous Icelandic tölt in others. If you have never felt tölt before, it can be surprising. The movement is different from a trot, and once you stop fighting it, it becomes one of those, oh, that is why people talk about Icelandic horses.

Guides and Horses: Why This Feels Personal

The best rides are the ones where you feel safe and guided. This one is built around that. Multiple riders praise the guides for being friendly, patient, and good at teaching. Some mentions include a young woman guide from Germany, and others point to two French guides. That mix suggests you will likely get a guided experience with real conversation, not just a one-minute safety speech.

The horses are another big deal. Many riders describe the horses as healthy and well trained, with a steady temperament. Still, they can feel a little spunky at times, which is a good thing because it makes the ride feel alive. You get to enjoy an Icelandic horse, not a robotic walking machine.

Small-group size also matters here. With fewer people, the guide can correct issues faster, help you settle if you wobble, and keep things running smoothly even if you are on your first mount.

Duration and Pace: What 2 Hours Really Means

The tour is listed as about 2 hours total, with around 1.5 hours riding. In practice, that means you have time to gear up, get briefed, and then enjoy the ride without it feeling like a rushed production.

The ride pace tends to stay manageable for mixed skill levels. For beginners, that is a relief. For more confident riders, it still can feel fun because the goal is comfort and control, then small chances to shift speed when your group is ready.

If you are scheduling this on an Iceland day, I like it as a mid-morning or early afternoon activity because it is close to Reykjavik. It also breaks up the typical tour rhythm. You get countryside time without committing to a full day hike.

Meeting Point Reality: No Hotel Pickup

There is no hotel pickup. That means you need to plan your own way to Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur. If you are staying in Reykjavik city center, budget time for the drive and some buffer in case of weather or road conditions.

Since the tour ends where it starts, you also get an easy exit plan for the rest of your day. Bring your patience if driving weather changes the timing, because Iceland weather affects everything.

What Is Not Included: Lunch and the Details That Matter

Lunch is not included. Coffee and/or tea are included, so you get a warm break, but you should plan a meal either before or after.

Also note: the tour is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket. That is helpful if you prefer to keep things simple and avoid printing.

Price and Value Check: Is $126.50 a Good Deal?

For Iceland, horse rides vary wildly in price and in what they cover. Here, the value comes from the included winter jumpsuit, rain gear, and helmet, plus the fact that you actually ride for a meaningful chunk of time. You are not just paying for the animal, you are paying for the full setup that makes cold-weather riding feasible.

If you would otherwise have to rent gear or buy layers you may not use later, this becomes more economical. And if you are a beginner, the included coaching is also a value factor because it reduces the stress of learning in an unfamiliar environment.

So yes, I think it is a fair price for what you get, especially if you dress appropriately and take the chance to experience that extra Icelandic gait.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong match if:

• You are a beginner or mostly want help staying balanced and safe
• You want an authentic Iceland experience without committing to a full-day trek
• You are traveling with family members age 9 and up
• You like animals but also like structured guidance

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are extremely sensitive to insects and do not want to deal with bug conditions
• Hate any chance of riding near a road shoulder, even briefly
• Want a long, deep cultural lecture, because this ride is mainly about the experience and time in the saddle

Quick Advice to Make Your Ride Better

• Ask about helmet bug netting before you go, especially in summer fly season
• Dress in layers under the provided winter and rain gear so you can adjust to changing weather
• If you get motion sick or get tense on animals, tell your guide. They can often help you settle faster
• Bring a phone camera, but expect you may be moving and splashing slightly through wet areas

Should You Book Reykjadalur Horse Riding?

Book it if you want a real Iceland horse experience that is beginner-friendly, close to Reykjavik, and built for hands-on guidance. The small-group size and included winter gear make it a smart choice, and the chance to feel the fifth gait, tölt, is a big reason people talk about this kind of ride.

Skip or reconsider if bug conditions are a known problem for you, or if you are very picky about the exact scenic path. In that case, ask good questions ahead of time about helmet netting and route style.

Overall, this is one of those tours that gives you immediate joy, not just pretty views. You finish with the kind of memory you can still feel in your body.

FAQ

What should I wear since winter gear is included?

You’ll be given a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet. Wear warm layers underneath so you stay comfortable and can adjust if the weather changes.

How long is the riding time?

The tour lasts about 2 hours total, with roughly 1.5 hours of riding.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. The ride is designed for all riding levels and is beginner-friendly, with instruction provided during the tour.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, at Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup at hotels is not included, so you will need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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