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

Tölt on Icelandic horses feels unreal. This Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley) ride is a classic way to see the countryside close to Reykjavik, with five-gaited Icelandic horses and hands-on coaching for all levels. You’re out on a trail session that’s short enough to fit any day, but long enough to feel like you actually did something special.

I really like that the tour is set up for beginner comfort without turning into a slow “just sit there” experience, and that the horses are well handled so you can focus on learning the ride. One thing to keep in mind: insects can be intense some days, and you’ll be glad if you have (or can get) helmet bug netting—otherwise it can turn a great ride into a swat-and-cope moment.

Key takeaways before you saddle up

• Small-group guidance: up to 14 people, so you’re not lost in the crowd
• All levels welcome: no prior experience needed, with patient instruction
• You may feel the fifth gait: the famous tölt is part of the experience
• Included outerwear: winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet for the weather
• Insects can matter: ask ahead about helmet bug netting if you’re sensitive

Reykjadalur horse riding starts near Hveragerði, not deep in the wild

If you’re staying in Reykjavik, this is one of those “easy yes” activities. The meeting point is at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur in Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði, and the ride is about 45 minutes away from Reykjavik. That makes it realistic even if you’re doing a packed ring-road day—or if you just want a different kind of Iceland experience without committing to a full day tour.

The route runs out from the rental and then brings you back to the same spot at the end. It’s not a multi-day trek or a remote backcountry plan. Instead, it’s a focused, guided horseback session where you’ll spend your energy on learning and enjoying the ride, not on logistics.

Group size is kept small (maximum 14 travelers), and that’s a big deal for a first ride. When horses shift, a guide can correct posture, footing, and reins quickly. When people are nervous, it’s easier to get personal attention.

What you do at check-in: gear first, then the lesson

This tour feels smart because it removes a lot of guesswork. You don’t show up in your own rain jacket and hope. You’re provided a winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and a helmet. That means you can dress for comfort without building an Iceland-specific wardrobe for just one activity.

Right after you arrive, expect a basic safety briefing and a quick fitting. Then the guide(s) walk you through mounting and how to hold the reins. The goal is simple: you should be able to communicate with the horse without overthinking it.

I also like that you’re getting a working education, not a lecture. You learn how to sit, how to keep your balance, and how to follow the horse’s rhythm. Guides for this ride are friendly and patient, and the vibe tends to be welcoming—one of the biggest reasons people come back and do it again.

Icelandic horses and the five-gait surprise: tölt, walk, and more

The headline here is riding a five-gaited Icelandic horse. That’s the kind of sentence that sounds fancy until you’re actually on the horse and you feel the difference. Icelandic horses can do more than the usual walk/trot/canter. In this tour, you may experience the famous fifth gait, tölt.

Here’s what that means for you in real life: it’s smooth, steady, and it changes the way your body moves. People often describe it as a moment where the ride clicks—suddenly the horse isn’t just “going forward,” it’s doing something uniquely Icelandic.

Pacing depends on the group and weather. Some rides stay mostly at a walk, with occasional quicker sections. In one example, the experience was about 98% walking pace, with riders picking up speed briefly a few times. Even if your ride is slower than you imagined, the trade-off is comfort and confidence. For first-timers, that matters more than squeezing in a fast gallop.

One more detail: horses are usually calm and trained, but Icelandic horses can still be a bit spunky. That’s normal. The important part is that the guides manage it well, and the horses are used to riders of different comfort levels.

The trail route: fields, low river crossings, and a road shoulder section

The Reykjadalur area is the kind of place where you get countryside views without going hours from Reykjavik. Your ride typically moves through open ground—fields and gentler terrain—and it includes low river crossings. Those water moments are usually short, but they add a fun, “I’m really on the trail” feel.

One small caution: depending on the route for the day, you might spend some time near roads. One rider described a section moving along a road shoulder before turning into the field and then returning along the mountain base. That doesn’t ruin the ride, but if your priority is pure off-road scenery the whole time, set expectations that you may see a bit more “human infrastructure” than you imagined.

For most people, the value is that the ride is practical. You’re not searching for the best viewpoint in wind and rain; you’re already moving through the area on horseback. And since this is a guided tour, you’re not managing safety decisions on your own.

Weather-ready clothing, plus coffee/tea to warm up

Iceland weather loves to change its mind. That’s why I’m glad this tour includes gear instead of just saying dress warmly.

You get:

• Winter jumpsuit
• Rain clothing
• Helmet

And you’ll also have coffee and/or tea included.

What you should still bring is the stuff that makes you comfortable underneath all that. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty or damp. If you get cold easily, bring extra layers you can add under the provided gear.

Also, consider your insect plan. One ride can be dreamy; another can be bug-heavy. In one case, a rider said swarms made the ride miserable because helmet bug netting wasn’t provided, and they wished it had been mentioned. In another case, a different rider said bug nets were provided and flies were simply bad that year. Translation: insects vary, and the difference between a good ride and a miserable one can be as small as whether your helmet has protection.

If you’re the kind of person who hates bugs (or if you’re riding with a child), ask the company ahead or at check-in whether helmet bug nets are available that day.

Price and value: $126.50 for a guided, gear-included Iceland experience

At $126.50 per person for about two hours total (with about 1.5 hours of riding), the price is in the “reasonable for guided activities” zone for Iceland. What helps the value here is what you don’t have to pay for or carry:

• You get the winter jumpsuit, rain gear, and helmet
• You get coffee and/or tea
• You get a guide-led experience with a small-group setup

That combination matters, especially if you’re only doing one horseback day in Iceland. Paying for gear separately can make short tours feel expensive fast. Here, the essentials are already handled.

The other value factor is teaching. People consistently rate this ride well for learning the basics and getting supported if it’s your first time. Even experienced riders tend to enjoy the chance to feel the tölt and see how Icelandic horses move.

Who should book the all-level Reykjadalur ride

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horseback riding
• Like the idea of riding a five-gaited horse and trying for tölt
• Prefer a small group with hands-on guidance
• Need something close to Reykjavik that doesn’t eat your entire day

It also works for families, with children 9 years old and up (as long as weight and comfort fit the requirements). The tour lists a maximum rider weight of 110 kg, which is worth checking before you book.

If you’re a very confident rider looking for long, challenging trail work, this may feel more “instruction and experience” than “hardcore ride.” The short duration and simple route are built for broad access. But that’s also why it’s so widely enjoyable.

Practical notes: meeting point, no hotel pickup, and what to expect if weather hits

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

There’s no hotel pickup, so plan your transport. You’ll need to get yourself (and your group) to the stables area on time. A mobile ticket is offered, so keep your phone handy for the day.

One more practical point: the experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Reykjadalur horse ride?

I think you should book it if you want an accessible, guided horseback experience that actually teaches you something—rather than just placing you in a saddle and hoping for the best. The included gear is a big help, the group size keeps the experience personal, and the five-gait setup gives you a genuine Iceland-specific moment.

Skip it or adjust expectations if:

• You’re very sensitive to insects and you don’t want to deal with bug issues on the day
• You need long, remote trail time with zero roadside exposure
• You hate the idea of being given weather-dependent clothing and rules and following a fixed route

If you want the simple version: this is a well-paced, beginner-friendly horseback tour near Reykjavik where tölt is the kind of “wait, that’s Iceland” moment you’ll remember later.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour in Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley)?

It’s about 2 hours total, including around 1.5 hours of riding.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $126.50 per person.

How far is Reykjadalur from Reykjavik?

The start area is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Is prior horseback riding experience required?

No. It’s beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is needed.

What’s included in the tour?

Winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, helmets, and coffee and/or tea are included.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children must be at least 9 years old, and the maximum rider weight is 110 kg.

Do you get hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included. You meet at the stables and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.