Reykjavik: Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup

Summary

Ride Icelandic horses near Reykjavik with local guides and hotel pickup

You’ll ride sure-footed Icelandic horses just outside Reykjavik—with hotel pickup making it simple from the start. Local guides match you with your perfect horse (no experience needed), provide all gear—even rain suits—and lead you through wild fields before dropping you back at your door. It’s not just a ride; it’s an oddly peaceful escape you might keep thinking about.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about meeting a horse, but standing there in that chilly Reykjavik morning air, I realized I had no idea what to do. The van picked us up right at our guesthouse—super easy—and fifteen minutes later we were out of the city, surrounded by fields that looked almost silver under the clouds. The horses were smaller than I imagined but somehow more solid, like they’d seen everything. Our guide, Sigrún, smiled when I tried to pronounce “tölt”—she said it better and then let me try again. I probably butchered it. The barn smelled like wool and rain gear, not unpleasant, just… honest.

They asked about our riding experience (mine is basically “rode a pony at age 8”) and matched us each to a horse that seemed to fit. Mine was called Bláma—blue eyes, soft nose, kind of stubborn but in a way that made me laugh. We got helmets and boots and these thick rain suits that made me feel like a marshmallow, but once we started moving I was grateful for every layer. The first few steps felt awkward; then Bláma settled into this smooth gait Sigrún called the tölt. It’s hard to explain—like gliding instead of bouncing. The wind picked up and all you could hear was hooves on wet ground and someone ahead giggling because their horse decided to snack on grass mid-trek.

I kept catching glimpses of Reykjavik in the distance—just faint shapes against gray sky—and thinking how close we were but how different it felt out here. Afterward, back at the stable, my hands smelled like horse and leather and something earthy I still can’t name. We piled back into the van for drop-off, tired in that good way you get from being outside too long. Still think about Bláma sometimes—she had this look like she knew more than she let on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding near Reykjavik

• Pick up from hotel in Reykjavik
• Drive 15 minutes to riding location
• Receive helmets, boots, and rain gear
• Match horse to riding experience
• Enjoy horseback riding tour
• Return to hotel or guesthouse

Top questions

How far is the horseback riding tour from Reykjavik?

The riding destination is only about 15 minutes’ drive from central Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included in this Icelandic horseback riding tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik is included.

Do I need previous riding experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; guides will match you with a suitable horse based on your background.

What equipment is provided for the ride?

You’ll get helmets, boots, and rain gear—or snowsuits in wintertime—all included.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s the minimum age for this horseback tour?

The minimum age allowed is 7 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse, use of helmet and boots plus rain gear or winter overalls depending on season, all local taxes covered, and drop-off back at your accommodation after the ride.