The one-hour horseback riding tour through Iceland’s countryside offered by Eldhestar provides a pleasant, beginner-friendly experience. With a solid 4.5-star rating, the tour includes essential gear and an English-speaking guide to ensure safety. While the duration is enjoyable, some participants found the scenery less stunning than expected. For those seeking a more immersive adventure, reviews suggest that longer tour options may offer the opportunity to explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes in greater depth. What could these expanded tour experiences entail, and how might they enhance the overall horseback riding adventure?
Key Points
- The one-hour tour offers a beginner-friendly horseback riding experience around the Eldhestar Horse Riding farm, but may not provide the most scenic countryside exploration.
- Participants have given the tour an overall rating of 4.5/5, with some expressing that the experience did not meet their expectations for scenic views.
- The tour includes riding and safety equipment, an English-speaking guide, and free pickup and drop-off at the meeting point of Hotel Eldhestar.
- Eldhestar Horse Riding acknowledges the feedback and offers longer tour options that provide more in-depth exploration of the Icelandic countryside.
- While the one-hour tour is suitable for those new to horseback riding, upgrading to a longer tour is recommended for a more visually-captivating and immersive countryside experience.
Tour Overview
The One-Hour Horseback Riding Tour offers travelers an opportunity to explore the picturesque Icelandic countryside.
Provided by Eldhestar Horse Riding, the tour takes place in South Iceland and costs from €80 per person.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour has an impressive 90% recommendation rate based on 10 reviews, earning an overall rating of 4.5/5.
Included in the experience are riding and safety equipment, rain gear or insulated coveralls, and an English-speaking guide.
Travelers are picked up and dropped off at the meeting point, Hotel Eldhestar, located just 5 minutes east of Hveragerði on road 1.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in South Iceland.
Inclusions and Equipment
Riding and safety equipment are provided for participants on the One-Hour Horseback Riding Tour. This includes a helmet, as well as rain gear or insulated coveralls to keep you warm and dry during the ride.
An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, ensuring a safe and informative experience. The tour also includes free pick-up and drop-off at the meeting point, Hotel Eldhestar, which is located just 5 minutes east of Hveragerdi on road 1.
Regardless of the weather, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the Icelandic countryside during this one-hour horseback riding adventure.
Meeting and Pickup Information
Travelers meet at the Hótel Eldhestar, which is located 5 minutes east of Hveragerði on road 1.
This is the designated meeting point for the one-hour horseback riding tour. The tour begins and ends at this location, providing a convenient and centralized starting and ending point.
Pickup and drop-off are included, making the experience hassle-free for participants.
The meeting point is easily accessible, situated just a short distance from the main road. This allows for a smooth and efficient start to the countryside adventure.
Participant Restrictions
Not everyone may be suited for the one-hour horseback riding tour.
The tour has some participant restrictions that travelers should keep in mind. Riders with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to join. Pregnant women are also advised against taking the tour.
There’s a weight limit of 120 kg, and travelers who exceed this may not be able to participate. While service animals are allowed, the tour isn’t suitable for those using wheelchairs or strollers.
Cancellation and Booking Information
Guests can receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability. Visitors have the flexibility to cancel their tour for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, in the local time zone. For those who need more time to plan, the "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option is available.
| Booking Details | |
|---|---|
| Confirmation | Within 48 hours |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before |
| Payment | Reserve Now, Pay Later |
| Availability | Subject to confirmation |
The tour’s cancellation and booking policies cater to a range of traveler needs, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Customer Feedback
Reviews of the one-hour horseback riding tour provide a mixed assessment.
While the tour has an overall rating of 4.5/5 from travelers, some participants noted the experience didn’t meet their expectations for scenic exploration.
One reviewer, Alyssa_C, commented the tour was "Okay, but not the most scenic."
Feedback suggests the tour’s focus on the beginner-friendly experience around the farm left some travelers desiring more varied landscapes away from the highway.
The tour operator, Eldhestar Horse Riding, acknowledges this feedback and offers longer tours for those seeking more scenic routes through the Icelandic countryside.
Scenic Exploration Opportunities
While the one-hour horseback riding tour focuses on a beginner-friendly experience around the farm, Eldhestar Horse Riding does offer longer tours that allow for more scenic exploration of the Icelandic countryside.
These extended tours take riders through rolling hills, lush meadows, and past stunning natural landscapes that showcase Iceland’s rugged beauty.
Customers looking for a more immersive and visually-captivating riding experience may want to consider upgrading to one of Eldhestar’s longer tour options.
With experienced guides leading the way, riders can expect to discover Iceland’s hidden gems and truly appreciate the country’s breathtaking scenery from the saddle.
Since You Asked
What Is the Experience Level Required for This Tour?
This horseback riding tour is designed for beginners. Though not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour caters to most travelers, offering a basic introductory experience around the farm with safety equipment and an English-speaking guide provided.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Clothing I Can Wear?
The tour provides rain gear or insulated coveralls, so travelers can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. There are no specific clothing restrictions, though participants should avoid overly loose or baggy attire that could interfere with the riding experience.
Can I Bring My Own Horse Equipment?
Riders cannot bring their own horse equipment. The tour provides all necessary riding and safety gear, including rain gear or insulated coveralls. This ensures consistency and safety for all participants during the one-hour horseback riding experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, longer tours are available for more experienced riders who seek a more scenic exploration of the Icelandic countryside. The one-hour tour is designed as a beginner-friendly experience around the farm.
Do I Need to Have Any Prior Horseback Riding Experience?
No prior horseback riding experience is necessary for this beginner-friendly tour. The guided ride is designed for first-time riders to explore the Icelandic countryside comfortably and safely under the supervision of an English-speaking guide.
The Sum Up
The One-Hour Horseback Riding Tour provides a beginner-friendly experience, though it may not offer the most scenic landscapes. While the tour includes essential gear and an English-speaking guide, reviews suggest longer tours could provide a more immersive adventure with stunning countryside views. Ultimately, the one-hour duration is enjoyable, but those seeking a more extensive exploration may benefit from considering alternative, lengthier options.