Volcanic Landscape Iceland Horse Riding Tours

If you’re dreaming of exploring Iceland’s wild beauty on horseback, the Volcanic Landscape Iceland Horse Riding Tours offer an experience that feels more like a gentle adventure than a strenuous trek. With a reputation for friendly guides, stunning scenery, and well-trained Icelandic horses, this tour is a reliable choice for travelers eager to combine nature and culture.

Two standout features are the unique gait of Icelandic horses—the tölt, which is smooth and fun—and the spectacular volcanic scenery that forms the backdrop of your ride. A potential drawback? The 12-year age limit might exclude some younger kids or older, less mobile travelers. Still, if you’re up for a relaxed ride through lava fields with some of the best guides in Iceland, this tour might just be your highlight. Perfect for those seeking a blend of wildlife, scenery, and a bit of Icelandic cultural flavor.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic experience with a scenic horse ride through volcanic landforms
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make beginners comfortable
• Well-trained Icelandic horses are gentle and easy to ride, suitable for a variety of skill levels
• Stunning landscapes carved by glaciers and volcanoes offer memorable photo opportunities
• All riding gear and rain protection are provided, ensuring comfort in Iceland’s unpredictable weather
• Small group sizes (limited to 8) mean personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

When you book this tour, expect a smooth process and a focus on safety and comfort. The meeting point is a short drive from Reykjavik, marked by a boom barrier gate at a horse trailer-filled parking lot. From there, it’s just a quick wait until the gate opens, and then your adventure begins.

The Meeting and Briefing

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will give a detailed safety briefing, explaining how to handle your horse and what to expect from the ride. This part is crucial, especially for first-timers, as guides take care to ensure everyone feels confident. We loved the way the guides, like Begga and Sveinn, were not just professional but also warm and inviting—no question was too silly, and the jokes made everyone feel at ease.

Equipment and Preparation

All necessary riding gear—rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes—are provided, which is great considering Iceland’s often unpredictable weather. The gear is clean, well-fitting, and designed to keep you comfortable no matter what the skies throw at you. The guides will assign horses based on your experience level—a thoughtful touch that ensures both beginners and more seasoned riders enjoy the ride.

The Ride Itself

Expect around 1 to 1.5 hours of riding time, spread across the roughly 2-hour experience. The primary highlight? The special gait of the Icelandic horse called tölt, a smooth, ambling gait that makes the ride feel almost effortless. Riders have described the tölt as “so much fun” and a unique part of the Icelandic riding experience.

As you traverse the volcanic terrain, you’ll enjoy views of vibrant mountain colors and rugged lava fields. The landscape is dramatic—glaciers have carved out valleys and shaped the terrain, creating a wilderness that looks like it belongs on another planet. Several reviews highlight how breathtaking the scenery is, with one guest mentioning, “The scenery was beautiful and they took loads of amazing photos.”

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The Horses and Guides

The horses are highly praised for their gentle nature. Many reviews mention how accommodating and well-cared-for they are, with riders noting the ease of handling even with little previous riding experience. Guides like Begga and Salka are lauded for their expertise, humor, and genuine care for both horses and riders. One traveler noted, “Begga made sure to give everyone the right horse for them,” and another mentioned feeling totally comfortable thanks to their guidance.

End of Tour and Return

The tour concludes back at the starting point, where your guide may share some Icelandic horse trivia or cultural tidbits—adding a little extra flavor to an already memorable excursion. It’s a relaxed finish to a memorable adventure.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $148 per person, the tour provides around two hours of guided horseback riding in a truly spectacular setting. When you consider that all equipment, rain gear, and professional guidance are included, it’s a very competitive price for a unique Icelandic experience. Many reviews emphasize how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, making even first-time riders feel confident.

The small group size (max 8 participants) ensures plenty of personal attention, making it suitable whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider. Guests consistently praise the professionalism and warmth of the staff, which transforms what could be a nerve-wracking experience into a fun, relaxing adventure.

The Location and Logistics

The stables are a short drive from Reykjavik, making this a convenient half-day activity. The pickup and drop-off are straightforward, and the meeting point is clearly marked. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy—full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind.

The Scenic Highlights

You’ll love the views of volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and colorful mountains—scenery that’s hard to beat anywhere in Iceland. Photographers will especially appreciate the opportunity to capture Icelandic horses against the backdrop of raw, rugged terrain. Several guests mention how the landscape alone is worth the trip, turning this ride into a visual feast.

The Experience for All Skill Levels

Whether you’ve never ridden before or you’re an experienced equestrian, guides tailor the experience. Many reviews mention how guides like Inga made first-timers feel safe and comfortable, even giving helpful tips along the way. The ability to enjoy the tölt—a comfortably trotting gait unique to Icelandic horses—adds a special flavor to the ride.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This horseback adventure is perfect for travelers who want an authentic Icelandic experience that combines stunning scenery with friendly, professional guidance. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate animals, enjoy outdoor activities, or are curious about Icelandic culture. The tour’s relaxed pace and accommodating guides make it accessible for beginners, yet the scenery and the special gait of the horses will delight seasoned riders as well.

It’s also a good choice for those traveling with older children (minimum age 12) or anyone looking to add a memorable, hands-on element to their Iceland trip. If you’re looking for a peaceful way to connect with Iceland’s wild side, this ride offers a genuine taste of the country’s natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

The Volcanic Landscape Iceland Horse Riding Tours provide a well-balanced adventure—combining beautiful scenery, expert guides, and gentle horses—at a reasonable price. It’s one of those experiences that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of the sights but because of the warmth and knowledge of the staff.

Travelers who value authenticity, scenic grandeur, and animal-friendly activities will find this tour ticks all the right boxes. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rider, the laid-back pace, friendly guides, and unforgettable landscape make this a worthwhile addition to any Iceland itinerary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides will give a safety briefing and assign horses appropriate for your experience level, making it accessible for first-timers.

What is the age limit for participating?
Participants must be at least 12 years old, so it’s best suited for older children, teenagers, and adults.

Do I need to bring my own riding gear?
No, all riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes, are provided by the tour operator.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at a meeting point with a boom barrier at a parking lot outside Reykjavik and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the duration of the ride?
The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, with about 1 to 1.5 hours of actual riding time.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, and don’t forget rain protection—though gear is provided, layering is always wise.

Is this tour good for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Experienced riders will enjoy the expert guidance, the unique tölt gait, and the scenic volcanic terrain.

If you’re after a relaxed yet memorable way to experience Iceland’s volcanic wonders on horseback, this tour offers both scenic beauty and the chance to enjoy Icelandic horses—one of the country’s most charming symbols.

You can check availability for your dates here: