Reykjadalur’s geothermal steam rises above the trail as you ride an Icelandic horse through open fields and volcanic hills. The route can include muddy tracks, a small stream, and a chance to feel the horse’s distinctive tölt, a quick, smooth gait that’s part of what makes riding here different.
I like two things in particular: gentle horses and attentive guides make this a sensible first ride, and the route brings you close to the valley’s geothermal scenery without requiring a long hike. One consideration: the duration varies by package, and the tour does not include a bath in the hot river, so check which ride you’re booking before you set your plans.
At a glance
- A good first ride: No horseback riding experience is required, and horses are matched to riders.
- A varied route: Expect roads, muddy paths, and, depending on conditions, a small stream crossing.
- A taste of Icelandic riding: The horses may trot, giving you a chance to feel their unusual tölt.
- A small-group outing: Groups range from 1 to 15 participants, with guides checking in along the way.
- Practical extras: Helmets, boots, weather gear, parking, and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate afterward are included.
- Riding Icelandic horses beside Reykjadalur
- Getting matched with a horse and ready to ride
- What the trail is like
- Choosing the right duration and package
- Who will enjoy this ride most
- Practical details before you book
- Should you book this Reykjadalur ride?
- FAQ
- Do I need horseback riding experience?
- How long is the ride?
- What is the minimum age?
- Is there a weight limit?
- What should I wear and bring?
- Is the hot river bath included?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- More Horses in Hveragerdi
- More Tours in Hveragerdi
- More Tour Reviews in Hveragerdi
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Riding Icelandic horses beside Reykjadalur
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7 / 7This is a country ride, not a lesson in an indoor arena. You meet at Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur in Hveragerdi, then head out with a guide through the countryside around Reykjadalur Valley, an area known for geothermal steam and its hot river.
Icelandic horses are small, sturdy animals with a long place in local tradition. Their tölt is a four-beat gait that can feel smoother than a conventional trot. You may get to experience it during the ride, though the pace and riding conditions depend on the group and the guide.
The appeal is the combination: you get close to the horses, travel at their pace, and see the steam valley from a trail rather than from a roadside stop. The route is described as about 7 to 10 km for the 1-hour-and-30-minute riding experience. This is enough time to settle into the saddle and enjoy the setting, without taking over a full day.
The setting can shift from green fields to volcanic hills and steaming ground. It is open country, so the views and weather are part of the ride. On a clear day, the valley can feel especially dramatic; in Iceland’s changeable weather, clouds or rain may be part of the picture too.
Getting matched with a horse and ready to ride
At the start, staff assign horses based on riders’ height and weight. That practical matching helps make the ride manageable for a mix of abilities, and the horses are described as calm and well trained. You do not need previous riding experience, but you should be comfortable following the guide’s instructions and sitting on a horse for the ride.
Helmets are included, along with boots, winter jumpsuits, and rain clothing. Wear closed shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots, and bring gloves and a thin hat or headband to wear under your helmet. Dress for the weather even if you plan to use the provided outer gear. If you bring your own riding clothes, wash them at 40°C beforehand.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. That gives you time to check in and get fitted before the group sets off. There is parking at the meeting point, but hotel transfers are not part of the standard price.
A small group can make a real difference on horseback. The group limit is 15, and guides ride along and check on participants. Some outings have two guides, which can be reassuring if you are new to riding or need extra help. Private tours can be arranged by contacting the operator by email.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hveragerdi
What the trail is like
The route is not just a smooth track through open fields. It can include roads, muddy paths, and a small stream crossing, giving the ride a bit more variety than a simple loop around a paddock. Conditions may change with the weather, so expect a working countryside route rather than a polished riding track.
Along the way, the guide may let the horses trot so you can feel the tölt. That is a memorable part of the outing, but you should not expect a fast or strenuous ride throughout. The pace is managed for the group, and guides check in as you go.
The valley’s geothermal features add a strong sense of place. Steam rising from the ground is a reminder that Iceland’s volcanic activity is not just something you see at a distant crater. You are riding through a region shaped by heat beneath the surface, with the hot river nearby.
Some routes include a pause in a small valley, where horses can rest and graze. That slower moment can be just as enjoyable as the ride itself, giving you time to take in the surroundings and get a closer look at the horses. Staff may also help take photos, though bring a mobile phone rather than a professional camera. Professional cameras, backpacks, and bags are not allowed.
Choosing the right duration and package
The available details describe more than one duration, so read the option carefully before booking. One description calls the ride a 1-hour experience, while the included details specify 1 hour and 30 minutes of riding, covering about 7 to 10 km. A separate join-in option is labelled a 2-hour-and-15-minute experience.
Those figures may refer to different packages or to the total time on site versus time in the saddle. The exact breakdown is not specified, so check the duration attached to your chosen option and voucher. If you have a tight schedule, do not assume every package takes the same amount of time.
The listed starting price is $146.95, while the 2-hour-and-15-minute join-in option is also shown from $133.59. Prices can vary by package, so use the rate shown for the date and option you select. For the value, consider what is bundled: the ride, guide, helmet, boots, weather gear, parking, and a hot drink afterward. You are paying for a guided outdoor activity with horses and equipment, not just a short photo stop.
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are served after the ride. It is a simple finish, but a welcome one after time outdoors in Icelandic weather. Meals and other beverages are not included, and outside food and drinks are not allowed during the activity.
Who will enjoy this ride most
This is a strong choice if you want an outdoor activity that feels distinctly Icelandic but does not demand prior riding skill. Beginners can take part, and the calm horses and regular guide check-ins make the outing more approachable. If you like animals, the chance to spend time with the horses is as much a draw as the geothermal scenery.
Families can book for children aged 10 and older. Children aged 10 to 16 must ride with a paying adult, and participants aged 16 and older pay the adult rate. The activity is not stroller or wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for pregnant people, anyone with back problems or mobility impairments, people recovering from recent surgery, or anyone over the 110 kg weight limit.
This may be less suitable if you want a long, challenging ride or a guaranteed bathing experience. The route is intended for mixed abilities, and a soak in the hot river is not included. You could plan a separate visit to the river, but this riding activity itself is about the horses and the valley.
Practical details before you book
The meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur in Hveragerdi. Use the exact meeting-point name when arranging your plans, as one nearby property is a private horse farm that does not offer riding. There is parking at the riding operation.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup from ION Adventure Hotel Nesjavellir or Hotel Grimsborgir may be arranged for at least two people, with a surcharge of 16,000 ISK per person. Confirm that service directly when planning transport.
Bring a mobile phone if you want photos, but leave professional cameras, backpacks, bags, alcohol, and drugs behind. Tips, meals, drinks other than the post-ride coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and personal expenses are not included. The voucher is valid only for the date and time specified, and you can present it on your phone.
The provider has a 100% good-review rate across 38 provider reviews, while this particular experience is rated 5.0 from 7 reviews. Those are strong signals, but a small number of ratings cannot promise that every ride will have the same weather, route conditions, or guide staffing. I would treat them as encouragement, not a guarantee.
Should you book this Reykjadalur ride?
Book it if you want a manageable first horseback ride, enjoy animals, and like the idea of seeing a geothermal valley at a slower pace. The strongest reasons to go are the gentle Icelandic horses, the varied trail, and guides who check in with riders. It is also a pleasant way to add an active outdoor outing to a stay in Hveragerdi.
Think twice if you are seeking a long, demanding ride, need accessible transport or facilities, or expect bathing in the hot river to be part of the package. Before paying, compare the duration and price of the available options, and plan your own transport unless you have confirmed a paid pickup. If those details fit your day, this is a memorable way to meet Iceland’s horses and see Reykjadalur from the trail.
Horse riding at Reykjadalur Hot Spring Steam Valley in Hveragerdi
“It was my first time horseback riding, and it went much smoother than expected. The horses are very gentle and easy to control, and the guide will…”
FAQ
Do I need horseback riding experience?
No. Prior experience is not required, and the activity is described as suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.
How long is the ride?
The supplied details describe a 1-hour-and-30-minute ride of about 7 to 10 km, while another description refers to a 1-hour ride. A separate join-in option is labelled a 2-hour-and-15-minute experience. Check the duration on the package you select.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 10 years old. Children aged 10 to 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children aged 16 and older are charged the adult rate.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The weight limit is 110 kg, and the activity is not recommended for people over that limit.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear closed shoes, such as sneakers or hiking boots, and bring gloves and a thin hat or headband for under the helmet. Dress for the weather. You can bring a mobile phone for photos, but professional cameras, backpacks, and bags are not allowed.
Is the hot river bath included?
No. Bathing in the hot river is not included in the riding activity.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard activity. Pickup from ION Adventure Hotel Nesjavellir or Hotel Grimsborgir may be available for at least two people, with a surcharge of 16,000 ISK per person.
