2-Hour Hot Spring Valley Ride

Hveragerdi: Reykjadalur (Hotspring Valley) Horse Riding Tour runs through Sólhestar Horse Riding. Rated 4.7 across 227 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $140.

Overview

Sólhestar Horse Riding runs this two-hour ride out of its stables in Hveragerdi, heading into Reykjadalur, the Hotspring Valley. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers drive to the farm themselves, where free parking is available, and are asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure to gear up.

The route crosses the river several times and passes steaming springs and green hills, mostly at a walking pace. Riders of any experience level can join, and the guides check that everyone is comfortable in the saddle before setting off. If the whole group is ready for it, the guide may let riders try the tölt, the smooth gait the Icelandic horse is known for. Helmets and riding gear are provided at the stables, along with rain wear, winter overalls, and coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the horses as well cared for and calm, and describe the ride as peaceful rather than fast. Several also point out that the farm sits near a hiking trail to hot springs, which makes the trip easy to pair with a longer day in the valley.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the farmArrive at the Sólhestar stables in Hveragerdi 15 minutes before departure. Free parking is available on site, and helmets and gear are handed out there.
2. Gear up and briefingGuides fit riders with helmets, rain wear or winter overalls as needed, and go over the basics, checking that everyone feels confident before mounting.
3. Ride into the valleyHorse riding in Reykjadalur for 2 hours, with a photo stop and guiding along the way. The trail crosses the river a few times and passes steaming springs and green hills, mostly at a walking pace, with a possible tölt if conditions and rider comfort allow.
4. Return to the stablesThe ride ends back at the farm in Hveragerdi, where hot drinks are available as part of the tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from footwear to what you cannot bring on the ride.

• Footwear and clothing. Dress warmly for the weather, which can change quickly in Iceland. Rain wear and winter overalls are provided, but hats and gloves are not. One tall reviewer reported soaked feet at the river crossings and suggested shin-high rubber boots for anyone of similar height, since Icelandic horses are short.
• Pace and fitness. The ride is mostly at a gentle walking pace and suits all experience levels, including first-timers. The listing asks that participants be in good physical condition and able to ride safely. The tölt is only offered when the guide judges all riders comfortable and eligible.
• What to leave behind. Backpacks, bags, food and drinks, alcohol and professional cameras are not allowed on the ride. Plan to travel light for the outing.
• Weight limit. There is a maximum weight limit of 110 kg, or 242 lb, per rider. Helmets are mandatory and provided at the stables.
• Group feel. Reviewers describe the ride as peaceful and relaxing, with friendly guides who build confidence before setting off and share information about the horses, the flowers and the area along the way.
• Pairing with a hike. Several reviewers recommend combining the ride with the hike up to the hot springs in the same valley, since the ranch sits close to the trailhead. It makes an easy full day out of Hveragerdi.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, so you need your own transport to the farm in Hveragerdi. Food is not included, and hats and gloves must be brought yourself. The pace is deliberately slow, so travellers hoping for long stretches of faster gaits may find the tölt opportunities limited, depending on the group and the guide's judgment. Weather is a real factor: one reviewer rode through pouring rain and another through wind and chill, so dress for conditions rather than for the forecast you left home with.

Picking A Ride