Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour welcomes all levels from complete beginners to advanced riders. During booking, you'll describe your experience, and guides match you with a suitable horse and pace.

What is tölt and why is it special?

Tölt is Iceland's smooth, four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses. Unlike trotting, it's comfortable to sit for long periods, and dedicated paths throughout Hveragerdi let you experience it repeatedly.

Will we gallop during the tour?

No. The tour focuses on tölt and safe pacing. Galloping is avoided for safety reasons, even for experienced riders.

Can beginners and experienced riders go together?

Yes. The tour intentionally mixes skill levels on the same ride, with beginners and experienced riders grouped together and matched with appropriate horses.

What's included at the end of the tour?

You'll receive complimentary coffee and a homemade treat, giving you time to rest and reflect on the ride while learning more about local hospitality.

How much of the 5 hours is spent riding versus other activities?

The tour is primarily riding through meadows and lava fields with farm views. The closing period includes the coffee and homemade treat stop, though exact split isn't specified by the operator.

1 / 10

02A - The Heritage Tour

(5)

Hveragerdi, Iceland

Horseback Riding

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About this activity

Explore Hveragerdi's rural landscape on horseback through volcanic terrain and working farms, experiencing Iceland's unique tölt gait on purpose-built trails. This 5-hour heritage ride connects you with the region's agricultural history while enjoying genuine Icelandic hospitality, ending with homemade refreshments.

This tour goes through meadows and lava fields. On our way we pass several farms, which give us an idea of how the agriculture has developed in the last decades. On the way we have a good opportunity to experience the gait tölt on the many good tölt paths. At the end of the tour you are invited for coffee and an homebaked treat.

Please note: The tour is suitable for all levels of riding experience from beginners to advanced. During booking process, we ask our clients to inform us about their riding experience, which helps us to choose the right horses for everyone. Beginners and experienced riders ride together. We always try to tölt as much as possible, but do not gallop for safety reasons.

Highlights

✓Experience tölt, Iceland's smooth four-beat gait, on dedicated tölt paths
✓Ride through lava fields and pastoral meadows with working farm views
✓See how Icelandic agriculture has evolved over recent decades
✓Mix of beginners and experienced riders on matched horses
✓Traditional coffee and homemade treat at tour's end

Insider tips

★Mention your exact riding experience during booking—this ensures the guide pairs you with the right horse for your skill level
★Tölt is smooth and comfortable even for first-time riders; ask the guide to explain the gait difference before setting off
★Layer your clothing; Hveragerdi weather can shift quickly, and you'll be in the saddle for extended periods

Good to know

•Suitable for all riding levels from complete beginners to advanced riders
•Tour prioritizes tölt over galloping for safety; no high-speed riding
•Confirm your riding experience during the booking process for proper horse matching
•Bring weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for riding

Who it's for

First-time horse riders wanting an accessible Icelandic riding experienceHorse enthusiasts interested in the tölt gait and Icelandic equestrian cultureTravellers seeking rural, agricultural insight beyond typical tourist routesFamilies or mixed-ability groups where beginners and experienced riders travel together

Best time to visit

Spring through autumn (May–September) offers the most reliable weather and longer daylight in Hveragerdi. Early morning departures provide cooler conditions and better visibility across the lava fields.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Chris N.

May 2026

our guide Beatriz had so many stories and the frescoes inside the chapel was the highlight, and spot on for a couples day out, and skipped two ticket queues.

Joe W.

Feb 2026

Omar our guide very good, and the carvings on the main temple wall we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Phuket before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Chris N.

Oct 2025

our guide Samir sorted everything for us and the frescoes inside the chapel was the highlight, and first thing in the morning.

Sam V.

Aug 2025

our guide Dmitri had so many stories and the carvings on the main temple wall was the highlight, and miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in Marrakech.

Ray P.

Apr 2025

our guide Nadia really knew their stuff and the frescoes inside the chapel was the highlight, and blew our Rome one out of the water, loved it

from€131/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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