






Riding and Hiking in the Valley Reykjadalur
Tour Description
Explore the volcanic landscapes of South Iceland with a guided horse riding and hiking excursion. Highlights include a 1.5 to 2-hour ride through lava fields on a sturdy Icelandic horse, a light lunch at a boutique hotel, and a scenic hike into the Reykjadalur geothermal valley. You will have the unique opportunity to bathe in a warm natural river, view the Djúpagilsfoss waterfall, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the coastline and Westman Islands. The day concludes with traditional coffee and homemade cake at the riding center.
This 9-hour adventure is a practical way to experience Iceland's geothermal activity and equestrian heritage in a single day. The tour begins at Vellir farm near Hveragerði, a town famous for its hot springs located just 45 kilometers (about a 45-minute drive) from Reykjavík.
The morning starts with a horse riding session suitable for various experience levels. You will ride through local meadows and ancient lava formations, experiencing the smooth, unique gait of the Icelandic horse known as the tölt. Following the ride, a light lunch consisting of soup and bread is served at Hótel Eldhestar.
The afternoon is dedicated to a guided hike of approximately 5 kilometers (roughly 2.5 hours total) into the Reykjadalur valley. The trail features a steep initial climb but levels out to reveal a landscape of boiling mud pools and steam vents. The primary destination is the thermal river, where geothermally heated water mixes with cold mountain streams to create a perfect bathing temperature. Please note that there are no formal changing rooms in the wilderness, only simple outdoor partitions, so bringing a towel and wearing a swimsuit under your clothes is recommended.
This tour is designed for travelers in good physical condition who are comfortable with both moderate hiking and riding. All necessary safety gear, including helmets and rainwear, is provided. It offers a factual and immersive look at the "hidden" green valleys of the Hengill volcano area, far from the standard tourist crowds.
From Reykjavík
All Year
9 Hours
Included
Easy
Highlight Of The Tour





What’s Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Daily tours start at 09:00. We offer pick-up service from the BSI central bus station, hotels, guesthouses, and designated bus stops between 7:45 and 8:30 in the morning. Please note that we cannot pick up from private apartments and Airbnb accommodations.
Return to Reykjavík at around 17:15.
The ride is easy, we encourage everyone over 8 years of age to join this magnificent journey.
Everyone is required to wear a helmet.
Eldhestar has strict security measures in place. For safety reasons, you cannot bring backpacks, large cameras, selfie sticks, or other bulky items on the horses. Small waist bags are allowed. Horse riding is a potentially risky activity; you participate at your own risk.
The tour is available all year, but it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat on rainy days or during winter day tours if you get wet during the ride.
To participate in the horse riding tour, you'll need to wear sturdy shoes, good sneakers or narrow hiking boots, and comfortable pants (riding pants are not required). It's a good idea to bring gloves and a thin hat under the helmet (a "buff" is a good choice). If you want to carry small items like a camera, you should bring a small waist bag (backpacks are not allowed on the horses). On rainy days or during winter day tours, it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat in case you get wet during the ride.
The maximum weight for participants is 120 kg.
All used riding gear, such as boots and saddlebags, must be disinfected before coming to Iceland to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases that could threaten the horses. That typically includes washing riding wear and cleaning helmets, shoes, and safety vests with iodine or another disinfectant.
Used riding gloves and leather items, such as chaps, are not allowed.
We offer hotel pick-up in Reykjavík at 8:00-8:30 and pick-up in Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær, Kópavogur, and Seltjarnanres at 7:45. The tour returns to Reykjavík at around 13:00 and 17:15.
The age limit is 8 years old, but adults must accompany all children.
✓ This tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours from the departure time by sending a written email to info@troll.is. You will receive a full refund except the 3% card fee. All cancellations requested less than 24 hours from the departure time are non refundable. ✓ In the case of cancellation of the tour by the operator because of extreme weather, road conditions, or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or booking other activities when possible or provide a full refund.
You Might also like
Ride the unique Icelandic horse through a landscape of steaming geothermal valleys and volcanic mountains. Highlights include experiencing the tölt, a smooth and exclusive fourth gait, as you traverse the slopes of the Hengill volcano. You will visit the Reykjadalur "Steam Valley" to bathe in a natural warm river and view the impressive Djúpagilsfoss waterfall. The journey offers panoramic views of the South Iceland coastline and concludes with traditional coffee and homemade cake at a local farm.
Embark on a signature Icelandic adventure that combines a Monster Truck transfer with a glacier snowmobile ride. Departing from the Gullfoss area, you will travel into the remote highlands—an area inaccessible to standard rental cars—to reach Langjökull, Europe’s second-largest glacier. Highlights include driving across vast, ancient ice fields, experiencing the "Mars-like" volcanic landscapes of the interior, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This tour is designed at a comfortable, relaxed pace, making it ideal for first-time riders and families.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs is the #1 place to visit in the world in 2023 according to Timeout