Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

The appeal here is the chance to ride an Icelandic horse through moss-covered lava fields, with the Bláfjöll mountains in view. This is a short outing rather than a long trek, but it gives you a taste of riding in Iceland’s open countryside without requiring prior experience.

I like two things in particular: the guides are attentive to riders’ comfort and ability, and the visit can include time to get to know the horses, not just sit in the saddle. One guide, Barbora, was praised for explaining the tölt and the breed’s background. The main drawback is the short ride: at about 50 minutes, it may feel brief for $135.16, especially if you already ride regularly.

At a glance

• A beginner-friendly ride: The tour is designed for people new to horseback riding, with guides on hand to help you feel safe and settled.
• Icelandic horses up close: You have the chance to become familiar with the breed, and some riders have had time in the stable before or after the ride.
• Lava-field scenery: The route follows riding paths through moss-covered lava fields, with views toward the Bláfjöll mountains.
• Warm riding gear is included: Helmets, rubber boots and rainwear or warm overalls are provided.
• A small group limit: The tour allows up to 15 people, though your group may be smaller.
• Plan for more than 50 minutes on site: Arrive 30 minutes before departure for the required pre-ride preparation.

A short ride with a strong sense of place

Ishestar’s riding centre sits at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, outside central Reykjavik. The outing begins and ends at the centre, making it a straightforward way to add a countryside activity to a city stay without committing to a full-day excursion.

The ride itself lasts about 50 minutes. That is enough time to get on a horse, follow the paths and take in the surroundings, but it is not a long expedition into remote terrain. Think of it as an introduction to riding in Iceland, with scenery and time with the horses as much a part of the appeal as the saddle time.

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters: you will need to get fitted with the provided equipment and take part in the centre’s preparation, including a safety video. Don’t plan to arrive just as the ride is due to leave.

Getting acquainted with the Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is central to the experience, not just a way to cover the route. The tour is designed to help you get familiar with the animals as well as ride them, and the staff’s approach seems to be a real strength. Riders have described staff as attentive and accommodating, including with groups where no one had riding experience.

If you have ridden before, tell your guide about your experience. One rider described being matched with a horse that suited their ability, which allowed them to ride at a faster pace. That is a useful example of why it pays to be clear about your comfort level, but it is not a promise that every ride will include a faster pace or a particular horse.

You may also have time to spend near the horses in the stable. One account describes looking around before the safety briefing and spending more time with the horses after returning. Those extra moments are not guaranteed, but they show how the centre experience can be more personal than simply arriving, riding and leaving.

A guide named Barbora was singled out for explaining how to ride the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s distinctive gait, and sharing details about the breed, its origins, its organization and shoeing. Your guide may be someone else, and the depth of conversation can vary, but asking questions is a good way to make the most of the time you have.

Following paths across mossy lava fields

The route takes you along riding paths through moss-covered lava fields. Iceland’s volcanic ground gives the outing a setting you are unlikely to mistake for a city park, while the moss adds softer color to the dark rock. The focus is on riding through the area rather than stopping at a series of formal sights.

The views toward the Bláfjöll mountains are another draw. The tour describes panoramic mountain scenery, but what you can see will depend on the day’s conditions. Icelandic weather can change, and this activity requires good weather; if conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

The route is intended to be manageable for beginners, with guides leading the ride and helping you feel comfortable. That makes this a practical choice if you want to try horseback riding without having to plan a separate lesson. Still, a beginner-friendly ride is not the same as a guarantee that you will feel completely at ease. If you are nervous around horses or uncertain about riding, mention that to the staff before setting out.

What the 50 minutes include

The listed riding time is approximately 50 minutes, and the activity returns to the same meeting point. This is a compact outing, useful if you have limited time in Reykjavik or want to fit a horse ride around other plans. Allow more time overall, since you need to arrive half an hour before departure and may spend a little time getting ready.

That short duration is also the clearest limitation. At $135.16 per person, you are paying for more than the minutes in the saddle: the horse, guide, safety preparation and riding equipment are part of the package. But if your main aim is a long horseback journey, this tour may not satisfy you. Check the length carefully and decide whether a brief taste of riding is what you want.

The group limit is 15 people. A smaller group can make it easier for a guide to give individual attention, and one rider happened to receive a one-to-one outing. That was good luck, not something you should expect or pay for as a private tour. The maximum group size is useful to know, but the actual number riding with you may vary.

What to wear, and what to bring

Helmets, rubber boots and either rainwear or warm overalls are included. That is a practical benefit in Iceland, where the weather can be cool or wet and riding gear is not something every visitor carries. The centre provides the main protective and outerwear items, so you do not need to arrive with specialist equipment.

Food and drinks are not included. The tour is short, but plan to eat or bring what you need separately, particularly if this ride falls between other activities. The supplied information does not specify whether refreshments are available at the centre, so do not count on them as part of the experience.

There is a weight limit of 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. Check that requirement before booking. The tour is described as suitable for most people, but that should not override the stated limit or your own comfort and ability to ride.

Is $135.16 good value?

At $135.16, this is a substantial price for a 50-minute ride. The value is strongest if you want a guided introduction to the Icelandic horse, need equipment provided, and care about seeing the countryside from horseback. The staff’s attention, the chance to ask about the breed and the mountain views add value beyond the basic act of riding.

The price is harder to justify if you are an experienced rider looking for a long route or lots of time in the saddle. The accounts of a guide tailoring the ride to a rider’s ability are encouraging, but they do not mean every booking will be a private or advanced ride. For a first ride in Iceland, however, the beginner-focused format and included gear can make the outing easier to arrange and less intimidating.

The experience has a 4.8 rating and is recommended by 95 percent of participants. Those figures support its reputation, but your own satisfaction will likely depend on what you expect: a scenic, supported introduction rather than an extended horseback trek.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would consider this tour if you are curious about Icelandic horses, new to riding, or looking for an outdoor activity close to Reykjavik. It suits people who want an organized experience with equipment provided and a guide nearby, rather than having to arrange a horse and route independently.

It can also work for a mixed-ability group. The tour is aimed at beginners, and the staff have been praised for being collaborative with people who have no riding experience. If you have ridden often, explain that when you arrive and ask what pace is suitable. The guide may be able to match you with an appropriate horse, but the outing is still built around a short group ride.

This may be less suitable if you want a full-day excursion, a guaranteed private lesson, or a long stretch of riding. It is also weather-dependent, so leave some flexibility in your plans if possible.

Booking is flexible up to a point: you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the ride, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book it if a short, beginner-friendly ride through volcanic scenery sounds more appealing than a long trek, and you would value a guide who can help you get comfortable with the Icelandic horse. The gear is included, the group is capped at 15, and there is a chance to learn about the horses as well as ride them.

Think twice if the 50-minute riding time feels too short for the price, or if you are looking for an advanced or private experience. For a first taste of horseback riding in Iceland, though, this is a practical, scenic choice. Arrive early, dress for changeable weather and tell your guide what kind of riding experience you have.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The ride lasts approximately 50 minutes. You should arrive at the centre 30 minutes before departure, so plan to be there earlier than the riding time alone suggests.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed especially for beginners, and experienced guides provide support during the outing.

What riding equipment is included?

The price includes a riding helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated weight is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.