Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlakshofn

Iceland’s small, sturdy horses carry you out from Þorlakshöfn toward dark lava fields, distant steam and a windswept church above the sea. I like the chance to see the countryside at horse pace, and the small group of no more than 12 means the guide can keep an eye on the ride. Helmets, riding gear and snacks are included.

There is one important wrinkle: the tour details give different durations, from about two hours to four hours, and describe the longer ride as medium difficulty for experienced riders. Transport arrangements also need checking, especially if you are coming from Reykjavik or a cruise ship.

• Ride through lava country: The route heads west toward the lava fields of Krýsuvík, with geothermal steam sometimes visible in the distance.
• Stop near Strandakirkja: This well-known Protestant church is described as dating to the 12th century, with ocean views and nearby cliffs.
• Expect an exposed ride: Mountain, sea and wave views are part of the appeal, but wind and cold can change how comfortable the outing feels.
• Bring proper footwear: Helmets and riding equipment are supplied, but shoes and warm clothing are not.
• Ask about the schedule and pickup: The stated duration varies, and one past rider reported an unexpected transport charge.

From Þorlakshöfn Toward Krýsuvík’s Lava Fields

This ride offers a different way to read Iceland’s volcanic terrain. Instead of passing it through a car window, you follow the ground on horseback, with dark lava fields, open country and the sea in view. The route heads west from Þorlakshöfn toward the lava fields near Krýsuvík, a geothermal area where white steam may rise from the earth in the distance.

The word may matters. The scenery depends on the day, the weather and the exact route taken. The supplied route description promises views of lava, mountains and sea, but one rider’s outing was colder and less varied than expected, with a salmon processing plant and construction among the sights. Treat this as a working countryside ride, not a guaranteed procession of postcard views.

The horses themselves are a central part of the experience. Icelandic horses are a distinctive feature of riding in Iceland, and spending time with them gives the excursion a local character beyond simply viewing scenery. You get to travel through the countryside at a slower pace, though that pace does not mean the ride is effortless or suitable for every beginner.

The Stop at Strandakirkja

A planned stop at Strandakirkja adds a cultural point to the route. The church is described as a Protestant church dating to the 12th century, set with views toward the ocean. Nearby cliffs take the full force of the waves, especially on windy days, so this stop can be as much about the coast as the building.

There is also a small café close by, where you and the horses can rest and have snacks. That pause breaks up the ride and gives you time to look around before heading back to base. Snacks and beverages are included, although the precise café arrangements and the amount of time spent there are not specified.

Keep your expectations flexible. The church and coastal scenery are part of the described route, but the conditions at the shore can shape what you see and how long you want to linger. Wind may make the waves more dramatic, but it can also make a stop feel brisk. Warm layers are not optional niceties here; they are part of being comfortable outdoors.

A Family Tour With an Experienced-Rider Catch

The title calls this a family tour, but the activity details make an important distinction: the four-hour version is described as medium difficulty and intended only for experienced riders. The general information also says participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. That combination calls for a direct question before booking if you are new to riding or bringing children.

No age limit, minimum riding experience for the shorter version, or child-specific information is provided. So do not assume that family-friendly means suitable for a first-time rider or every age group. Ask the operator which ride length is being offered, what level of riding ability is required, and whether each person in your group is a good fit.

Small-group riding can help the guide supervise the outing, and the maximum group size is 12. That is a useful limit for a ride where people need attention and space. Still, a small group does not remove the need to be comfortable around horses or able to manage the stated level of physical activity.

Guide names mentioned on past outings include Bjorn and Magnus. Bjorn was described as friendly and helpful; another rider found communication difficult with Magnus, who did not speak English. The tour is offered in English, but individual guide arrangements may vary, so it is sensible to confirm the language support for your date rather than assume a particular guide will lead.

Two Hours or Four? Confirm the Ride You Are Booking

The duration is the biggest planning question. The tour summary describes an outing of about two hours, while the detailed activity information says four hours of riding and calls it a medium-difficulty ride for experienced riders. One account also describes a roughly 45-minute journey to the farm followed by about an hour on horseback. Those details do not establish a single, dependable timetable.

Before paying, get confirmation of the total time, the time actually spent riding, and whether any journey to the stable is included. This matters if you have a cruise departure, another booking or a limited day in the area. One rider had a tour canceled less than 24 hours before the event, which left little time to find another activity. Build in a cushion if your schedule is tight.

The stated meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlakshöfn, and the activity ends back there. The tour is listed under Reykjavik, but the meeting point is in Þorlakshöfn. Pickup is offered, yet the details do not spell out its route or price. Do not assume transport from central Reykjavik or a cruise ship is included in the per-person price.

That last point deserves special attention. A rider reported being asked for an additional $75 for transport to and from a cruise ship in Reykjavik, a charge they had not expected. This is not proof that the same fee applies to every booking, but it is a clear reason to ask in writing what pickup covers and whether it costs extra. If you are arriving by ship, confirm the round-trip plan before the day of the ride.

What the $180 Price Includes, and What It Does Not

At $180 per person, this is not a bargain horseback outing. The price includes riding equipment, a helmet, snacks and beverages. Those inclusions help, particularly since you do not need to arrange protective riding gear yourself. The value rests on the length and quality of the ride, the scenery and the logistics, so the duration discrepancy matters directly to the price.

If the outing is a full four hours on horseback, you are paying for a substantial ride with a stop along the way. If it is closer to the shorter version, the value calculation changes. Since the available details differ, confirm exactly what the $180 buys before treating it as a half-day experience.

Shoes and warm, comfortable clothes are not included. Bring good shoes, such as sneakers or boots, and dress for cold, windy conditions. The route includes open country and a coast where waves crash on cliffs; comfortable clothing can make the difference between enjoying the stop and wishing you were back indoors.

The tour is capped at 12 people, which may be appealing if you prefer a more personal outing to a large group. It is also offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, though the supplied details do not say how convenient that service is for your specific itinerary.

Weather, Cancellations and Other Practical Checks

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not met. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

That policy is useful, but it does not eliminate the risk of a late operator cancellation. One person had the tour canceled less than a day before the scheduled outing. If this ride is a highlight of a short port stop, have a backup plan and confirm that the activity is still running as your date approaches.

There is also a report from someone who arrived at the meeting area and found uncertainty about whether the stable was operating. That account ended with a refund being initiated, but the person had not received it at the time they wrote. Given that experience, confirm the meeting point, start time and operator contact details in advance. The booking confirmation should arrive at the time of booking, but the listed information does not provide a direct phone number here.

Who Should Book This Ride?

I would consider this ride if you have riding experience, want a countryside outing rather than a city activity, and are comfortable with Iceland’s changeable weather. The combination of lava fields, a geothermal area, a coastal church and Icelandic horses offers a varied day when the route and conditions cooperate. The most praised elements in past outings were the horses, the black-sand beach and waterside scenery, and a friendly, helpful guide named Bjorn.

I would hesitate if you are a first-time rider, need a fixed end time, or expect easy transport from Reykjavik to be included. The tour’s family label should not override the stated rider-experience requirement for the four-hour version. Ask about the exact difficulty and duration for your date, particularly if children or novice riders are in your party.

Before booking, get clear answers on three points: whether your ride lasts two or four hours, what pickup costs and where it operates, and what riding experience is required. If those answers suit your plans, the ride could be a memorable way to see the coast and volcanic country. If they remain vague, choose an outing with a more certain schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlakshöfn, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the ride?

The tour information gives two different durations: about two hours in the summary and four hours in the detailed description. Confirm the duration for your date before booking.

What scenery might I see?

The route heads west from Þorlakshöfn toward the lava fields near Krýsuvík. You may see geothermal steam, mountains and the sea, and the route includes a stop near Strandakirkja.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The four-hour ride is described as medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders. The general information also says participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. No beginner requirements are provided for a shorter ride, so ask the operator.

What is included in the price?

Helmets, riding equipment, snacks and beverages are included. Shoes and warm, comfortable clothing are not.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not specify its route or whether it costs extra. Confirm the pickup location and any charge before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, you can receive a full refund.