From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

The ride begins just outside Reykjavík, where the city gives way to dark lava rock, open trails, and low green hills. On an Icelandic horse, you get a close-up look at this volcanic terrain while learning to feel the breed’s distinctive tölt, a smooth gait that makes for a steady ride.

I like two things in particular: the calm, carefully matched horses make this a good first ride, and the guides split riders by confidence so experienced riders can move at a different pace. The stable also supplies helmets, rubber boots, and warm or waterproof gear, a real help when Iceland’s weather changes its mind.

The main consideration is the total time and cost: the riding itself lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the full outing can take 2 to 4 hours, especially with optional pickup. At $141 per person, it is a special outdoor activity rather than a quick, low-cost excursion.

• Ride close to Reykjavík: The Íshestar stables in Hafnarfjörður are about a 20-minute drive from the capital.
• Try the tölt: Icelandic horses have a distinctive, smooth gait that guides may let confident riders experience.
• Expect a beginner-friendly pace: Guides give riding instructions and can place riders in groups suited to their confidence.
• Dress for changeable weather: Helmets, rubber boots, and warm or waterproof outerwear are provided.
• Check the rider requirements: Riders must be at least 7, weigh no more than 243 pounds (110 kilograms), and be able to mount without assistance.

From Reykjavík to the Hafnarfjörður trails

Íshestar’s riding centre sits in Hafnarfjörður, a town about 20 minutes by car from Reykjavík. That short trip makes this an easy way to trade city streets for open country without giving up most of a day to reach a remote starting point.

The ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. The complete activity is listed as 2 to 4 hours, so allow room for getting ready, meeting your horse, and any transfer time. If you choose pickup, it begins 60 minutes before the tour departure. Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses; if you’re staying in a private flat, you’ll be told the nearest pickup point.

You can also meet directly at Íshestar. The ride starts and ends at the riding centre, so without a transfer you’ll need to arrange your own transport there and back. This option gives you more control over your schedule, but check the route and meeting details before setting off. One practical warning: clear signage around the tour area may not be obvious, so allow extra time to find the correct entrance.

Lava rock, green hills, and a close view of Iceland

The route takes you across lava fields and along green hillsides. Instead of seeing volcanic terrain from a car window, you follow trails through it at horse pace. That slower view gives you time to notice rock shapes, plants, and other details you might otherwise pass by.

The ground can look stark, but it isn’t only black stone. The ride combines the rough, dark textures of lava with stretches of green hillside, giving the outing a varied feel. Snow or poor weather can change what you see, of course. The scenery remains part of the ride, but a layer of snow may hide some of the lava formations.

This is a guided outing, not a free ride through the countryside. Local guides lead the group and share information about the area and Icelandic horses. That’s useful if you’ve never ridden before, and it adds context for experienced riders too. The point isn’t to cover distance quickly. It’s to experience the terrain safely and at a pace that lets you take it in.

Meeting your horse and learning the basics

At the stable, staff help find a horse to suit your needs and provide a helmet, rubber boots, and either warm overalls or rain gear, depending on conditions. The centre has a well-equipped changing room, so you can switch into the supplied clothing before riding. Pack with Iceland’s weather in mind, but don’t assume you need to bring specialist riding clothes.

Guides explain the procedures before you mount. This is especially helpful if you’re new to horseback riding: the horses are described as calm and well cared for, and guides help beginners feel secure. Still, this is an active riding tour. You must be able to mount a horse by your own strength, and the activity is not suitable for children under 7 or people over 243 pounds (110 kilograms).

One sensible detail: you can’t bring backpacks or bags on the ride. The riding centre has safety boxes where you can store valuables, so bring only what you need and leave the rest put away.

The Icelandic horse and its smooth tölt

The Icelandic horse is central to the experience, not just a way to get around. The breed is known for the tölt, a smooth gait that can feel different from the walk or trot many riders expect. Your guide can explain the horse’s movement and help you understand what you’re feeling in the saddle.

Riders are grouped according to confidence, which helps keep the outing comfortable for different skill levels. Beginners can focus on basic riding and following the group. More experienced riders may have the chance to try a faster pace, including the tölt, if the guides consider it suitable for the group and conditions. Don’t count on a particular speed or gait as a guaranteed part of every ride.

This setup makes the tour a good fit for mixed-experience parties. A first-time rider can enjoy the trail without being pushed to keep up with a seasoned one. If you’re an experienced rider, you can ask about the riding groups and what pace to expect before you set out.

Weather, clothing, and what to bring

Icelandic weather is part of the planning. Riders have described conditions ranging from cold and wet to snowy, and the tour provides outer layers to help. The supplied warm or waterproof clothing, helmet, and boots remove some of the hassle of packing bulky gear, though you’ll still want suitable clothes underneath.

If you already own riding equipment, note the import rules: riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, and gloves need to be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Used leather riding gear may not be brought into the country. For many visitors, using the stable’s gear is the simpler option.

Bring no bag on the ride itself. Keep valuables in the centre’s safety boxes, and have a phone or camera ready before you leave the changing area if you want pictures. Guides have helped take photos during rides, but don’t treat that as a promised service.

What the $141 price includes

At $141 per person, the price includes the guided ride, helmet, rubber boots, and warm or waterproof riding gear. English-language guidance is available, with German and Icelandic also offered. German guidance is available on request, so ask about it when arranging your tour.

The value depends on what you want from a half-day outing. You’re paying for more than time in the saddle: there’s a short transfer from the capital if you choose it, access to the riding centre’s facilities, a horse matched to your needs, safety instruction, and a guided route through volcanic surroundings. For a first-time rider, the included equipment and help from the staff can make the experience much easier to arrange.

Return transfer is optional and not included in the base price. If you don’t choose it, factor in the cost and time of getting to Hafnarfjörður yourself. Children ages 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount, which can make the outing more attractive for families. Check the total price for your party before booking, especially if you’re adding transport.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits first-time riders, families with children aged 7 and up, and experienced riders who want to meet Icelandic horses and see the countryside on horseback. The calm mounts and supportive guidance are a strong match for people who are curious about riding but unsure about getting started.

It can also work well for a group with different levels of experience, since riders can be divided by confidence. If you’re an experienced rider hoping for a fast or challenging outing, clarify the likely pace in advance. The route is designed for a guided group ride, and the chance to try a faster gait depends on the group and conditions.

You should skip it if you’re uncomfortable around horses, can’t mount without help, are under 7, or exceed the stated weight limit. It’s also worth considering whether you’re comfortable spending time outdoors in changeable weather. The supplied gear helps, but it doesn’t turn an outdoor ride into an indoor activity.

Booking details worth checking

The tour has a strong overall rating of 4.7 from 1,356 ratings, and the clearest strengths are the horses, the friendly and attentive guides, and the support given to beginners. Reports of pickup problems are uncommon in the supplied feedback, but one group did need a replacement taxi after a missed pickup. Confirm your pickup details in advance and keep the operator’s contact information handy.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. If you need pickup, remember it starts an hour before departure, not at the tour’s riding start time.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want a practical way to meet Icelandic horses and ride through lava country without travelling far from Reykjavík. The calm horses, useful gear, and careful guidance make it especially appealing to beginners and families with eligible children.

Think twice if you want a long, fast ride, dislike outdoor weather, or need a fully included transfer. For most people who are comfortable around horses, though, this is a memorable way to spend a few hours outside the capital, with a real chance to feel the Icelandic horse’s tölt.

FAQ

How long is the ride?

The horseback ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. The full activity is listed as 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected option and arrangements.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. The activity ends back at the riding centre.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

No. Return transfer is optional and not included in the base price. Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses, and begins 60 minutes before the tour departure.

Is this suitable for someone who has never ridden a horse?

Yes. The guides give instructions, and the horses are selected to suit riders’ needs. Riders are grouped by confidence, though everyone must be able to mount a horse by their own strength.

What equipment is provided?

A riding helmet, rubber boots, and warm or waterproof outerwear are provided. The centre also has a changing room and safety boxes for valuables.

What are the age and weight limits?

The activity is not suitable for children under 7 or people over 243 pounds (110 kilograms). Children ages 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

No. Bags and backpacks are not allowed on the ride, but you can store valuables in safety boxes at the riding centre.