From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Volcanic riding begins minutes from Reykjavík. This tour takes you from Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður onto lava-field trails and green hillsides, where the scenery feels far removed from the capital. I especially like the calm, well-cared-for horses and the careful way guides match riders with suitable mounts.

The tour also makes Icelandic horseback riding easy for first-timers, thanks to helmets, boots, rainwear, warm overalls, and patient instruction. The main consideration is the weather: wind, rain, snow, and poor visibility can change the views, and the stable does not allow riders over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Key Points Before You Book

• Ride across volcanic ground: The route passes through lava fields near Hafnarfjörður, with unusual rock formations, moss, plants, and open hillsides.
• Try the Icelandic tölt: Experienced riders may feel the breed’s famously smooth four-beat gait, while beginners can stay with a gentler group.
• Good for nervous beginners: Horses are described as calm and responsive, and guides take time to explain mounting, riding position, and trail procedures.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm riding clothes are available at the stable.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel and main guesthouse pickup begins about one hour before departure, or you can meet at Íshestar Riding Tours.
• Allow more than riding time: The actual horseback portion lasts about 1.5 hours, while the full outing takes roughly 2 to 4 hours depending on transport and schedule.

Why This Ride Feels More Icelandic Than a City Tour

Iceland is often experienced from a bus window. This ride slows things down and places you at the level of the terrain. You notice the broken edges of old lava, small plants growing in dark rock, and the way the route opens toward green slopes outside Hafnarfjörður.

The setting is close to Reykjavík, but it does not feel urban once you leave the stable. Íshestar sits in a rural-looking area about a 20-minute drive from the capital. That short transfer matters if you have only a few days in Iceland or want to fit horseback riding around a museum, food tour, or evening activity.

The horses are Icelandic, a compact and famously sure-footed breed closely associated with the country. The special feature you may feel on the trail is the tölt, a smooth gait that can be more comfortable than a regular trot. You will not necessarily spend the whole ride at a tölt, since pace depends on the group and each rider’s confidence, but experienced riders may have the chance to try it.

I like that the focus is not simply on speed. The best part is the combination of animals, volcanic ground, and local guidance. You get a closer look at Iceland’s nature without committing to a full-day riding expedition far from Reykjavík.

Arriving at Íshestar in Hafnarfjörður

You can meet at Íshestar Riding Tours or select optional pickup from a hotel or main guesthouse. Pickup begins 60 minutes before the riding time. For example, the stated pickup time is 9:00 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. tour and 1:00 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. departure.

Pickup is not available directly from private apartments. If you stay in one, the company sends the nearest pickup point by email before the tour. Check this carefully, since Reykjavík’s designated bus stops are not always beside your accommodation.

The return service lists many central drop-off locations, including Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, City Hall, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, Skarfabakki Harbour, Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, Hotel Viking, and several numbered bus stops. That is useful if you are staying outside the central hotel zone or need to connect with another part of the city.

If you drive yourself, allow a little extra time to find the entrance. Clearer signage would help, and it is worth arriving early rather than searching for the stable at the last minute.

Getting Ready: Clothing, Helmets, and Safety

The changing room is well equipped, and the stable provides practical gear in your size. You can use a riding helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit during the ride. This is a real advantage in Iceland, where the weather can shift quickly and ordinary city clothing may not be suitable for sitting on a horse.

Wear comfortable layers underneath. The supplied overalls and rain gear are meant to protect you from cold and wet conditions, not to replace sensible base clothing. Gloves and other personal riding items may be useful, but you must follow the country’s biosecurity rules if bringing riding gear into Iceland.

Used leather riding equipment may not be brought into the country. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, and gloves need to be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arrival. This detail is easy to miss, so check your kit well before your flight.

You cannot take a backpack or bag on the trail. Safety boxes at the riding centre are available for valuables. Bring only what you need, and keep phones and cameras secure before mounting.

Every rider must be able to mount the horse using their own strength. The tour is not suitable for children under seven or for anyone over 110 kilograms. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

Meeting the Horses and Choosing Your Pace

One of the most praised parts of the experience is the horses’ gentle temperament. You have time to get acquainted with your assigned horse before riding out, and the staff work to find a horse that fits your needs and ability.

That matching process is especially important if you are nervous or have never ridden before. The horses generally follow one another along the trail, which helps beginners settle into the rhythm. Guides also explain the correct procedures and stay attentive to the group.

At some point, the riders may be divided by confidence or experience. Beginners can remain in a slower group, while stronger riders may have the chance to trot or explore the Icelandic horse’s tölt. This split helps prevent the common problem of an experienced rider feeling held back or a first-timer feeling rushed.

Do not expect a private ride or complete freedom to choose your own route. This is a guided group outing, and the pace must suit the least confident rider. That is a fair trade for the safety and reassurance the structure provides.

The guides are another strength. They explain how to handle the horses, provide information about Icelandic horses, and keep the mood friendly. One guide named Sonya was singled out for explaining the horses’ history and adding useful background during the ride. Other guides have been praised for taking photographs and helping riders stay together on the trail.

The 1.5-Hour Route Through Lava and Green Hills

The horseback portion lasts about 1.5 hours. Once outside the stable, you ride along prepared paths through lava fields and beside green hillsides. The terrain is not a flat paddock exercise. You get a real sense of Iceland’s volcanic past, with dark rocks and irregular formations shaping the route.

Look closely at the lava. You may notice holes, ridges, twisted surfaces, and different rock shapes rather than one uniform field. The guides can point out features, plants, and wildlife along the way, giving the ride more substance than a simple circuit around a stable.

The route’s appeal changes with the season. In warmer months, green growth softens the black volcanic stone. In winter, snow can cover the lava and reduce the contrast between rock and vegetation. That does not ruin the ride, but it can make the geology harder to see. One winter outing had snowy scenery so thick that the lava fields were not visible, though the guide still explained the area and its geology.

The weather can also become part of the story. Riders have enjoyed the route in rain, wind, snow, and cold because the supplied clothing kept the experience manageable. Still, you should book this as an outdoor activity, not a guaranteed postcard view. Iceland does not promise blue skies on schedule.

Early departures may bring special light. A morning outing has, at times, coincided with sunrise over snowy ground. That kind of moment is a bonus rather than a guarantee, but it is one reason I would consider the 10:00 a.m. option during a suitable season.

What Beginners Can Expect in the Saddle

You do not need advanced riding experience for this tour. First-time riders have felt comfortable because the horses are calm, the guides explain the basics, and the group stays together. The horses’ habit of following one another can make the first few minutes less intimidating.

That said, horseback riding still uses muscles you may not expect. You sit outdoors for around 90 minutes, and Icelandic weather can make the ride feel more demanding. If you are worried, tell the guide clearly that you are a beginner or feel uncertain. The staff are used to adjusting the group and offering reassurance.

A beginner should not feel pressured to trot. The slower group provides a sensible choice, and the experience remains worthwhile at a walking pace. You still get the volcanic scenery, the horse connection, and the chance to learn about the breed.

Confident riders may find the tour a little restrained if they want long stretches of fast riding. The stable offers a controlled outing for mixed abilities, not an adrenaline-focused gallop. Its strength is comfort, scenery, and access from Reykjavík.

The Facilities and Staff Make a Difference

The quality of the stable facilities adds value. You have a proper changing area, storage for valuables, protective clothing, and a system for matching horses to riders. That practical setup matters in Iceland, where arriving cold or wet can quickly spoil an outdoor activity.

Staff members are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. They support riders before mounting, explain how to behave around the horses, and keep the group organized. They also make an effort to take photographs, so you may not need to hand your phone to a stranger or struggle with a camera while wearing gloves.

Horse welfare is central to the experience. The horses are described as well cared for, calm, and in good condition. You can spend time meeting them before the ride, which gives the outing a more personal quality than simply being placed on an animal and sent around a track.

The stable also has refreshments available, according to the experience details provided by riders. Do not treat this as a full meal, but it is a welcome touch after time outdoors.

Is $141 a Fair Price?

At $141 per person, this is not Iceland’s cheapest short activity. The price becomes easier to justify when you count the riding time, stable facilities, protective gear, guiding, and the convenience of reaching a volcanic area close to Reykjavík.

Optional pickup adds convenience rather than extra sightseeing. If you are staying near one of the central pickup points, it saves you from arranging transport to Hafnarfjörður. If you already have a rental car, meeting at the stable may make the outing more economical and gives you more control over your timing.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and families who need equipment supplied. Buying or packing waterproof riding gear for one Iceland trip would be impractical, and the warm overalls and boots remove much of that hassle.

Experienced riders should judge the price differently. You are paying for a guided introduction to Icelandic horses and local volcanic terrain, not a long wilderness ride or an all-day equestrian trip. If you want speed, solitude, or several hours in the saddle, a more specialized tour may suit you better.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking also reduce the risk when Iceland’s weather and road conditions are uncertain.

Who Should Book This Horse Ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families with children aged seven and older
• First-time riders who want a structured introduction
• Couples looking for an outdoor activity close to Reykjavík
• Experienced riders curious about Icelandic horses and the tölt
• Visitors who want volcanic scenery without a long drive
• Anyone who prefers a calm nature outing to a high-speed adventure

I would hesitate if you dislike cold, wet, or windy conditions. I would also reconsider if you cannot mount independently, exceed the weight limit, or want an unhurried private ride.

The tour works well as a half-day plan. You can ride in the morning and still have much of the day for Reykjavík, or choose the afternoon and pair it with a relaxed morning in the city. The full duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, so leave room around the scheduled start and return.

Should You Book the Íshestar Ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses rather than a demanding equestrian adventure. The combination of lava fields, green hills, calm horses, supplied clothing, and easy access from Reykjavík makes this a strong choice for mixed-ability groups.

I especially like the option to separate riders by confidence. Beginners can enjoy the trail without pressure, while experienced riders may get a chance to trot or feel the tölt. The biggest unknown is the weather, but that is part of any outdoor plan in Iceland.

Choose an early tour if sunrise and softer light appeal to you, and tell the staff your honest riding ability. With that small bit of planning, this is a practical and memorable way to see Iceland from horseback.

FAQ

Where does the horse-riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík. You can also select optional pickup from hotels or main guesthouses.

How long is the actual horseback ride?

The horseback portion lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity takes approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected option and transport arrangements.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional rather than automatically included. It begins about 60 minutes before departure and is available from hotels or main guesthouses.

Can I join if I have never ridden a horse?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners, and guides provide instruction and support. Riders may be divided by confidence so beginners can stay with a slower group.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The stable provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit during the ride. You can also use the changing room before and after riding.

Are children allowed to join?

Children under seven cannot join. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. All riders must also be able to mount the horse using their own strength.

Can I bring a backpack on the trail?

No backpacks or bags are allowed during the ride. Safety boxes are available at the riding centre for valuables.