Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Iceland’s smallest horse makes a big impression. This 50-minute ride from Hafnarfjörður gives you two things I especially like: a gentle introduction to the famous Icelandic horse and wide views toward the Bláfjöll mountains. You also ride across moss-covered lava fields, a setting that feels far removed from city streets even though Reykjavik is close by.

I like that Ishestar supplies the key gear, including a helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear or warm overalls. The guides also put real attention on helping beginners feel secure. The main drawback is the short riding time. At $135.16 per person, this is not a cheap activity for less than an hour in the saddle, and you need to arrive 30 minutes early.

Key points to know before you book

• Beginner-friendly route: The ride is designed for people who want to try an Icelandic horse without needing advanced riding skills.
• Moss-covered lava fields: The route gives you a close look at one of Iceland’s most distinctive natural settings.
• Views toward Bláfjöll: The mountain range provides a strong visual backdrop during the ride.
• Helpful equipment included: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guide assistance are provided.
• Small maximum group: The tour accepts no more than 15 people, which helps keep the outing manageable.
• A chance to learn about the breed: Guides may explain the Icelandic horse, its origins, riding style, and care.

Starting at Ishestar in Hafnarfjörður

The ride begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it a practical choice if you do not have a rental car.

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters. You need time to check in, receive equipment, and prepare for the safety instructions before the horses are assigned and the ride begins.

The center supplies a riding helmet and sturdy rubber boots. Depending on conditions, you receive rainwear or warm overalls as well. This is useful in Iceland, where wind and rain can change how comfortable you feel very quickly. You still need to dress sensibly underneath, but you do not have to pack specialist riding gear.

The activity ends back at the same center. That simple out-and-back arrangement makes the timing easier to manage, especially if you have another Reykjavik activity planned later.

Meeting the Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is central to the experience, not just the means of getting from one point to another. These horses are known for their distinct appearance and their special gait, the tölt. The tour is designed to give beginners time to become comfortable with the horse before worrying about riding technique.

That approach is important. If you have never ridden before, the first few minutes can feel like a lot to take in. You are learning how to sit, how to hold the reins, and how to respond to the guide while also adjusting to the horse’s movement.

The supplied experiences suggest that the staff take horse selection seriously. One rider described being paired with a horse that matched previous riding experience, making it possible to ride at a faster pace. That kind of matching can make a big difference, but you should not assume every participant will receive a private lesson or a faster ride.

You may also get a chance to learn about the breed beyond the basic riding instructions. One guide, Barbora, was praised for explaining the tölt, the origins of the Icelandic horse, its breed organization, and its shoeing style. Those details give the outing more substance than a simple photo stop on horseback.

Riding across moss-covered lava fields

Once you leave the center, the setting becomes the main attraction. The route passes through moss-covered lava fields and follows established riding paths through Icelandic nature.

This is not a tour built around speed. The appeal is the feeling of moving quietly through open country on horseback. For a first-time rider, that pace gives you a chance to look around without having to manage a difficult route.

The lava fields are especially interesting because they show a side of Iceland that you cannot appreciate as well from a coach window. Moss softens the dark volcanic rock, creating a muted green-and-black setting. The exact colors and visibility will depend on the weather, but the terrain is one of the most memorable features of the ride.

You should expect an outdoor experience rather than a polished attraction. The paths and natural surroundings are the point. That also means conditions can affect your comfort. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Bláfjöll views and open country

The ride includes panoramic views toward the Bláfjöll mountains and the surrounding area. These views help explain why horseback riding works so well here. You are not confined to an indoor riding arena, and you are not simply looking at the scenery from a road.

The mountains provide a strong sense of place, while the lava fields keep the route tied to Iceland’s volcanic character. If the sky is clear, you should have better long views. If the weather turns gray, the ride may feel more atmospheric but less scenic.

That uncertainty is part of the value and part of the risk. You are paying for access to a natural setting, not a guaranteed postcard view. On a clear day, the combination of horses, open paths, mossy rock, and mountains can make the short ride feel special. On a wet or windy day, the supplied outerwear becomes much more important.

What the 50-minute ride feels like

The advertised riding time is approximately 50 minutes. That is enough for a first taste of horseback riding, but it is not a full-day riding excursion or a long countryside trek.

For beginners, the length may be just right. You can try the activity without committing to hours in the saddle. If your balance, confidence, or comfort is uncertain, a shorter ride is less intimidating.

Experienced riders may find the duration limiting. One particularly positive account described an individual guide who taught the rider how to use the tölt and allowed a faster pace based on prior experience. That sounds excellent, but it appears to have been a lucky one-to-one arrangement rather than a standard promise.

You should also remember that the 50 minutes does not include arrival time. With the required 30-minute early check-in, plan on at least 80 minutes at the center, plus the time needed to reach Hafnarfjörður.

The guides and the beginner experience

The guides are one of the strongest parts of this activity. Their role is not limited to leading the horses. They also explain how to ride, help you feel safe, and introduce you to the animals.

That support matters most if you have never sat on a horse. The group may include people with very different levels of experience, so clear instructions and careful supervision are important. The available feedback gives the staff high marks for being attentive and accommodating, especially with groups of first-time riders.

You may watch a safety video before setting out. One account also described having coffee on arrival and spending time in the stable before the ride. Those extras should be viewed as possible touches rather than guaranteed parts of every visit, since the exact experience can depend on the group and schedule.

After returning, you might have time to spend a little longer near the horses. Again, this is not listed as a fixed feature, but it shows why the center can appeal to people who enjoy animals as much as riding.

Group size, comfort, and pace

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private outing, but it is small enough to keep the ride organized. A smaller group also gives the guide a better chance to notice when someone needs help.

The pace will likely suit beginners more than riders seeking a long, fast route. The tour description emphasizes comfort, safety, and scenic riding paths. If your main goal is to gallop or spend several hours in the saddle, this is probably not the right choice.

Most people can participate, but there is a weight limit of 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. This is an important booking detail, so check it before paying. The activity is offered in English, and a mobile ticket makes it easy to keep the booking information on your phone.

Is $135.16 good value?

At $135.16 per person, the price is high when measured only by riding time. You receive about 50 minutes in the saddle, and food and drinks are not included.

The value improves if you want a simple, organized first experience with an Icelandic horse. The price includes the helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guide support. You also avoid needing to bring specialist equipment, which can be useful during a short Reykjavik visit.

I would see this as a memorable activity rather than a budget way to get around. You are paying for the horse, staff, equipment, setting, and convenience. The views toward Bláfjöll and the moss-covered lava fields add something that an indoor riding lesson cannot provide.

Still, the short duration means you should set your expectations correctly. If you want maximum riding time for your money, compare it with longer horse tours. If you want a compact outdoor activity that fits around other Iceland plans, the price may feel more reasonable.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a supported introduction
• Couples or families seeking a scenic activity near Reykjavik
• Visitors curious about the Icelandic horse and the tölt
• Riders who prefer a short outing rather than a full-day trek
• People who want an outdoor activity with equipment supplied
• Anyone who enjoys scenery, animals, and a gentle pace

I would be more cautious if you are an advanced rider hoping for a long, fast ride. The route is beginner-focused, and the 50-minute duration is modest. I would also think twice if you dislike unpredictable weather or want a meal included, since neither food nor beverages are part of the price.

Booking ahead and weather planning

The experience is booked an average of 23 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your Iceland dates are fixed. That is especially wise if you need a particular departure time or are visiting during a busy period.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling or changing within 24 hours does not qualify for a refund. Since the ride depends on good weather, the provider may cancel in poor conditions and offer you another date or a full refund.

That policy makes it sensible to avoid placing the ride on the final morning of your trip. If bad weather closes the activity, you need enough time left for another date.

What to bring and how to prepare

The center supplies the major riding equipment, but you should still prepare for Icelandic conditions. Wear comfortable layers beneath the provided rainwear or warm overalls. You will be outside, and the temperature can feel different once wind reaches the open riding paths.

Arrive early, keep your phone ticket ready, and tell the guide about your riding background. The staff may use that information when choosing a horse and setting the pace.

Do not count on a meal break. Food and beverages are not included. If you need a snack or drink, plan for it before or after the ride rather than expecting refreshments as part of the activity.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book this tour if you want an easy, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses and do not mind paying a premium for a short, well-supported outing. The strongest reasons are the careful beginner focus, included clothing and boots, friendly guidance, and the chance to ride through moss-covered lava fields with Bláfjöll in view.

Skip it if you want a long ride, advanced instruction, or the lowest possible cost per minute. For everyone else, this is a compact way to add horses and volcanic scenery to a Reykjavik stay. Just arrive 30 minutes early, dress in layers, check the weather, and remember that the ride is about enjoying the setting rather than chasing speed.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre meeting point.

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The riding experience lasts approximately 50 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed especially for beginners who want to ride an Icelandic horse and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.