Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Meet Iceland on horseback. This Ishestar ride gives you two things I especially like: a close look at Iceland’s gentle, sturdy horses and a scenic route through lava fields, moorland, mountains, and lakes. The ability-based groups are another strong point, letting beginners ride calmly while confident riders may get chances to try the famous tölt. The main drawback is that Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the ride requires you to mount from the ground without help.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, with optional pickup from selected Reykjavik locations. I also like the simple finish: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate back at the stables. At about $133.02 per person for roughly two hours, it is not a cheap short outing, but the horses, equipment, guides, transportation option, and scenery make it a fair choice for many visitors.

Key points before you book

• Ride the Icelandic tölt: Confident riders may have the chance to try this smooth four-beat gait.
• Groups match your riding level: Beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders are separated after the instructors assess everyone.
• Lava fields provide the setting: The route passes volcanic ground, moorland, mountains, lakes, and forested areas.
• Warm gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are available.
• Pickup is optional: You can arrange pickup from selected Reykjavik points, or meet at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður.
• Know the limits: Riders must be at least 7 years old, weigh no more than 110 kilograms, and be able to mount independently.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride special

Icelandic horses are not simply ordinary trail horses with a different passport. Their ancestors arrived with Norse settlers around the 10th century, and the breed developed in Iceland over many generations. They are compact, sturdy, and known for calm temperaments, though every horse still has its own character.

The feature most riders want to experience is the tölt. This is a four-beat gait that keeps one foot on the ground at a time, creating a smooth ride when the horse is moving correctly. It is especially suited to Iceland’s rough ground, and experienced riders often find it more comfortable than a standard trot.

You should not expect every rider to spend the whole tour in the tölt. The instructors first watch how you handle your horse, then divide the group according to ability and comfort. Beginners generally stay at a slower walking pace over easier ground, while intermediate and experienced riders may take routes with more movement and speed.

That arrangement is important if you are traveling with a mixed group. A first-time rider and someone who has spent years in the saddle can take part in the same outing without being forced into exactly the same pace. Tell your instructor clearly if you want to slow down or try a faster group. Comfort and control matter more than showing off for a few minutes.

Arriving at Ishestar in Hafnarfjörður

The stable is at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik. If you arrange pickup, the operator uses selected pickup points rather than every hotel entrance. Your hotel may direct you to a nearby bus stop, so confirm the exact location before the day of the ride.

The drive from Reykjavik can take roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the pickup point and traffic. That makes this a practical half-day addition to a Reykjavik stay, rather than an all-day excursion that takes you far into the countryside.

Driving yourself is also possible. In that case, arrive at the stables 30 minutes before the ride begins. This extra time is useful for parking, checking in, finding your gear, and completing the basic preparation without rushing.

At the stable, you meet the instructor and explain your riding background. Be honest. If you have not ridden for years, say so. One useful feature of this ride is that the staff can pair a novice with a suitable horse while placing a more experienced family member or friend on a horse suited to a higher level.

The short lesson and getting ready

Before mounting, you watch a short instructional video. You are then fitted with the supplied riding equipment, which includes a helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls.

The overalls are more than a nice extra. Iceland can feel cold even when the forecast looks mild, and wind can arrive quickly over open ground. Rain is also a real possibility. Bring sensible base layers, and use the heavy outer gear if offered. One rider found the rain gear especially useful when a wet forecast became reality.

Wear clothing and footwear that can get dirty. The route is outdoors, and rubber boots are provided for good reason. Do not bring expensive shoes you hope to keep spotless. Used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the horses, so follow the stable’s instructions about what you wear and bring.

The key physical requirement is easy to overlook: every rider must be able to mount the horse from the ground using their own strength. There is no mounting block. If you have limited mobility, ask the operator about this before booking rather than discovering the rule at the stable.

Riding through lava fields and moorland

Once everyone is mounted, you set off behind the instructor. The route leads through the countryside around the stable, with volcanic mountains, lakes, moorland, lava fields, and some wooded areas appearing along the way.

The scenery is the heart of the ride. Iceland’s lava fields have a rough, dark texture that feels very different from a groomed riding trail. You are not just sitting on a horse in a fenced arena. You are moving through open Icelandic terrain, with the horse’s steady steps giving you time to notice the ground, sky, and distant mountains.

The route also creates good photo opportunities. Stop points may offer views over the lava and surrounding volcanic country. Keep your camera secure, though. Riding requires both attention and balance, and your horse should come first.

The guides add context about the horses and the area as you ride. You learn about the breed’s temperament, movement, and history, while also hearing about the ground beneath you. The best part of this format is that the information arrives during the activity, not as a long lecture before you ever meet the horses.

How the three riding groups work

The group division happens after the instructors have watched you ride for a short time. The stated structure includes beginner, intermediate, and experienced groups, though the exact breakdown can vary with the day’s mix of riders.

Beginners take an easier route at a slower pace. This is a sensible setup for children, first-time riders, and anyone who feels rusty. You can focus on steering, stopping, posture, and staying relaxed instead of worrying about holding up a faster group.

Intermediate riders may have the chance to ride in the tölt or take a more active route. Experienced riders can be offered more challenging ground and faster movement, depending on conditions and the instructor’s judgment. Some groups have later split again, allowing confident riders to trot or canter while intermediate riders stayed with a pace that felt comfortable.

Do not assume that the most advanced option means unlimited speed. You are still on a guided ride, and the instructor decides what is safe for the group, the horses, and the ground. Still, riders who want more than a walking tour should tell the staff early. The chance to try the tölt is one of the main reasons experienced riders choose this outing.

A group can include up to 30 people, so the opening stages may feel busy. The staff generally use several guides when the group is large, then divide riders once they have assessed ability. If you want a quieter ride, ask which departure has the smallest group when you book, though group size can change.

The horses and the human side of the tour

The horses are gentle, well-trained, and generally easy to handle, according to the strong pattern of feedback about the ride itself. Riders often praise their calm behavior, friendly personalities, and suitability for first-time riders.

That does not mean you should treat them like machines. Listen closely to the handlers, give the horse space, and follow the stable’s rules around grooming, equipment, and used clothing. A calm rider makes the experience better for the horse as well as for everyone nearby.

The guiding staff are another major strength. The ride leaders are often described as patient, kind, helpful, and good at putting nervous beginners at ease. They explain how to ride the horses and adjust the pace to match ability.

The tone of the experience may not be perfectly uniform at every stage. One account described smooth pickup and excellent ride leaders but found some front-of-house interactions less warm. That is worth keeping in mind if personal service matters greatly to you. The actual riding instruction receives far more consistent praise than the welcome or administrative side.

Morning or afternoon: choosing your departure

Morning and afternoon rides are both available, so choose based on your wider Iceland plan and your energy level. A morning outing can work well on your first full day in Reykjavik, leaving the rest of the day open for museums, pools, or a meal in town.

Morning light can also be beautiful. Depending on the season and departure time, you might catch sunrise over snowy mountains and the lava fields. Do not treat this as guaranteed, since Iceland’s daylight changes sharply through the year, but early departures can have a special quality.

An afternoon ride may suit you better after a slow start or a late arrival in Reykjavik. It can also be easier if you want to avoid an early pickup. In both cases, allow extra time for transport, clothing, and changing after the ride.

The tour lasts about two hours, but the full outing takes longer if you use pickup. Plan for the drive to Hafnarfjörður, arrival time, preparation, riding, and the return journey. Avoid booking a tight connection or an important timed activity immediately afterward.

Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at the stable

After the ride, you can warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This is a small inclusion, but it matters after sitting outdoors in Icelandic wind or rain.

It also gives you a few relaxed minutes near the stable before heading back to Reykjavik. You can settle down, warm your hands, and reflect on the ride instead of rushing straight onto a bus or into a car.

The drink is not a substitute for lunch. If you choose a morning or afternoon departure, plan your food around it. The tour information does not include a full meal.

Price, pickup, and overall value

At $133.02 per person, the ride costs more than a simple city attraction. You are paying for roughly two hours of guided riding, the use of a trained Icelandic horse, helmets and protective clothing, instruction, the chance to ride in ability-based groups, and a drink afterward.

The pickup option improves the value if you do not have a car. It saves you the effort of arranging transport to Hafnarfjörður, though you must use one of the operator’s selected pickup points. If your hotel is not on the list, contact the operator before booking so they can identify the nearest pickup location.

For riders, the price makes more sense because the route is not merely a short photo stop with horses. You receive actual saddle time and may have a chance to try the tölt. For a complete beginner, the value comes from the patient instruction, supplied warm gear, and the chance to experience Iceland outdoors without needing prior riding experience.

The 4.8 rating from 1,145 ratings and 96 percent recommendation rate point to a consistently well-liked experience. Still, price-sensitive visitors should consider the relatively short duration and the possibility of a large initial group. If your main goal is a long, remote horseback journey, this is not that. It is a well-organized ride close to Reykjavik.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this tour if you want a genuine outdoor activity without giving up most of a day. It suits first-time riders, rusty riders, families with children aged 7 and older, and experienced riders who want to try the tölt on Icelandic horses.

It also works well for groups with mixed ability. A beginner can ride at a calm pace while a more experienced companion may join a faster group. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and an adult paying full fare may travel with up to two children or young people.

You should reconsider if you are pregnant, unable to mount from the ground, above the 110-kilogram or 240-pound weight limit, or uncomfortable with outdoor conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the ride may be windy, cold, wet, or all three.

Cancellation and practical planning

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

The operator may cancel for poor weather. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since weather has a direct effect on riding safety and comfort, keep some flexibility in your Iceland schedule if possible.

Book ahead if your dates are fixed. This experience is commonly reserved around 41 days before the ride, which suggests that popular departure times can fill well before arrival. Confirm your pickup point, arrive early, and bring warm layers even if Reykjavik looks pleasant when you leave.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Yes, if you want to meet Icelandic horses, see volcanic scenery from the saddle, and have your pace adjusted to your ability. The ability-based groups, good equipment, friendly riding instructors, and close location make this one of the more practical ways to add horseback riding to a Reykjavik stay.

I would book it especially for a mixed-ability family or group, or for an experienced rider who wants a real chance to try the tölt. I would skip it only if you need a long remote trek, dislike unpredictable weather, or cannot mount independently. For everyone else, the combination of unusual horses, lava fields, warm drinks, and manageable timing makes this a strong Iceland activity.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The meeting point is Ishestar Horse Riding Tours at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup is available with the appropriate tour option. Pickup must be pre-booked and is limited to selected pickup points in Reykjavik. If your hotel is not listed, contact the operator to find the nearest pickup point.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is also included after the ride.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. You tell the instructor your riding ability, and the staff divide riders into beginner, intermediate, and experienced groups after watching them ride. Beginners use easier terrain and a slower pace.

What is the minimum age and maximum weight?

The minimum age is 7 years old, and the weight limit is 110 kilograms or 240 pounds. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is too poor for the ride?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.