From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Riding through Iceland’s old lava fields on a small, sure-footed Icelandic horse gives you a different view of the country just outside Reykjavík. The tölt, a smooth four-beat gait unique to these horses, is the star attraction, though beginners spend much of the ride at a calm walk.

I like the excellent riding paths and the care taken to match each rider with a suitable horse. I also like that the stables supply helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm overalls, a real help in Iceland’s famously changeable weather. The main drawback is that the ride lasts about 1.5 hours, so experienced riders wanting a long, fast outing may find it too gentle.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride across volcanic ground near Hafnarfjörður: You are only about 20 minutes from Reykjavík, yet the setting feels far removed from the capital.
• Meet the Icelandic horse’s tölt: Confident riders may get to try this unusually smooth gait, while beginner groups usually keep to an easier pace.
• Good for first-time riders: Calm horses, careful instruction, and groups divided by confidence make this a friendly introduction.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit are included, which saves luggage space.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel and main guesthouse pickup can simplify the outing, but private-flat stays require a nearby meeting point.
• Know the limits: Riders must mount independently, children must be at least seven, and the maximum rider weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

A volcanic ride only minutes from Reykjavík

Íshestar Riding Tours operates from Hafnarfjörður, a short drive south of Reykjavík. The stable grounds sit beside broad lava fields and green hills, so the scenery begins almost as soon as you leave the yard.

This is not a city carriage ride or a brief photo stop with horses. You spend around 1.5 hours in the saddle on established paths, with local guides leading the group through rough black rock, open vegetation, and rolling ground. The route gives you a close look at Iceland’s volcanic character without requiring a full-day trip into the countryside.

I like this location for a first or last activity in Reykjavík. It does not consume an entire day, and the optional transfer keeps the outing easy for visitors without a rental car. The advertised total duration is two to four hours because transport and start times affect the schedule.

The tour price is about $141 per person. That is not a bargain basement activity, but the cost includes the ride, guide, riding helmet, rubber boots, rain protection, and a warm outfit. If you would otherwise need to hire special clothing or arrange a taxi to Hafnarfjörður, the package becomes easier to justify.

What happens at Íshestar Stables

Arrive at the riding centre and head first to the changing room. Staff provide gear in your size, including helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm overalls or another warm riding outfit. You cannot take backpacks or bags onto the ride, but safety boxes are available for valuables.

The changing room and gear issue matter more than they might on a dry-weather ride. Iceland can bring rain, wind, snow, and cold conditions even when Reykjavík looks mild. Several rides have gone ahead in wet or snowy weather, and the supplied outer layers help keep the focus on the horses rather than on damp clothes.

Before mounting, the staff take time to explain the basic procedures. You are matched with a horse according to your needs and riding ability. The horses are known for calm temperaments, and the staff place clear emphasis on keeping everyone safe.

There is one important physical requirement: you must be able to mount the horse using your own strength. The activity is not suitable for children under seven or for anyone above the stated 110-kilogram limit. These rules are worth checking before you pay, especially if you are booking for a family or group.

Crossing lava fields on horseback

Once the group leaves the stables, the ride moves onto paths through lava fields and along green hillsides. The black rocks are not just scenery. Your guide can point out unusual formations, plants, and signs of local wildlife as you go.

The volcanic ground gives the ride its character. On foot, lava fields can feel uneven and difficult to cross. From the back of a horse, you follow established routes while the horse chooses its footing. The effect is quiet and close to nature, with the sound of hooves replacing the noise of Reykjavík.

The route is scenic rather than dramatic in the waterfall-and-mountain sense. You should expect open views, lava formations, and low green slopes, not a long wilderness expedition. Snow can cover the dark rock in winter, but the guide can still explain the volcanic features beneath it.

The horses are the other major part of the setting. Icelandic horses are smaller than many riding horses, but they are sturdy and sure-footed. Their special gait, the tölt, can feel smoother than a conventional trot because the horse keeps more contact with the ground.

The chance to try tölt depends on riding ability and group arrangements. Beginners generally remain in a slow group, while confident riders may be offered a little trotting or a chance to experience tölt. Do not book this as a guaranteed fast ride. The main goal is a controlled outing where the horses and riders stay comfortable.

A good first ride for nervous beginners

You do not need advanced riding experience for this activity. The horses follow one another along the trail, and guides stay close to the group. First-time riders receive help with basic procedures and riding technique before heading out.

The experience works especially well for families with older children, couples with mixed riding backgrounds, and people who want to try horseback riding without committing to a long trek. Riders who have never been on a horse can still enjoy the scenery and the steady rhythm of the route.

Guides are a major strength here. They explain how Icelandic horses move, share information about the area, and watch the group carefully. Sonya is one guide praised for explaining the history of the horses and the company during the ride. The available guiding languages are English, German, and Icelandic, with other languages available on request.

The staff also take photographs during the outing, according to the supplied tour information and rider experiences. That can be useful because you cannot bring a bag or camera onto the trail. Still, treat photos as a helpful extra rather than the central reason to book.

Groups are divided by riding confidence when needed. That simple choice improves the experience for everyone. Beginners can stay with a slower group instead of feeling pressured, while experienced riders may have a little more movement and speed.

Optional pickup from Reykjavík

You can meet directly at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, or select an option with transport. The stable is about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, though the actual pickup window and total duration can be longer because vehicles collect people from several locations.

Pickup begins about 60 minutes before the ride. For example, a 9 a.m. collection is used for a 10 a.m. tour, and a 1 p.m. collection is used for a 2 p.m. tour. Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses.

If you stay in a private flat, do not expect a vehicle at your door. The company sends the closest pickup point by email before the tour. Read that message carefully, because Reykjavík uses designated bus stops for many activity transfers.

Listed collection and return points include central hotels, Reykjavík bus stops, the bus terminal, Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, Skarfabakki Harbour, and Hotel Viking in Hafnarfjörður. The exact point depends on your booking option.

Transport is useful if you do not have a car. If you are driving, meeting at the stable gives you more control and may shorten the outing. One practical warning: signage at the riding area may not be immediately clear, so allow time to find the entrance rather than arriving at the last minute.

Clothing, luggage, and weather advice

The stable supplies much of the gear you need, but you should still dress sensibly underneath it. Wear warm layers and clothes that allow you to sit comfortably in a saddle. The provided rainwear and warm outfit are designed to protect you from the worst of the weather, not to replace every layer.

Rubber boots are included, which is useful on wet ground and around the stable yard. Helmets are also supplied. You should not bring a backpack, handbag, or loose bag on the ride, though you can store valuables in the centre’s safety boxes.

Icelandic weather can change quickly. The ride has operated in rain, wind, snow, and cold conditions, and those conditions can make the outing feel tougher than the short distance suggests. The reward is that clear weather can bring beautiful light, including sunrise on early departures.

There is also a biosecurity rule that is easy to overlook. Riding equipment such as boots, trousers, jackets, hats, and gloves must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before you arrive in Iceland. Used leather riding gear may not be brought into the country. The simplest plan is to use the equipment provided by Íshestar.

Horse welfare and the feel of the ride

The care of the horses is central to the appeal of this outing. The horses are described as calm, friendly, and well looked after, and the staff spend time finding suitable matches for riders. That matters when you are nervous, inexperienced, or riding with children.

You will still be working with a live animal, not sitting on a moving platform. Some riders love that small element of unpredictability. If you are genuinely afraid of horses, the activity may not be the right fit, even though the staff provide support.

The pace is generally measured. This is good for safety and for taking in the lava fields, but it may disappoint an experienced rider hoping for a long gallop. Guides may allow some trotting or tölt for riders who are ready, but the ride remains a group experience with the needs of the least confident riders in mind.

Who gets the best value from this tour

I would recommend this ride to:

• First-time riders who want clear support and a calm horse
• Families with children aged seven and older
• Couples looking for a nature activity close to Reykjavík
• Experienced riders curious about Icelandic horses and the tölt
• Visitors without a car who value hotel pickup
• Anyone who wants a half-day activity rather than a full countryside excursion

I would think twice if you want several hours in the saddle, a fast trail ride, or a remote highland setting. This is a polished stable experience near the capital, not a rough expedition. Its strength is ease, scenery, and the chance to meet Icelandic horses in a well-organized setting.

At $141, value depends on what you need. The price covers clothing, equipment, instruction, and the ride itself. Optional transport adds convenience, especially in poor weather or if you are unfamiliar with Reykjavík’s bus-stop pickup system.

The free cancellation deadline is 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Iceland schedule depends on weather, flights, or a changing road plan.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want a safe, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses without leaving the Reykjavík area. The lava fields, thoughtful group divisions, supplied clothing, and friendly guides make it especially strong for beginners and families.

Skip it if you are an advanced rider seeking speed or a long remote journey. For most visitors, though, this is a practical way to spend a few hours outdoors, meet remarkable horses, and see volcanic ground from a fresh angle. Choose the pickup option if convenience matters, wear warm layers, and arrive ready for Icelandic weather.

FAQ

Where does the horse-riding tour start?

The tour starts at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík.

How far is the riding centre from Reykjavík?

The Íshestar Stables are about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.

How long is the actual horse ride?

The horseback ride lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity takes two to four hours depending on the departure and transport option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfer is optional. Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses when you select that option.

When does pickup begin?

Pickup starts about 60 minutes before departure. Pickup is at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. tour and at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. tour.

Can I join if I stay in a private apartment?

Yes, but pickup is not made directly from private flats. The closest pickup point is communicated by email before the tour.

What equipment is provided?

The activity provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit during the ride.

Can I bring a backpack on the horse ride?

No. Backpacks and bags cannot be taken on the ride, but safety boxes are available at the riding centre for valuables.

Is the tour suitable for children?

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

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners, and groups may be divided according to riding confidence. All riders must be able to mount the horse using their own strength.