Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

The special pleasure here is the Icelandic horse’s tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that makes rough ground feel surprisingly comfortable. I like the way Ishestar sorts riders by ability soon after the ride begins, and I like the chance to choose between a quiet outing and a faster ride with more chances to tölt. The main drawback is that you must mount from the ground by your own strength, and the Icelandic weather can turn cold and windy fast.

I also like the practical setup: helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are provided, followed by coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the stables. The ride suits first-timers as well as experienced riders, but the group can begin fairly large before it splits, so riders wanting a private or highly personal lesson should look elsewhere.

Key details before you saddle up

• Ride a Viking-descended breed: Icelandic horses arrived with Norse settlers around the 10th century and are known for their sturdy build, calm nature, and tölt gait.
• Choose your pace: Beginners take easier routes, while intermediate and experienced riders can ride faster and try more tölt.
• Expect lava fields and moorland: The route passes volcanic mountains, lakes, open moorland, and rugged ground near Hafnarfjörður.
• Warm gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls help in Iceland’s changeable conditions.
• Pickup is optional: You can meet at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður or select a pre-booked pickup from certain Reykjavik points.
• Know the limits: Riders must be at least 7 years old, weigh no more than 110 kilograms, and have moderate physical fitness.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Reykjavik

Ishestar’s riding center is in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik. That gives you a quick change of scene without committing to a full-day trip. City streets give way to open ground, lava formations, moorland, and views toward volcanic hills and lakes.

The ride lasts about two hours, which is a useful length for a first horseback outing. You get enough time to learn the basics, settle into the saddle, and see Iceland at a slower pace than you would from a bus or car. At the same time, it is short enough to fit into a busy Reykjavik schedule.

The setting is the real reason to choose this outing. You are not simply circling a paddock. You ride through the kind of rough volcanic country that shows why the Icelandic horse is so well suited to this island. Dark lava, low vegetation, open sky, and distant mountains give the trip a strong sense of place.

The scenery can change with the weather. Clear conditions may bring snowy mountains and bright views, while rain and wind create a tougher, more typically Icelandic outing. The operator supplies protective clothing, but you should still wear warm layers and expect the day to feel colder in the saddle than it does in town.

Meeting the horses and setting your ability level

At the stable, you meet your instructor and explain your riding background. The available categories are beginner, intermediate, and experienced. Be honest here. You will get more out of the ride if your horse and group match your comfort level.

Before mounting, you watch a short instructional video. You then put on the supplied riding gear, including a helmet and protective outer layers. Rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are available, so you do not need to bring specialist riding equipment.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are smaller than many riding horses, but do not mistake their size for fragility. They are sturdy animals bred for difficult ground and changing conditions. The breed is descended from horses brought to Iceland by Viking settlers around the 10th century, and the guides explain the breed’s temperament, history, and distinctive movement.

You also learn about the tölt. This is a four-beat gait in which the horse can move smoothly while keeping the rider fairly comfortable. It is not automatic for every first-time rider, and you should not expect to master it right away. Your instructor shows you how to encourage the horse and decides when you are ready to try.

One important practical point: everyone must be able to mount from the ground using their own strength. There is no promise of a mounting block, and this requirement can matter more than the basic riding ability. If you have limited leg, hip, or upper-body strength, ask the operator before booking.

How the group splits after the first part

The ride starts with instruction and a shared pace. Your guide watches how you handle the horse, then divides the group according to ability. Beginners stay on easier ground and ride slowly. Intermediate and experienced riders take routes with more demanding terrain and different speeds.

This split is one of the tour’s best features. A parent or partner who has never ridden can enjoy a calm outing while a confident rider gets a more active ride. Several riding combinations are possible, including a slower beginner group, an intermediate group with opportunities to tölt, and a faster group for advanced riders.

The division does not turn the outing into a private lesson. Groups can be sizeable, with up to 30 people on the activity, and several guides may be working with a large departure. Still, the ability-based arrangement is much better than forcing every rider into one pace.

Tell your instructor if you want to go slower or faster. Do not feel pressured to join the quickest group. The point of the ride is to enjoy the horse and the surroundings, not to prove anything.

Experienced riders should set their expectations correctly. This is a guided trail ride, not a long-distance trek or a dedicated riding clinic. You may get chances to trot, tölt, or canter depending on your group and the guide’s judgment, but the tour must also keep less confident riders safe.

Lava fields, moorland, mountains, and lakes

Once you leave the stable area, the scenery opens up. The route crosses lava fields and moorland, with volcanic mountains and lakes forming the backdrop. The dark, uneven ground is a clear reminder that Iceland is shaped by fire as much as by ice.

The horse gives you time to notice details you might miss from a vehicle. You hear the rhythm of hooves, feel the changing ground, and have a better chance to stop for photographs at scenic points. The views are especially striking around sunrise, when the low light falls across snowy mountains and the lava.

The ride can also feel exposed. Wind may arrive quickly, and rain can make the open country feel raw. Use the provided rain gear if conditions look uncertain. One useful tip is to protect your ears and head with a warm hat or other ear covering, since wind can make a mild day feel severe.

Do not wear expensive shoes or clothing you cannot get dirty. The stable supplies boots and outer gear, but riding through wet ground is still hard on personal clothes. Wear simple layers that you can remove or add as conditions shift.

Warm drinks after the ride

After returning to the stables, you can warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This is a small feature, but it matters after two hours outside, especially in rain or wind.

The drink also gives you a relaxed end to the outing. You have time to come down from the ride, talk about the horses, and warm your hands before heading back to Reykjavik or continuing your day. It is not a meal, so eat beforehand if you need more than a light refreshment.

Pickup from Reykjavik and arrival advice

You can book the activity with or without hotel pickup. Pickup is only available from selected points in Reykjavik, not every hotel entrance. If your accommodation is not listed, contact the operator to find the nearest pickup point.

Pickup must be chosen and booked in advance. Do not assume that selecting the activity automatically includes transportation. Your collection point may be a nearby bus stop rather than the hotel itself, so check the details before the day of the ride.

If you drive yourself, arrive at the stables 30 minutes before the start time. The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, and the ride ends back there.

The short transfer from Reykjavik is part of the value. You get a rural setting without spending hours on the road, and a pickup option removes the need to arrange a rental car or taxi. If you are already driving around Iceland, meeting at the stable may be simpler and avoids coordinating with a bus.

Who will get the most from this ride

This is a strong choice for a first horseback outing in Iceland. The horses are described as gentle and well trained, and the guides give clear instructions before and during the ride. Beginners can stay at a walking pace on easier ground rather than being pushed into a faster group.

It also works for families with mixed ability. Children must be at least 7 years old, and anyone under 18 must ride with an adult. Up to two children or young riders may travel with each adult, with the adult paying the full fare.

Experienced riders will appreciate the ability-based split and the chance to try the tölt. The faster group can provide more excitement, but you should tell the guide what you want and understand that the available pace depends on the group and safety conditions.

This may not suit you if you dislike wind, rain, or outdoor activity. You need moderate physical fitness, and you must mount without assistance. Pregnant women cannot ride because of the possible risk to unborn children.

Is the price good value?

At about $133.02 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. You are paying for the horse, guides, stable facilities, riding equipment, a scenic route, and possibly transportation from a selected Reykjavik pickup point.

I think the value is strongest if you want a distinctly Icelandic activity rather than another viewpoint stop. The breed, the tölt, and the lava-field setting make this more specific to Iceland than a standard trail ride. The supplied boots and weather gear also save you from renting or packing specialist equipment.

The value is weaker if you already have extensive riding access elsewhere and mainly want a long, fast session. Two hours passes quickly, and the group structure means the ride cannot be tailored completely to one person.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 1,145 ratings, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. That points to a dependable experience overall, though service at the stable may feel uneven at times. The guides leading the ride are generally described as patient, friendly, and attentive to horse and rider welfare, while one account found some front-of-house interactions cold. That is worth knowing if personal service matters greatly to you.

Booking, weather, and cancellation points

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is sent at booking. It is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead of about 41 days, so popular morning and afternoon departures may be worth arranging early.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The ride depends on suitable weather. If Ishestar cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund. Iceland’s weather is changeable, so a forecast that looks unpleasant does not always mean the ride will be canceled. Bring layers and use the stable’s protective gear.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book this tour if you want to meet Icelandic horses, ride through volcanic country, and have your pace adjusted to your ability. It is especially useful for families, couples with different riding backgrounds, and beginners who want a safe introduction without giving experienced companions a dull walk.

Choose the faster group if you have solid riding skills and want to try the tölt. Choose the slower group without apology if you are new to horses. The best part of the outing is not speed. It is the combination of a gentle local breed, open lava country, and a guide who can help you enjoy the ride at a sensible pace.

Before paying, confirm three things: your pickup point if you need transport, your ability to mount from the ground, and the 110-kilogram weight limit. If those conditions work for you, this is one of Reykjavik’s more memorable short excursions and a good use of half a day.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The meeting point is Ishestar Horse Riding Tours at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Does the tour include pickup from Reykjavik?

Pickup is available only with the tour option that includes it. Collection is from selected Reykjavik pickup points, which may be nearby bus stops rather than hotel entrances.

What if my hotel is not on the pickup list?

Contact the operator directly. They can help find the nearest available pickup point.

How long does the activity last?

The horseback riding experience lasts approximately two hours.

What riding abilities are accepted?

You can join as a beginner, intermediate rider, or experienced rider. The instructor watches your riding and divides the group by ability.

Can beginners join?

Yes. Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain, while more experienced riders may take routes with different speeds.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is a four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses that can make riding over rugged ground feel smooth and comfortable.

What equipment is provided?

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

What is the minimum age?

Riders must be at least 7 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. All riders must also be able to mount a horse from the ground using their own strength.