From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Iceland’s volcanic ground feels different from horseback. At Íshestar Stables, you ride across old lava fields and green hillsides on Icelandic horses, small, sturdy animals famous for their smooth tölt gait. I like the easy access from Reykjavík and the care taken with beginners. The warm riding gear, calm horses, and patient guides make this a friendly first ride, not a test of your equestrian skills.

I also like the way the outing balances nature with good practical support. You get a proper changing room, safety boxes, boots, helmets, and weather gear. The main consideration is that the ride lasts about 1.5 hours, while transport and changing time can stretch the outing to two to four hours. You must mount without help, and the tour is not suitable for children under seven or riders over 110 kilograms.

Key points at a glance

• Ride over ancient lava fields: Look for unusual rock shapes, hardy plants, and open views just outside Hafnarfjörður.
• Feel the Icelandic horse’s tölt: More experienced riders may get a chance to try this smooth, distinctive gait.
• Beginners are well supported: Guides explain the basics, match riders with suitable horses, and may divide the group by confidence.
• Weather gear is supplied: Warm overalls, rainwear, rubber boots, and helmets help take the edge off Iceland’s cold and wet conditions.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel and main guesthouse pickup is available from Reykjavík, beginning about an hour before the ride.
• A strong family option: Children ages seven to fifteen receive a 25 percent discount, but everyone must be able to mount independently.

Riding Iceland’s volcanic ground near Reykjavík

The special thing here is not speed. It is the chance to see Iceland’s volcanic country at a horse’s pace, with time to notice rough black lava, mossy ground, green slopes, and the wide, open setting around Hafnarfjörður.

Íshestar Stables sit about a 20-minute drive from central Reykjavík. That makes this a useful half-day choice when you want a taste of the countryside without giving up an entire day to a distant excursion. The setting feels far removed from the capital, even though the drive is short.

The ride follows established paths through lava fields and along green hillsides. The guides point out rock formations and explain the area as you go. You may also hear about Icelandic horses and their place in local riding culture. Guides speak English, Icelandic, and German, with other languages possible by request.

The scenery changes with the season. In snow, the dark volcanic rock may be partly hidden, but the ride takes on a quiet winter character. In wet or windy weather, the lava and hills can look more stark than sunny, yet the supplied clothing helps keep the outing comfortable.

From Reykjavík pickup to the Íshestar yard

You can meet directly at Íshestar Riding Tours or add a return transfer from selected Reykjavík hotels and main guesthouses. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure. For example, the pickup time is 9:00 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. ride and 1:00 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. ride.

The transfer option is useful if you do not have a car or prefer not to work out the route to Hafnarfjörður. It also keeps the day simple, with drop-off available at a long list of central stops and hotels, including Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, Reykjavík Bus Terminal, Hotel Viking, Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, and several city bus stops.

Allow extra time at the stable before mounting. You change into riding clothing, collect your helmet and boots, and receive instructions. The yard has a changing room and safety boxes, so you can leave valuables behind. You cannot take a backpack or bag with you on the ride.

Finding the stable may require a little attention. Signage at the riding area is not always obvious, so check the meeting instructions before leaving Reykjavík and allow a few spare minutes. If you are using pickup, confirm the exact location carefully, especially if you are staying in a private apartment. In that case, the operator sends the nearest pickup point by email.

Getting ready with boots, helmets, and warm layers

I like the practical clothing policy here. You are offered warm overalls, rain gear, rubber boots, and a helmet in your size. This matters in Iceland, where a dry morning can turn cold, wet, or windy without much warning.

Wear comfortable clothes underneath the supplied layers. You do not need to bring riding boots or specialist outerwear. Gloves and a warm base layer are still useful, since hands and legs can feel cold while you sit outdoors for an hour and a half.

Your own riding gear must meet Iceland’s biosecurity rules. Riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, and similar equipment must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Used leather gear cannot be brought into the country. For most visitors, using the stable’s equipment is the simpler choice.

Before setting off, staff help you get acquainted with your horse and explain how to handle the reins and follow the group. You must be able to mount the horse using your own strength. That rule is worth taking seriously if you have limited mobility or are unsure about mounting from the ground.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are compact, friendly, and well suited to the local terrain. The stable staff take care when pairing each rider with a suitable animal, which helps beginners settle in quickly.

You may have time to meet your horse before the ride begins. That small pause is valuable. It lets you get used to the animal’s size and temperament rather than being rushed straight onto the trail.

The horses generally follow one another, which helps people who have never ridden before. Guides remain attentive and explain what to do as the group moves along. I would still avoid treating this as a completely passive activity. You need to sit correctly, follow instructions, handle the reins, and stay aware of the horse beneath you.

The staff place clear emphasis on safety. Groups may be divided by confidence or riding ability, so beginners can remain at an easy pace while experienced riders may have a chance to do more. One guide, Sonya, has been especially noted for explaining the history of the horses and helping riders feel comfortable. Guide quality can vary from day to day, but the basic system is built around close support.

Crossing lava fields for 1.5 hours

The main ride lasts about 1.5 hours. You leave the stable on marked riding paths and head through the lava fields around Hafnarfjörður. The trail is not a sightseeing road with constant stops. It is a steady ride, with the scenery unfolding as you move.

Watch the ground as well as the horizon. The lava fields contain interesting shapes and rock formations, with plants taking hold in the rough volcanic surface. Green hillsides soften the dark rock, giving the scenery a strong contrast. The guide may point out details that are easy to miss from a bus or car.

The pace depends on the group. A beginner group may stay at a calm walk, while a more confident group could include some trotting. The horses’ steady nature makes the outing accessible, but you should still expect some movement and mild physical effort.

If the conditions are snowy, you may not see the lava clearly. The volcanic ground remains part of the story, though, and the guide can explain the geography even when snow covers the rocks. Early departures can also offer special light. A sunrise ride is possible on some schedules, and the combination of snow, low sun, and horses can be striking.

Photography is possible, but you cannot carry bags on the trail. Guides may take pictures for the group, so ask about the photo arrangement before or after riding. Keep your hands free and do not let taking pictures distract you from the horse.

Why the tölt matters

The Icelandic horse is known for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel easier than a standard trot. Not every rider will use it, and the opportunity depends on confidence, group pace, and the guide’s judgment.

For a first-time rider, simply walking through the lava fields is enough. You get the feel of the horse and the setting without needing to manage speed. If you already ride, ask whether your group may try the tölt. This is one of the details that makes an Icelandic horse outing different from a general trail ride.

The ride is not designed as a hard-core adventure. It suits people who want nature, horses, and a manageable outdoor activity. Experienced riders looking for long gallops or technical riding should keep expectations in check. The value lies in the setting, the horses, and the chance to ride safely in Icelandic conditions.

How the price works out at $141

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in Iceland. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the horse, guide, riding helmet, rubber boots, warm outfit or rainwear, and use of the stable facilities.

Optional return transport adds convenience rather than a new experience. If you already have a rental car, meeting at the stable can help keep the cost down. If you are staying in central Reykjavík and do not want to arrange transport, pickup can be worth paying for, especially in poor weather.

The outing also saves time. You do not need to travel far from the capital to reach open country and volcanic ground. For families, couples, and first-time riders, the combination of short transfer time and supplied gear gives the price a fair value.

Children ages seven to fifteen receive a 25 percent discount. The minimum age is seven, and the maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms. Since every rider must mount independently, the age discount does not remove the need for basic physical ability.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with children old enough to ride independently, couples, and people who want a gentle outdoor activity between Reykjavík sightseeing days. The calm horses and helpful instruction reduce the usual worry about not knowing what to do.

It also works for experienced riders who want to try the tölt and see Iceland from a less common viewpoint. Choose your riding group carefully, since the pace and amount of trotting can vary.

You should think twice if you dislike horses, have difficulty mounting, or want a fast and demanding ride. Cold, wind, rain, and snow are all possible in Iceland, even with supplied clothing. The trail ride is also fairly short, so it should complement a wider Iceland itinerary rather than replace a full-day nature trip.

The high rating of 4.7 from 1,356 ratings fits the strongest parts of the outing: friendly staff, well-cared-for horses, clear help for beginners, beautiful surroundings, and reliable organization. The occasional weak point is practical, such as unclear signage or a pickup problem, rather than the riding itself.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times vary, so check the date you want before building the rest of your day around it.

The activity may take two to four hours in total, depending on the selected departure and transport option. The actual horseback portion is about 1.5 hours. It ends back at the riding centre if you meet there directly.

Plan your clothing and transport before the day. Leave bags in the stable safety boxes, follow the biosecurity rules for any riding equipment you bring, and arrive with enough time to change. These small steps prevent the most common avoidable frustrations.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want an easy introduction to Icelandic horses, volcanic scenery, and riding without leaving Reykjavík far behind. The strongest reasons are the calm horses, thoughtful clothing provision, capable guides, and the chance to try the tölt if your ability and group allow it.

Skip it if you need a long, fast ride or cannot mount independently. For most other visitors, this is a well-organized half-day experience with genuine local character and a good balance of comfort, scenery, and gentle adventure.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride take place?

The ride begins at Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. The route passes through lava fields and along green hillsides.

How long is the horseback ride?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity can take two to four hours, depending on the departure and transport option.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavík?

Yes. Optional pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before the tour departure.

Can I meet directly at the riding centre?

Yes. The meeting point is Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, and the activity ends back at the riding centre.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The stable provides riding helmets, rubber boots, warm overalls or rainwear, and other weather protection during the ride.

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

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

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic. Other languages may be available by request.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least seven years old. Riders ages seven to fifteen receive a 25 percent discount.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for people over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners, and guides provide instruction and help match riders with suitable horses. You must still be able to mount the horse using your own strength.