Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

The best part of this ride is the setting: you sit high on an Icelandic horse while moss-covered lava fields spread around you and the Bláfjöll Mountains fill the distance. It is a gentle way to see Iceland outside the city, with enough riding time to feel real but not so much that a beginner feels overwhelmed.

I like the beginner-friendly pace and the practical gear, including helmets, rubber boots, and weather protection. I also like the chance to get close to the Icelandic horse itself, a sturdy breed with a special gait called the tölt. The main drawback is the short duration: 50 minutes passes quickly, especially for experienced riders hoping for a long ride or more time at faster paces.

Key points to know before you book

• Moss-covered lava fields: The route gives you a close view of Iceland’s rough volcanic ground, softened by thick green moss.
• Beginner-focused riding: Guides help first-time riders feel safe and comfortable on the horse.
• Bláfjöll mountain views: The surrounding scenery gives the ride a strong sense of place near Reykjavik.
• Useful outdoor clothing included: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls are provided.
• Small maximum group: The ride is limited to 15 people, which allows for guide attention without promising a private outing.
• Strict weight limit: Riders must weigh no more than 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Reykjavik

Ishestar Horse Riding Centre sits at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, outside central Reykjavik. The ride is designed for people who want to try horseback riding without committing to a full-day outing or a demanding route.

That makes the experience easy to fit into a Reykjavik visit. At about 50 minutes, it can work well on a day when you have other plans. You get time in the saddle and a proper taste of Icelandic riding, but you do not lose half a day to the activity.

The setting does much of the work. Instead of riding through a fenced arena, you head along riding paths near volcanic ground covered in moss. The view toward the Bláfjöll Mountains adds scale, and the open surroundings help the ride feel like a small escape from town.

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to get prepared, receive instructions, and settle in before leaving the centre. Do not treat the listed ride length as your total time at the facility.

The activity is offered in English. Guides focus on safety and comfort, especially for people with little or no riding experience. The riding centre also has public transportation nearby, although the supplied information does not specify a particular bus route or travel time from Reykjavik.

Meeting the Icelandic horse

The horse is not just a way to reach the view. Getting familiar with the Icelandic horse is one of the main reasons to choose this activity.

Icelandic horses are small, sure-footed-looking animals with a strong place in the country’s riding culture. During the preparation and ride, you have a chance to learn how to sit, guide the horse, and feel its movement. The guides also help match riders with suitable horses based on their comfort and past riding experience.

One rider had a one-to-one experience with a guide who explained the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s distinctive smooth gait. That kind of instruction can add a lot for anyone who has ridden before. It turns a basic trail ride into a short introduction to how Icelandic riding differs from riding elsewhere.

You should keep expectations in check. The experience is aimed at beginners, and the route lasts only 50 minutes. The possibility of learning the tölt does not mean every group will spend much time riding at that pace. The group’s ability, the horse assignments, and the guide’s judgment will shape the ride.

Still, the breed itself gives the trip character. You are not simply taking a generic horseback ride in an Icelandic setting. You are riding a horse bred for Iceland’s conditions and learning why it is important to the country.

Following the mossy lava-field route

The route’s most memorable feature is the volcanic ground. Moss grows over old lava, giving the rough black rock a softer appearance from a distance. From horseback, you get a better view of the uneven ground and the paths used for riding.

The route is intended to be comfortable rather than extreme. Experienced guides lead the group and help keep the ride manageable for beginners. That is good news if you feel uncertain around horses or have not ridden for years.

You will likely spend much of the ride taking in the view, keeping your balance, and getting used to the horse’s movement. That slower rhythm suits the surroundings. Iceland is often presented through dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic sights, but a quiet ride through open country offers a different kind of experience.

The Bláfjöll views are another strong point. The mountains give you a clear reference beyond the immediate lava fields, making the ride feel connected to the wider area around Reykjavik. The scenery is not a staged attraction. It is simply the sort of open Icelandic setting that makes a short outdoor activity worthwhile.

Because the ride is brief, you should not expect a long route through many different types of terrain. The value comes from the quality of the setting and the chance to experience it from horseback, not from covering a large distance.

What beginners can expect at Ishestar

The centre supplies riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls, along with guidance. This is useful in Iceland, where the weather can change and outdoor conditions can feel colder than expected.

The supplied clothing also makes the activity easier for people who did not pack specialist riding gear. You should still dress for the outdoors, but you do not need to arrive with riding boots or a full waterproof outfit. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after the ride.

The safety side is handled at the centre. You receive guidance before setting out, and the staff aim to make the ride comfortable. A safety video may be part of the preparation, as one account describes watching one before the group departed.

That preparation is not wasted time. A short briefing helps you understand how to sit, how to respond to the horse, and how to follow the guide. For a first ride, those few minutes can make the difference between enjoying the scenery and concentrating only on staying comfortable.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not the same as a private ride, but it does put a limit on the crowd. Group size can affect the pace and the amount of individual help you receive, so riders wanting a quiet one-to-one outing should not assume that is standard.

A warm welcome before and after the ride

The experience can include more than the time on the trail. Some riders have had time for coffee on arrival, a look inside the stable, and a chance to spend time with the horses after returning.

These extras are not listed as guaranteed parts of every departure, so I would treat them as possible additions rather than promised features. Still, they show why arriving early is useful. You may have a little time to get comfortable at the centre instead of rushing straight from transport to the saddle.

A guide named Barbora has been singled out for personal instruction and for explaining the Icelandic horse, its origins, union, shoeing style, and connection to the land where it was bred. That level of conversation will depend on the guide and the group, but it is worth asking questions if you are curious about the breed.

The stable setting can also make this a better choice for companions who are interested in horses but do not want a long ride. The facility is described as suitable for riders and spectators, though the supplied details do not set out a separate spectator program or fee.

Is the $135.16 price fair?

At $135.16 per person, this is not a bargain-priced short activity. The riding time is only about 50 minutes, so the cost per minute is higher than on a longer trail ride.

The price makes more sense when you consider what comes with the experience. You receive a guided ride, a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and access to an established riding centre near Reykjavik. You are also paying for staff who can help beginners and manage the horses safely.

I think the value is strongest for a first-time rider who wants a simple introduction without buying or packing special gear. It is also a good fit if you have limited time and want an outdoor activity that can fit between other plans.

The value is weaker for an experienced rider focused mainly on distance, speed, or a long stretch in the saddle. The short ride may leave you wanting more. Before booking, decide if you are paying for a quick Icelandic experience or for a serious riding session. This tour is clearly better suited to the first choice.

It is also worth remembering that food and drinks are not included. That is a small cost issue, but it matters if you are planning a full day around the activity.

Weather, clothing, and the cancellation rule

This is an outdoor ride, and it requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can take a different date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

The clothing provided is helpful, but I would still dress with Iceland’s weather in mind. Wear layers and arrive ready to spend time outside before and after the ride. The centre supplies rainwear or warm overalls, but your personal base layers and general comfort still matter.

Weather can affect more than comfort. It may change how clearly you see the Bláfjöll Mountains and how enjoyable the open route feels. A dry, clear day will show the scenery at its best, while a misty or wet ride may feel more subdued. That is part of the reality of planning an outdoor activity in Iceland.

Who should book this horseback ride?

This activity suits you best if you fit one or more of these descriptions:

• You are a beginner or have little recent riding experience.
• You want to meet Icelandic horses in their home country.
• You prefer a short activity near Reykjavik rather than a full-day excursion.
• You like quiet outdoor scenery more than speed or technical riding.
• You want protective riding gear supplied at the centre.
• You are comfortable joining a group of up to 15 people.

Families and mixed-experience groups may find the beginner focus useful, though the supplied information does not give a minimum age. You should confirm any age requirements before booking if children are part of your group.

Experienced riders can still enjoy the ride, especially if learning about the tölt and the Icelandic horse matters to you. But if your main goal is a long canter or a full day in the saddle, choose a longer riding program instead.

The 110-kilogram, or 240-pound, weight limit is firm. Check this before paying, since it is an important participation condition.

What makes this experience memorable

The strongest part of the ride is the combination of horse, place, and manageable timing. You are not watching Iceland through a bus window. You are moving at the horse’s pace, with time to notice the moss, the volcanic ground, and the mountain views.

The personal attention can also be a highlight. One ride became a one-to-one lesson by chance, with detailed help on the tölt and the Icelandic horse. You should not book expecting a private guide, but the possibility of thoughtful instruction adds appeal.

I also like that the experience leaves room for simple contact with the horses. Time in the stable, coffee before departure, and a few minutes with the animals afterward can make the visit feel less like a quick transaction. Those moments are not guaranteed, but they are worth taking advantage of if offered.

The tradeoff is clear: this is a short, structured ride. You will not cover a huge stretch of country, and the pace may be too gentle for a confident rider. The experience works because it gives you an accessible taste of Icelandic riding, not because it tries to be a full equestrian expedition.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, scenic lava fields, and a short outdoor activity from the Reykjavik area. The provided gear, English guidance, small maximum group, and strong focus on comfort make it an easy choice for a first ride.

Think twice if you want several hours on horseback, fast riding, or a route with many changes in scenery. At $135.16, the limited 50-minute saddle time needs to match your expectations.

For most first-time riders, the combination of Icelandic horses, moss-covered lava fields, Bláfjöll views, and careful instruction gives the outing real appeal. Arrive 30 minutes early, dress for changing weather, check the weight limit, and treat the ride as a focused introduction rather than a long adventure.

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 ride ends back at the same meeting point where it begins.

How long is the horseback ride?

The riding activity lasts approximately 50 minutes. You should also arrive 30 minutes before departure for preparation and instructions.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed especially for beginners, and experienced guides provide safety guidance and help you feel comfortable with the Icelandic horse.

What equipment is included?

The centre provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time.