Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlakshofn

Þorlákshöfn puts you close to the rougher, more open side of Iceland. On horseback, you head toward the Krýsuvík lava fields, with steam rising from geothermal ground, mountains in view, and the Atlantic breaking against nearby cliffs. Strandakirkja adds a small but memorable stop by the sea.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the fact that helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and drinks are included. I also like the chance to ride Icelandic horses in a setting that feels tied to local farms, lava, weather, and coastline rather than to a fenced riding arena.

The main caution is practical: the details describe both a two-hour tour and a four-hour, medium-difficulty ride for experienced riders. Confirm the exact length, meeting arrangements, and pickup price before paying. This experience has also had occasional communication and cancellation problems.

Key points before you saddle up

• Ride toward Krýsuvík: Expect lava fields, distant geothermal steam, mountains, and possible sea views.
• Visit Strandakirkja: This small Protestant church sits near the ocean and dramatic cliffside waves.
• Small-group format: The maximum group size is 12, with guide supervision throughout.
• Bring your own footwear: Helmets and riding gear are supplied, but good shoes are not.
• Plan for Icelandic weather: Warm, comfortable clothing matters, especially beside the sea.
• Check the timing: The advertised information gives both two hours and four hours, so verify your booking details.

Riding Icelandic horses near Þorlákshöfn

This is the kind of outing that appeals to you if a city sightseeing bus feels too tame. The meeting point is at Alhestar, on Faxabraut 6 in Þorlákshöfn, about an hour from central Reykjavik by road depending on traffic and conditions. Pickup is offered, but do not assume it is included in the advertised price.

The ride takes you west from Þorlákshöfn toward the Krýsuvík area. You are not simply circling a paddock for photographs. The setting includes black lava, open ground, distant mountains, and the ocean. Icelandic weather is part of the experience, too. A cold, windy day can make the ride feel much more adventurous, though it can also reduce visibility and comfort.

I like the way horseback riding changes your pace. From a car, Iceland’s lava fields can pass in a few minutes. From the saddle, you have time to notice the rough rock, low vegetation, steam in the distance, and the wide sky. You also get a better sense of the Icelandic horse itself, a compact breed known for its sure-footed character and distinctive gaits.

The tour is described as family-friendly in its headline material, but the fuller description calls it a medium-difficulty ride intended for experienced riders. Those two descriptions do not fully match. If your children are new to horses, or if you have not ridden for some time, ask the operator what level is suitable before you book.

What the route offers beyond the stable

The first portion of the outing takes you out from the Þorlákshöfn area toward the lava fields. The scenery is broad rather than crowded with famous landmarks. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should not expect a nonstop series of dramatic viewpoints.

Krýsuvík is known for geothermal activity. From the riding route, you may see white strokes of steam rising from the ground in the distance. The ride does not appear to include a close walk through the geothermal areas, so think of this as a scenic view of Iceland’s volcanic forces, not a full geothermal-site visit.

The terrain also opens toward mountains and the sea. On a clear day, that combination gives you the strongest visual moments of the ride. On a windy or cloudy day, the mood becomes more stark and elemental. You may find the weather memorable, but pack as if you will be outdoors for several hours.

One practical point: the exact route may not always look like the idealized version in the description. A past ride included a long transfer to the farm and views of a salmon processing plant and construction, with about an hour actually spent riding through lava fields. That does not make the outing worthless, but it shows why you should ask how much time is spent in the saddle and how much is spent getting to the horses.

Strandakirkja and the Atlantic cliffs

Strandakirkja is a small Protestant church with a long local story. It is described as dating from the 12th century and is known for its position overlooking the ocean. The building itself is modest, so the attraction is not grand architecture. The appeal is the setting, the sense of an old church serving a remote coastal community, and the sudden contrast between quiet walls and rough Atlantic water.

Near the church, you can see waves crashing against the cliffs, especially on windy days. This is one of the better reasons to choose the ride if you want more than a standard farm excursion. You get a stop with cultural interest, coastal scenery, and a chance to rest before heading back.

A small café nearby provides a break for both riders and horses. Snacks and beverages are included, and this pause matters more than it might sound. Icelandic wind can quickly make you cold, and a short rest helps you regain comfort before the return ride. The available information does not specify the café menu, so do not book this expecting a full meal.

The stop also gives you time to take in the coast without trying to manage a horse at the same moment. Keep your expectations modest. This is a brief riding-tour refreshment stop, not a dedicated church visit or food tasting.

How demanding is the ride?

The description labels the route medium difficulty and says it is intended for experienced riders. That is the most important fitness information here. You should be comfortable mounting, sitting in the saddle for an extended period, and following a guide’s instructions in changing outdoor conditions.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Even a calm horse ride can use muscles you do not normally notice, particularly if you are riding for several hours. Wind, uneven ground, cold, and the need to stay balanced can add to the effort.

The guide supervises the group and provides instruction, which is useful if you have riding experience but are unfamiliar with Icelandic horses. One guide named Bjorn is described as friendly and helpful. At the same time, communication may not always be equally easy with every staff member. The owner, Magnus, was described as kind but not English-speaking, so confirm important points clearly before setting off.

I would not choose this as a first-ever horseback ride unless the operator confirms that beginners are accepted on your date. If you already ride and want a scenic outing, the route sounds more fitting. Families should ask about age, height, weight, riding background, and whether children can manage the stated level. Those details are not provided, so get a direct answer.

Equipment, clothing, and comfort

Helmets and riding equipment are included. That removes the need to pack specialist riding gear, though you still need suitable personal clothing.

Bring warm, comfortable layers and proper shoes. The supplied information specifically recommends sneakers or boots, while also stating that good shoes are not included. This is easy to overlook. Do not arrive in thin casual shoes, sandals, or anything you would dislike getting dirty.

A waterproof outer layer is sensible for Iceland, though the official instructions only require warm and comfortable clothing. Gloves and a hat can also make a windy ride more pleasant, but the equipment list does not confirm that they are supplied. Pack for exposure to weather rather than relying on a mild forecast.

The helmet is important, but comfort comes from the rest of your clothing. Avoid bulky coats that restrict your arms, and choose trousers that allow you to sit comfortably in the saddle. You will want clothing that can handle dust, mud, and contact with the horse.

Snacks and drinks are included, usually connected with the rest near the café. If you have dietary needs, confirm what is available before departure. No special food options are specified.

Price, timing, and the pickup question

At $180 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend a morning or afternoon. The price becomes easier to justify if you receive a genuine multi-hour ride, a small group, equipment, guide supervision, refreshments, and transport from Reykjavik without extra charges.

The value becomes less convincing if much of the outing is spent in a vehicle or if the actual riding time is close to one hour. One account describes a 45-minute scenic transfer to the farm before the ride began. If you are comparing this with other Iceland horse rides, ask three direct questions:

• Is the experience two hours or four hours from start to finish?
• How many hours are spent riding?
• Is pickup from Reykjavik included, and if not, what is the exact cost?

A past booking involved an unexpected $75 transportation charge connected with getting to and from a cruise ship in Reykjavik. That is a serious cost surprise, especially if you have planned your shore time tightly. The published information says pickup is offered, but it does not clearly establish that all pickup locations are included in the $180 price.

The meeting point is in Þorlákshöfn, and the activity ends back there. If you are staying in Reykjavik, arrange transportation carefully. If you are arriving by cruise ship, do not assume the stable is a short or simple transfer from the port. Confirm the price in writing before departure.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 53 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during a busy season. Still, book only after confirming the timing and pickup details, because advance planning is not useful if the meeting information is unclear.

Weather, cancellations, and reliability

This ride depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that number is not reached, the same options apply.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Keep that deadline in mind if your Iceland plans may shift.

The experience has a 4.2 rating from 21 ratings, which suggests a generally positive but uneven record. The strongest praise centers on the horses, the coastal scenery, and the feeling of a genuine Iceland outing. One particularly happy account describes riding to a black sand beach and along the water with Bjorn, who was friendly and helpful.

The weaker experiences point to matters you can partly protect against. One tour was canceled less than 24 hours before departure, leaving little time to find another activity. Another booking involved uncertainty about whether the stable was operating and a refund that had not yet arrived at the time of the account.

I would confirm the tour directly shortly before your planned date, especially if the ride is the main reason for staying in Þorlákshöfn. Keep a backup plan, and do not schedule an important flight, cruise departure, or long-distance transfer immediately afterward.

Who will get the most from this ride?

You are a good match if you already have some riding experience, want a small-group outing, and prefer open Icelandic scenery to a formal attraction. The combination of lava fields, geothermal steam, ocean cliffs, and Strandakirkja gives the ride a pleasing variety.

It also suits you if you enjoy weather and wide views rather than needing perfect sunshine. The Atlantic coast can look dramatic under gray skies, though the wind may make the outing harder.

Families should investigate the ability level carefully. The tour is presented as family-friendly, but the medium-difficulty description and experienced-rider requirement should carry more weight than the family label. Ask before booking if a child or beginner will be riding.

This is less suitable if you want a short, gentle introduction to horses, a guaranteed four-hour experience, or a fully transparent door-to-door transfer from Reykjavik. It may also disappoint you if you expect to spend most of the day at a major geothermal site or on a broad black sand beach. The route description allows for those kinds of views, but does not promise a long stop at either.

Should you book the Þorlákshöfn horse ride?

Book it if the operator confirms the exact duration, actual riding time, rider requirements, and pickup cost. The best version of this experience gives you a small group, a capable guide, Icelandic horses, lava-country scenery, ocean air, Strandakirkja, and a well-timed snack stop. That is a fine way to see a less polished side of Iceland.

I would be cautious if the booking details still show two hours in one place and four hours in another. I would also be careful if you are relying on cruise pickup or are a first-time rider. The horse and scenery can make this a memorable excursion, but clear logistics matter just as much as the view.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

The tour starts at Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Þorlákshöfn.

How long is the horse riding tour?

The supplied information gives conflicting durations. The summary says approximately two hours, while the detailed description and inclusions state four hours. Confirm the exact duration when booking.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is offered, but the information does not clearly state that every pickup location is included in the price. A past booking involved an additional $75 transportation charge, so confirm the cost and pickup point before departure.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets and riding equipment are provided by the operator. You need to bring your own good shoes, sneakers, or boots.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is described as medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders. It also requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Beginners should confirm their suitability with the operator before booking.

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

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, with the same options if that minimum is not met.