From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Icelandic horse riding gets you out of Reykjavík and into black lava fields within minutes. At Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður, you ride well-kept horses along marked paths, look for unusual volcanic rock, and feel the breed’s famously smooth tölt gait.

I like the careful pairing of horses and riders, especially if you are new to horseback riding. I also like the practical setup: helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm overalls are supplied, so Icelandic weather does not have to ruin the outing.

The main drawback is simple: you need to mount the horse using your own strength, and riders over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds, cannot join. The scenery can also look quite different in snow, rain, or low cloud.

Key points to know before you book

• Lava fields close to Reykjavík: Reach the riding center in about 20 minutes from the capital and spend your ride among volcanic rock and green hills.
• A real Icelandic horse experience: Look for the smooth tölt gait, a special four-beat movement that many riders find more comfortable than a regular trot.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides explain the basic procedures, keep the group together, and divide riders by confidence when needed.
• Warm clothing is provided: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm riding clothes are available in suitable sizes.
• Optional hotel pickup: Transfers begin about 60 minutes before departure, with listed pickup points around Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður.
• A short, easy-to-fit outing: The riding itself lasts about 1.5 hours, while the full activity takes roughly 2 to 4 hours depending on transport and timing.

Riding across Iceland’s volcanic ground

The appeal here is not speed or a long expedition. It is the chance to see Iceland from horseback, with the capital still close behind you.

The trails around Hafnarfjörður cross old lava fields and follow green hillsides. The volcanic rock gives the ride its character. Instead of a standard forest or farm setting, you pass rough black formations shaped by past eruptions, with plants growing in the spaces between them. Guides point out rock shapes, local plants, and any fauna you may spot along the way.

You should not expect a full wilderness departure. The stables are just outside town, and the trip is designed as a half-day activity rather than a remote riding holiday. I see that as a strength if your Iceland itinerary is tight. You can ride in the morning or afternoon and still have time for Reykjavík, a museum, a lagoon, or dinner.

The scenery depends heavily on the weather. On a clear day, the green slopes and dark lava create a sharp Icelandic contrast. In snow, the lava fields may be partly covered, but the ride still has its appeal. One guide explained the area’s geology when the snow hid the volcanic rock, which is a useful reminder that nature does not follow your photography schedule.

What happens at Íshestar Stables

Your meeting point is Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður. If you choose transport, pickup begins about an hour before the ride. The stated examples are 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM tour and 1:00 PM for a 2:00 PM tour.

The drive from Reykjavík takes about 20 minutes, though hotel pickup and city traffic can lengthen the full outing. Pickup is offered from hotels and main guesthouses, not private flats. If you stay in a private apartment, you receive the nearest pickup point by email before the ride.

At the center, you go to the changing room and prepare for the weather. The stable provides:

• Riding helmets
• Rubber boots
• Rainwear
• Warm overalls or another warm riding outfit

This is valuable in Iceland. You may arrive dressed for the city and discover that wind, rain, or snow makes the open trail feel much colder. The supplied clothing lets you protect your own travel wardrobe and reduces the amount of specialized gear you need to pack.

Bring layers under the provided clothing. You cannot take a backpack or bag on the ride, but safety boxes are available for valuables at the riding center. Keep your phone and camera stored unless the guide allows a safe way to carry them. Some outings include photos taken by the staff, which is helpful if you do not want to worry about handling a camera from the saddle.

Choosing a horse and learning the basics

The staff take time to match horses to riders. That matters more here than it might at a short pony ride, because a calm, suitable horse can make the whole experience feel manageable for a first-timer.

Before setting out, you receive help with the riding procedures and get acquainted with your horse. First-time riders have found the horses calm and easy to follow, while experienced riders can get more from the special gait and the open trail.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. They are Icelandic horses, a small, sturdy breed known for its calm temperament and distinctive movement. The stable staff take pride in their care, and the horses are described as well looked after and friendly. That does not mean you should treat them like large pets. Listen to the stable staff, approach carefully, and follow their instructions around the animals.

Every rider must be able to mount independently. Staff can assist with instructions and preparation, but the physical act of getting onto the horse is your responsibility. This requirement is important for anyone with limited mobility, a recent injury, or concern about leg and hip strength.

Children under seven cannot join. Ages seven through fifteen receive a 25 percent discount. The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. These are firm planning details, not minor fine print.

The 1.5-hour ride through lava and hills

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours. You follow established riding paths through the Hafnarfjörður area, crossing lava fields and moving along green hillsides.

The pace is not presented as one-size-fits-all. The group can be divided by riding confidence, which is particularly useful when beginners and experienced riders book the same departure. New riders can stay in a slower group, while more confident riders may have the chance to trot or experience more of the horse’s movement.

This division is one of the best practical features of the outing. A beginner does not have to feel pressured to keep up with someone who rides regularly. At the same time, an experienced rider is less likely to find the whole trip too tame.

The guides keep the horses and riders together on the trail. Their role goes beyond leading from the front. They explain how to ride, watch the group, answer questions, and offer information about Icelandic horses and the area. One guide named Sonya was especially noted for explaining the history of the horses at the company.

The famous tölt is worth paying attention to. It is a smooth gait associated with Icelandic horses, and you may be able to experience it if your ability and the group allow. Do not assume the entire ride will be spent at a faster pace. The tour is built to accommodate beginners, so the amount of trotting or tölt depends on the group and the guide’s judgment.

Look down as well as out. The lava formations are part of the experience, with odd shapes and uneven surfaces created by volcanic activity. Plant life softens the edges of the black rock, while the green slopes add color in warmer months. In snowy conditions, the ground may appear more uniform, but the guides can still explain what lies beneath.

Why the guides and horses matter

The most consistently praised part of this outing is the human and animal connection. The guides are friendly, patient, and attentive, and that changes the experience for someone who has never ridden before.

I would choose this tour over a more casual horse photo stop if you want proper support before and during the ride. You get instructions, safety equipment, a horse selected for your needs, and a guide who stays involved once you leave the stable.

Several first-time riders felt safe because the horses followed one another and the guides explained what to do. That does not remove all risk. Horseback riding is still a physical activity, and Icelandic weather can make the trail feel challenging. But the structure gives beginners a sensible introduction rather than simply putting you on a horse and sending you off.

The horses also appear to be treated as working animals with care. You will have time to meet them and learn about them, not just use them as scenery. If you care about animal welfare, pay attention to how the staff handle the horses and follow every stable rule.

The language of the tour is English, with German and Icelandic available. Other languages may be possible by request. If language support matters to you, arrange it before arrival rather than assuming it will be available on the day.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity near Reykjavík. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the guided 1.5-hour ride, helmet, rubber boots, warm clothing or rainwear, and access to a large riding center close to the capital.

Optional hotel transport adds convenience, but the return transfer is not included in the basic activity. If you meet at Íshestar Stables yourself, you may be able to keep the total cost lower, though the supplied information does not state a self-drive or public transport price.

For me, the value is strongest if you are visiting Iceland without riding equipment. Buying or packing waterproof riding clothes, boots, and a helmet for one short outing would be impractical. The provided clothing also makes this a more reliable choice for families, since you do not have to guess how much protection each rider needs.

The value is weaker if you already ride regularly and want a long, fast trip. This is a short guided outing near Reykjavík. Its strength is access, scenery, good organization, and a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses, not distance or speed.

Weather, clothing, and useful preparation

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the ride goes ahead in conditions that may include rain, wind, snow, or cold. You receive outer clothing, but wear comfortable layers underneath and avoid cotton if you have suitable alternatives. Keep your hands warm, since gripping reins with cold fingers is unpleasant.

You must disinfect or wash riding gear before arriving in Iceland. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, and gloves must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected. Used leather gear may not be brought into the country. This is an Iceland entry requirement worth taking seriously if you plan to bring your own equipment.

Wear clothes you can move in. You will change at the stable, mount the horse, and spend about 90 minutes outdoors. Do not arrive with a large bag expecting to carry it on the trail. Use the safety boxes for valuables.

The activity is available in a 2 to 4 hour time window depending on the selected departure and transfer option. Build in extra time if you have a strict afternoon booking, especially when using hotel pickup. The stated pickup schedule begins one hour before the ride, and the city transfer itself takes about 20 minutes in normal conditions.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it to families with children seven and older, couples, first-time riders, and people who want a nature activity without leaving the Reykjavík area for a full day.

It also suits experienced riders who enjoy Icelandic horses and want to try tölt. Ask about the confidence groups and the pace when you arrive. The outing can be relaxed, but more experienced riders may have an opportunity for a livelier section if conditions and the group permit.

You should think twice if you dislike animals, feel uneasy about mounting, or want complete control over speed and route. The experience is guided and group-based. You follow the stable’s procedures, and the guides decide what is safe for the conditions and the riders.

It is also not suitable if you weigh more than 110 kilograms, cannot mount independently, or are under seven. Those limits are clear and should help you avoid booking an activity that will not work for you.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want a well-supported introduction to Icelandic horses, volcanic ground close to Reykjavík, and a short outing that does not consume your whole day.

I especially like this tour for first-time riders. The calm horses, helpful instruction, warm clothing, and split groups remove much of the stress that can come with trying horseback riding abroad. Experienced riders should book it for the horses, the tölt, and the setting, not for a long or demanding ride.

At $141, the price is reasonable when you need gear and optional transport, though less compelling if you only want a fast ride. Choose a clear-weather slot if views matter most, but accept that snow and rain are part of Iceland’s character. For a family-friendly or beginner-friendly activity near the capital, I would put this high on your list.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The activity begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík.

How far is the riding center from Reykjavík?

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

How long do I spend on horseback?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours.

How long does the complete activity take?

The total duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, depending on the departure and pickup option.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional and begins about 60 minutes before the riding departure.

Can I be picked up from a private apartment?

Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses. If you stay in a private flat, you receive the closest pickup point by email before the tour.

What equipment is provided?

The riding center provides helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothing for the ride.

Can I bring a backpack on horseback?

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

What age must riders be?

Children under seven cannot join. Children from seven through 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.

What languages are available?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.