Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

The most memorable part of this ride is the setting: you sit on an Icelandic horse as it carries you past moss-covered lava fields, with the Bláfjöll mountains opening up in the distance. It is a gentle way to get beyond Reykjavik’s streets without giving up comfort or spending a full day on the road.

I like the beginner-friendly approach and the chance to learn about this distinctive breed as you ride. I also like the practical gear package, which includes a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls, so Icelandic weather does not have to ruin the outing.

The main limitation is the short riding time. At about 50 minutes in the saddle, this is an introduction rather than a serious riding session, and the $135.16 price may feel high if you want a longer outing. You also need to arrive 30 minutes early, so plan on more than an hour at the center.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride through moss-covered lava fields: The route puts you in Icelandic scenery right away, with open views and rocky volcanic ground.
• Designed for beginners: Guides provide instruction and keep the pace suitable for people who may have little or no riding experience.
• Meet the Icelandic horse: You get time to become familiar with the breed, and one guide, Barbora, has been praised for explaining the horse’s origins, shoeing style, and tölt gait.
• Weather gear is included: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls help you stay comfortable in changeable conditions.
• Small group format: The maximum group size is 15 people, though the actual ride may be smaller.
• Close to Reykjavik: The center is in Hafnarfjörður, at Sörlaskeið 26, with public transportation nearby.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Reykjavik

Ishestar Horse Riding Centre gives you a taste of Iceland’s outdoors without asking you to commit to a long expedition. The center is in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik, and the ride begins and ends at the same meeting point.

The route takes you through moss-covered lava fields and along established riding paths. That combination matters. You are not simply circling a paddock, but you are also not being sent into a demanding backcountry ride. For a first encounter with Icelandic riding, this middle ground makes good sense.

The views toward the Bláfjöll mountains add a sense of scale. Iceland can look spare and almost otherworldly, especially around old lava flows, and riding through it gives you a slower view than you get from a tour bus. You have time to notice the ground, the open sky, and the changing shape of the mountains.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a long wilderness journey, a fast gallop, or a full-day farm visit. It is a short, guided ride built around scenery, safety, and contact with the horse.

What happens at the riding center

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time is part of the practical rhythm of the activity. You need to check in, receive equipment, and prepare before the ride begins, so arriving at the stated departure time is not enough.

The center provides riding helmets and rubber boots, along with rainwear or warm overalls. This is one of the strongest practical features of the tour. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and riding in ordinary sightseeing clothes is not ideal when you are exposed to wind and rain.

You may also have time around the stable before or after the ride. One particularly personal version of the experience included coffee on arrival, a safety video, and time in the stable before leaving. After returning, the rider was able to spend more time with the horses. These details may depend on the day, guide, and schedule, so I would treat them as possible extras rather than guaranteed parts of the program.

The safety briefing is important even for experienced riders. You will be introduced to the basic riding plan and shown how the group will move. The guides are there to help you feel secure, not to test your riding ability.

The 50-minute route through lava fields

Once mounted, you follow riding paths through the surrounding countryside. The ride is designed especially for beginners, so the emphasis is on control, comfort, and enjoying the views rather than covering a great distance.

The moss-covered lava fields are the visual highlight. Iceland’s volcanic ground can look rough and dark, while the moss adds soft green color across the rocks. From horseback, you experience this scenery at walking pace, with fewer distractions than you would have in a vehicle.

The route also gives you panoramic views toward Bláfjöll. Those mountain views help make the ride feel like an Iceland outing rather than a standard stable lesson. You are close to Reykjavik, but the scenery quickly feels open and remote.

The short duration has two sides. If you are nervous about riding, 50 minutes is manageable and leaves you with energy for the rest of your day. If you already ride regularly, you may wish the route lasted longer or included more chances to move at a faster pace.

One rider with previous experience received a horse selected to match their ability and had individual instruction in the tölt. That person was able to ride at a faster pace with a guide. This shows that the experience can sometimes adapt well to an individual rider, but I would not assume a private guide or advanced riding time will be included every time.

Getting to know the Icelandic horse

The horse is not just transportation here. A central part of the outing is learning what makes the Icelandic horse special and spending time close to the animals.

The breed is known for its compact build and distinctive gaits. The tölt is the gait most often associated with Icelandic horses, and one guide, Barbora, was praised for explaining how to ride it correctly. She also discussed the origins of the breed, its union, and its shoeing style. The availability of that kind of explanation can add real depth to a short ride.

You do not need to arrive with horse knowledge. The tour is aimed at beginners, and the guides help you become comfortable with your mount. The experience can be as simple as learning how to sit, steer, and follow the group, or it can include more breed-focused conversation if your guide and riding background allow.

I especially value this personal element. A scenic ride is pleasant, but learning why the Icelandic horse is suited to its home country gives the activity a stronger connection to Iceland. You are not merely borrowing a horse for a photo. You are getting a brief introduction to an important part of local life and culture.

How beginner-friendly is the ride?

The tour is suitable for people with no previous riding experience, based on the stated design and the support provided by the guides. One group with several first-time riders received attentive help throughout the outing.

That does not mean you should ignore your own comfort level. Horseback riding involves sitting on a moving animal, and even a gentle outing can feel unfamiliar. Tell the guide about your experience before you mount. Your riding background can help the staff choose a suitable horse and set an appropriate pace.

The guides’ role is a major part of the value. They are expected to keep you safe, explain what to do, and make sure you have time to get acquainted with the horse. The small maximum group size of 15 helps, although a group of 15 is still large enough that individual attention may vary.

Some outings may turn out to be much smaller. One person happened to receive a private ride with a guide, but that was luck rather than a promised feature. Book this for guided group riding, and consider one-on-one attention a welcome bonus.

Is $135.16 a fair price?

At $135.16 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. You are paying for roughly 50 minutes of riding, but the price also covers the riding center, guide support, safety preparation, helmet, boots, and weather clothing.

The value is strongest if you want a convenient first taste of Icelandic riding. You do not need to pack specialist clothing, arrange a long transfer, or know how to choose a horse. The center is near Reykjavik, and the activity fits neatly into a day of sightseeing.

The value is weaker if your main goal is many hours on horseback. The saddle time is limited, and food and drinks are not included. You should also account for the required 30-minute early arrival when comparing this with other activities.

For a special trip, the cost may be reasonable because the experience combines scenery, animals, and local context in one short outing. I would choose it for a first ride in Iceland, a family or mixed-ability group, or a day when you want something active but not exhausting.

Clothing, equipment, and weather

The center supplies the main protective equipment: helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls. That makes packing easier, especially if you are visiting Iceland with limited luggage.

I would still wear comfortable layers underneath. The provided clothing protects you from the elements, but the tour takes place outdoors and the weather can affect how pleasant the ride feels. Avoid clothing that restricts your legs or makes it hard to sit comfortably.

Good weather is required for the activity. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is useful flexibility, but it also means you should avoid placing the ride at the very end of your Iceland trip if rescheduling would be difficult.

The activity does not include food or beverages. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal, and do not expect a café stop to be part of the scheduled ride. Coffee may be available during some visits, but it is not listed as an included service.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend the ride to:

• First-time riders who want a controlled introduction
• Couples looking for a scenic activity near Reykjavik
• Families or groups with mixed riding ability
• Horse lovers interested in Icelandic breeds
• Visitors who want outdoor scenery without a long, demanding excursion
• Experienced riders who are happy with a short ride and may enjoy learning about the tölt

I would hesitate if you want a long trail ride, a guaranteed private guide, or an advanced riding session. The 50-minute format is better for sampling the activity than pursuing a full equestrian day.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. Check this before booking, since it is a firm stated condition. Most people can participate, but the experience still requires you to be comfortable sitting on and riding a horse.

Planning your time in Hafnarfjörður

The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, and the ride returns there at the end. Public transportation is nearby, which may help if you are staying in the Reykjavik area, though the available details do not specify a pickup service.

Build the 30-minute early arrival into your plans. The actual outing lasts about 50 minutes, but your total time at the center will be longer because of preparation and the post-ride return process.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is received when you book. The maximum group size is 15 people, so advance planning is sensible. This ride is booked, on average, 23 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill before your arrival.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Since weather can affect the ride, keep a little flexibility in your schedule if possible.

My advice on the riding experience

The best part of this outing is the blend of ease and place. You receive the equipment, instruction, and support needed for a first ride, then spend your time among lava fields with the Bláfjöll mountains in view.

The most highly praised elements are the guides’ care, the calm atmosphere, and the chance to build a personal connection with the horses. Barbora’s individual teaching, including help with the tölt and explanations about the breed, shows how much better the experience can become when the guide has time to work with you directly.

Still, keep the limits in mind. The ride is short, the price is substantial for less than an hour in the saddle, and private instruction is not guaranteed. Think of it as a polished introduction to Icelandic horses, not a full riding holiday.

Should you book this Ishestar ride?

Book it if you are new to horseback riding, want an easy outing from Reykjavik, or care as much about the Icelandic horse as the scenery. The included warm gear, beginner support, and lava-field route make it a practical choice for a first encounter.

Skip it if you need a long ride or want a guaranteed fast pace. For everyone else, I think the experience earns its strong reputation because it gives you a real taste of Iceland’s outdoors and horse culture in a compact, well-supported format.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at the riding center.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The riding experience lasts approximately 50 minutes. You must also arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed especially for beginners, and experienced guides provide safety instructions and riding guidance.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included, although coffee may be available at the center on some visits.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and poor-weather cancellations offer either another date or a full refund.