Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

The special thing here is not simply riding a horse in Iceland. It is riding an Icelandic horse, a sturdy breed descended from horses brought by Vikings in the 10th century. Once you learn about the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait, the ride feels like a direct link to Iceland’s past as well as a fine way to see lava fields, moorland, volcanic mountains, and lakes.

I especially like the ability-based groups and the practical clothing provided. Beginners can take an easy route while more confident riders get chances to ride faster and try the tölt. The warm drink afterward is a small but welcome touch. The main caution is weather: wind and rain can arrive fast, and you must be able to mount from the ground without help.

Key points at a glance

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: This smooth four-beat gait is the ride’s signature feature and may be offered to intermediate and experienced riders.
• Groups are split by riding ability: Beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders can follow routes and speeds suited to them.
• Ride through volcanic scenery: Expect lava fields, moorland, volcanic mountains, lakes, and, in clear conditions, striking sunrise views.
• Warm gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are available, which matters in Iceland’s changeable weather.
• Pickup is optional: You can meet at Ishestar in Hafnarfjörður or reserve pickup from selected Reykjavik points.
• Plan around firm limits: The minimum age is 7, the weight limit is 110 kilograms or 240 pounds, and riders need moderate fitness.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride different

Icelandic horses are compact, strong, and sure-footed animals bred for the country’s rough ground and cool climate. They are often called ponies in casual conversation, but they are horses, and their build suits the broad volcanic terrain around Reykjavik.

Your instructor begins by asking about your riding background. Be honest here. A person who rode regularly years ago may have a different comfort level from someone who has never been in a saddle, and the staff use this information to choose a suitable horse and group.

You then watch a short safety and instruction video before putting on the supplied gear. The briefing includes the basics of handling your horse and easing it into the tölt. You do not need to arrive as an expert, but you should be comfortable following instructions and controlling your mount.

The tölt is the feature many riders hope to experience. It is a four-beat gait with less bounce than a standard trot, which can make riding over uneven ground more comfortable. The guide first watches how everyone rides, then divides the party according to ability. That is important because a large starting group can otherwise force every rider into the same slow pace.

The best chance to try the tölt is usually in the intermediate or experienced group, though the actual pace depends on your ability, the horse, and conditions. If you want to go slower or faster, tell your instructor clearly. Do not assume the guide knows your preferred pace from your first few minutes in the saddle.

From Reykjavik to Ishestar in Hafnarfjörður

The ride begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. Hafnarfjörður is close enough to Reykjavik to make this a practical half-day activity, and the drive from the city has been described as roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

You have two basic choices. Drive to the stable yourself, or select a package with pickup from a listed Reykjavik location. Pickup must be booked in advance, and it may take place at a nearby bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel. If your hotel does not appear on the pickup list, contact the operator and ask for the nearest approved point.

If you drive, arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start. That extra time gives you room to check in, get fitted for gear, and avoid starting the ride in a rush. The activity ends back at the stable, so you can collect your belongings and use the warm drink service before returning to Reykjavik.

The overall ride lasts about two hours. With pickup, check-in, changing clothes, the safety video, and the drive, you should allow more than two hours in your day. That makes the morning departure useful if you have other plans later, while an afternoon ride can fit well after a relaxed start in Reykjavik.

Getting ready for Icelandic weather

The stable supplies helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls. This is a real benefit at a price of $133.02 per person, since bringing the right riding clothes for Iceland can be awkward if you are packing light.

Still, supplied gear does not replace sensible layers. Wear clothing that can handle mud and moisture, and do not bring expensive footwear. One rider specifically warned that nice shoes may get ruined. Rubber boots help, but the trail is outdoors and conditions can be wet.

Wind deserves special attention. It can change quickly, and a calm start does not guarantee a calm ride. Bring a hat or ear protection that works under a helmet, and use the provided rain gear even if the sky looks harmless. A clear day in the 40s Fahrenheit can feel pleasant, but cold wind on horseback is another matter.

Do not wear used riding gear near the horses. This rule is intended to reduce the risk of spreading illness between animals. Follow the stable’s instructions about what to wear and where to leave your own gear.

The first minutes in the saddle

Once you are dressed, you meet your horse and instructor. The horses are described as gentle, calm, and well trained, but every horse has its own temperament and personality. Listen closely during the introduction, and use the first part of the ride to settle your hands, seat, and pace.

The ride begins behind an instructor. You get time to learn how your horse responds before the group is divided. This gradual start is useful for a first-time rider, and it also gives experienced riders a chance to adjust to the Icelandic horse’s movement.

Every rider must be able to mount by their own strength from the ground. There is no mounting block, so this is not a minor detail. If you have limited leg strength, a recent injury, or difficulty getting onto a horse without assistance, this activity may not suit you.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You do not need to be a competitive rider, but you should be able to sit in the saddle for the ride, follow directions, and handle the basic physical effort of mounting and riding outdoors.

Lava fields, moorland, and volcanic views

The scenery is a major reason to choose this outing. The route passes through lava fields and moorland, with views toward volcanic mountains and lakes. This is a more intimate way to see Iceland’s volcanic ground than viewing it from a coach window. You move at horse pace, with time to notice the rough rock, open ground, and changing light.

The lava fields give the ride a distinctly Icelandic setting. They are not manicured parkland or a standard riding arena. The uneven volcanic terrain is part of the appeal, though it also explains why the guide controls the pace and why the ride may not feel fast for everyone.

If the weather is clear, the views can be especially rewarding in the morning. The 10 a.m. departure has been praised for sunrise light at certain times of year, with snowy flat-topped mountains, pine trees, and lava fields catching the early glow. Sunrise timing changes with the season, so you should not treat that effect as guaranteed.

The route offers picture stops, but this is still a horseback ride rather than a dedicated photography tour. Keep your phone secure and follow instructions about when it is safe to take pictures. Wind, rain, and a moving horse are not ideal conditions for handling delicate equipment.

How the three riding groups change the experience

The tour’s strongest practical feature is the split by ability. After watching the group ride, instructors separate beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders. The exact number of groups can vary, but the aim is to avoid making a confident rider spend the whole outing at a first-timer’s pace.

Beginners follow an easier route at a slower speed. This is the right choice if you have never ridden, have not ridden for many years, or feel uneasy about moving faster. The horses are selected to help new riders feel comfortable, and the staff can adjust to your needs.

Intermediate riders may have the chance to ride at a quicker pace and try the tölt. This option suits you if you can control a horse independently and feel comfortable with changes in gait, but do not want the most demanding pace available.

Experienced riders may take on more challenging routes and faster riding. Some outings divide the faster group again, allowing confident riders to canter or gallop while the intermediate group remains at trot and tölt. That choice is not automatic, so explain your experience before the ride starts.

Group size can reach 30 people. That sounds large, but several guides may be present, and the group is divided early in the ride. Even so, a large first gathering can mean a busy start. If you want a quiet, private ride with lots of individual attention, this is not that type of outing.

The horses and the human side of the tour

The horses receive the most consistent praise. They are described as friendly, gentle, healthy, and easy to ride, with distinct personalities. That matters because a calm horse can make a first ride in an unfamiliar country far less stressful.

The guides are responsible not only for safety but also for explaining the horses and the area. You can expect information about the breed, the horses’ temperaments, and the history of horses in Iceland. The most successful guides are patient, kind to the animals, and willing to adjust the ride to different comfort levels.

Staff service may not feel perfectly uniform every time. Most of the feedback is strongly positive, but one disappointed rider found some staff members unfriendly and overly scripted, even while praising the ride leaders. I would keep that in perspective, but it is fair to note that the quality of a short tour includes the welcome at the stable, not only the time on the trail.

The operator has a strong overall record, with a 4.8 rating from 1,145 reviews and recommendation from 96 percent of customers. Those figures point to a reliable experience, but they do not remove the usual outdoor risks of weather, group size, and changing animal behavior.

Is the $133.02 price fair?

At $133.02 per person, this is not a budget activity, but it offers more than a short photo opportunity beside a stable. Your price includes about two hours on horseback, an instructor, the horse, helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, warm overalls, and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate afterward.

The value is strongest if you are curious about Icelandic horses and want a real trail ride rather than a brief beginner loop. The ability-based groups also make the price easier to justify for families or mixed-ability parties, since a confident rider may get a faster option while a beginner remains on a gentle route.

Pickup adds convenience if you are staying in Reykjavik and do not have a car. If you are comfortable reaching Hafnarfjörður yourself, you can avoid paying for a pickup package, depending on the option you choose. Check the exact booking choice carefully, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included unless you select a package that specifies them.

The drink afterward will not determine the value on its own, but it fits the setting. After a windy or wet ride, a hot cup at the stable is welcome. Think of it as a pleasant finish, not a meal.

Who should book this ride

This outing suits a wide range of riders, including first-timers, families with children aged 7 and up, and experienced riders who want to try the tölt. It also works well for people who want nature without committing to a full-day excursion.

It is particularly good for a mixed group. A beginner can ride with a calm horse at a gentle pace while a stronger rider in the same party may join an intermediate or advanced group. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and each adult may take up to two children or young people on the tour while paying full fare.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wet weather, have trouble mounting from the ground, or want a private ride. Pregnant women cannot ride because of the possible risk to unborn children. The 110-kilogram, or 240-pound, weight limit is firm and should be checked before booking.

Cancellation and planning details

You receive confirmation when booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The activity depends on good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since Icelandic weather can shift quickly, avoid placing an important same-day commitment immediately after the ride.

Book early if your schedule is fixed. The average booking lead time is about 41 days, which suggests that popular morning and afternoon departures can fill well ahead of a Reykjavik visit.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The ride starts at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is included only with the tour option that specifically lists it. You must choose a pickup point from the available list, and the pickup may be from a nearby bus stop. Contact the operator if your hotel is not listed.

What riding abilities are accepted?

The tour welcomes beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders. The instructor assesses your ability and separates the group by riding level after watching you ride.

What equipment is provided?

The stable provides helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is also included after the ride.

What are the age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 7 years, and the maximum weight is 110 kilograms or 240 pounds. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

I would book this tour if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses with real countryside riding, not just a stable visit. The gentle horses, scenic lava fields, warm riding gear, and ability-based groups give it broad appeal, while the chance to try the tölt adds something special for riders with experience.

Check the weight and mounting rules first, then plan for wind, rain, and muddy footwear. Choose pickup if you want the simplest morning or afternoon, and arrive early if driving yourself. For a first Icelandic riding experience, or for a family group with mixed ability, this is a strong choice at a fair price.