Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and wonderfully sure-footed, making them a fine match for riding across lava fields and rough volcanic ground. I like the way this tour introduces you to the horses before the ride, then sorts the group by ability so beginners and confident riders can enjoy different paces.

I also like the warm riding gear and the chance to ride in the tölt, Iceland’s smooth four-beat gait. The main drawback is that the ride lasts only about two hours, and you must be able to mount from the ground without help. Wind and rain can arrive quickly, even when Reykjavik looks calm.

Key points

• Ride beside volcanic scenery: The route passes lava fields, moorland, mountains, lakes, and forested stretches.
• Groups split by ability: Beginners ride at a calm pace, while intermediate and experienced riders may get chances to trot, tölt, or ride faster.
• Tölt is the special feature: This four-beat gait feels smoother than an ordinary trot and is a major reason to choose Icelandic horses.
• Gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls help with Iceland’s changeable weather.
• Pickup is optional: Select a pickup package carefully, since city transfers are not included with every booking.
• Warm drinks finish the ride: Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are served at the stables afterward.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride different

Icelandic horses are not simply small horses used for short rides. They are a distinct breed descended from horses brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the 10th century. Compact, strong, and bred for rough ground, they are well suited to the open volcanic country around Reykjavik.

The breed is famous for the tölt, a four-beat gait in which the horse keeps at least one foot on the ground at most times. For you, that can mean a smoother ride than a standard trot. It takes some instruction to encourage your horse into the tölt, but learning that rhythm is one of the most memorable parts of this outing.

You will first meet your instructor and explain your experience level. Be honest here. A true beginner should say so, while a regular rider should explain what feels comfortable, including whether you want to ride at a faster pace.

The staff then shows a short instructional video and provides the riding equipment. Before heading out, you get a close look at the horses and learn about their temperaments and personalities. That introduction matters, especially if you are new to horses or bringing a child.

From Ishestar’s stables to the lava fields

The tour begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður. From central Reykjavik, the drive is usually described as roughly 15 to 20 minutes, though road and pickup conditions can affect the timing.

If you arrange pickup, choose from the available Reykjavik points rather than assuming your hotel door is included. Some accommodations use a nearby bus stop, and an unlisted hotel requires advance contact with the operator so they can identify the closest pickup point.

If you drive yourself, arrive at the stables 30 minutes before the ride starts. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it easy to plan a rental-car day around the excursion.

Once mounted, you follow the instructor out onto the trail. The scenery is the reason to choose this particular riding setting. You pass lava fields, moorland, volcanic mountains, and lakes, with stretches of forest adding variety to the otherwise open terrain.

The route is scenic without requiring a full day away from Reykjavik. At around two hours, it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon schedule. Early departures can also offer striking light, and a 10 a.m. ride may catch a sunrise-like glow during the darker seasons, depending on the date and weather.

How the three riding groups work

The opening part of the ride is controlled and fairly gentle. Your instructor watches how you handle the reins, balance in the saddle, and communicate with your horse. The group is then divided according to riding ability.

Beginners stay on easier ground and move at a slower pace. This is a good setup if you have never ridden before, have not been on a horse for many years, or feel unsure about riding in Icelandic weather. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and the instructors give basic guidance throughout the ride.

Intermediate riders may be placed in a group where they can work on the tölt and ride more actively. Experienced riders can be given a more challenging route and a quicker pace. Depending on the group and conditions, that may include trotting, tölting, or faster riding.

You can tell your instructor if you want to slow down or move faster. Still, the pace depends on the ability of everyone in your group. A confident rider may occasionally find that a mixed group limits the speed, particularly when the opening group is large.

This system is one of the strongest features of the tour. A family or group of friends with different riding backgrounds can take the same excursion without forcing everyone into one pace. The first portion may feel crowded, but the split happens early enough to improve the ride.

What the horses and scenery add

The horses are central to the experience, not just transportation. You get time to notice their different personalities and learn why Icelanders value the breed. Their strength and calm manner are especially useful on uneven ground and in changing weather.

The volcanic setting gives the ride a feel that a standard stable trail cannot match. Black lava formations, open moorland, distant mountains, and lakes create a strong sense of place. You are not simply circling a paddock or following a road beside traffic.

Stop for photos when the guide allows it, but keep your attention on the horse and the terrain. The scenery changes quickly, and the best moments may be the quiet stretches when you are moving through the open country with only the sound of hooves and wind.

The weather can change fast. Riders have reported rain during the outing, with the supplied rain gear proving useful. Wind can also be sharp around the lava fields, so bring a hat or ear protection that fits securely under your helmet. You should expect mud and wet ground, which is why old clothing and practical footwear are wiser than expensive shoes.

Warm gear makes a real difference

Ishestar supplies helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls. This is a major value point for anyone visiting Iceland without a full set of riding clothes.

The overalls are especially useful when the temperature is low or rain moves in. You still need suitable base layers, since the ride takes place outdoors and Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty, and avoid bringing used riding gear from another stable. The operator does not allow used gear on the tour or near the horses.

The rubber boots protect your feet better than ordinary walking shoes, but you should still dress for cold hands and wind around the face. A small camera or phone can be handy for the views, although you will want to secure it while riding.

Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate after the ride

After returning to the stables, you can warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It is a simple inclusion, but it matters after two hours outside, especially on a damp or windy day.

This final pause also gives you time to settle down and enjoy the stable atmosphere without being rushed straight back to Reykjavik. For families, hot chocolate is a welcome touch. For adults, coffee or tea helps turn the ride into a comfortable half-day outing rather than a quick activity with an abrupt ending.

Is $133.02 a fair price?

At $133.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Iceland. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

The price covers the horse, instructor, riding equipment, hot drinks, and the chance to ride in a setting that is difficult to experience on foot in the same amount of time. If you choose the pickup option, the short transfer from Reykjavik adds convenience and avoids arranging a bus, taxi, or rental car.

The tour becomes a stronger deal for riders who care about the Icelandic breed and want a real chance to try the tölt. It is also a sensible choice for a family or group with mixed ability, since the guides can divide riders into suitable groups.

The value is weaker if you are looking for a long, private ride or a remote wilderness expedition. The group can reach up to 30 people, and the initial gathering may feel busy. The ride is well suited to a first introduction, but advanced riders should understand that faster riding depends on the group, guide, weather, and trail conditions.

Who should book this ride

I would point beginners toward this tour first. The horses are gentle, gear is provided, and instructors adjust the pace to your comfort. You still need moderate physical fitness and must be able to mount from the ground by your own strength, but you do not need previous Icelandic riding experience.

It also suits riders who have not been on a horse for years. The calm horses and early instruction help you regain your balance without committing to a demanding full-day excursion.

Experienced riders have good reason to book, too, especially if trying the tölt is high on your Iceland list. Tell the instructor clearly that you want a faster group. The staff may separate advanced riders again from the intermediate group, giving confident riders chances to trot, tölt, or move at a faster pace.

Families should note that children must be at least seven years old, and anyone under 18 must ride with an adult. One adult may accompany up to two children or young riders, with each person paying the full fare.

This is not suitable for pregnant riders. The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. Those rules are firm, so check them before booking rather than making an uncomfortable discovery at the stable.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation details

Pickup must be pre-booked and is available only with the tour option that includes it. Do not assume that selecting a general departure automatically adds transport. Confirm the pickup point with the operator, especially if your hotel is not on the listed pickup schedule.

Confirmation is sent at booking. The experience is offered in English, and you should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since poor weather can cancel the ride, the operator offers another date or a full refund in that situation.

My final take: a strong choice for a first Icelandic ride

I would book this tour if you want an active outing that combines horses, volcanic scenery, and a taste of Icelandic culture without taking a whole day. The ability-based groups, supplied clothing, gentle horses, and short drive from Reykjavik make it practical for first-time riders.

Choose the pickup option if you want the simplest day. Choose the meeting-point option if you have a car and want more control over your schedule. Experienced riders should request the faster group, while beginners should feel no pressure to ride beyond a calm walking pace.

Skip it only if you dislike outdoor weather, cannot mount independently, exceed the weight limit, or want a private and much longer horseback trip. For most eligible riders, the combination of Icelandic horses, lava fields, tölt instruction, and warm drinks makes the $133.02 price reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the Icelandic horseback riding tour last?

The ride and activity take about two hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Does the tour include pickup from Reykjavik?

Pickup is available with selected tour options. It must be pre-booked, and pickup may be from a nearby designated bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel.

Can I drive to the stables myself?

Yes. If you arrive by car, you should be at the stables 30 minutes before the tour begins.

What riding abilities are accepted?

The tour welcomes beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders. You should tell the instructor your ability level at the start.

Will the group be divided by riding ability?

Yes. After watching you ride, the instructor divides riders into beginner, intermediate, and experienced groups.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Experienced riders may be assigned a more challenging route and may have chances to trot, tölt, or ride at a faster pace. You should tell the instructor if you want a faster group.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls.

Is there a minimum age and weight limit?

Riders must be at least seven years old, and the maximum weight is 110 kilograms or 240 pounds.

Can pregnant women join the ride?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on the tour because of the possible risk to unborn children.