Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlakshofn

Icelandic horses give you a fresh way to see the coast near Þorlákshöfn, where black lava, ocean cliffs, and distant geothermal steam replace the usual bus-window view. The ride heads toward Krýsuvík, visits the old church of Strandakirkja, and includes time for the horses and riders to rest with snacks.

I like the small maximum group of 12, which should make it easier for the guide to watch each rider. I also like the setting: black sand, rough sea, lava fields, and the chance to see Iceland’s famous little horses in their home country. The main caution is important: the details give both a two-hour duration and a four-hour riding tour, while the longer version is described as medium difficulty for experienced riders.

Key points to know

• Ride toward Krýsuvík: The route crosses lava country with distant steam rising from geothermal ground.
• See Strandakirkja: This small Protestant church sits near the ocean, with waves breaking along nearby cliffs.
• Maximum group of 12: The modest group size allows closer supervision than a large trail ride.
• Bring real cold-weather gear: Warm, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are not optional in windy Iceland.
• Check the timing carefully: The tour is listed as about two hours in one place and four hours in another.
• Pickup needs confirmation: The meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, in Þorlákshöfn, and reported cruise-ship transport charges make advance checking wise.

Riding Icelandic horses from Þorlákshöfn

This tour begins at Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours, at Faxabraut 6 in Þorlákshöfn. The town is on Iceland’s southwest coast, and the ride takes you west toward the Krýsuvík area. You are not simply circling a paddock. The route is meant to show you open Icelandic nature from horseback.

The scenery has a stark, changeable quality. You may see lava fields stretching toward mountains, white steam rising in the distance, and the sea opening out beside the coast. On a clear day, the combination of dark volcanic ground and blue water can be striking. On a cold, windy day, the same route can feel much tougher.

That weather factor matters. Iceland can make a short ride feel long if you arrive in thin clothing or poor shoes. Bring warm layers, comfortable trousers, gloves if you have them, and shoes suitable for riding. Sneakers or boots are accepted, but good footwear is your responsibility because it is not included.

The activity is offered in English, and the operator provides riding equipment and a helmet. You also receive snacks and beverages. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, though you should not assume that getting to Þorlákshöfn from central Reykjavik will be simple without checking your own transport plan.

The route toward Krýsuvík lava fields

The main ride heads west toward the beautiful lava fields near Krýsuvík. This area is known for geothermal activity, so you may spot pale streaks of steam rising from the ground among the dark volcanic rock.

The route’s appeal is its openness. You get a broad view rather than a tightly managed attraction. Mountains may frame one side of the ride while the sea appears on another. The Icelandic horse is especially well suited to this kind of setting, and the ride gives you time to notice how the animals handle uneven volcanic ground.

The actual views can vary. One account described a scenic drive to the farm, followed by about an hour on horseback through lava fields on a cold, windy day. The ride did not offer as many different sights as expected, with a salmon processing plant and construction also visible. That is useful context. This is working Iceland, not a polished outdoor theme park.

I would book this for the broad feeling of the coast and the chance to ride Icelandic horses, not for a nonstop parade of famous viewpoints. If you need a packed sightseeing schedule, this may feel too quiet. If you enjoy open country and do not mind a little weather, the simple route may be the point.

Strandakirkja and the ocean cliffs

The ride also takes you to Strandakirkja, a small Protestant church with roots reaching back to the 12th century. Its setting is one of the more distinctive parts of the outing. The church looks toward the ocean, and nearby cliffs can take a beating from large waves, especially on windy days.

This stop adds a human detail to an otherwise volcanic route. You see a small place of worship tied to the coast, then look out toward the same rough water that shaped local life for centuries. The stop is not presented as a long church tour. It is a short sightseeing pause within the ride.

Close to the church is a small café where you and the horses can rest and have snacks. The break matters more than it may sound. Riding in cold weather uses energy, and a pause gives you time to warm up, take in the sea, and settle before returning to the base.

Do not expect a major café stop with a full meal. The included food is described as snacks and beverages. If you need a substantial lunch, plan that separately.

What riding difficulty really means here

The tour is described as family-friendly in its highlights, but the longer itinerary also calls itself a medium-difficulty ride intended only for experienced riders. Those two descriptions do not fit neatly together.

I would treat the experience as suitable for families only when the riders already have the required ability and meet the operator’s expectations. This is not clearly presented as a first-ever riding lesson. The activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and you will be outdoors in potentially cold, windy conditions.

The listed riding time also needs attention. The tour summary gives an approximate duration of two hours, while the detailed itinerary says four hours and includes four hours of riding. One past account described roughly 45 minutes of scenic transportation to the farm and about an hour of riding, but that may not represent every departure.

Before paying, ask the operator to confirm:

• The total time from arrival to return
• The actual time spent in the saddle
• The minimum riding ability
• The pace and type of riding permitted
• The age or ability requirements for children

That quick check can prevent a mismatch between a relaxed family outing and a demanding half-day ride.

Icelandic horses and guide support

The horses are central to the appeal. You are riding Icelandic horses in Iceland, not taking a generic trail ride beside a city. One especially positive account praised the horses and described a ride to a black sand beach and along the water, with a guide named Bjorn who was friendly and helpful.

Guide support is a real benefit here. A small group gives the guide more chance to notice how each rider is doing, help with equipment, and keep the group together. Helmets and riding gear are included, so you do not need to bring your own riding kit.

Communication may not always be equally easy. One account described Magnus, the owner, as very nice but noted that he did not speak English, making instructions harder to follow. The activity is advertised in English, but it is still sensible to make sure you understand the safety briefing and riding commands before leaving the stable.

If you are an experienced rider, tell the operator your comfort level. If you are less confident, say so clearly. Good horse riding depends on matching the animal and pace to the rider, and that conversation is worth having before you mount.

Getting to the stable and checking pickup

The official meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland. The tour ends back at this same point.

Pickup is listed as available, but the practical details are not clear enough to leave unconfirmed. If you are staying in Reykjavik, ask exactly where pickup occurs, what time it leaves, and if a charge applies. The meeting point is in Þorlákshöfn, not central Reykjavik.

An extra transportation charge of $75 for travel to and from a cruise ship was reported in one booking account. That charge was described as unexpected, so I would get the total transportation cost in writing before departure. This is especially important if you are visiting Iceland during a port call and have a fixed ship departure.

A past booking also involved a long drive to the farm before the horses were saddled. That may be part of the transfer arrangement rather than the ride itself, but it shows why the meeting instructions deserve careful attention. A mobile ticket is convenient, yet it does not replace a clear plan for getting there.

Is the $180 price fair?

At $180 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend a morning or afternoon. The value depends heavily on the actual length of the ride and the transport arrangements.

The price includes a helmet, riding equipment, snacks, and beverages. It also buys a small-group outing in a setting that is difficult to reproduce on your own. If you already want to ride Icelandic horses and value ocean views, lava fields, and a supervised route, the cost can make sense.

The value weakens if much of your booked time is spent in transportation or if the actual riding period is closer to one hour. It also weakens if you are charged separately for transport that you assumed was included. Ask for a clear breakdown of the $180 price before booking, especially if pickup is part of your plan.

I would compare the cost with other Icelandic horse rides based on saddle time, not just the advertised total duration. A shorter ride may still be worthwhile if it offers a better route or a more personal group, but you should know what you are buying.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

This is an outdoor ride, and the cancellation terms reflect that. Poor weather can cause the operator to cancel, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, so a low booking count can lead to a change or refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Icelandic time.

For your own comfort, dress in layers. Choose warm, comfortable clothes that allow you to sit and move easily in the saddle. Wear sturdy sneakers or boots. The operator supplies the helmet and riding equipment, but not your shoes or clothing.

I would also leave room in your schedule after the ride. Weather can alter departure times, the route, or the length of stops. If you are connecting directly to a cruise departure or another timed activity, the margin matters.

Who should book this ride?

This outing suits an experienced rider who wants a small-group route through coastal Iceland rather than a standard city activity. It is a good match for someone who likes horses, open volcanic country, ocean views, and a little uncertainty in the weather.

It may also work for a family with riders who are already comfortable on horseback. The family-friendly wording should not persuade a complete beginner to book without checking the ability requirements, since the longer version is described as medium difficulty.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility, dislike wind and cold, or need a tightly timed schedule. The activity requires moderate physical fitness, and the conflicting duration details make it less suitable for anyone who needs precise planning.

The most praised elements are the Icelandic horses, the coastal route, and the helpful guide experience described with Bjorn. Those are the reasons to book. The main risks are unclear timing, possible transport charges, and inconsistent communication at the stable.

Should you book the Þorlákshöfn horse ride?

Book it if your priority is an authentic horseback outing through Icelandic coastal country, and you are comfortable confirming the details first. The chance to ride toward lava fields, see geothermal steam, pause near Strandakirkja, and look toward crashing ocean waves is appealing and distinct from a standard Reykjavik tour.

I would not book it blindly. Confirm the two-hour versus four-hour duration, the amount of time actually spent riding, the English-language guidance, your riding ability, and the full pickup price. If those answers suit you, the tour offers a personal way to experience the coast, with Icelandic horses doing much of the introducing.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

The tour starts at Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour information gives conflicting durations. The summary says approximately two hours, while the detailed itinerary describes a four-hour riding tour. Confirm the exact timing with the operator before booking.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the specific pickup locations and costs should be confirmed in advance. An additional $75 transportation charge for travel to and from a cruise ship was reported, so ask for the full price before departure.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and beverages. Good shoes and warm, comfortable clothing are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.