From Reykjavík: Viking Horseback Tour in Hafnarfjörður

The Icelandic horse is the star here, especially when it shifts into the smooth tölt, a distinctive four-beat gait that feels faster than a walk but steadier than a trot. You ride through lava fields, open countryside, volcanic hills, and glimpses of mountains just a short drive from Reykjavík.

I like the serious riding time, with stretches of tölt and canter rather than a slow trail plod. I also like the small groups, capped at 12, and the care taken to match each rider with a suitable horse. The main catch is simple: this is for strong intermediate riders, not first-timers or anyone unsure at a canter.

Key points at a glance

• Tölt and canter are part of the ride: You need control at all gaits, not just a comfortable walk and trot.
• Lava fields sit minutes from Reykjavík: Hafnarfjörður gives you quick access to open Icelandic country without a long transfer.
• The horses are carefully matched: Riders have praised the calm, responsive horses and the staff’s attention to welfare.
• You get about 2.5 to 3 hours in the saddle: Stops are included, with the full activity listed as roughly three hours.
• Winter rides are limited: The Viking Tour Express generally runs Mondays and Fridays in winter, then daily in summer.
• Warm gear is supplied: Overalls or warm clothing, rainwear, riding boots, and a helmet are provided.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Hafnarfjörður

Íshestar’s riding centre sits at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, around a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík. That short transfer is one of the tour’s strongest features. You can leave the city, change into riding gear, and be among lava fields and open country without giving up most of your day to transport.

The setting is not a polished park or a fenced arena. It is open Icelandic countryside, with uneven ground, volcanic rock, patches of woodland, lakes, mountains, and volcanoes in the distance. The exact route can change with weather and ground conditions, but the point is to ride through the countryside rather than simply circle the stable.

You begin by meeting the staff and getting fitted with a helmet, boots, and weather gear. The centre provides warm overalls, rainwear, riding boots, and helmets in suitable sizes. That matters in Iceland, where a bright afternoon can turn cold and wet quickly, and where wind can make a mild temperature feel much sharper.

The horses are selected for the people in the group. A forward horse may suit a confident rider who wants an active ride, while a steadier horse can make things easier for someone managing an old injury or feeling rusty. Riders have praised horses that were friendly, responsive, and well cared for, with names such as Angel and Celebration leaving especially strong impressions.

There is also time around the barn before or after riding. You may be able to visit the horses and give them a friendly pat, depending on the day’s schedule. That small detail adds to the sense that this is a working horse centre, not just an amusement ride.

What the 2.5 to 3 hours of riding feels like

The ride is designed for people who already know how to handle a horse. You should be comfortable steering, stopping, staying balanced over uneven ground, and keeping control when the horse moves up through the gaits. The operator describes the required experience as about 30 rides or more over your lifetime, along with confidence at all paces.

The usual progression starts at a controlled pace while the guide checks the group and makes sure everyone is settled. As conditions allow, you move through walk, trot, tölt, and canter. The exact mix depends on the riders, horses, route, wind, and ground.

The tölt is the special reason many experienced riders choose this tour. Icelandic horses are famous for this smooth, four-beat movement. It can feel remarkably comfortable, especially when compared with a conventional trot. You still need to ride actively and keep your balance, but the motion can be surprisingly easy on the body.

Cantering is also a real part of the experience. This is not a short photo stop followed by a quiet walk back to the barn. Several riders have described long or frequent stretches of faster riding, including canter and, in some accounts, gallop. That is exactly why the tour works so well for confident riders and why it is a poor match for beginners.

Your guide keeps the group together and adjusts the pace to the riders. Small numbers help. With a maximum of 12 people, the guide can usually see what is happening more easily than on a large commercial ride. If the group is split, parents must remain with their children.

Lava fields, mountains, and open Icelandic country

The scenery changes in a way that makes the ride feel like a proper outing rather than a short city activity. You may cross dark lava formations, pass through the small amount of woodland found in this part of Iceland, and ride near a lake with mountains and volcanic peaks behind it.

The lava fields are especially striking from horseback. At ground level, the black rock can look rough and severe, while the horse gives you a steady way to cross the open terrain. The route’s uneven surfaces are also why you need riding experience and why the guide’s control of the group matters.

Wind is part of the deal. One ride took place in very strong wind, yet the horses remained settled and manageable. That says something useful about the horse selection and training, but you should still expect weather to affect the day. The operator can alter the route, timing, or itinerary if conditions require it.

In winter, low light can add a different mood. One rider had a beautiful sunset, while another had clear weather and wide views. You might get a calm, bright afternoon, rain over the lava, or a sharp breeze with clouds racing across the mountains. Pack for the forecast, but also pack for Iceland’s habit of changing its mind.

Why the horse matching matters

A good riding tour depends as much on the horse as on the scenery. Íshestar puts clear emphasis on finding a horse that fits each rider’s ability and needs. That is important for this particular outing because a horse with too much energy can make a strong intermediate ride feel demanding, while a very quiet horse may frustrate someone hoping to tölt and canter.

The horses are described as friendly and even-tempered, with good saddles and suitable riding equipment. Several riders paid close attention to the animals’ condition and behavior, noting that the horses seemed content, personable, and well cared for. For me, that is one of the best signs to look for in any riding experience.

A guide named Miriam received special praise for leading an exciting ride while keeping the group comfortable. Another guide, Andrea, helped a rider with stiff knees mount and dismount. Those details matter because mounting a horse in cold weather or with a minor injury can be awkward, and a patient guide can make the difference between confidence and discomfort.

You still need to tell the guide about any condition that could affect your riding. The tour is not suitable during pregnancy, and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to ride. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

The schedule and the Reykjavík transfer

The Viking Tour Express is listed as a three-hour activity, with roughly 2.5 to 3 hours of actual riding including stops. One part of the supplied tour information also describes it as a five-hour trip, so I would confirm the exact total duration and departure time when booking. The key point is that the saddle time is about three hours, not five.

The ride is offered at 1:00 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays in winter. In summer, it is offered every day. Pickup from Reykjavík is optional and includes selected hotels and designated bus stops, not every private address.

For the Friday 1:00 p.m. departure, pickup instructions say to wait from 11:30 a.m. For the Monday schedule, the information lists a 9:00 a.m. tour with pickup from 8:00 a.m. Because schedules can vary by option and season, read the pickup details closely rather than assuming a standard hotel collection.

If you make your own way to the stable, arrive at Sörlaskeið 26 at least 30 minutes before departure. The listed return points include Reykjavík hotels, the BSI bus terminal, Harpa, City Hall, and several central bus stops. That is handy if you have an evening plan in the city, but leave room for weather-related changes.

Private apartment addresses are handled differently. You are given the closest pickup point by email. Bags, backpacks, and large cameras cannot go on the ride, though safety boxes are available at the riding centre.

Is $246 a fair price?

At $246 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an afternoon. The value depends on what you want from a riding tour.

For a beginner, the price would be hard to justify because this is not the right product. A quieter introductory ride may offer better value if your main aim is simply to sit on an Icelandic horse and see the countryside.

For a confident rider, the calculation looks better. You get a small group, a horse chosen for your ability, several hours in the saddle, access to a special Icelandic gait, riding gear, a guide, and the chance to reach open country only minutes from Reykjavík. Optional transfers also remove the need to arrange a taxi or rental car.

The strongest value comes from the riding itself. You are paying for real time at different gaits, not a short walk along a marked path. If you particularly want to tölt and canter, the tour offers something more focused than many general-purpose horse rides.

The price is less attractive if you are mainly interested in scenery and photographs. You cannot take a large camera or backpack on the ride, and the faster pace leaves less time to stop and frame pictures. For a rider, that is a fair trade. For a sightseer who does not ride regularly, it may not be.

Who should book this ride?

Book it if you ride regularly and can stay in control at a canter. You should also be comfortable with uneven ground, wind, changing weather, and a horse that may be more forward than the quiet school horses used for beginner lessons.

This is a good fit for:

• Strong intermediate and experienced riders
• Riders curious about the tölt
• Families with children aged 12 or older who already ride confidently
• People wanting countryside close to Reykjavík
• Riders who prefer a small group and active pace
• Anyone willing to trade camera time for better riding time

Think twice if you have ridden only a handful of times, feel uncertain at a canter, or want a slow walk with frequent stops. Íshestar offers other rides for less experienced participants, and choosing one of those would likely make your day more enjoyable.

The minimum age is 12. Children must stay in the same group as their parents if the party is divided. The weight limit is strict, and pregnant participants cannot join.

Practical preparation for an Icelandic ride

Wear weather-ready layers even though warm riding clothing is provided. Bring gloves, a hat, and sunglasses, along with clothing that can handle wind and rain. Your own riding trousers may be useful if you have them, but check the stable’s biosecurity rules before packing riding gear.

Iceland has strict controls on imported riding equipment. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, and gloves brought into the country must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected. Used leather gear may not be brought into Iceland. When in doubt, use the equipment supplied by the stable.

Keep valuables in the centre’s safety boxes. A phone may be useful before or after the ride, but large cameras and bags stay behind. You will get more from the experience if you focus on your seat, the horse, and the changing ground instead of trying to photograph every turn.

The tour includes English guidance, with Icelandic and German also available. Some guides speak other languages. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Viking Tour Express?

Book this tour if you want to ride Icelandic horses properly, not simply sit on one for a short countryside circuit. The tölt, canter sections, volcanic ground, and close match between horse and rider make it a strong choice for capable riders staying in Reykjavík.

Skip it if you are a beginner, uncomfortable at faster gaits, or hoping for a gentle sightseeing ride with a camera in hand. For the right rider, the $246 price buys a focused half-day outing with excellent access to Icelandic nature. For the wrong rider, it could feel too quick and demanding.

FAQ

How long does the horse ride last?

The activity is listed as three hours, with about 2.5 to 3 hours of actual riding including stops. One description also refers to a five-hour trip, so confirm the full schedule when booking.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Íshestar Riding Tours at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Pickup is optional. It is available from selected Reykjavík hotels and designated bus stops, with return to several central locations. If you stay in a private apartment, the closest pickup point is sent by email.

What riding ability do I need?

You need to be a strong intermediate rider who is comfortable and in control at all gaits. The tour is intended for people who have ridden about 30 times or more and can handle canter.

What equipment is provided?

The riding centre provides a helmet, riding boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit or overalls for the ride. You should bring weather-appropriate clothing, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be at least 12 years old. If a group is divided during the ride, parents must remain in the same group as their children.