Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlakshofn

Iceland looks different from the saddle. This small-group horseback ride takes you through lava fields near Þorlákshöfn, with views toward the sea, mountains, geothermal steam, and the famous Strandakirkja church. I like the chance to ride Icelandic horses in open country rather than spend the whole day looking through a bus window. I also like that helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and guide supervision are included.

The main caution is that the published details are not fully consistent. The summary describes a two-hour experience, while the riding program is also described as a four-hour, medium-difficulty outing for experienced riders. You should confirm the exact riding time, pickup arrangements, and rider requirements before paying.

Key details to know before booking

• The ride begins in Þorlákshöfn: The meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, not central Reykjavik.
• The route includes Krýsuvík lava fields: You may see white steam rising from geothermal ground, along with mountain and ocean views.
• Strandakirkja is a major stop: This old Protestant church sits near the coast, with waves crashing against nearby cliffs.
• The riding level may be more demanding than the family name suggests: The detailed description calls it a medium-difficulty tour for experienced riders.
• The group is capped at 12 people: That should allow more personal attention than a large stable outing.
• Transport needs careful checking: One booking included a reported extra $75 charge for transport from a cruise ship, so clarify this in writing before departure.

From Þorlákshöfn toward Krýsuvík

Þorlákshöfn, also spelled Thorlakshofn or Thorlákshöfn, is a harbor town on Iceland’s southwest coast. The ride begins at Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours, where you receive the riding equipment and helmet supplied with the tour.

The route heads west toward the lava fields around Krýsuvík. This is a good setting for riding because the scenery is broad and exposed. You are not simply circling a paddock. You are moving through Icelandic volcanic country, where black lava, open ground, mountains, and the Atlantic define the view.

I like the way this route combines several parts of Iceland in one outing. You get volcanic terrain, coastal scenery, and signs of geothermal activity without needing separate stops at several major sights. The tradeoff is that the country can feel stark, especially on a cold or windy day. Bring proper layers, even if Reykjavik feels mild when you leave.

The geothermal features are visible from a distance. Look for white lines of steam rising from the ground around Krýsuvík. The tour does not describe a walk through geothermal pools or a close visit to steaming vents, so you should think of this as a scenic horseback route with geothermal views, not a full geothermal excursion.

Riding Icelandic horses across open country

The Icelandic horse is central to the appeal of this experience. These compact, sure-footed horses are part of Iceland’s rural identity, and riding one gives you a closer connection to the country than a standard sightseeing stop.

The pace and exact riding program are not clearly explained in the supplied details. That matters. One part describes a four-hour ride of medium difficulty for experienced riders, while the short summary lists about two hours. You should ask the operator to confirm whether the two hours refers to riding time or the full activity time.

The title calls this a family-friendly tour, but the experience may not suit every child or first-time rider. The detailed conditions call for moderate physical fitness and experienced riders. That does not automatically exclude beginners, but it does mean you should not assume this is a gentle introductory lesson.

If you ride regularly, the trip should offer a more active way to see the area. If you have never ridden before, ask about the minimum experience level before booking. Also tell the operator about your height, weight, riding background, and any concerns with mounting or balance. The supplied information confirms that the operator provides equipment, but it does not explain the type of saddle or whether instruction is offered before departure.

The group limit of 12 is useful here. A smaller group generally makes it easier for the guide to watch each rider, adjust the pace, and help with basic handling. Still, group size is a limit, not a guarantee of a private lesson.

Krýsuvík’s lava fields and distant steam

The ride around Krýsuvík is likely to be the most distinctive part of the day. Iceland’s lava fields can look severe and quiet, with uneven black rock broken by moss and rough ground. From horseback, the low viewpoint lets you notice the texture of the terrain in a way that is easy to miss from a road.

The geothermal steam adds a little drama without turning the ride into a staged attraction. You might see pale columns in the distance, while mountains and the sea fill out the horizon. The exact views will depend on weather, visibility, and the route used that day.

Weather deserves serious attention. This coast is exposed, and one account describes a cold, windy ride through the lava fields. Warm, comfortable clothing is not a polite suggestion here. It is part of the equipment you need to enjoy the outing.

Wear sturdy sneakers or boots. Good shoes are not included, and ordinary thin-soled footwear may be uncomfortable around a stable or on uneven ground. The operator supplies helmets and riding gear, but you remain responsible for dressing for Iceland’s wind and temperature.

Strandakirkja and the Atlantic coast

The itinerary includes Strandakirkja, a small Protestant church near the ocean. It is described as dating from the 12th century and is known in Iceland for its coastal setting.

This stop gives the ride a welcome change of pace. After moving through lava country, you get a chance to pause near an old church and look toward the Atlantic. Nearby cliffs can take a pounding from the waves, especially when the wind rises. The combination of a quiet church, rough coast, and open sky is more memorable than another quick roadside photo stop.

The church is not presented as a formal guided interior visit, so do not expect a long historical lecture or a museum-style experience. Its value is the setting and the brief pause within the route.

A small café nearby provides a rest stop for you and the horses. Snacks and beverages are included, which is helpful on a ride that may last several hours. The details do not specify the café menu, so plan on a simple break rather than a full meal.

This is also a practical point in the tour. Horse riding can be tiring, especially in wind. A stop where both riders and horses can rest makes the route feel more manageable. After the break, you return to the base at Alhestar.

How much time should you allow?

The timing needs clarification before you commit your day. The experience is listed in one place as approximately two hours, but the detailed program says four hours of riding. That is too large a difference to ignore.

There may also be transport time. One account describes a 45-minute scenic drive to the farm before the horses were saddled. That suggests the total day could take considerably longer than the advertised riding period, depending on your pickup point.

For planning purposes, I would keep a generous block of time free. Do not schedule a tight connection, meal, shore excursion, or airport transfer immediately afterward. Ask these questions before booking:

• Is the activity two hours or four hours in total?
• How much time is spent riding?
• Is pickup included from Reykjavik?
• Is transport from a cruise ship or port included?
• Is the meeting point always the Þorlákshöfn stable?
• What time should you arrive?

The published meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, Þorlákshöfn. The activity ends back there. Pickup is offered according to the summary, but the exact pickup area and price are not stated clearly.

The price and what it covers

At $180 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense if you want a small-group horseback experience with riding equipment, a helmet, guide supervision, snacks, and access to a scenic route outside Reykjavik.

The value is strongest for riders who care about the horse experience itself. You are paying for time in the saddle, a guide, the horse, equipment, and a route that combines lava, coast, church, and geothermal views. It is less attractive if your main goal is simply to see Krýsuvík or Strandakirkja. You can likely find other ways to view volcanic and coastal scenery without paying for a riding activity.

Transportation can change the value quickly. One booking involved a reported additional $75 charge for transport to and from a cruise ship. That fee was described as unexpected and was paid at a local cash machine. I would not assume that this charge applies to every booking, but I would ask directly before departure.

The strongest approach is to get the full price in writing, including pickup. The advertised $180 may cover the riding experience but not every transport arrangement.

Guide support and communication

The tour promises guide supervision and expertise, which is important for a riding outing. A guide can help with equipment, group pace, horse handling, and safe movement across uneven ground.

One guide named Bjorn received especially warm praise for being friendly and helpful during a ride to a black sand beach and along the water. That account describes the Icelandic horses and the coastal route as the best parts of the experience.

Another account identifies the owner as Magnus and says communication was difficult because he did not speak English. The tour is offered in English, but guide assignments can vary. If clear instruction is important to you, confirm that an English-speaking guide will be present on your date.

This is not a minor concern for a rider with limited experience. You need to understand instructions about mounting, stopping, spacing between horses, and responding to changes in terrain. Ask about language support before booking if you are not comfortable with simple riding directions in English.

Reliability and recent condition concerns

The overall score is 4.2 from 21 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience but not a perfect record. The most praised feature is the authentic ride itself, especially the Icelandic horses, coastal scenery, and friendly guidance.

There are also serious practical complaints. One outing was canceled less than 24 hours before departure, leaving little time to find another activity. Another person arrived in Þorlákshöfn and found the stable situation confusing, with a claim that one location had not operated for several months and that few or no horses were present at the named premises.

These reports may reflect changes in operators, meeting points, or individual booking problems, but you should treat them as a reason to reconfirm. Contact the operator shortly before your activity and verify the stable address, departure time, pickup, and cancellation status.

The weather policy offers some protection. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of riders is not reached. For a normal customer cancellation, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this experience most strongly to riders who already feel comfortable on a horse and want scenery with their riding time. You should also be prepared for wind, uneven ground, and a potentially long outing.

It may suit families with older children who have riding experience. The family label alone should not decide the matter. The stated medium difficulty and moderate fitness requirement deserve more weight.

This is a good fit for you if:

• You want a small-group horse ride rather than a large stable circuit.
• You enjoy open volcanic and coastal scenery.
• You are comfortable dressing for cold, windy weather.
• You can allow extra time for transport and possible delays.
• You value an authentic rural activity more than a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour.

It may not suit you if you are a complete beginner, need a short and exact timetable, or have a tight cruise or flight schedule. It is also not the best choice if you dislike unclear transport charges.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring warm, comfortable clothes in layers. Windproof outerwear will be useful, and you should avoid clothing that restricts movement while riding.

Wear good sneakers or boots. The operator does not provide your shoes, and the route may include rough ground around the stable and lava fields.

Helmets and riding equipment are included, as are snacks and beverages. You do not need to bring riding gear, but you should arrive ready to ride rather than dressed for a casual city excursion.

You should also confirm your exact meeting point. The named start is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, and the activity returns there. Pickup is offered, but the available area and any added cost should be settled before the day.

Should you book the Family Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you are an experienced or confident rider who wants Icelandic horses, volcanic terrain, coastal views, and a quieter route away from the main city sights. The small group, included equipment, snacks, and strong praise for the horses and guides make the experience appealing.

I would book only after confirming three points: the true duration, the exact stable location, and the total transport price. The gap between two and four hours is too important to overlook, and the reported extra transport charge could affect your budget.

If those details are clear and the weather cooperates, this can be a memorable way to see southwest Iceland. If you need a dependable, tightly timed excursion with simple access from Reykjavik, choose with more caution or consider another activity.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The stated meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The ride ends back at the meeting point in Þorlákshöfn.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not specify the exact pickup area or whether every pickup arrangement is included in the $180 price.

How long is the tour?

The information gives two different durations. The summary says approximately two hours, while the detailed riding program says four hours. Confirm the exact duration with the operator before booking.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The detailed information describes the ride as medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders. It also requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

What equipment is included?

Helmets and riding equipment are provided by the operator.

Are food and drinks included?

Snacks and beverages are included. A small café near Strandakirkja is also used as a rest stop.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. A minimum-number cancellation also offers a different date, another experience, or a full refund.