From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Volcanic rock looks better from horseback. This guided ride at Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður takes you across old lava fields and green hillsides just 20 minutes from Reykjavík. I especially like the calm Icelandic horses and the practical setup, with helmets, boots, rainwear, and warm overalls provided. The main drawback is that you must be able to mount the horse using your own strength, and the ride is not suitable for children under seven or anyone over 110 kilograms.

I also like the way the staff divide riders by confidence, so a first-timer is not pushed into a faster group. Experienced riders may get a chance to feel the horse’s smooth tölt gait, while beginners can stay with a slower group and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Key points to know before riding

• The lava fields are the star: Expect black volcanic rock, unusual formations, green slopes, and open views close to the capital.
• The horses suit many ability levels: Calm, well-cared-for horses and careful instruction make this a good first ride.
• The ride lasts about 1.5 hours: Allow two to four hours in total, depending on pickup and the selected departure.
• Warm gear is included: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm clothing are supplied at the stables.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel and main guesthouse pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure, or you can meet at Íshestar.
• The weight and age rules matter: Riders must be at least seven years old and no heavier than 110 kilograms.

Why this ride works so well near Reykjavík

I like this tour because it gives you a real taste of Icelandic riding without taking up an entire day. Íshestar Riding Tours is in Hafnarfjörður, a short drive south of Reykjavík, so you can fit the ride into a busy Iceland schedule.

You are not confined to a small paddock. The route leads into volcanic terrain and along green hillsides, with time to notice the shapes of the lava, the plants growing among the rocks, and the wide Icelandic surroundings. The setting feels far removed from city streets, even though Reykjavík is close by.

The ride itself is usually 1.5 hours. With changing, safety instructions, the journey from Reykjavík, and the return, the full outing can take two to four hours. That makes it a useful half-day activity for a family, a couple, or anyone who wants outdoor time between city sightseeing and longer day trips.

The tour is also flexible in spirit. Beginners can enjoy a steady pace, while more confident riders may be placed in a group that allows some trotting and a chance to feel the tölt. That sorting is important. Horse rides become much more enjoyable when the pace matches your comfort level.

Arriving at Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður

You can meet at Íshestar Riding Tours or choose an optional transfer from Reykjavík. Pickup is offered from hotels and main guesthouses, with collection starting about an hour before the ride. For example, the stated pickup times are 9:00 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. tour and 1:00 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. tour.

If you are staying in a private apartment, you will not normally receive door-to-door pickup. The company sends the nearest available pickup point by email before the tour, so check those instructions instead of assuming a hotel collection.

The drive to the stables takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your starting point and road conditions. A few people have had trouble finding the riding center because of limited signage, so give yourself extra time if you are driving or arranging your own way there.

Once you arrive, the changing room makes preparation simple. The center supplies helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm overalls in your size. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and this gear is more than a nice extra. It means you do not need to pack specialist riding equipment for a short holiday ride.

You cannot bring a backpack or bag on the route. Safety boxes at the riding center are available for valuables, so keep your phone, wallet, and other small items there unless the guide says otherwise.

Meeting your horse and getting ready

The staff take time to match riders with suitable horses. This matters most if you are nervous, out of practice, or have never ridden before. The horses are described as gentle and calm, and the care given to them is one of the most praised parts of the outing.

Before setting off, you receive help with the basic procedures and riding position. Beginners are not expected to arrive knowing how to handle an Icelandic horse. Guides explain what to do and stay attentive as the group gets moving.

The tone is friendly rather than formal. Guides chat with the group during the ride and explain details about the horses and the area. One guide, Sonya, was specifically praised for explaining the company’s horses and adding useful background during the outing.

You should still be honest about your riding ability. If you are a complete beginner, say so clearly. The horses often follow one another, which helps new riders, but you remain responsible for following instructions and staying alert.

The minimum age is seven. Children from seven to 15 receive a 25 percent discount. Every rider must be able to mount without assistance from a mechanical lift or another person’s physical strength, and the maximum stated weight is 110 kilograms.

Riding across old lava fields

The route’s main appeal is its volcanic setting. Iceland’s lava fields are not smooth black plains. They contain broken rock, strange shapes, hollows, and patches of plant life. From horseback, you move slowly enough to notice these details instead of passing them in a car.

The horses carry you along established riding paths through the lava and beside green slopes. The contrast is classic Iceland: dark volcanic stone next to bright vegetation, with open ground stretching toward the capital region.

The guides point out rock formations, plants, and signs of local animal life as you go. The exact views depend on the season and weather. In winter, snow can cover much of the lava, but the ride still offers striking scenery. One winter outing included a sunrise over snowy ground, while another had poor visibility beneath snow. Your guide can still explain the volcanic setting even when the rocks are partly hidden.

The pace is generally comfortable for a mixed group. The ride is not presented as an all-out gallop through the wilderness. That is good news for beginners and families, but experienced riders seeking a long, fast trek may find the 1.5-hour route fairly gentle.

Some groups are divided according to riding confidence. A slower group suits people who have never ridden or who want a peaceful outing. A more experienced group may have opportunities for trotting and tölt. Ask the staff what is possible on your day rather than expecting a particular speed.

Feeling the Icelandic horse’s tölt

The Icelandic horse has a special gait called the tölt. It is a smooth four-beat movement that can feel more comfortable than a conventional trot. The sensation is one of the memorable parts of the ride, but not every rider will spend the whole route in tölt.

Your chance to try it depends on your ability, the horse you are assigned, trail conditions, and the guide’s decision. If you are experienced, mention your interest before the ride. If you are new to horses, there is no need to chase the faster movement. A calm walk through lava country is still the heart of the outing.

The horses themselves are small, sturdy, and known for their friendly temperaments. Several comments praise how well cared for they appear, and that feeling shapes the whole ride. You are not simply being carried through a scenic area. You get time to meet the horse, settle into the saddle, and appreciate its character.

That connection is especially valuable for children old enough to ride and for adults who love animals. The staff may also take photographs during the ride, which is useful because you cannot carry a bag or freely use your phone on the trail.

How the guides handle beginners and mixed groups

This is one of the better choices near Reykjavík for a first horseback ride. The guides explain the basic steps, stay close to the group, and help riders feel secure before and during the route.

I would still describe the outing as beginner-friendly rather than completely effortless. You need enough strength to mount, balance in the saddle, and follow simple instructions. The company cannot remove every physical demand involved in riding.

Mixed groups can sometimes create a compromise. A confident rider may want more speed, while a first-timer may prefer to walk. The staff address this by separating riders according to confidence when needed. That arrangement received repeated praise and makes the outing more comfortable for families or couples with different experience levels.

The guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic. German-language help is available upon request, so arrange that in advance if it is important to you.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can be wet, windy, snowy, or cold, even during a scheduled summer visit. The supplied overalls and rain gear are therefore a major part of the value. Wear comfortable layers underneath and expect the outer clothing to protect you from the elements rather than make the day feel luxurious.

Rubber boots are included. That is helpful because riding paths can be damp, and ordinary holiday shoes are not ideal around horses or volcanic ground. Helmets are also supplied and required for the ride.

The weather can change the visual character of the route. On a clear day, you may get broad views over the hills and lava. In snow, the rocks can disappear beneath a white covering, but the quiet setting remains attractive. In rain or wind, the ride is still possible, though you should decide honestly how comfortable you are outdoors.

The stables provide refreshments according to the details supplied, but this is not a food-focused outing. Think of it as a practical riding center with warm clothing and a place to prepare, not a long meal stop.

There is also a strict Icelandic biosecurity rule for riding equipment. Any personal riding gear, including boots, trousers, jackets, hats, and gloves, must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Used leather gear may not be brought into the country. Most visitors can avoid the issue by using the equipment provided.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity around Reykjavík. I think the price is reasonable if you value the full setup: a guided ride, a 1.5-hour route, suitable horses, riding helmets, boots, warm clothing, and access to a well-equipped center.

Optional transportation affects the overall cost and convenience. If you do not have a car, hotel pickup saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi or finding the stables. If you can reach Hafnarfjörður easily, meeting at Íshestar may make the outing more economical.

The value is strongest for first-time riders. You are paying for staff support, horse matching, safety equipment, and a route that feels like a genuine outing rather than a short turn around a fenced arena. Families also get practical help with clothing and gear, which can make a big difference in Iceland’s weather.

Experienced riders should judge the price differently. If you want a fast or technically demanding trek, this may feel too short and controlled. If you want a scenic ride that includes the Icelandic horse’s tölt and gives you time with well-cared-for animals, the cost is easier to justify.

The tour has a rating of 4.7 from 1,356 ratings, which fits the strongest parts of the offering: friendly staff, calm horses, useful equipment, and attractive surroundings. Still, allow for the occasional transport or signage problem, and do not book it expecting a private ride or a guaranteed gallop.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a safe introduction to Icelandic horses.
• Families with children aged seven and older.
• Couples looking for a short outdoor activity near Reykjavík.
• Experienced riders curious about the tölt.
• People who want volcanic scenery without committing to a full-day excursion.
• Anyone who prefers a guided activity with clothing and safety equipment supplied.

I would think twice if you cannot mount independently, exceed the 110-kilogram limit, dislike unpredictable weather, or want a long, fast ride. The route is scenic and active, but it is still a structured group outing.

Should you book the Íshestar lava-field ride?

Book it if you want an easy way to meet Icelandic horses and ride through volcanic country close to Reykjavík. The strongest reasons are the kind staff, carefully matched horses, included outdoor gear, and separate pacing for beginners and more confident riders.

Choose a slower group if you are new to riding, and tell the staff exactly what you need. Experienced riders should ask about tölt and faster sections before setting out. If you rely on pickup, confirm the meeting point carefully, especially if you are staying in a private apartment.

For most people, this is a well-organized half-day activity with a good balance of nature, animals, and practical support. It will not replace a full wilderness trek, but it gives you a memorable view of Iceland that a tour bus cannot provide: sitting above the lava on a sturdy Icelandic horse, moving at the animal’s pace.

FAQ

Where does the horse-riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, in the Capital Region of Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the actual horseback ride?

The horseback ride lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity takes between two and four hours, depending on the selected option and transportation.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Return transportation is optional. Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses, beginning about 60 minutes before the tour departure. If you stay in a private flat, you receive the nearest pickup point by email.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The riding center provides helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm overalls or another warm outfit during the ride.

Can children join the tour?

Children under seven cannot participate. Children aged seven to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

No. Backpacks and bags cannot be taken on the ride, but safety boxes are available at the riding center for valuables.

Do I need previous horse-riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners, and the guides explain the basic procedures and help riders feel safe. You must be able to mount the horse using your own strength.

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic. German guidance can be arranged upon request.