Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

The right horse can change your whole Iceland trip. At Ishestar Horse Riding Centre near Reykjavik, you ride an Icelandic horse across moss-covered lava fields, with wide views toward the Bláfjöll Mountains and plenty of help from experienced guides. The 50-minute outing is made for beginners, but riders with more experience may also enjoy the chance to learn about the breed and its famous tölt gait.

I especially like the beginner-friendly pace and the fact that riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls are included. I also like the personal touch reported by several riders, including time with the horses in the stable and careful horse matching by the guide. The main drawback is the short riding time. At $135.16 per person, you are paying for a compact introduction rather than a full day in the saddle.

Key Points Before You Book

• The ride lasts about 50 minutes: This is a short outdoor activity that fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik schedule.
• The route crosses moss-covered lava fields: You get a close look at Icelandic nature from horseback rather than from a coach window.
• Bláfjöll Mountain views are part of the setting: The ride offers broad views of the mountains and nearby area.
• It is designed for beginners: Guides focus on safety, comfort, and helping you get used to the Icelandic horse.
• The group can reach 15 people: That keeps it organized, though it may not feel private.
• The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds: Check this before paying, since it is a firm participation condition.

Riding Iceland’s Special Horse Near Reykjavik

The Icelandic horse is one of the main reasons to choose this outing. It is a small, sturdy breed closely tied to Iceland’s rural culture, and your guide gives you time to become familiar with the animal before and during the ride.

For a first-time rider, that matters. You are not simply placed on a horse and sent along a trail. The stated focus is comfort and safety, with guidance throughout the route. That makes this a sensible choice if you like the idea of horseback riding but do not have much experience.

The 50-minute ride also keeps the commitment manageable. You get the feel of riding in Iceland without giving up most of your day. I would pair it with other Reykjavik-area activities, especially if you want a range of experiences rather than one long equestrian excursion.

The tradeoff is clear. You will not cover a large amount of countryside in less than an hour, and there is limited time for a long lesson or a relaxed stop. Think of this as an introduction to Icelandic horses and the nearby nature, not a serious riding expedition.

Arriving at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre

The meeting point is Ishestar Horse Riding Centre at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, at the southern edge of the Reykjavik area. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival is not a suggestion to ignore. It gives you time to check in, receive equipment, and prepare without rushing.

The center is near public transportation, which is useful if you are not driving. The information provided does not include a pickup service, so you should plan to reach the meeting point independently.

The center supplies the practical gear you need:

• Riding helmet
• Rubber boots
• Rainwear or warm overalls
• Guide support

This is particularly valuable in Iceland, where the weather can shift quickly. You do not need to pack a full riding wardrobe, and you can avoid bringing your best shoes onto a muddy stable yard. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand and bring any refreshments you need outside the tour arrangements.

A mobile ticket makes check-in simple. The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is sent when you book.

Getting Comfortable Before the Ride

The first part of the visit is about preparation. You receive the required safety guidance and get acquainted with your horse before heading out. For a beginner, this may be the most important part of the whole activity.

The guides are expected to help you feel secure in the saddle and explain how to handle the horse. The setting also gives you a chance to see the stable and learn about the breed. One especially positive account described time with a guide named Barbora, who explained the Icelandic horse’s origins, union, shoeing style, and connection to the land where the breed developed.

That kind of conversation can add real value. You are not just taking a scenic ride. You are learning why this horse matters in Iceland and how it differs from horses you may have encountered elsewhere.

Some riders have also been able to have coffee on arrival and spend time in the stable before or after riding. These details may depend on the schedule and circumstances, so do not treat them as guaranteed inclusions. Still, they suggest that the center can offer more than a quick saddle-and-go visit when time allows.

If you are nervous, tell the staff about your riding background. One rider with previous experience was matched with a horse suited to that ability and received help learning the tölt, the distinctive Icelandic four-beat gait. You should not assume every short ride includes a lesson in tölt, but it is worth asking if the subject interests you.

Across Moss-Covered Lava Fields

Once mounted, you follow riding paths through Icelandic nature. The moss-covered lava fields are the defining feature of the route. They give the ride a strong sense of place, since this is not a generic trail through woodland or farmland.

From horseback, the ground feels more immediate. You notice the texture and color of the moss, the dark volcanic terrain, and the open air around you. The pace is suited to a first ride, so the emphasis is on taking in the surroundings rather than covering miles quickly.

You should expect the route to be scenic, but not confuse scenic with dramatic at every moment. The tour is near Reykjavik and lasts only 50 minutes. Its appeal lies in the combination of an Icelandic horse, volcanic ground, and mountain views, all within an easy half-day plan.

The Bláfjöll Mountains provide the broadest view along the route. These panoramic views help the ride feel more expansive than the short duration might suggest. You are close enough to the city region for practical access, yet the surroundings offer a clear break from urban streets.

The guides remain central to the experience. They help keep the group comfortable and moving together, with a maximum of 15 participants. A group of that size is still manageable, but it may not offer the quiet, personal feel of a one-to-one ride. Private attention can happen by chance, as it did for one rider, but it is not something the tour promises.

What the Horse Adds to the Experience

A coach trip can show you Iceland’s scenery. A horse changes the pace and the point of view. You move through the surroundings at walking speed, with the animal’s rhythm shaping the outing.

I like that this tour gives you time to understand the horse rather than treating it as simple transportation. The Icelandic horse is the central character here. You learn to sit, guide, and respond, while the guide helps make the process less intimidating.

That personal element was strongly praised. Riders described the staff as attentive and cooperative, especially when working with people who had never ridden before. This is important because a scenic route cannot rescue an outing if you feel unsafe or ignored.

At the same time, your enjoyment will depend partly on your expectations. If you want speed, long stretches of open riding, or advanced instruction, the 50-minute beginner format may feel limited. If you want a gentle introduction and a chance to see volcanic terrain from the saddle, the format makes more sense.

The supplied information says most people can participate, but you should still consider your own comfort with mounting, sitting in a saddle, and following guide instructions. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. That is one of the few firm restrictions listed, and you should check it before booking.

Is $135.16 a Fair Price?

At $135.16 per person, this is not a cheap quick activity. The riding portion lasts approximately 50 minutes, so the cost per riding minute is high if you judge it only by saddle time.

The price makes more sense when you count the complete visit. You receive a horse, an English-speaking guide, safety support, helmet, boots, and weather or warm clothing. You also get access to the stable setting and the chance to learn about Icelandic horses. Those practical extras matter in Iceland, where buying or packing the right outdoor gear for one short activity can be inconvenient.

I would call it fair value for someone who has always wanted to ride an Icelandic horse and has limited time in Reykjavik. It is less convincing for an experienced rider who wants a long route or more time at a faster pace.

The maximum group size of 15 also affects the value. A smaller group can feel more personal, and a one-to-one guide may be possible depending on the day. But you should book this tour for the standard group experience, not for the hope of receiving a private guide.

The 4.8 rating from 58 ratings and the 95 percent recommendation figure suggest a strong overall record. The highest praise centers on the staff, horse selection, personal attention, and relaxing setting. Those are the areas that justify the price more than the short ride itself.

Timing, Weather, and Cancellation

You should plan around the 30-minute early arrival requirement. The activity itself lasts about 50 minutes, but the full visit will take longer once preparation and check-in are included.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that same 24-hour window are not accepted. All cut-off times use local Icelandic time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from another country.

I would avoid placing this ride too close to a flight or another fixed appointment. Outdoor activities can require a little patience, and the early arrival rule already adds time to the schedule.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

This outing suits you best if you fit one or more of these descriptions:

• You are a beginner who wants a calm introduction to horseback riding.
• You want to meet and learn about Icelandic horses.
• You prefer a short activity near Reykjavik rather than a full-day excursion.
• You want to see moss-covered lava fields and Bláfjöll Mountain views at a slow pace.
• You appreciate guides who spend time explaining the horse and helping you feel comfortable.
• You are traveling with people who have mixed or limited riding experience.

It may not be the best choice if you are seeking a long trail ride, advanced riding instruction, or guaranteed private attention. The route is short, the group may include up to 15 people, and the tour is built around beginners.

I also see it working well for a mixed group. An experienced rider can ask about the tölt and the breed, while a first-timer can focus on balance, handling, and the scenery. The level of personal instruction may vary, but the staff’s role is clearly centered on safety and support.

Final Verdict: Book It for the Horse, Not the Mileage

I would book the Ishestar ride if riding an Icelandic horse is high on your Iceland wish list. The mossy lava fields, Bláfjöll views, included clothing, and careful guidance create a friendly first step into Iceland’s equestrian culture.

I would skip it if you mainly want a long ride or strong value based on time in the saddle. At $135.16 for about 50 minutes, you are paying for the horse, the setting, the equipment, and the care of the staff.

The best reason to choose it is the combination of access and authenticity. You can reach the center from the Reykjavik area, learn about a uniquely Icelandic breed, and ride through volcanic surroundings without giving up an entire day. Arrive early, dress for changing weather even with the provided gear, and tell the guide your experience level. If you do that, this short outing has a good chance of becoming one of your more memorable Iceland activities.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre.

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The riding experience lasts approximately 50 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed especially for beginners, with guides focused on safety, comfort, and helping you become familiar with the Icelandic horse.

What equipment is included?

Riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance are included.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.