From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Lava fields meet gentle horses. This outing gives you a close look at Icelandic nature without leaving the Reykjavík area, and I like the mix of open riding paths, green hillsides, and volcanic rock. I also like that Íshestar matches horses to riders and supplies helmets, boots, rainwear, and warm overalls. The main consideration is simple: this is still a horse ride, so you must mount without help and feel comfortable spending about 90 minutes in the saddle.

You get a calm introduction if you are new to riding, while more confident riders may have a chance to trot and experience the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt gait. The setting near Hafnarfjörður is beautiful and easy to reach, though signs at the riding centre can be limited, so allow a little extra time if you are driving there.

Key points at a glance

• Ride across volcanic ground near Reykjavík: Íshestar’s trails pass through lava fields, over green hillsides, and past unusual rock formations.
• Meet the Icelandic horse: These compact, friendly horses are known for their calm nature and smooth tölt gait.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides explain the basics, help you mount, and separate groups by riding confidence when practical.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothing are available at the stable.
• Choose your transport: Meet at Íshestar in Hafnarfjörður or add hotel pickup from selected Reykjavík locations.
• Plan for the rules: Riders must be at least 7 years old, weigh no more than 110 kilograms, and mount using their own strength.

Why riding through Iceland’s lava fields feels different

From the road, Iceland’s lava fields can look stark and dark. On horseback, you move slowly enough to notice the shapes inside them: rough black rock, weathered formations, patches of plants, and narrow routes winding between the hardened lava.

The ride takes place at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, roughly 20 minutes from central Reykjavík by car. That short journey matters. You get a taste of Iceland’s open country without giving up most of your day to transport.

The route also includes green hillsides, which soften the black volcanic ground and give the ride more visual variety. Weather can shift quickly, and the same trail may look completely different under sunshine, mist, rain, or snow. One ride even included a sunrise over snowy ground, while another took place in wet and windy weather. The supplied clothing helped keep both outings enjoyable.

I like this kind of excursion because the scenery is not treated as a backdrop you rush past. You have time to watch the horses pick their way along the trail and to ask the guide about the area and the breed.

Arriving at Íshestar in Hafnarfjörður

You can make your own way to the riding centre, or select a return transfer from Reykjavík. Pickup begins about an hour before the riding time. For example, the 10:00 AM ride has a 9:00 AM pickup, while the 2:00 PM ride has a 1:00 PM pickup.

Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses. If you stay in a private apartment, you receive a nearby pickup point by email rather than a pickup directly outside your accommodation. The listed drop-off points include central hotels, Reykjavík bus stops, Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, Skarfabakki Harbour, Hotel Viking, Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, and other major locations.

If you drive, do not assume the entrance will be obvious. One person had trouble finding the riding area because of limited signage. I would save the exact address, allow a few spare minutes, and avoid arriving at the last second.

The transfer is useful if you are staying in central Reykjavík and do not want to arrange a taxi. It also makes the activity easier to fit into a day of sightseeing. If you already have a rental car, meeting at Íshestar may be the more flexible option.

Getting ready with warm clothing and safety gear

At the stable, you receive a helmet and rubber boots. Warm overalls and rain gear are also offered in suitable sizes, which is a real help in Iceland. You can arrive dressed for ordinary sightseeing and add the protective clothing before riding.

The changing room is described as well equipped, and the staff take time to find horses that fit individual riders. That personal matching matters more than fancy equipment. A quiet, suitable horse can make the difference between relaxing into the ride and worrying through it.

You cannot take a backpack or loose bag on the trail. Safety boxes at the riding centre are available for valuables, so keep your essentials small and secure them before you mount.

There is also an unusual Iceland entry rule for riding equipment. If you bring your own riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, or gloves, they must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Used leather riding equipment cannot be brought into the country. For most people, using the gear supplied by Íshestar is the easier choice.

You must be able to mount the horse using your own strength. This is important for anyone with limited mobility or concerns about getting into the saddle. Children under 7 cannot join, and the maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms.

Meeting the horses before the trail

The experience includes time to become familiar with your horse before setting off. That short introduction helps first-time riders understand how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to basic instructions.

The Icelandic horse is small compared with many riding breeds, but it is not a toy or a pony. These are sturdy working animals with plenty of character. The horses used here are described as calm, friendly, and well cared for, which helps the whole group settle.

The guides also explain the breed and the riding procedures. Sonya was praised for explaining the history of the horses and helping the group feel at ease. You may not have Sonya on your particular departure, but the staff’s approach is consistent with the strongest part of this outing: patient instruction before the ride begins.

If you have never ridden, say so clearly. The guides are used to beginners and can place riders with the slower group when needed. Experienced riders may be able to join a faster group, depending on the day and the group’s abilities.

The 1.5-hour ride through lava and hills

The riding portion lasts about 90 minutes. The wider activity takes two to four hours once you include pickup, changing, preparation, and return transport.

The trail passes over lava fields and along green slopes. You can look for different rock shapes and vegetation while your horse follows the route. The ride is not a dramatic mountain expedition, and that is part of its appeal. It gives you a manageable taste of Icelandic riding close to the capital.

The pace depends on the group. Beginners generally stay with a steady, slower-moving line. Confident riders may get a chance to trot, and some outings split the group according to riding ability. This is a useful arrangement because you do not want a first-time rider pushed into a pace that feels unsafe, nor do you want an experienced rider held to walking for the entire ride.

The famous tölt is one of the special details of Icelandic horsemanship. It is a smooth four-beat gait that can feel more comfortable than a regular trot. You may have the chance to try it if your guide believes the group is ready and the trail conditions allow it.

Do not expect a private ride or a free-form gallop across the lava. You follow the guide and stay with the group. That structure keeps the activity controlled and lets riders of different abilities enjoy the same outing.

What makes the guides and horses so important

The strongest part of this experience is not simply the scenery. It is the care taken with nervous or inexperienced riders.

Guides help people through the first steps, keep the line together, and explain what to do as conditions change. First-time riders have described feeling safe because the horses were calm and the instruction was clear. That makes this a better choice for a beginner than a ride designed mainly for experienced equestrians.

The staff also take photographs for riders on some departures. You should not count on a particular number of photos or a specific photo service, but guides may help capture the moment when you cannot safely use your own phone.

The horses are another major strength. They are described as gentle, attractive, and well looked after. Several outings included horses that followed the line calmly, which is reassuring when you are concentrating on posture and reins.

Still, remember that even a calm horse is an animal. You should be comfortable around horses and listen closely to the guide’s instructions. The activity may suit families, but children need to meet the minimum age and be able to mount independently.

Weather, comfort, and what to wear

Icelandic weather can change quickly, even during a short ride. Rain, cold, wind, snow, and sunshine are all possible, and poor conditions do not automatically cancel the experience. The provided overalls and rain gear are designed to make the ride workable in cold weather.

Wear comfortable clothes beneath the supplied gear. You do not need to arrive in specialist riding clothing, especially since the centre provides boots and protective outerwear. Avoid bringing a backpack, since bags cannot go on the trail.

If you are visiting in winter, think about the daylight and timing of your departure. A morning ride may offer soft light or even a sunrise, while snow can hide some of the dark lava formations. The volcanic setting remains interesting, but the details you see will change with the season.

The stable also offers refreshments according to the experience details and individual reports. Do not treat this as a meal stop, but it can be welcome after time outdoors.

Is $141 good value?

At $141 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a guided 90-minute ride, the use of an Icelandic horse, helmets, rubber boots, warm clothing or rainwear, and access to a professional riding centre near Reykjavík.

Optional pickup adds convenience but also increases the overall cost if it is not already included in your chosen option. If you are staying centrally and do not have a car, that convenience can be worthwhile. If you have a rental car, meeting at Íshestar may give you better value.

The experience is particularly good value for a family or mixed-ability group because beginners and more confident riders can often be handled in separate groups. You are paying for more than a horse and a trail. You are paying for equipment, safety supervision, and a local guide who knows how to keep the outing comfortable in changing weather.

It is less good value if you want a long, fast riding session. The ride lasts about 1.5 hours, and the pace is controlled by the group. Experienced riders hoping for extended galloping should check the specific departure and ask what pace is planned.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Families with children aged 7 and over
• Riders who want to see volcanic ground without leaving the Reykjavík area
• Experienced riders curious about the Icelandic horse and tölt
• Anyone who appreciates a guided activity with clothing and equipment supplied

I would think twice if you dislike animals, cannot mount independently, weigh more than 110 kilograms, or want a private and fast-moving ride. It is also not the best choice if you need to carry a bag with medication or other essential items on the trail, since backpacks and bags are not allowed.

The outing works well as a half-day addition to a Reykjavík stay. It leaves enough time for other plans, though pickup and preparation mean you should not schedule another activity too tightly afterward.

My verdict: a friendly way to meet Icelandic nature

I like this ride because it combines three things that work well together: Icelandic horses, volcanic scenery, and a stable close to Reykjavík. The gentle horses and patient guides make it welcoming for beginners, while the separate riding groups and chance to try tölt give more confident riders something to enjoy.

The drawbacks are clear. The ride is group-based, the pace may be slow, signage can be better, and $141 is a serious spend for 90 minutes in the saddle. Still, if you want a comfortable first horse ride in Iceland and do not want to spend a full day driving into the countryside, I think this is a sound choice.

Book it if the idea of crossing lava fields on a small Icelandic horse appeals to you more than chasing speed. Choose a departure with pickup if transport is a hassle, and arrive ready for whatever weather the day sends your way.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour take place?

The ride starts at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. The trail passes through lava fields and along green hillsides.

How long is the actual horse ride?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity can take two to four hours, depending on the departure and whether you use pickup.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Return pickup is optional. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before the riding time and is available from hotels and main guesthouses. Private apartment stays receive a nearby pickup point by email.

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic. Other languages may be available on request.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guides explain the riding process, help beginners feel safe, and may separate riders by confidence or ability. The horses are selected to suit individual needs when possible.

Can children join the ride?

Children must be at least 7 years old. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

Is there a maximum rider weight?

Yes. The experience is not suitable for people over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The centre provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit during the ride. You can use the supplied equipment instead of bringing your own riding gear.

Can I bring a backpack on the trail?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.