From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Iceland’s volcanic ground looks especially striking from the back of a small, sturdy Icelandic horse. This ride takes you across old lava fields and green hills just outside Reykjavík, where you can spot unusual rock shapes, low plants, and signs of the area’s volcanic past. The horses are calm, and the guides keep the ride friendly rather than intimidating.

I like the excellent riding facilities at Íshestar and the fact that warm overalls, rain gear, boots, and helmets are supplied. I also like the careful split between slower and more confident riding groups, so a first-time rider can relax while experienced riders may get a chance to feel the horse’s smooth tölt gait.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Snow, rain, wind, and cold can arrive together, and visibility may hide some of the lava scenery. You also need enough strength to mount without help, and the 110-kilogram weight limit is firm.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride across volcanic ground: The trail passes through lava fields and over green hills near Hafnarfjörður.
• A strong choice for beginners: Calm horses, patient guides, and a slower group make this approachable for first-time riders.
• Try the Icelandic tölt: Confident riders may experience the breed’s distinctive smooth four-beat gait.
• Warm gear is provided: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothing are available in suitable sizes.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel and main guesthouse pickup begins about one hour before the ride.
• Check the limits first: Riders must be at least 7 years old, able to mount independently, and no heavier than 110 kilograms.

Riding Icelandic horses across Hafnarfjörður’s lava fields

This is a nature ride, not a show or a lesson in a covered arena. From Íshestar Stables, you head into the volcanic country around Hafnarfjörður, a short drive south of Reykjavík. The route brings you close to rough lava formations, open stretches of mossy ground, and green slopes that make the capital feel far away.

The ride itself lasts about 1.5 hours. Allow 2 to 4 hours for the full outing, depending on your departure, changing time, and transport choice. That makes it easy to fit into a Reykjavík stay, especially on a day when you want something more active than another museum or hot pool.

The terrain gives the experience its character. You are not simply circling a paddock on a horse. You move through an area shaped by volcanic eruptions, with the chance to examine the twisted rocks and hardy plant life from a low, quiet viewpoint. Snow can cover those details, but the ride still offers striking views and a strong sense of Iceland’s wild setting.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride special

Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed animals with a reputation for calm temperaments. On this tour, the horses are chosen to suit different riders, including people who have never ridden before. That matching process matters. A nervous beginner will get more from the scenery if the horse feels dependable.

The breed is also known for the tölt, a smooth gait that can feel much steadier than a regular trot. You should not assume every group will ride at the same pace or spend a long time tölting. The guides adjust the outing to the group, and less confident riders stay in a slower group. Still, experienced riders may get the chance to try this distinctive Icelandic movement.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. They are not just transport for a scenic outing. You have time to meet your horse, settle into the saddle, and learn the basic procedures before leaving the stable area. That small pause helps first-time riders feel less rushed.

What happens at Íshestar Stables

The riding centre sits in attractive surroundings outside Hafnarfjörður and is built for outdoor activities. On arrival, you use the changing room and collect the gear you need. Helmets and rubber boots are included, along with warm overalls or rainwear depending on conditions.

This is useful in Iceland, where ordinary holiday clothing may not be enough for a ride in wind or wet snow. The supplied outer layers also save you from bringing specialist riding clothes. You still need sensible base layers, but you do not have to pack a full set of riding equipment.

There are safety boxes at the centre for valuables. You cannot take a backpack or bag on the ride, so use the storage provided rather than trying to carry a camera bag or loose belongings. Keep your phone handy only if the centre’s arrangements allow it, and ask about photographs before you mount.

The staff take care with safety and horse selection. Guides explain how to handle the animals and help riders get ready. Several outings have included photographs taken along the way, but you should treat this as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed service.

The 1.5-hour ride: lava, hills, and steady horses

Once the group leaves the stables, the route crosses lava fields and follows paths along green hillsides. The pace is designed for the people in the group, so this is not a guaranteed galloping trip. For many riders, that is a benefit. You have time to look around, listen to the guide, and stay comfortable in the saddle.

The guides add context about Icelandic horses and the local ground as you ride. One guide named Sonya has been praised for explaining the history of the horses and helping the group understand what makes the breed different. Other guides speak English, German, or Icelandic, with German available when requested.

Expect a mix of scenery rather than one grand viewpoint. The attraction is the changing surface under the horses, from dark volcanic rock to open green ground. You might spot unusual rock formations and local plant life, but the exact views depend heavily on the season and weather.

Snow can alter the experience. If the lava is covered, the geological details are harder to see, though the white setting can make an early ride feel striking. One morning departure was timed well enough for riders to see sunrise, so an early start may bring beautiful light when conditions cooperate.

Beginner groups and more confident riders

You do not need advanced riding skills to book this tour. The horses generally follow one another, and the guides give instructions before and during the ride. The slower group is a sensible choice if you are a complete beginner, have not ridden for years, or simply want to focus on the scenery.

The group may be divided by riding confidence. That arrangement is one of the best features of the experience because it avoids forcing a nervous rider into a faster pace. It also gives capable riders a better chance to trot or try the tölt when the trail and guide allow.

You must be able to mount the horse using your own strength. Staff can help with instruction and preparation, but this is not suitable for someone who needs physical assistance to get into the saddle. Children under 7 cannot join, while children from 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

The maximum listed weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. Take this seriously and check before booking. It is much better to confirm the limit in advance than arrive expecting an exception.

Transport from Reykjavík and the time commitment

You can meet at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, or select optional pickup from Reykjavík hotels and main guesthouses. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure. For example, a 10:00 AM ride has a 9:00 AM pickup, while a 2:00 PM ride has a 1:00 PM pickup.

The stable is about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík in normal conditions, though the full pickup route can take longer. The exact duration depends on where you are staying and how many stops are scheduled. Pickup is not offered directly from a private apartment. Instead, you receive the nearest suitable pickup point by email.

The return transfer is optional, and the activity ends back at the riding centre if you arrange your own way there. If you drive yourself, pay close attention to directions and signs. Finding the riding area can take a little effort, so allow extra time rather than aiming to arrive at the last minute.

Transport has generally been reliable, though one outing required a private taxi after a missed pickup. That sort of problem is not something to plan on, but it shows the value of having your confirmation details and a working phone available.

Clothing, bags, and Icelandic weather

The stable provides warm clothing, rain gear, helmets, and rubber boots. This is a real value at $141 per person, since riding in Iceland requires more protection than a normal city walk. Wet trousers, cold hands, and wind can spoil an otherwise fine outing, so accept the outer layers offered even if the morning looks mild.

Dress in layers underneath. The supplied clothing protects you from rain and wind, but you still need a warm base. Gloves and other riding items may be available as part of the provided outfit, but do not rely on light city clothing alone.

There is an important biosecurity rule for anyone bringing riding equipment into Iceland. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, and similar gear must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arrival. Used leather equipment may not be brought into the country.

Leave bags behind for the ride. Backpacks and other bags are not allowed on the trail, but storage boxes are available at the centre. This also keeps the horses and other riders safe on narrow or uneven paths.

Is $141 good value?

At $141, this is not the cheapest short activity around Reykjavík. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a guided 1.5-hour ride, horse selection, riding helmet, boots, warm clothing or rainwear, access to a well-equipped stable, and optional transport arrangements.

You are also paying for an outing that feels distinctly Icelandic. A standard trail ride could take place in many countries, but the combination of Icelandic horses, volcanic ground, and the possibility of seeing the tölt gives this trip a clear identity.

The value is strongest for a first-time rider or a family that does not own riding gear. You avoid buying or packing waterproof equipment, and the guides take care of much of the practical work. Experienced riders may find the ride conservative if they want long stretches of speed, so ask about group pace and riding options before you commit.

The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option also reduce the risk when your Iceland plans are still changing. Read the final booking terms for your selected departure, especially if transport is added.

Who should choose this ride?

I would point beginners toward this experience first. The calm horses, clear instructions, friendly staff, and separate pace groups make it easier to enjoy the outing without pretending to be an expert. Families with children aged 7 and over can also find it a good fit, provided every rider can mount independently.

It suits people who want nature without committing to a full-day excursion. You get open scenery, volcanic ground, and time with Icelandic horses, then return to Reykjavík with much of the day left.

Experienced riders should book with more specific expectations. You may get to trot or try the tölt, but the ride is built for a mixed group and safety comes first. If you want a fast, technical ride, this may feel gentle. If you want a scenic outing with a chance to ride well-cared-for Icelandic horses, it is a stronger match.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want an easy introduction to Icelandic horses, particularly if you are staying in Reykjavík and do not want to arrange a long trip into the countryside. The staff, warm gear, careful horse matching, and beginner-friendly pace make this a practical choice.

Think twice if you dislike cold weather, cannot mount without assistance, exceed the weight limit, or want guaranteed speed. Also remember that snow or poor visibility may hide the lava formations.

For most suitable riders, the combination of volcanic scenery and gentle horses is worth the $141 price. Choose the slower group if you are unsure, consider an early departure for possible sunrise light, and let the guides decide what pace is safest for the day.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride take place?

The ride begins and ends at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. The route passes through lava fields and along green hillsides near the stable.

How long is the actual riding time?

The horseback ride lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected departure and transport arrangements.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Pickup is optional. It is available from hotels and main guesthouses, beginning about 60 minutes before the ride. Private apartments are not picked up directly, but a nearby pickup point can be provided.

What equipment is supplied?

The stable supplies riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit for the ride. You can also use safety boxes at the riding centre for valuables because bags are not allowed on the trail.

Can a complete beginner join?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners, and the guides provide instructions and place riders in groups based on riding confidence. Every rider must be able to mount the horse using their own strength.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children must be at least 7 years old. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount. Riders must not weigh more than 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

Which languages are available?

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