Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Icelandic horses are the stars here. At Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, you ride through moss-covered lava fields on a calm 50-minute route with broad views toward the Bláfjöll mountains. I like the chance to learn about this unusual breed while seeing Iceland from the saddle, and I like that the outing is built for first-time riders. The main catch is the short ride: at $135.16, you are paying for a compact experience rather than a full morning in the countryside.

I also like the thoughtful equipment package, which includes a helmet, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and a guide. The 15-person maximum should keep the group manageable, but your pace and personal attention can vary. One rider had a one-to-one outing with guide Barbora, while another group received extra help with no riding experience, so the exact level of attention depends on the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Icelandic horses are the main attraction: You get time to become familiar with the breed, not just a quick ride and photo stop.
• The route crosses lava fields: Expect moss-covered ground, riding paths, and views toward the Bláfjöll mountains.
• Beginners are welcome: Guides focus on comfort, safety, and basic riding skills.
• Weather gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rain wear, or warm overalls are included.
• The outing lasts about 50 minutes: Add at least 30 minutes before departure for arrival and preparation.
• The price rewards interest in horses: At $135.16, it suits you best if riding is a priority during your Reykjavik stay.

Meeting the Icelandic horse near Hafnarfjörður

Your outing begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, south of Reykjavik. The activity returns to this same point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location after the ride.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters. You need to check in, get fitted with riding equipment, and prepare before heading out. Rushing in at the scheduled start could leave you flustered, especially if you have never handled a horse before.

The center is near public transportation, which helps if you are arranging your own way there. The supplied details do not include hotel pickup, so check your route carefully before booking. The mobile ticket is useful for keeping the confirmation on your phone.

The setting gives the experience a practical advantage. You are not meeting the horses in a city stable and then spending most of the outing on roads. The riding center gives you direct access to Icelandic nature, with paths leading toward open views and lava country.

A beginner-friendly start, with room to learn

This ride is designed for beginners. That does not mean the horses are simply led around while you sit still. The guides help you get comfortable, explain how to ride, and introduce you to the Icelandic horse during the outing.

That introduction adds real value. Icelandic horses are not just a generic mount for a sightseeing activity. The experience gives you time to notice how the horse responds and to learn some of the breed’s character and traditions. One rider with previous experience received instruction on the tölt, a distinctive Icelandic horse gait, along with information about the horses’ origins, union, shoeing style, and the conditions in which they were bred.

You should not assume every booking includes a private riding lesson or a long discussion about horse care. The group limit is 15, and the amount of personal instruction depends on group size and guide availability. Still, the structure is reassuring if you are new to riding. Guides are there to help you feel safe, choose a suitable horse, and make the ride manageable.

A rider with more experience may also enjoy this tour, but expectations matter. The standard outing is short and beginner-focused. If you want long stretches at speed or advanced riding instruction, this is probably not the right format.

Following the paths through lava country

Once you are mounted, the route takes you along riding paths through moss-covered lava fields. This is where the activity earns its place in an Iceland itinerary. You are not only looking at scenery from a vehicle window. You are moving through it at the steady pace of a horse.

The moss gives the ground a soft green appearance, while the lava fields remind you how volcanic Iceland is. The route is meant to be scenic rather than demanding. The horses provide the rhythm, and you have time to look around instead of focusing on complicated riding maneuvers.

The Bláfjöll mountain views add a strong visual point to the trip. The mountains provide a broad backdrop as you ride through the surrounding area. On a clear day, this should be the kind of view that makes the short outing feel distinct from a standard city excursion.

Weather will shape the experience. The tour requires good weather, and Iceland can change quickly. Rain wear or warm overalls are provided, which is helpful, but supplied clothing does not guarantee a dry or comfortable day. Wear practical layers beneath the provided gear and expect the conditions to be part of the Iceland experience.

What the 50-minute ride feels like

Fifty minutes is long enough to give you a real taste of riding without taking over your day. It works well beside other Reykjavik activities, especially if you want one outdoor experience but do not want to commit to a long horseback trip.

The short duration is also the main limitation. You will have time to ride through the natural setting and work with the horse, but you should not expect a full-day route, a lengthy mountain trek, or several different riding sections. The experience is an introduction.

For a first ride, that can be a sensible length. You get the excitement of being on horseback, the chance to see the lava fields, and an opportunity to learn the basics. If your balance, legs, or confidence are uncertain, a shorter outing may be more comfortable than a long excursion.

The route is also suitable for riders who want a peaceful pace. One particularly positive account described the outing as relaxing, with time to visit the stable before and after the ride. That kind of extra contact with the horses is possible, but it is not guaranteed as part of every departure.

Guides, horses, and the human side of the outing

The guides are central to the quality of the experience. They handle the safety briefing, help with equipment, guide the horses, and explain how to ride. The tour is offered in English, so you can expect instructions and guidance in English.

Barbora was singled out as a warm and helpful guide by one rider, particularly for explaining the tölt and the Icelandic horse. You may or may not have Barbora on your departure, but her example shows the difference a good guide can make. The best version of this outing is not just a scenic ride. It is a chance to understand what makes the Icelandic horse special.

The staff also appear prepared to work with groups that have mixed experience. One group with no riding background received careful attention, and the horse selection is handled with the rider’s previous experience in mind. That does not remove the need to listen closely, but it should make the first few minutes less intimidating.

Ask questions if you are curious. The activity gives you a good opening to learn about the horses, their gait, their equipment, and their role in Icelandic riding culture. You may also get a chance to spend time near the horses in the stable after the ride, though this depends on the day’s schedule.

Equipment and comfort in Icelandic weather

The price includes a riding helmet, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance. This is a useful package in Iceland, where weather can be damp, cold, or windy even when the forecast looks mild.

Rubber boots are especially practical around a riding center and on wet ground. The outer layers also mean you do not need to pack specialist riding clothing for this one activity. You should still dress sensibly underneath: warm layers are more useful than one bulky item, and clothes should allow you to sit comfortably on a horse.

Food and beverages are not included. Plan to eat before or after the activity rather than expecting refreshments at the center. A rider described being able to have coffee on arrival, but that appears to be part of that particular visit rather than a stated tour inclusion.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. Check this requirement before booking. It is an important practical condition, and the supplied information does not describe an alternative arrangement for riders above the limit.

Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable following instructions and sitting on a horse for the duration of the outing. The tour is beginner-friendly, not a substitute for medical or mobility advice.

Is $135.16 a fair price?

At $135.16 per person, this is not a bargain if you judge it only by minutes in the saddle. The ride lasts about 50 minutes, and food, drinks, and hotel transportation are not included.

The value becomes clearer if horseback riding is one of your reasons for visiting Iceland. The fee covers the horse, guide, helmet, boots, and protective clothing, as well as access to a scenic route near Reykjavik. You are also paying for a controlled introduction to Icelandic horses, which is harder to arrange independently.

I would consider it good value for a first-time rider who wants a memorable outdoor activity without spending half a day away from Reykjavik. I would be more cautious if you already ride regularly and want distance, speed, or advanced instruction. For that person, the short beginner route may feel expensive.

The 95 percent recommendation rate and 4.8 rating from 58 ratings suggest strong satisfaction, but ratings cannot change the basic facts: this is a short, weather-dependent ride at a premium price. Book it because you want the horse experience, not because you expect a cheap way to see the countryside.

Group size, timing, and cancellation rules

The maximum group size is 15. That is small enough for guides to manage a mixed group, though it does not promise a private ride. Your level of individual attention will depend on how many people arrive and how much riding experience they bring.

The activity is booked, on average, 23 days ahead. That figure suggests you should plan early if your Iceland dates are fixed, particularly if you want to fit the ride around other timed activities.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the center to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The weather rule is worth taking seriously. Icelandic conditions can affect both comfort and safety, so keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible. A rigid same-day plan may make a weather cancellation harder to handle.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction
• Couples or families looking for a scenic activity near Reykjavik
• Horse lovers who want to meet the Icelandic breed
• Visitors who enjoy quiet outdoor activities more than fast attractions
• Riders who want a short excursion that leaves time for other plans

It is less suitable if you want a long trek, serious riding practice, or a guaranteed private lesson. It also may not suit anyone above the 110-kilogram weight limit or anyone unwilling to ride in changeable weather.

The attraction is the combination of horse, scenery, and local character. You learn a little, ride a little, and see the volcanic surroundings from a slower viewpoint. That mix is more memorable than a quick photo with a horse, but it remains a compact experience.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book this tour if you have never ridden before, want to meet an Icelandic horse, and like the idea of crossing moss-covered lava fields with the Bláfjöll mountains in view. The staff provide the main gear, the guides are used to helping beginners, and the small maximum group keeps the outing from becoming unwieldy.

Think twice if $135.16 feels high for 50 minutes or if you already have substantial riding experience. The route is scenic, but the format is introductory and the weather can interfere.

For the right person, this is a worthwhile Reykjavik add-on: short, practical, gentle, and tied closely to Iceland’s horses and volcanic setting. Arrive early, dress in layers, keep your schedule flexible, and book ahead if riding is high on your Iceland list.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

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

Where does the activity finish?

The ride ends back at the same meeting point where it begins.

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The riding activity 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 experience is designed especially for beginners, with guides who provide safety help, riding guidance, and an introduction to the Icelandic horse.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a riding helmet, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included in the tour price.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.