From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Iceland’s volcanic ground feels different from the saddle. At Íshestar Stables, you ride across old lava fields and green hillsides just outside Hafnarfjörður, watching unusual rock shapes pass beneath your horse’s steady feet. The Icelandic horse’s special tölt gait is the star: smooth, quick, and surprisingly comfortable.

I like the way the stable handles beginners, with calm horses, patient instruction, and groups divided by riding confidence. I also like the practical setup: warm overalls, rainwear, boots, gloves, and helmets are supplied, which matters greatly in Iceland’s changeable weather. The main drawback is that you must mount without help and meet the 110-kilogram weight limit, so this is not suitable for everyone.

Key points to know before booking

• The lava-field setting is the real attraction: You ride through volcanic rock formations rather than around a fenced riding arena.
• The ride lasts about 1.5 hours: Allow two to four hours total if you use pickup, changing time, and the transfer back into Reykjavík.
• Beginners are well catered for: The horses are calm, and groups can be separated by riding confidence.
• You can feel the Icelandic tölt: More experienced riders may get a chance to experience this smooth four-beat gait.
• Warm equipment is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothing are provided in suitable sizes.
• Pickup is optional: The stable is about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, but hotel pickup adds convenience and extra time.

Riding across Iceland’s volcanic ground

This is a nature ride, not a lesson in a covered arena. From the stable, the route heads into the open country around Hafnarfjörður, where black lava rock meets patches of green hillside. The setting gives you a close look at the rough surface left by Iceland’s volcanic past.

You may notice twisted rock formations, low plants, and the occasional bit of local wildlife. The scenery changes with the season. In summer, the green hillsides soften the dark lava. In winter, snow can cover the rock, but the ride still has its own appeal. One rider described a snowy sunrise as almost cinematic, while another noted that a thick layer of snow hid the lava fields but not the guide’s explanation of the area.

I like that the ride lets you see this terrain at horse pace. You have time to look around, listen to the guide, and feel the horse working beneath you. It is slower and more personal than seeing volcanic ground through a bus window.

The route is also close enough to Reykjavík to fit neatly into a short visit. You do not need to spend a full day driving into the countryside. From the capital, the stable in Hafnarfjörður is about 20 minutes away by car, though the optional pickup schedule can make the whole outing longer.

What happens at Íshestar Stables

Your visit begins at Íshestar Riding Tours. The stable is set just outside Hafnarfjörður, with riding paths, changing facilities, and open surroundings used for riding and other outdoor activities.

Before you meet the trail, you change into the supplied gear. The changing room has warm overalls, rainwear, rubber boots, helmets, and other useful clothing. You can use the equipment over your own clothes, which is helpful if the forecast calls for rain, wind, cold, or even snow.

You cannot take a backpack or loose bag on the ride. Safety boxes at the riding centre are available for valuables, so keep your phone, wallet, and other small items there unless the staff tell you otherwise. Some riders receive help taking photographs during the outing, but you should not plan on carrying your own camera.

The staff choose horses to match individual needs. That matters if you are new to riding or feel nervous around horses. The horses are described as calm, friendly, and well cared for, and the guides give instructions before you set off.

You must be able to mount the horse using your own strength. This rule is easy to miss when planning, but it is an important condition of the activity. Children under seven cannot join, and riders over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds, are not accepted.

The 1.5-hour ride through lava and hills

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours. You begin on established riding paths, then move into the lava-field and hillside setting around the stable.

The guides lead the group at a manageable pace and keep the riders together. This is especially useful for families and first-time riders. If you have never ridden before, the horse’s calm nature and the guide’s steady instructions do much of the work, but you still need to listen, keep your balance, and follow the group’s riding rules.

Groups may be divided according to confidence and experience. Beginners can remain in a slower group, while more experienced riders may be offered a livelier pace or a chance to trot. The exact riding level available depends on the group and the guide, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed gallop.

The route itself is the main reward. You pass dark volcanic rocks and green slopes while your guide explains the horses, the area, and the riding company. One guide named Sonya was especially praised for explaining the history of the horses and giving riders time to get acquainted with them before the trail began.

The horses generally follow one another, which helps beginners settle in. Still, this is a real outdoor ride, not a mechanical attraction. Icelandic weather can turn wet, windy, snowy, or cold, and the trail may feel more rugged in poor conditions. The provided clothing makes a major difference, but sensible layers are still a good idea.

Why the Icelandic horse feels different

Icelandic horses are smaller than many riding horses, but do not mistake their size for fragility. They are bred for Iceland’s rough ground and are known for having additional gaits beyond the usual walk, trot, and canter.

The most famous is the tölt. This is a smooth four-beat gait that can feel remarkably steady from the saddle. Experienced riders may have a chance to try it during the outing, while beginners may spend most of the time at a slower pace.

The tölt is not guaranteed for every rider or every group. Your guide will decide what is safe and suitable, and the pace depends on riding ability. That is a sensible approach. The value here is not proving how fast you can ride, but feeling the unusual movement of an Icelandic horse while crossing open volcanic country.

The horses’ temperament is another strong point. Several riders praised their calm behavior and gentle nature, including people who had never ridden before. The stable also takes care to match horses to individual needs, which helps create a safer and more relaxed experience.

Guides who keep the ride friendly and safe

The guides are central to the experience. They explain how to handle the horse, help you get ready, and stay attentive on the trail. Beginners receive extra support, and the staff are willing to answer questions about the horses and the surrounding area.

You should expect practical guidance rather than a long formal lecture. The useful information comes while you are meeting your horse, riding the trail, and looking at the volcanic ground around you. Guides have also been praised for talking with riders during the outing, which adds a personal touch to what could otherwise be a quiet procession.

The staff’s patience is important for families. Children from seven to fifteen receive a 25 percent discount, and the activity is designed for a broad range of ages. But children still need to follow instructions and mount independently.

Communication is available in English, German, and Icelandic. German guidance must be requested in advance, so check that detail when booking if it matters to you.

Choosing transport from Reykjavík

You can meet the group directly at Íshestar Stables, or choose the optional transfer from Reykjavík. The stable is about a 20-minute drive from the capital, making a taxi or rental car workable if you prefer to control your schedule.

Pickup begins 60 minutes before the riding time. For a 10:00 AM ride, pickup is at 9:00 AM. For a 2:00 PM ride, pickup is at 1:00 PM. The longer window allows for several hotel stops, so the transfer will not necessarily take only 20 minutes.

Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses. If you stay in a private apartment, you will be given the nearest pickup point by email before the tour. The listed drop-off points include major hotels and Reykjavík bus stops such as Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, City Hall, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, and Skarfabakki Harbour.

The transfer is worth considering if you do not have a car or want the day arranged for you. It also adds a buffer before and after the ride, so leave enough room in your schedule. If you have a tight connection, a fixed appointment, or another booked activity, meeting at the stable may be more efficient.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap short outing. The price makes more sense when you count the guide, horse, riding route, helmets, boots, rainwear, warm clothing, and the chance to ride in a volcanic setting close to Reykjavík.

Optional pickup changes the value calculation. If you already have a rental car, meeting at the stable avoids paying for a transfer and gives you more control. If you are staying in central Reykjavík without a car, pickup saves you the trouble of arranging transport and locating a rural stable.

The ride is a good use of half a day, but it is not a full-day Iceland expedition. You are paying for a focused outdoor activity, not a long journey through several regions. I think the price is reasonable if you have a genuine interest in horses, want an active break from sightseeing, or hope to experience Icelandic nature at a slower pace.

The strongest value comes from the quality of the setup. You do not need to pack riding boots or waterproof overalls from home, and the stable has equipment for changing weather. That is a real saving in luggage space and preparation.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this outing to families with children aged seven and up, first-time riders, couples, and experienced riders who want to try the tölt. The calm horses and attentive guides make it less intimidating than many outdoor riding activities.

It also suits visitors with limited time in Reykjavík. The stable is close to the capital, and the total outing can fit into a morning or afternoon. The ride gives you a real taste of Icelandic countryside without committing to a distant excursion.

Experienced riders should set expectations carefully. You may be grouped with beginners, and the route is managed for the whole group. There may be some trotting or a more active group, but this is not presented as a fast, technical ride.

People who dislike horses, feel uncomfortable in changing weather, or cannot mount independently should choose another activity. The weight limit is firm, and the ride can be cold or wet despite the supplied clothing.

Practical tips for a better outing

Wear comfortable layers that fit under the supplied outer gear. Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, and a warm base layer will make the ride more pleasant even when overalls and rainwear are provided.

Arrive ready to listen during the safety briefing. The guides do much to keep the group together, but your cooperation matters. If you are a beginner, tell the staff clearly. They can use that information when selecting your horse and placing you in a group.

Do not bring a backpack onto the trail. Store valuables in the centre’s safety boxes, and keep your pockets free of items that could fall or distract you.

If you plan to bring riding equipment from home, check Iceland’s biosecurity rules carefully. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, and similar gear must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry-cleaned, or disinfected before arriving. Used leather gear cannot be brought into Iceland.

The cancellation terms are helpful for uncertain weather or changing plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which keeps some flexibility in your itinerary.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want an easy-to-reach outdoor activity with gentle horses, strong support for beginners, and scenery that feels distinctly Icelandic. The dark lava, green hills, and smooth tölt create a memorable combination, and the supplied clothing removes much of the usual worry about riding in cold weather.

I would be more cautious if you are an advanced rider seeking speed or a long backcountry ride. The route is relatively short, the group pace matters, and the focus is safe enjoyment rather than technical riding.

For most visitors, this is a well-balanced half-day experience. Choose the pickup if you want convenience, meet at the stable if you have your own transport, and tell the staff your riding level. If you meet the age, weight, and mounting requirements, the combination of calm horses, caring staff, and volcanic scenery makes the $141 fare a sound choice.

FAQ

How long does the horse-riding tour last?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours. The full activity takes between two and four hours, depending on the selected start time and whether you use pickup.

Where does the ride begin?

The tour begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík. The activity ends back at the riding centre.

How far is Íshestar Stables from Reykjavík?

The riding centre is about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfer is optional rather than included in the basic activity. Pickup is available from hotels and main guesthouses, with pickup beginning 60 minutes before the riding time.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The stable provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit for the ride. The changing room is equipped for getting ready before you leave.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners, and the guides provide instruction and support. Groups may be divided according to riding confidence.

Are children allowed to participate?

Children under seven cannot join. Children aged seven to fifteen receive a 25 percent discount.

Is there a rider weight limit?

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

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

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