Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

The best part of this outing is the setting: you ride an Icelandic horse across moss-covered lava fields with the Bláfjöll mountains spread out in the distance. It is a gentle way to see Iceland outside the city, without committing to a full-day excursion or needing much riding experience.

I like the beginner-friendly pace and the fact that clothing and safety gear are supplied. I also like the chance to learn about the Icelandic horse itself, including its unusual tölt gait. The main drawback is time: 50 minutes in the saddle goes quickly, especially at $135.16 per person.

Key points to know before you book

• Moss-covered lava fields: The ride takes you through one of Iceland’s most recognizable settings, with dark volcanic ground softened by bright moss.
• Bláfjöll mountain views: You get broad views of the mountains and nearby countryside rather than a city-centered riding route.
• Designed for beginners: Guides focus on safety, comfort, and helping you get used to the horse.
• Icelandic horses: This is more than a basic trail ride. You have time to learn about the breed and its special tölt.
• Warm gear included: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, or warm overalls are provided.
• Small maximum group: The outing is limited to 15 people, and the 110-kilogram, or 240-pound, weight limit applies.

Riding through Iceland’s volcanic countryside

Ishestar Horse Riding Centre sits at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik. The location gives you a quick change of scene. Instead of spending your whole day among shops, pools, and city streets, you reach open riding paths with volcanic ground, moss, and mountain views.

The route is built around the setting, not speed. You follow established paths through the lava fields while your guide helps you settle into the saddle and manage your horse. For a first ride, this matters. Icelandic scenery can look wild and remote, but the route is arranged so you can focus on the horse and enjoy the view without needing advanced riding skills.

The moss-covered lava fields are the visual heart of the trip. Iceland’s lava terrain is not a smooth plain. It has rough volcanic shapes, dark rock, and soft green growth that gives the ground a striking contrast. From horseback, you see the countryside at a slower pace than you would from a bus window. You also get a closer look at the paths and natural textures around you.

The Bláfjöll mountains provide the larger view. Your guide takes you along riding paths where you can look out toward the mountains and surrounding area. This is a useful choice if you want a taste of Iceland’s open country but do not have time for a long countryside tour.

What happens at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival is not a minor detail. You need time to check in, collect the supplied gear, and get ready before the ride begins.

The center provides a riding helmet and rubber boots. Depending on conditions, you can also use rainwear or warm overalls. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, so this included clothing helps keep the trip practical. You should still dress in comfortable layers, since the gear is meant to protect you from the elements rather than replace sensible clothing.

The preparation period also gives you a first chance to meet the horses. The tour is designed for beginners, so the guide’s job is not only to lead the group. You should expect help with getting comfortable, understanding basic instructions, and becoming familiar with the horse assigned to you.

A safety video is part of the preparation. That may sound routine, but it gives first-time riders clear information before they are on the path. If you have not ridden before, use this time to ask questions. The guide can address concerns before the horses are moving.

The center is near public transportation, which helps if you are arranging the outing without a private car. The information provided does not include a hotel pickup service, so you should treat the riding center as the meeting point and plan your own way there.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride special

The horse is not just transport for the outing. The tour makes room for you to understand the Icelandic horse and its place in the country’s riding tradition.

Icelandic horses are known for the tölt, a distinctive gait that can feel smoother than a regular trot when the horse performs it well. It is not guaranteed that every rider will travel at this gait, but the guide may explain or demonstrate it when the group and horse are ready.

One particularly helpful riding approach is matching the horse to the rider’s past experience. A rider with more background may receive a horse that allows a faster pace, while a beginner can be paired with a calmer, suitable mount. You should not expect to choose your own horse, but careful matching is a benefit when it is done well.

Guide Barbora has been praised for explaining how to ride the tölt and for discussing the breed’s origins, union, shoeing style, and connection to the land where the horses were bred. If she is leading your outing, you may get that extra level of detail. Guide assignments can vary, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promised part of every departure.

The horses and stable can also be part of the experience before or after the ride. On some visits, you may have time to spend in the stable and get to know the horses more closely. One small-group outing included coffee on arrival and time in the stable before the safety video. That should not be assumed for every group, but it shows why arriving early can be worthwhile.

The 50-minute ride: what you will actually do

Once you are prepared, you mount and set out with the guide. The riding time is about 50 minutes, and the route follows riding paths through the natural area around the center.

For a beginner, the short duration is a mixed blessing. It keeps the outing manageable and avoids the stiffness that can come with a much longer first ride. You still get the basic rhythm of riding, the feel of the Icelandic horse, and a clear view of the surrounding countryside.

At the same time, 50 minutes is not a full horseback expedition. You should not book this expecting a half-day ride, long stops in remote country, or a wide-ranging tour of Iceland. It is best understood as a focused introduction to riding in Iceland.

The route gives you several things to pay attention to:

• The contrast between moss and volcanic rock
• The broad view toward the Bláfjöll mountains
• The feel and movement of the Icelandic horse
• The riding paths and open countryside around Hafnarfjörður
• The guide’s instructions on handling and pace

The guides are there to help you feel safe and comfortable. That is especially useful when the group includes people with no riding background. The maximum group size is 15, which is large enough to create a shared outing but limited enough for the guide to manage the group on a simple beginner route.

Do not assume that the whole group will ride quickly. The pace needs to suit the least experienced riders and the horses. If you have substantial riding experience, tell the guide what you can do, but let the guide decide what is safe for the group and your assigned horse.

Price, duration, and the question of value

At $135.16 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in the Reykjavik area. The saddle time is only about 50 minutes, so the price can look high if you measure value by minutes alone.

The better question is what the price includes. You receive the horse, guide, helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear or warm overalls. You also get access to a purpose-built riding center and a route through volcanic countryside with views toward Bláfjöll.

I think the value is strongest for someone who specifically wants to ride an Icelandic horse. If the horse itself is the reason you are booking, the chance to learn about the breed and possibly discuss the tölt adds more than a standard trail ride would.

The value is weaker if you mainly want wide-ranging scenery. A 50-minute ride cannot show you as much countryside as a full-day tour. You are paying for a compact activity near Reykjavik, not a major expedition.

The small maximum group also helps the price make more sense. A group of up to 15 is not private, but it is more controlled than a very large stable outing. In some cases, the group may be smaller, and a lucky rider may receive unusually personal guidance. You should enjoy that if it happens, but do not book on the assumption that you will get a private ride.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a good fit for first-time riders, couples, families with suitable participants, and anyone who wants a short outdoor activity between other Reykjavik plans. The supplied information says most people can participate, but the weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

You do not need to be an experienced rider to take part. The tour is built for beginners, and the guides focus on getting you comfortable with the horse. If you have ridden before, share your experience at the center so the staff can judge what sort of horse and pace suit you.

It may also suit people who want a quieter way to see Iceland. Horseback riding gives you time to notice the ground, the weather, and the shape of the mountains. You are not simply moving from one photo stop to another.

The ride is less suitable if you dislike uncertain weather, feel uncomfortable around horses, or want a long, active route. The experience depends on outdoor conditions, and poor weather can lead to a cancellation or a change of date.

Practical details that matter

The activity is offered in English, and the mobile ticket makes entry simple. Confirmation is provided when you book. The ride begins and ends at the Ishestar meeting point, so allow extra time for your journey to Hafnarfjörður and for the required early arrival.

Food and drinks are not included. Since the outing is short, this is not a major problem, but you should plan meals separately. The center may offer small hospitality on a particular visit, such as coffee, but that is not listed as a standard inclusion.

The experience requires good weather. If Ishestar cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

You should keep the timing in mind when arranging the rest of your day. The ride itself lasts about 50 minutes, but check-in, clothing, the safety video, mounting, and returning gear add time around it. Do not schedule a tight airport transfer or another activity immediately afterward.

Is this Iceland horseback ride worth booking?

Book it if you want a manageable introduction to the Icelandic horse, a short ride through moss-covered lava fields, and views toward the Bláfjöll mountains. The supplied gear and beginner-focused guidance make it an easy choice for someone who wants to try horseback riding without giving up a full day.

Think twice if $135.16 feels steep for less than an hour in the saddle, or if your main goal is a long ride through remote countryside. The strongest reasons to choose it are the Icelandic horse, the volcanic setting, and the chance to learn about the tölt.

For many visitors, this works best as a carefully timed Reykjavik-area activity. It adds a genuine connection with Iceland’s countryside without demanding advanced riding skills or a major time commitment.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

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

How long does the horseback ride last?

The riding experience lasts about 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 route and guidance are designed especially for beginners who want to ride an Icelandic horse.

What equipment is included?

The price includes a riding helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated weight is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.