Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlakshofn

The best part of this ride is the setting: you follow Icelandic horses through the rough country west of Þorlákshöfn, with lava fields, geothermal steam, mountains, and sea views all in the same outing. You may also stop at Strandakirkja, a small Protestant church beside a wave-battered coast.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which gives the guide room to supervise riders. I also like that helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and drinks are included, so you do not need to arrange the basics yourself. The main caution is important: the tour information gives both a two-hour duration and a four-hour riding itinerary, and the longer version is intended for experienced riders.

• Icelandic horses and lava-country riding: See Þorlákshöfn and the coast from horseback.
• Krýsuvík views: Watch for white steam rising from geothermal ground among the lava.
• Strandakirkja stop: Visit a small historic church with ocean views and nearby cliffs.
• Experienced-rider focus: The four-hour version is described as medium difficulty.
• Small-group supervision: The maximum group size is 12 people.
• Equipment and snacks included: Bring your own warm clothing and proper shoes.

Riding Icelandic Horses From Þorlákshöfn

This is an outing for people who want more than a quick paddock ride. From the meeting point at Alhestar, on Faxabraut in Þorlákshöfn, you ride west toward the Krýsuvík area, where black lava, open ground, distant mountains, and the Atlantic form the backdrop.

Icelandic horses are central to the appeal. The experience gives you a way to see the countryside at a slower pace, close to the ground and away from a sightseeing bus window. You are not simply being led around a small enclosure. The stated route includes open riding through nature, coastal views, and a church stop.

The advertised group limit is 12 people. That is still large enough to feel social, but small enough for a guide to keep an eye on the riders and horses. For a family group, that supervision matters. It also helps if the group includes riders with different levels of confidence.

The title calls this a family-friendly ride, but the detailed itinerary describes the four-hour version as medium difficulty and intended only for experienced riders. I would take that qualification seriously. Ask the operator which version you are booking and explain your riding experience clearly before you pay.

The Route Toward Krýsuvík’s Lava Fields

The ride heads west from Þorlákshöfn toward the beautiful lava fields of Krýsuvík. This is classic Icelandic country: dark volcanic ground, broad views, and signs of the island’s restless geology.

The geothermal activity is not necessarily right beside the riding path. You may see white lines of steam rising in the distance from the ground among the lava. That small detail gives the ride a distinct Icelandic character. You are seeing evidence of the forces that shaped the land, rather than visiting a separate geothermal attraction with marked paths and viewing platforms.

The route can also open out toward mountains and the sea. Conditions make a difference here. On a clear day, the views should be the main reward. On a cold, windy day, the same open terrain may feel stark and exposed, so warm clothing is not optional.

One practical point: a detailed account of the outing describes a long, scenic transfer to the farm before the horses were saddled, followed by about an hour of riding through lava fields. That may reflect a particular pickup arrangement or a different version of the tour, but it shows why you should confirm how much of your booked time is spent riding and how much is spent driving.

Strandakirkja and the Ocean Cliffs

The route includes Strandakirkja, a small Protestant church said to date from the 12th century. It is known in Iceland for its seaside setting and for the views toward the ocean.

This is not a large church filled with grand interiors. Its appeal comes from its scale and location. You get a short cultural stop in the middle of a nature outing, with the coast nearby and waves crashing against the cliffs, especially when the wind is up.

I like this combination. A horseback ride can otherwise become a string of pretty views without much context. Strandakirkja gives you a clear point of reference and a glimpse of Iceland’s long religious history without turning the outing into a formal museum visit.

Near the church is a small café where you and the horses can rest and have snacks. The supplied tour details say snacks and beverages are included, but they do not specify the exact menu. Think of this as a useful pause rather than a full meal.

The coast can be dramatic, but it can also be rough. Wind and spray may make the stop feel brisk, and the tour does not promise calm beach weather. Good shoes and warm, comfortable clothing will make a larger difference here than an extra camera lens.

How Difficult Is the Four-Hour Ride?

The information for this experience is inconsistent. The top summary describes a tour lasting about two hours, while the itinerary says four hours of riding and labels it medium difficulty for experienced riders.

That is not a minor wording issue. Four hours on horseback requires more stamina than a short introductory ride. Even confident riders should expect time in the saddle, exposure to wind, and uneven outdoor conditions. You should be comfortable following a guide’s instructions and managing a horse for an extended period.

The tour information says travelers need a moderate level of physical fitness. It also lists riding equipment and helmets as provided. You still need to bring footwear that works around horses and on rough ground. Sneakers or boots are suggested, along with warm, comfortable clothes.

For a family, suitability depends on the rider, not just the family label. An experienced teenager may be a good fit, while a younger child or a first-time rider may need a different outing. The safest move is to ask about minimum ages, riding ability, and the actual duration before booking, since those details are not supplied here.

The tour is offered in English. One account also describes difficulty communicating with Magnus, the owner, because he did not speak English. That may not apply to every departure or guide, but if clear instruction is important to you, confirm who will lead your ride. Bjorn is named as a friendly and helpful guide on one highly praised outing.

What the Price of $180 Includes

At $180 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. The price makes more sense if you receive the full four-hour riding itinerary, transportation where pickup is offered, equipment, guide supervision, snacks, and drinks.

The value is strongest for riders who specifically want Icelandic horses and outdoor scenery. You are paying for access to a guided route, not just a horse rental. The small group can also make the cost worthwhile because the guide has fewer people to manage than on a large commercial ride.

The value drops if your actual ride is close to one hour after a long transfer, or if transportation costs are added unexpectedly. One booking account describes an additional $75 charge for transport to and from a cruise ship. That charge was not expected by the rider, so you should ask in writing whether pickup from your location is included and what it costs.

The published meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn. The activity ends back there. Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup area and price are not stated. If you are staying in Reykjavík, do not assume the $180 automatically covers a transfer from your hotel or ship.

There is also a serious practical reason to confirm the operator before departure. One account reports arriving to find a stable apparently no longer operating and no horses on the property. Other information describes successful rides with guides and Icelandic horses, so the situation may have changed or the booking details may have been unclear. Still, I would contact Alhestar directly shortly before the date and confirm the meeting point, start time, duration, and pickup.

Weather, Clothing, and Riding Comfort

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful in Iceland, where wind and rain can change quickly, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Bring warm, comfortable layers. The open lava country and coast offer little shelter from wind. Good shoes are not included, despite riding equipment being provided. Wear sturdy sneakers or boots that you can use around horses and on uneven ground.

A helmet and the rest of the riding equipment are supplied. The details do not specify what clothing or footwear the operator provides, so assume you need to arrive dressed for the weather.

Snacks and beverages are included, and the route includes a rest near the café by Strandakirkja. That is welcome on the longer itinerary, but it should not replace a proper meal before you arrive.

Pickup, Meeting Point, and Booking Checks

The meeting point is Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, in Þorlákshöfn. The activity returns there at the end. The listing also says the location is near public transportation, though no route details are provided.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is received at booking. Because the supplied duration and pickup details conflict, I would not rely on the confirmation alone. Check the exact start time, the length of the riding portion, the pickup point, and any transport surcharge.

This matters especially for cruise passengers. A late or unclear transfer arrangement could leave you with a difficult return to the ship. If you need transportation, confirm the total price before departure and keep enough time for the trip back.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The operator may also cancel if the minimum number of riders is not reached, in which case you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

I would choose this outing if you already ride and want to experience Icelandic country from horseback. The combination of horses, volcanic ground, ocean views, geothermal steam, and Strandakirkja gives the day more variety than a simple arena lesson.

It can also work for a family with experienced riders who are comfortable with a medium-difficulty ride. The group size and guide supervision are useful advantages, particularly when several family members are riding together.

I would be cautious if you are a complete beginner, have limited physical fitness, or want a short and easy introduction. The title suggests a family activity, but the detailed four-hour route is not described as a beginner ride.

I would also think twice if your schedule is tight. The unclear duration, possible transfer time, and weather cancellation risk make this easier to fit into a flexible day than into a tightly planned cruise stop.

Should You Book the Family Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if your priority is an authentic Icelandic horseback outing with open nature, coastal views, a small group, and a stop at Strandakirkja. The most praised part of the experience is the ride itself, especially the Icelandic horses, the black-sand coastal setting, and the helpful guidance described with Bjorn.

Before paying, get four details confirmed: the exact duration, the guide’s name, the pickup cost, and the current meeting point. The conflicting two-hour and four-hour descriptions, along with reports of an unexpected transport fee and an inactive-looking stable, make that quick check essential.

For an experienced rider with flexible plans, the experience can offer a memorable view of Þorlákshöfn and Krýsuvík. For a beginner or a cruise passenger working against the clock, choose only after the operator confirms the arrangements clearly.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

It starts at Alhestar, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Þorlákshöfn.

How long does the tour last?

The tour summary says approximately two hours, while the detailed itinerary describes a four-hour riding tour. Confirm the exact duration before booking.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the supplied information does not state the pickup area or whether an extra fee applies. Confirm the cost and location with the operator.

What is included in the price?

Helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and beverages are included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and good shoes, such as sneakers or boots. Shoes are not included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The detailed four-hour version is described as medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders. The tour information also says participants should have moderate physical fitness.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.