From Reykjavík: Viking Horseback Tour in Hafnarfjörður

The tölt is the star of this ride, a remarkably smooth gait that lets you move quickly without the bounce of a normal trot. From the Íshestar stables near Hafnarfjörður, you ride across lava fields and open countryside with mountains and volcanoes in view.

I like the care taken to match each rider with a suitable horse, and I like that this is a real riding outing rather than a slow photo stop. The small group limit of 12 also gives the guide room to manage different abilities.

The main catch is simple: this is not for beginners. You need to be comfortable and in control at every gait, including canter, and the route crosses uneven ground. The tour is also described in some booking details as a longer five-hour outing, while the activity duration is listed as three hours, so confirm the exact schedule when you book.

Key points

• The tölt is the main attraction: Icelandic horses can cover ground in a smooth, distinctive gait that experienced riders will want to try.
• A genuine countryside ride near Reykjavík: You reach lava fields, a lake, mountains, and volcanic scenery without a long drive.
• Strong intermediate level only: You should have ridden roughly 30 times or more and remain in control at walk, trot, tölt, and canter.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Íshestar provides helmets, riding boots, rainwear, warm overalls, or a similar outfit for the ride.
• Small groups matter: With no more than 12 participants, horse matching and pace control are easier for the guide.
• The route changes with conditions: Wind, rain, and road or trail conditions can affect the route and timing.

Riding the Icelandic horse at Hafnarfjörður

The Íshestar Riding Centre sits just outside Hafnarfjörður, about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík. That short transfer is a major advantage. You get out of the city quickly, but you do not need to spend half a day reaching a remote farm.

The setting gives the ride its character. You are not circling a fenced paddock or following a short track beside a road. The route heads into Icelandic countryside, with lava fields, mountains, volcanic peaks, and a lake forming the backdrop.

This is also a working riding centre built to handle a wide range of visitors. Families and first-time riders can choose easier outings from the same company, but this particular Viking Tour Express is aimed at people who already know how to ride.

That distinction matters. Icelandic horses are often small and friendly, but size does not make them toy-like. They are capable, sure-footed animals, and this trip asks you to manage speed and spacing over uneven ground.

Why the tölt changes the ride

The Icelandic horse is famous for having gaits beyond the usual walk, trot, and canter. The tölt is a four-beat gait that can feel smooth and fast, especially when compared with a sitting trot over rough ground.

You will not simply hear about the tölt in a briefing and then spend the ride walking. The route is designed for riders who want to use the horse’s range. Past outings have included plenty of tölt, along with cantering on suitable stretches.

That makes this a better choice for a confident rider than a standard beginner trail ride. You get a clearer sense of what makes the Icelandic horse special: compact, responsive, calm in a group, and able to move at speed without making the ride unnecessarily rough.

Your horse is selected to fit your ability and comfort. A forward-going horse may suit an experienced rider who wants more energy, while a calmer horse can be a better match for someone who rides regularly but is less comfortable at speed.

The stable has also accommodated riders who needed extra help mounting and dismounting. One past rider with replaced knees found the staff particularly helpful, and another recovering from an ankle injury was matched with a laid-back horse that still had enough speed for the ride. That does not turn the tour into an accessible activity for everyone, but it shows that you should tell the guide about any condition that could affect your riding.

What the 2.5 to 3 hours on horseback feels like

The listed riding time is about 2.5 to 3 hours, including stops. The itinerary gives roughly 2.5 hours of riding in Hafnarfjörður, while the overall activity is listed as three hours. You should treat this as a substantial half-day outing once check-in, changing, and transport are included.

You begin at the riding centre, where you can expect a safety briefing, horse assignment, and time to put on the supplied gear. The team takes pride in finding suitable horses for individual riders, which is especially important when a group includes different levels of confidence.

The ride then moves into the countryside around the centre. The ground can be uneven, and the pace may change depending on the terrain, weather, and ability of the group. You may walk in tighter or rougher sections, then use faster gaits where the route allows.

The scenery is varied enough to keep the ride interesting. Lava fields give you the unmistakable Icelandic feel, while trees, a lake, mountains, and volcanic views soften the stark black-rock setting. On a clear day, the open views are a real reward. In poor weather, they become moodier rather than disappearing altogether.

Wind is part of the equation. One outing took place in very strong wind, yet the horses chosen for the group remained well behaved. That is encouraging, but it is not a promise that every ride will feel calm. Icelandic weather can force changes to the route, pace, or timetable.

Stops are built into the ride. They give you a chance to settle into the horse, take in the surroundings, and let the group stay together. Large cameras and bags cannot come along, so you will need to enjoy the scenery without carrying much equipment.

Matching the right horse to the right rider

The horse selection is one of the strongest parts of this experience. You are not simply handed the nearest available animal. The staff aim to match horses with rider ability and needs, which helps the group stay safer and more comfortable.

Past horse names include Angel, a responsive and forward-moving horse, and Celebration, described as friendly and charismatic. The horses have also been praised for being in good condition, personable after the ride, and comfortable in a group.

That care affects the whole outing. A nervous or mismatched horse can make a scenic ride stressful. A suitable horse lets you pay attention to the tölt, your position, and the changing ground.

You should still be honest about your riding level. The stable defines this tour for strong intermediate riders, roughly people who have ridden 30 times or more and can control a horse at all gaits. Being comfortable at a walk and trot is not enough if you cannot manage a canter.

If you are only comfortable in an arena, choose a beginner-friendly ride instead. This route is not meant to teach you basic control from scratch. The guide can help with technique, but you remain responsible for handling your horse.

What Íshestar supplies, and what you should wear

The centre supplies a useful amount of gear: riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothing or overalls. That is valuable in Iceland, where cold rain and wind can arrive even during a summer afternoon.

You should still bring layers suited to the forecast. Sunglasses, a hat, and gloves are specifically recommended. Gloves are especially practical when you are holding reins in cold weather.

Do not plan to ride with a backpack, large bag, or bulky camera. Safety boxes are available at the riding centre for valuables. A phone may be useful before and after the ride, but this is not a tour built around taking photos while moving.

If you bring riding equipment from home, Iceland has strict biosecurity rules. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, and similar gear must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before entering the country. Used leather gear may not be brought in.

That rule is easy to miss, so check your equipment well before departure. Using the centre’s supplied kit is simpler for most people.

Getting there from Reykjavík

You can meet the group at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, not at the listed riding time. That buffer is used for check-in, changing, fitting a helmet, and horse preparation.

Optional transfers are available from Reykjavík hotels and designated bus stops. Pickup is not a universal door-to-door service, so check the pickup option carefully when booking. If you stay in a private apartment, the operator sends the nearest pickup point by email.

The stated pickup windows are specific. For a 9:00 a.m. Monday tour, you should wait outside your hotel or in the lobby from 8:00 a.m. For the 1:00 p.m. Friday tour, be ready from 11:30 a.m. Pickup points include Reykjavík hotels, the BSI Bus Terminal, Harpa, City Hall, and several city bus stops.

The Viking Tour Express is offered on Mondays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. during winter. In summer, it is offered every day of the week according to the supplied schedule. Because departure times and the overall tour length are presented differently in the booking information, I would confirm both pickup and return timing before fitting this around a flight or another paid activity.

Is $246 a fair price?

At $246 per person, this is not a budget horse ride. You are paying for a small-group outing, a long period in the saddle, horse matching, supplied riding gear, a guide, and optional transport from Reykjavík.

The value improves if you already ride and want to experience the Icelandic horse properly. A short beginner trail ride may cost less, but it will not necessarily include long stretches of tölt and canter. For a strong intermediate rider, the extra cost buys time, speed, and access to a more demanding route.

The small group can also make a difference. With as few as three riders on one past outing, the experience felt close to private instruction. The maximum group size is 12, so you should not assume every departure will be tiny, but it is still more personal than a large coach-style activity.

The price is harder to justify if you are unsure about cantering or mainly want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. In that case, a lower-level tour should give you more enjoyment and less worry.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if Icelandic weather or your wider schedule is still uncertain.

Who should book this ride

This tour suits you if you:

• Ride regularly and can control a horse at walk, trot, tölt, and canter.
• Want several hours in the saddle rather than a brief photo ride.
• Are keen to experience the Icelandic horse’s special gait.
• Can handle uneven ground and changing weather.
• Want countryside scenery close to Reykjavík.
• Prefer a small group to a large commercial outing.

It is not suitable for children under 12, anyone over 110 kilograms or 243 pounds, pregnant participants, or anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Parents must remain in the same group as their children if the riding party is divided.

The age rule also clarifies the broad claim that the activity suits all ages. It can work for families with older children, but it is not a family ride for young children, and every participant still needs the required riding ability.

Should you book the Viking Tour Express?

Book it if you want to ride, not simply sit on a horse. The combination of tölt, canter, volcanic scenery, and a well-run stable makes this one of the stronger choices near Reykjavík for an experienced rider.

I would be especially happy to choose it for a confident intermediate rider who wants to see the countryside without losing a full day to transport. The horses are carefully matched, the equipment removes much of the packing hassle, and the guides have shown a clear focus on safety and horse welfare.

Skip it if you are a beginner, nervous at canter, or looking for a slow family outing. In that case, choose one of Íshestar’s easier rides. For everyone else, confirm the exact duration and pickup time, pack warm layers, and arrive ready for a proper ride across Icelandic ground.

FAQ

How long is the Viking Tour Express?

The activity is listed as three hours, with about 2.5 to 3 hours of actual riding including stops. Some details describe the outing as a five-hour trip, so confirm the exact schedule when booking.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Pickup is optional and is available from Reykjavík hotels or designated bus stops when that option is selected. Private apartment stays are assigned a nearby pickup point by email.

How experienced do I need to be?

You should be a strong intermediate rider who has ridden approximately 30 times or more and can stay in control at all gaits, including canter. This is not a beginner ride.

What equipment is provided?

The riding centre provides a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothing or overalls. You should bring weather-appropriate layers, sunglasses, a hat, and gloves.

What are the age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 12 years. The maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. Pregnant participants cannot join the ride.