Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

The special thing here is the Icelandic horse, a compact, sturdy breed descended from horses brought by Viking settlers in the 10th century. You ride through lava fields, moorland, lakes, and volcanic country, then learn why the horse’s famous tölt feels so smooth on rough ground.

I like the careful split by ability after the instructors watch you ride. I also like the practical Icelandic approach: helmets, boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are provided, followed by coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The main catch is the weather, which can turn windy or wet quickly, and you must be able to mount from the ground without help.

Key points before you saddle up

• Ride the tölt: Intermediate and experienced riders may get several chances to try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive four-beat gait.
• Groups match ability: Beginners ride at a calm pace, while stronger riders can choose a faster group when conditions allow.
• Lava-field scenery: The route passes volcanic ground, moorland, lakes, and mountain views close to Reykjavik.
• Pickup is optional: You can arrange transport from selected Reykjavik pickup points, or drive to the Hafnarfjörður stables yourself.
• Weather gear is included: Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls are supplied.
• Important limits: The minimum age is 7, the weight limit is 110 kilograms or 240 pounds, and riders must mount independently.

Riding a Viking-era breed near Reykjavik

Ishestar’s riding center is at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, south of Reykjavik. The setting gives you a quick change of scene without committing to a full-day excursion. Soon after leaving the city, you are among volcanic ground and open countryside rather than traffic and city buildings.

The horses are central to the experience, not just a way to reach a viewpoint. Before you ride, your instructor introduces you to the breed and explains its calm nature, sturdy build, and special gaits. Icelandic horses are often called ponies because of their size, but they are strong, sure-footed riding horses built for this terrain.

The tölt is the feature most experienced riders will be watching for. It is a four-beat gait that keeps one foot on the ground at a time, producing a notably steady ride. You may learn to ease your horse into it, but the opportunity depends on your ability, the horse, the trail, and the guide’s judgment.

That matters because the tour is not simply a slow photo ride. It aims to give beginners a safe introduction while offering more experienced riders a little freedom and speed. The balance is one of its strongest points.

Arrival, instruction, and getting the right horse

If you arrange pickup, choose from the listed Reykjavik points when booking. Pickup must be pre-booked, and a hotel may not have direct service. If your accommodation is not listed, contact the operator to find the nearest approved pickup point. The pickup may be from a nearby bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel.

Driving yourself is also possible. In that case, arrive at the stables 30 minutes before the scheduled start. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it easier to plan around a rental car or another Reykjavik activity.

At the stable, tell the instructor honestly about your riding background. You will be assessed as a beginner, intermediate rider, or experienced rider. This is not the place to exaggerate your ability. The staff need a clear picture so they can match you with an appropriate horse and keep the group under control.

A short instructional video comes next. You then put on the provided gear and receive basic guidance before mounting. The equipment includes a helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. Used riding gear from outside is not permitted on the tour or around the horses, so plan to use the stable’s equipment.

One practical point deserves special attention: there is no promise of a mounting block. Every rider must be able to get onto the horse from the ground using their own strength. If that would be difficult, this is not the right activity for you.

How the two-hour ride is organized

The tour lasts about two hours, though that includes the arrival process, fitting gear, instruction, and the ride itself. Once you are mounted, you set off behind your instructor.

The first part allows the staff to watch how everyone handles the horse. Then the larger group is divided according to ability and comfort. Beginners take an easier route at a slower pace. Intermediate and experienced riders may follow more demanding routes and ride at a quicker pace.

This division is especially useful for families or friends with mixed experience. A complete beginner can enjoy the ride without being pushed into a trot, while a capable rider may get opportunities to trot, tölt, or possibly canter and gallop when the instructor considers it suitable. The supplied feedback indicates that faster groups can be divided again, so intermediate riders do not necessarily have to join the most advanced pace.

Still, this is a guided group ride, not a private lesson. Group size can reach 30 people, although several instructors may be present and the ride is split into smaller groups. You should expect some waiting and spacing between horses, especially when the ride begins or the group changes pace.

Tell your instructor if you want to slow down or ride faster. A good guide can adjust the experience within the limits of safety and trail conditions. The ability to speak up is important, since comfort levels vary widely even among people with similar riding backgrounds.

Lava fields, moorland, and volcanic views

The scenery is the other major reason to book this ride. The route crosses lava fields and moorland, with volcanic mountains and lakes appearing along the way. Iceland’s rough volcanic ground feels different from a standard forest trail, and the horse gives you a slower, quieter view of it.

The lava fields are particularly memorable because you can study the uneven textures and dark rock at close range rather than seeing them from a bus window. Moorland opens the view, while the mountains and lakes provide broader points of interest. The scenery changes with the weather, so a clear morning can bring sharp views, while clouds, wind, or rain create a more rugged mood.

Several riders have found early rides especially rewarding for sunrise and snowy mountain views. That does not mean every morning will deliver the same light, but an early start can add a striking quality to the route. Check the available morning and afternoon times and choose based on your own schedule, weather forecast, and preference for light.

The guides also explain the horses and the area as you ride. That information gives the route more meaning. You are not simply passing through volcanic country; you are learning how this breed fits Iceland’s riding tradition and terrain.

Weather gear is not optional in spirit

Icelandic weather can change fast. One minute may feel manageable, and the next can bring strong wind or rain across the open ground. The stable supplies rain gear and warm overalls, and you should use them even if the sky looks friendly at the start.

Wear layers beneath the provided clothing. A hat or ear protection can help in windy conditions, but make sure anything you wear is secure around the horses. Rubber boots are included, which is useful because the trail can be wet and muddy. Do not bring your best shoes or clothes.

The right clothing affects your enjoyment more than the price of the tour. A cold, wet rider has little attention left for the scenery or the horses. Treat this as an outdoor Iceland activity, not a polished stable visit, and you will be better prepared.

Poor weather can also lead to cancellation. If the operator cancels because conditions are unsafe, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted.

The horses and the riding experience

The horses are described as gentle, well trained, and friendly, with distinct personalities. That makes the ride approachable for first-time riders, but you still need to listen carefully and treat the animals with respect.

The staff’s handling of the horses is one of the most important parts of the outing. Guides provide instructions, help riders settle in, and keep an eye on the group. The best moments come when you stop thinking about steering every step and begin to notice the horse’s rhythm, the open air, and the ground passing beneath you.

Beginners should expect a calm ride rather than an instant lesson in advanced gaits. The staff may keep you at a walk while you learn basic control and balance. That is a good thing. The goal is a safe first experience, not a rushed attempt to copy a skilled rider.

Riders with past experience have more to look forward to. The faster group may offer trots and repeated opportunities to try the tölt. Some very experienced riders may be able to canter or gallop, but that is not guaranteed. It depends on the group, route, horses, and instructor.

The tour works well for a family with different ability levels, though children under 18 must ride with an adult. Children must be at least 7 years old. Up to two children or young riders may travel with each adult, with each paying the full fare.

What the $133.02 price buys you

At $133.02 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity around Reykjavik. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

You are paying for a roughly two-hour organized ride, an instructor, a suitable horse, safety equipment, warm clothing, and access to scenery that would be difficult to reach on foot in the same time. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate after the ride adds a small but welcome comfort. Pickup costs depend on the option you select, so check that you have chosen a package with transport if you need it.

For a beginner, the price is easier to justify because the equipment and group sorting remove much of the work involved in arranging a first ride. You do not need to bring riding gear, and you receive a proper introduction to the breed and basic riding method.

For an experienced rider, the value rests on the chance to try the tölt in Iceland and ride through volcanic terrain. If you only want a fast, private riding session, a large group could feel limiting. If you want a guided introduction to Icelandic horses with scenery included, the price is reasonable for a half-day-sized plan that does not consume your whole day.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to you if you love animals, want time outside, and have at least moderate physical fitness. It suits complete beginners because the horses are selected for ability and the group is divided after instruction. It also suits confident riders who want a faster pace and a chance to try the tölt.

It is a good choice for families with children old enough to ride and adults who can accompany them. It also works well for friends with mixed riding backgrounds, provided everyone accepts that the group may split and the pace may differ.

I would hesitate if you dislike wind, rain, mud, or outdoor clothing. I would also skip it if you cannot mount independently, are pregnant, exceed the 110-kilogram weight limit, or want a private ride with no waiting. The operator also requires moderate physical fitness, so this is not a passive sightseeing tour.

Practical details that can save your ride

Book pickup carefully. Only selected Reykjavik pickup points are served, and an unlisted hotel may require you to walk to a nearby bus stop. If you are driving, arrive 30 minutes early rather than cutting it close.

Bring a secure phone or camera only if you can carry it safely. The horses and weather matter more than getting constant photographs. Wear layers and expect your outer clothing and footwear to get dirty.

Do not bring outside riding gear near the horses. Use the supplied helmet, boots, rain gear, and warm overall. Listen to the instructor about mounting, spacing, speed, and the tölt, even if you have ridden for years.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book it if you want a genuine Icelandic horse experience close to Reykjavik, especially if your group includes both beginners and experienced riders. The well-planned ability split, strong scenery, included weather gear, and warm drink afterward make this more than a basic pony ride.

Think twice if a group of up to 30 feels too large or if you need guaranteed fast riding. The best fit is a flexible rider who enjoys the horses, accepts changing weather, and sees the trail itself as part of the experience. For that person, this is a memorable way to meet Iceland’s famous breed without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the Icelandic horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is included only with the tour option that specifically lists it. You must pre-book pickup and choose from the available Reykjavik pickup points. If your hotel is not listed, contact the operator to find the nearest pickup point.

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The experience lasts about two hours. This includes the arrival process, instruction, equipment, and guided riding.

What equipment does Ishestar provide?

The stable provides helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm overalls. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is also included after the ride.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. You tell the instructor your riding ability, and the group is divided into beginner, intermediate, and experienced riders after the staff watch you ride. Beginners follow easier routes at a slower pace.

What is the age and weight limit?

Riders must be at least 7 years old and weigh no more than 110 kilograms or 240 pounds. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.