From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Lava fields plus horses equals a good story. This Reykjavík-area tour lets you cross rough-looking volcanic ground on calm Icelandic mounts, guided by people who know the trails around Hafnarfjörður. The experience is built around two big wins for most riders: excellent facilities at Íshestar Stables and the chance to ride the Icelandic tölt gait.

What I like most is how practical the setup is. You’re given warm overalls, rain gear, rubber boots, and a helmet, and the staff help match horses to riders, including complete beginners who want to feel steady in the saddle. One heads-up: finding the riding area can be slightly confusing if signage isn’t great, so arrive a touch early and check your pickup/drop instructions carefully.

Key things to know before you go

• Real lava fields, not a drive-by: You ride through volcanic terrain and past rock formations shaped by Iceland’s past.
• Tölt is part of the magic: These horses often show their smooth, four-beat gait in a way that feels great on cold, bumpy ground.
• Top-notch stables outside Hafnarfjörður: Íshestar is set up for outdoor riding year-round, with well-equipped changing space.
• Guides focus on safety and comfort: They teach mounting, staying together, and basic riding habits without turning it into a lecture.
• Gear is handled for you: You don’t have to gamble on Iceland weather clothing before you even start riding.
• Most riders get photos or help with them: More than one guest mentioned guides taking photos for the group.

Íshestar Stables: the gateway to Reykjavík’s lava trails

You’re not going far to get the Iceland wow-factor. Íshestar Riding Tours sits just outside Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, so you get that countryside feeling without losing half a day to transit.

When you arrive, the vibe is organized and outdoorsy in the best way. The changing rooms are described as well-equipped, and that matters because Iceland weather has its own opinion. You’ll be able to get your layers sorted and feel ready before you meet your horse.

Then there’s the horses. Icelandic horses have a reputation for being sturdy and capable, and this tour leans into that. The staff take time to find horses that fit different needs, so beginners aren’t automatically forced into a one-size-fits-none experience.

If you’re a returning rider, you’ll still appreciate how the operation is built for different comfort levels. Guests reported being grouped by riding confidence, with slower groups staying together while others had chances to do more active riding depending on skill.

Riding through lava fields: what you’re actually doing out there

This tour’s heart is simple: you ride out into volcanic terrain and green hillsides near Hafnarfjörður, following marked trails rather than guessing your way across a dramatic wasteland.

What makes the ride special is the contrast. Lava fields look harsh from a distance—sharp, dark, and uneven—but on horseback they feel more like a textured path through a landform. You’ll pass interesting rocks and see how vegetation has taken hold in pockets of green. It’s not just scenery. It’s geology you can move through.

You’ll also spend meaningful time in motion. The riding portion runs about 1.5 hours, and that’s long enough to settle into the rhythm, get comfortable with the horse in front of you, and stop staring at your boots long enough to notice the surroundings.

One practical detail that affects the experience: you can’t take backpacks or bags on the ride. There are safety boxes at the riding centre for valuables. That’s common for horseback tours, but it’s worth planning for so you don’t show up with your entire camera kit strapped on your back.

The tölt gait: why these horses feel so different

If you’ve only ridden mainstream horse breeds, Icelandic horses can feel like a different species. Many riders come for the lava fields, but they stay for the gait.

The key term here is tölt, a smooth, distinctive four-beat walk. On this tour, your guide may encourage the horses into that gait so you get the feel of riding that doesn’t beat you up the way some rough, faster walking can.

I like tölt because it turns long outdoor riding into something more relaxing. Cold ground, wind, and uneven rock are still there—but with the right gait, your body doesn’t constantly fight for balance. Several guests specifically mentioned being able to experience tölt firsthand, including riders who considered themselves experienced.

What to expect: you don’t need to be an expert rider. The guide’s job is to keep groups moving together, and the horse’s natural movement helps you focus on staying comfortable and looking around.

The Reykjavík-to-Hafnarfjörður flow: pickup, ride, and return

This is a half-day style tour with optional transfer, designed so you can fit it into a Reykjavík itinerary without stress.

Pickup timing and where you’ll meet

Pickup starts about 60 minutes before tour departure. The schedule example given is:

• 9:00 AM pickup for a 10:00 AM tour
• 1:00 PM pickup for a 2:00 PM tour

Pickup is only possible from hotels or main guesthouses. If you’re staying in a private flat, the closest pickup point is sent to you by email before your tour. After the ride, the activity ends back at the meeting point.

That structure helps if you hate wandering Reykjavík looking for a tour van. But if you’re in a small rental outside the pickup network, make sure you read the email instructions closely.

What happens during the ride window

After pickup and arrival at Íshestar, you’ll get help getting ready, then head onto the trails. Riders reported having time to acquaint themselves with their horses before setting off, which is huge if you’re nervous or completely new.

During the ride, guides focus on keeping the group together. Guests described guides making sure everyone stays safe and supported, and some were also very chatty—sharing information about Icelandic horses and the area while you ride.

One fun detail from a rider’s account: a guide named Sonya was specifically mentioned for helpful history and explanation. Even if your guide isn’t Sonya, expect that human touch.

Drop-off options

After riding, you’ll be dropped back across multiple Reykjavík locations, including major hotels, bus stops, and hubs like Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja. That makes it easier to return without rethinking dinner plans or where you’ll stash wet gear afterward.

What you get for the $141 price (and why it’s fair)

Let’s talk value. At about $141 per person, you’re paying for more than just time on a horse. You’re paying for a controlled, safety-first operation that provides the heavy-lift gear and guidance.

Here’s what’s included:

• Horse riding as per the schedule
• English-speaking guidance (German and Icelandic available on request)
• Helmet use
• Rubber boots
• Rainwear or warm outfit for the ride

For Iceland, gear is not a small thing. If you show up without proper protection, a 1.5-hour ride turns into a cold, uncomfortable mess. The fact that overalls and rainwear are provided shifts the cost from clothing risk to an experience that stays enjoyable even in nasty weather.

Also, the staff’s ability to match horses to riders matters. Riders reported feeling safe even as first-timers, and they praised guides for teaching procedures before stepping onto the trail. When an activity is safety-sensitive, that staff time is part of the price—good operators charge accordingly.

If you’re hoping for a short, cheap adrenaline hit, this isn’t that. If you want a guided nature experience with a strong sense of place, this price makes more sense.

Safety, comfort, and the Iceland weather reality check

Horse riding in Iceland isn’t just picturesque. It’s outdoors. The wind can cut, the ground can be slick, and the temperature can swing fast.

The good news is you’ll be geared for it. Guests repeatedly mention that overalls and rain gear were provided, even when conditions were wet, windy, snowy, and cold. This is where being in a stable operation pays off. You’re not guessing how warm to dress; you get the right layer system for the ride.

Gear rules you should plan around

Two details can trip people up if you don’t read them:

• You can’t bring backpacks or bags on the ride. Use the safety boxes at the centre for valuables.
• If you bring used leather riding gear, you must meet Iceland’s gear rules. Riding gear (boots, trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving. Used leather may not be brought into the country.

If you arrive with your own non-leather riding boots and jacket, you should still think about how wet conditions can soak into fabric. The provided gear likely reduces that worry.

Mounting and rider limits

You must be able to mount the horse by your own strength. There’s also a weight limit: not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg), and children under 7 aren’t suitable.

These aren’t “fine print” issues. They’re the difference between an enjoyable day and a painful one. If you’re on the edge, it’s worth checking before you book.

Group riding: beginners are welcome, but expectations should be realistic

This is one of those tours where you can feel confident even if you’ve never ridden before. Multiple guests said beginners were taught what to do, felt safe, and received help in the early stages so they could relax.

Guides also appear to manage groups in a smart way. Several riders described being split by riding confidence. The slower group might spend more time on calm pace and steady control, while other riders get a chance for more dynamic riding if they’re comfortable.

That approach keeps everyone safe. It also explains why some people mention opportunities for tölt, while others mention more active options like joining a group for faster riding. You’re not expected to do everything; you’re guided to the level that fits your comfort.

Who should book this Reykjavík horse riding tour through lava fields?

I think this tour fits best if you:

• Want a half-day activity that feels fully Iceland, not a city-only excursion
• Like the idea of geology you can experience up close from horseback
• Have beginners in your group (and want them to feel supported)
• Want a smooth riding experience thanks to tölt, not just clopping along at random

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need easy special physical assistance with mounting (the tour requires you can mount by your own strength)
• Are over the stated weight limit
• Hate the idea of no backpacks on the ride and using safety boxes instead

Families can work well here too. The tour description notes it’s suitable for all ages, with a specific child discount for ages 7 to 15. Just remember that children under 7 aren’t suitable.

Should you book this Íshestar Lava Fields ride?

If you’re visiting Reykjavík and want an activity that feels like Iceland’s real outdoors—volcanic terrain, green hillsides, and Icelandic horses with tölt—this is a strong bet.

Book it if you value:

• Provided gear that keeps you warm and dry enough to enjoy the ride
• Calm, well-cared-for horses and safety-focused guidance
• A short trip window that still feels like a real nature experience

Skip it (or ask questions first) if you don’t meet the physical mounting requirement or if the backpack/no-bag rule would be a hassle for your day.

If your main goal is a smooth, guided ride that’s close enough to Reykjavík to fit easily, you’ll likely be happy with this one.