Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Iceland’s horses are different, and that’s the point. This short ride takes you from the stable at Ishestar into moss-covered lava fields with guide support, so you can focus on the experience instead of worrying about getting it wrong. I especially like the way the team sets you up with proper gear and a clear introduction to riding the Icelandic horse.

Two things I’d highlight for you: the scenery time is well spent, with panoramic Bláfjöll views and a route that actually feels like you’re out in Iceland, and the guides coach riders in a practical way (one guide named Barbora is praised for teaching tölt technique and horse know-how). The one real drawback to plan around is the ride is weather-dependent—bad conditions can mean a date change.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the ride

• Beginner-first setup at Ishestar, with guidance and safety focus from the start
• Moss-covered lava fields on the route, so the terrain is Iceland, not a generic trail
• Bláfjöll mountain views that give the ride a bigger sense of place
• Icelandic horse coaching, including tölt technique for riders who want to learn more
• Small group size (max 15), which keeps the ride calmer and more personal

Horseback Riding in Reykjavik: what happens in your 50 minutes

Think of this as a “try it” ride that still feels meaningful. You’ll start at the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, get checked in, and spend about 50 minutes on horseback in the surrounding area. It’s short enough to fit into a busy Iceland schedule, but long enough that you’ll actually settle into the rhythm of riding and notice the horse’s different movement patterns.

The route is built around classic Iceland visuals: riding paths that take you past moss-covered lava fields, with wide views when the ground opens up. In plain terms, you’re not just sitting on a horse in place—you’re moving through terrain that feels unmistakably Icelandic.

Also, this isn’t a “drop you in and hope” style. The guides are experienced, and the tour is described as designed for beginners. That matters because Icelandic horses can feel distinctive under you, especially if you’re used to other horse breeds.

Getting ready at Sörlaskeið 26: gear that makes cold rides easy

This tour includes the gear that usually turns horseback riding from fun into misery in Iceland: a helmet, rubber boots, and rain wear or warm overalls, plus guidance from the staff. If you’ve ever shown up for outdoor fun without the right layers, you know how much that saves your trip.

You’ll meet at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, and you should arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time isn’t wasted; it gives you breathing room for check-in, fitting boots and gear, and getting ready without rushing. The meeting point is noted as being near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t want to rely entirely on a car.

One practical note: the tour has a weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs. If you’re near that limit, don’t assume; confirm before you go.

The ride itself: mossy lava fields and real Iceland scenery

The heart of the experience is the route through moss-covered lava fields. That’s a big deal in Iceland because lava landscapes can look dramatic and otherworldly from a distance, but up close they can be soft, textured, and surprisingly alive under a blanket of moss.

Expect the ride to follow paths through that terrain, guided at a pace that works for beginners. You won’t be expected to do advanced riding tricks—your job is to stay balanced, follow the guide’s instructions, and enjoy what’s around you. As you move, the lava-and-moss patterning creates a visual “map” of where you are in the countryside, and that makes the ride feel more like exploration than sightseeing.

If you’re thinking about photos: plan for some variation in light and weather. Iceland can change fast, and the route is outdoors the whole time. The tour includes rain or warm gear for a reason.

Bláfjöll mountain views: where the scenery pays you back

You’ll also get panoramic views of the Bláfjöll mountains and the surrounding area. Even though the ride is under an hour, the views give you that satisfying feeling of “I’m actually out here.”

Why it matters: short activities often struggle to deliver a sense of place. This one does it by combining motion (you’re riding) with viewpoint moments (when the ground opens up and you can see out). The guides help keep the experience smooth so you can look up at the mountains when you get the chance.

The ride is in the Hafnarfjörður/Reykjavik area, so you’re not trekking for hours to reach stunning scenery. Instead, you’re swapping time on the road for time on a horse—which, in Iceland, tends to feel more memorable.

Meet the Icelandic horse: tölt coaching and why it’s worth learning

The tour is built around getting familiar with the Icelandic horse, and that’s where this experience can go from simple to genuinely special.

If you’re new to horseback riding, you’ll likely focus on basics: how to sit, how to follow the guide, and how to communicate with the horse through your balance and cues. But if you want to learn more, the coaching can go beyond “stay calm.” In one highlighted experience, a guide named Barbora is praised for teaching the tölt correctly, along with explaining the Icelandic horse’s origins and details like shoeing style and the land where they’re bred.

You don’t need to be an equestrian to benefit from this. What you’ll gain is a clearer picture of what makes Icelandic horses different—especially if you notice that their movement can feel smoother or distinct compared to what people expect from a standard walk/trot rhythm.

The “small group” advantage: calmer riding and more attention

The tour caps at 15 travelers, and that shows in how the experience can feel. Smaller groups generally mean fewer waits, less crowding at the stable, and more chances to ask questions while you’re getting your bearings.

One detail that comes up in the feedback: people mention having time to be near the horses in the stable area before or after the ride. That kind of extra contact helps you connect the animal to the real experience, not just the moment you mount.

Also, because this is listed as English-offered, you’ll get explanations that help you understand what you’re doing. Even if your riding experience is minimal, you’ll likely leave knowing how to approach the horse more confidently next time.

Price and value: is $135.16 worth a 50-minute ride?

At about $135.16 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. It’s also not priced like a full-day guided excursion. So the value question comes down to what you’ll take away from the time you have.

Here’s how I’d judge it:

• You’re paying for a guided ride in real Iceland terrain, including gear rental (helmet, boots, rain or warm overalls) and staff support.
• The experience is short, which means you’re buying a focused chunk of Iceland rather than committing a big block of your day.
• It’s beginner-oriented, so you’re not paying extra for an advanced skill drill—you’re paying for a safe introduction that still has scenery.

If you’re trying to fit a horseback experience into a tight Reykjavik-area schedule, this can be a good use of money. If you’re hoping for a long trek or multiple riding hours, you might feel the duration is brief. In that case, you’d likely want a longer horseback option elsewhere.

Weather reality: what good Iceland planning looks like

This activity is described as requiring good weather. Iceland is not always cooperative, and horseback riding doesn’t work well when conditions make the ground unsafe or the experience miserable.

The good news is that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Since your ride depends on conditions, I suggest you keep the day flexible when possible and avoid scheduling other high-commitment plans right around the same time window.

Who should book this ride (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if you:

• are a beginner or want guided support right away
• want authentic Iceland scenery without a long travel day
• care about learning something about Icelandic horses, not just posing for photos

It may feel like less of a fit if you:

• expect a long ride or extensive trekking time
• need a very specialized riding style beyond basic instruction
• are uncomfortable with a weather-dependent outdoor activity

Also, note the weight limit and plan gear accordingly. If you’re within the limit, you’ll be in good shape because the tour includes boots and outerwear suited for Iceland’s conditions.

A smooth way to fit it into your day in Reykjavik

Since the meeting point is in Hafnarfjörður (near Reykjavik) and you return to the same spot, this is easy to plug into a day plan. The key is timing: arrive 30 minutes early so your check-in doesn’t turn into a scramble.

If you’re juggling multiple activities, treat this like a “reset” experience. You’ll get outdoors time, a change of pace, and a guided adventure that doesn’t require you to be an expert rider. And because the ride is only about 50 minutes, you won’t lose your whole afternoon.

Should you book Ishestar’s beginner horseback tour near Reykjavik?

I’d say you should book if you want a guided, beginner-friendly horse experience that’s genuinely Iceland on the ground: moss-covered lava fields, mountain views, and time learning how Icelandic horses move and how to ride them with confidence.

I’d hold off if you’re chasing a half-day or full-day horseback trip, or if you’re traveling with a schedule that can’t flex if weather forces a change. Also, if you already know you want advanced training, this tour’s shorter format may feel limiting.

For most people—especially first-timers—it hits a sweet spot: enough instruction and comfort to keep it easy, and enough Iceland scenery to make the time feel worth it.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 50 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

You’ll meet at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $135.16 per person.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. The tour is designed especially for beginners, with experienced guides and safety-focused guidance.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes riding helmets, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance.

What should I bring?

The tour does not include food or beverages, so plan accordingly. You’ll be provided outerwear/rain gear or warm overalls, as well as boots and a helmet.

What if the weather is bad?

This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.