A horse ride in Iceland hits different. You’ll move through moss-covered lava fields with help from guides, then look out over mountain panoramas in just about 50 minutes. I love how beginner-friendly it feels, and I also love that gear and safety setup are included so you can focus on the ride. One thing to consider: the tour depends on good weather, so you’ll want flexibility in your schedule.

You’ll meet at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre (Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður) and get fitted with what you need: a helmet, rubber boots, and either rain wear or warm overalls, depending on conditions. Plan to arrive early, watch the safety basics, and you’re off on a guided ride designed around comfort and confidence.

Key points to know before you go

• Beginner-first route on riding paths through lava landscapes, not a technical trek
• All the riding gear provided, including helmet and rubber boots
• Panoramic mountain views over the Bláfjöll area and surrounding countryside
• You’ll learn the Icelandic horse, plus practical coaching if your guide offers it
• Small group size (max 15), which keeps things personal and easier for first-timers
• Short duration (about 50 minutes), so it’s a great add-on even if you’re not planning a full-day tour

The 50-Minute Icelandic Horse Ride: What You Actually Get

This is a compact horseback experience that starts at Ishestar and loops you back to the same meeting point. The ride itself is about 50 minutes, so you’re not committing to a half-day in the saddle. That’s a real advantage in Iceland, where weather, road conditions, and energy levels can change fast.

You’re also not going in blind. The guides are there for safety and for teaching you how to ride comfortably on the Icelandic horse. If you’ve never been on a horse before, this setup matters. You’ll get help adjusting to the horse’s rhythm and handling basics before you head out into the lava-and-moss scenery.

Cost-wise, $135.16 per person isn’t cheap, but the value is in what’s included: safety gear, riding boots, weather layers, and live guidance. It’s also in the setting. Iceland isn’t a place where you have many chances to ride through real nature so close to Reykjavik.

Ishestar Centre Prep: Gear, Safety, and Getting Oriented Fast

You’ll meet at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður and you should be there 30 minutes before departure. That timing is worth respecting. In places like this, being on time means you can get fitted without stress and get your bearings before everyone mounts.

At the centre, you’ll be provided with:

• A riding helmet
• Rubber boots
• Rain wear or warm overalls
• Guidance from the staff

This matters more than it sounds. Iceland weather can turn quickly, and rubber boots keep your footing stable on uneven ground. Warm overalls or rain gear means you can stay focused on the ride instead of shivering through it.

You’ll also get a safety briefing first. Some rides also include time to settle in at the stable area before heading out. If you’re the type who likes to watch quietly for a minute before you go, that’s usually a good fit.

Entering the Ride: Moss-Covered Lava Fields and Big Views

Once you’re mounted, the scenery does the heavy lifting. Your ride goes through moss-covered lava fields and along riding paths that let you enjoy the landscape without feeling like you’re wrestling the terrain.

This part of Iceland is all texture. Lava fields look dramatic from a distance, but close up they’re a patchwork of rock shapes and soft moss. It’s the kind of environment where the horse’s steady movement turns the landscape into something you can actually take in, rather than just look at from a bus window.

And then you get the views. The ride includes panoramic looks out toward the Bláfjöll mountains area and the surrounding landscape. Even on a short ride, mountain views give you that classic Iceland feeling: wide sky, long sightlines, and a sense of real space.

The Icelandic Horse: Comfort for Beginners and Real Coaching When You Need It

You’re not just riding a horse here. You’re meeting the Icelandic horse, which has a distinct style and movement compared to many other breeds you might see elsewhere.

For beginners, the biggest win is that the experience is designed to help you feel safe and comfortable. The guides are there to manage the ride pace and help you handle basics correctly.

What surprised me from the ride accounts is how much coaching can happen when you ask for it. Some guides focus on technique you can actually feel right away, like how to ride the tölt (a distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse). One example from a guide experience: Barbora gave extra coaching on tölt and talked through topics like the horse’s origins, its union, and shoeing style. If you end up with someone like that, you’ll likely leave with more than just photos. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes this breed special.

Even if you’re not getting a one-on-one training session, it’s still a good way to learn the basics of riding an Icelandic horse in a real outdoor setting, not a classroom.

Route Feel: A Ride That Balances Thrill and Ease

The ride is built for beginners, which means you’ll get the thrill without the chaos. That’s the ideal combo for a first horse experience: you feel like you’re doing something cool and Iceland-y, but you’re not left to figure everything out alone.

At the same time, it isn’t a slow, stroller-style tour. You will move through the terrain at a pace that lets you enjoy the route. If you’ve got prior riding experience, you may find your guide can adjust the pace so you’re not stuck in a crawl. One rider described being set up well for their experience level, which is a smart way to run a beginners-centered activity.

Also, your group stays small. Maximum group size is 15 travelers, which makes it easier for guides to watch hands, posture, and comfort. For you, that means fewer distractions and more attention when you need it.

Price and Value: Why $135 Can Make Sense Here

Let’s talk value in plain terms. You’re paying $135.16 for about 50 minutes of guided riding plus equipment. That sounds like a short time until you remember what’s included in Iceland:

• A helmet and rubber boots (so you’re not buying gear just for this)
• Rain wear or warm overalls (the weather clothes are a real cost saver)
• Guidance from staff who manage safety and help you ride comfortably
• A ride through a landscape you can’t easily replicate on your own without logistics

What’s not included is food or beverages. So you’ll want to plan around that. A short ride is perfect as an activity window, but Iceland days often include snacks and hot drinks. If you get hungry afterward, you’ll be making that decision yourself.

One more timing note: the tour is often booked in advance (on average, 23 days). You don’t have to panic-book, but it’s also not the kind of thing I’d leave to chance if your dates are fixed.

Bottom line: if you want an authentic Iceland experience that feels active, guided, and scenic, this is one of the clearer value bets near Reykjavik.

Timing and Weather: How to Make the Ride More Comfortable

Because this experience requires good weather, you should treat it like a plan with a weather-dependent heartbeat. If conditions aren’t right, the activity will be rescheduled or you’ll get a refund.

So how do you handle that? You plan your day with a little breathing room. If horseback riding is high on your list, try not to jam it between two long tours that have no flexibility. You’ll also want to wear sensible layers underneath what you’ll get from the centre, since Iceland wind can sneak into sleeves.

The good part is that the centre provides warm or rain protection depending on what day you ride. That takes a major guesswork issue off your plate.

Who Should Book This Ride (and Who Might Think Twice)

This tour fits best if:

• You’re a beginner or returning rider who wants structure and safety support
• You want a short, scenic nature experience that doesn’t swallow your whole day
• You’re curious about the Icelandic horse and would enjoy learning how it moves and is managed
• You want something close enough to Reykjavik to do without complex planning

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re looking for a long trail ride lasting several hours
• You don’t like weather uncertainty and you can’t shift your schedule if conditions change
• You’re over the stated weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs

Also, since it’s offered in English, it’s a comfortable fit for English speakers. If you rely on another language, you’ll want to check that your needs are covered before booking.

Should You Book Ishestar for a 50-Minute Horseback Ride?

If your goal is an authentic Iceland experience that’s active, scenic, and not complicated, I’d book this. It’s short enough to fit into a real itinerary, but it’s still long enough to feel like you left the tourist lane and stepped into something specific: mossy lava ground, mountain views, and a horse that’s unmistakably Iceland.

The biggest reasons to say yes are simple: the gear and guidance are included, and the ride route is designed for comfort while still delivering wow-factor scenery. If you’re lucky with your guide, you may even get hands-on coaching on how to ride the Icelandic horse’s tölt and learn more about the breed and its traditions, like what happened with Barbora for one rider.

One careful note before you click confirm: give yourself a bit of weather flexibility. Iceland can be calm or cranky, and this experience runs when conditions are right.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre.

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The duration is about 50 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is $135.16 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is included with the tour?

Included are riding helmets, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance.

What is not included?

Food or beverages are not included.

How early should I arrive?

Please be at the riding center 30 minutes prior to departure.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs.

What is the weather policy if conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.