Lava fields look different on horseback. Minutes from Reykjavik, this Reykjavík-area tour takes you over ancient lava and across green hills, guided by people who know the ground, the weather, and the Icelandic horses. Expect the smooth tölt gait and wide-open views that feel very Iceland, very fast.

I love two things about this experience. First, the setup at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður is first-rate: changing rooms, well-cared-for horses, and rider gear sized to you. Second, the guides handle mixed experience levels by matching horses to riders and splitting groups so you spend your time actually riding, not just waiting.

One consideration: Iceland cold can still get through. Even with warm overalls and rain gear, hands and feet can freeze, and the tour requires you to mount the horse using your own strength.

Quick take on this Reykjavik horse ride

• Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður: a real riding facility, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík
• Icelandic horses with the tölt gait: smooth, comfortable, and very different from what you may know from other riding
• Group split for pacing: beginners and more experienced riders can ride at the speed that fits them
• Ride through lava fields: guided looks at rock formations, flora, and fauna along the way
• Cold-weather gear included: warm overalls, rainwear, helmet, and rubber boots

Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður: close enough for a half-day

If you want horse riding but only have limited time in Reykjavík, this is a strong option. Íshestar is just outside Hafnarfjörður, roughly a 20-minute drive from the city, so you’re not burning your day on long transfers across Iceland.

The tour has two parts in practice: you start at the stables, then you ride for about 1.5 hours (the riding portion is 1.5–2 hours). After that, you’re dropped back at Reykjavík with many possible stop points. The fact that there are lots of drop-off options around central Reykjavík means less time hunting for a bus or taxi afterward.

Even if you’re not a horse person, I think this location matters. It’s close enough to fit into a normal travel rhythm, but the horses still take you out onto real volcanic terrain. That mix of convenience plus a true Iceland setting is what makes the experience feel worth your time.

From helmet to rubber boots: what’s provided, and what to bring anyway

The stables kit you up, and that’s a big deal in Iceland. You’re offered warm overalls plus rainwear (or a warmer option depending on conditions), along with helmets and rubber boots in your size. The changing rooms are described as well-equipped, which helps because you’re dressing for weather fast.

You also need to plan around two “rules of the ride.” First, you can’t take backpacks or bags onto the tour itself; you can store them at the riding center. Second, you must be able to mount the horse by your own strength. That is not optional, so if mounting is a concern for you, it’s worth discussing ahead of time.

As for what you should still bring, think practical layers. Your hands and feet are the first problem areas when it’s windy and cold, and multiple riders talk about feeling chilled even when they’re wearing the provided gear. If you tend to get cold easily, pack extra warmth for underneath their overalls.

The Icelandic horse tölt: why the gait is the main event

The Icelandic horse is not just “another horse.” A big part of the magic here is the animal’s special smooth gait called tölt. When the guide brings you into that rhythm, it can feel steadier than a typical trot, and it makes the ride feel more effortless even when the terrain is rough and volcanic.

What I like about this is that it’s easy for beginners to experience. You don’t have to be an advanced rider to appreciate the gait, because it’s part of how the horse moves naturally. At the same time, experienced riders often get more opportunities to ride with a faster feel after the group split.

Several riders also mention that the faster group can include trotting and even cantering/galloping moments. That doesn’t mean everyone will do it on every departure, but it does mean you’re not stuck with one pace if you’re comfortable controlling your horse.

Riding through lava fields and green hillsides: what you’ll actually see

This is the core reason to book. You cross lava fields on horseback and move along green hillsides, with guides pointing out rocks, plant life, and other bits of nature you might miss on foot.

The volcanic terrain is part of what makes this tour feel so different from a standard trail ride. Lava shapes the ground in strange, jagged ways, and when you’re seated on a steady Icelandic horse, it turns into a kind of moving geology lesson. You’re not just looking at Iceland from a distance; you’re traveling through it.

Expect the guide to keep the ride structured and safe, especially in colder conditions. Even when it’s windy, the experience is designed to feel controlled rather than chaotic. If you like nature photography, this route also gives you lots of visual variety in a short time, from dark volcanic rock to softer green slopes.

The pacing plan: beginners, faster riders, and group splitting after 15 minutes

A common highlight in the ride is how the guides handle different riding comfort levels. The day often starts as one larger group, then after a short time (many mention about 10–15 minutes), it splits into slower and faster groups.

If you’re new to riding, this is reassuring. You get a chance to settle in without feeling rushed, and you’re more likely to practice basic control at a comfortable pace. If you’re experienced and want more action, the faster group is where riders report trotting, tölt, and sometimes canter/gallop.

I like this system because it respects both kinds of riders. The “fast” group can enjoy speed and the unique gait, while beginners can focus on staying relaxed and learning. It also reduces the classic problem where one person’s slow pace holds everyone back.

The tour flow: pickup, stables prep, the ride, and the Reykjavík drop-off

Here’s the rhythm of the experience. Depending on your departure time, pickup starts about 60 minutes before the tour. For example, pickup is at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM tour and at 1:00 PM for a 2:00 PM tour. Pickup works only from certain hotels or main guesthouses, and if you’re in a private flat, the closest pickup point is communicated by email ahead of time.

At the stables, you meet the guides, get your gear fitted, and go through safety instructions. Riders note that guidance is clear, and the staff checks that everyone feels comfortable. Then you mount up and begin the ride out of Hafnarfjörður.

On the trail, you’re out for about 1.5–2 hours. There can be a photo stop partway through, and the guides also take photos during the ride. That matters because Iceland weather changes fast, and having pictures you don’t have to fight to capture is a real quality-of-life perk.

Finally, you head back and get time to warm up. Many riders mention hot chocolate, tea, or coffee after the ride. Then you’re dropped off around Reykjavík at a long list of stops, with options including areas like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, and central bus/train hubs.

Weather reality near Reykjavík: how to stay comfortable on a windy lava trail

Even in winter, the tour runs with the gear provided, but Iceland weather is Iceland weather. Cold days come with wind, and rain can show up in surprising forms. Several riders stress the importance of wearing the supplied warm overalls and rain gear when conditions turn.

Here’s my practical take: treat your comfort like it’s your job for the first 30 minutes. Once you’re moving, you feel better, but your hands and feet can still get cold if you’re underpacked. If you’ve got hand warmers that work well for you, bring them, but don’t assume they’ll magically solve everything. One rider found hand warmers didn’t fully beat the cold in their boots.

Also, plan on a bit of extra cold exposure during mounting and at photo stops. You’re on a horse, not in a heated vehicle. If you’re the type who gets stiff quickly, bring layers you can adjust, and put extra focus on socks and foot warmth.

Price and value at about $135 per person: what you’re buying

At $135 per person, you’re paying for a short, high-impact Iceland experience with real animals and real volcanic terrain. This price is not just for an outdoor activity; you’re also paying for professional handling, equipment, guide time, and the stables’ facilities.

The value is strongest if you’d otherwise skip horseback riding because of logistics. Here, gear is included (helmet, rubber boots, and warm overalls or rainwear), and pickup options are available from Reykjavík hotels or main guesthouses. That lowers the friction for travelers who don’t want to hunt for cold-weather riding gear or navigate public transport on a tight schedule.

You’re also not paying for a super long tour. The ride itself is about 1.5–2 hours, and even with transfer your total time is up to around 4 hours. For many visitors, that’s a perfect size: enough time to feel it, not so long that it crowds out other parts of your Iceland itinerary.

Who should book, and who should skip this Reykjavik-area horse ride

This tour is best for people who want Iceland nature right near Reykjavík and are comfortable spending time outdoors in cooler weather. It’s described as suitable for families with young children, but the key rule is age: it’s not suitable for children under 7.

It also has a few hard constraints. You must be able to mount the horse by your own strength. It’s not suitable for pregnant women and it’s capped at riders up to 243 lbs (110 kg).

If you’re a total beginner, you can still enjoy it, and the staff is built for mixed experience levels. Many riders mention feeling calm and supported, including those on their first ride. If you’re experienced, the group split means you’re not wasting time at a walking-only pace, and you may get tölt and faster moments depending on your group that day.

If you have mobility limitations that make mounting difficult, this one may be risky for you. Given the requirement, I’d treat this as a deal-breaker unless you can mount independently.

Should you book this lava-field horseback tour near Reykjavik?

Book this if you want a short Iceland experience that feels genuinely Icelandic: volcanic terrain, a guide who keeps things safe, and Icelandic horses with the tölt gait. The included gear, the close-to-Reykjavík location, and the way the ride can split for pacing make it easy to enjoy whether you’re new to riding or looking for a faster feel.

Skip it if cold comfort or mounting ability is a concern. You can be well dressed and still feel chilly, and the mount-on-your-own rule is strict. Also skip if you fall into the tour’s listed limits on age, pregnancy, or weight.

If you fit the basics, I think this is a very solid use of time in Iceland. It gives you a memorable “only-in-Iceland” moment without requiring a full day commitment.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Icelandic Horse Riding Tour?

You meet at Íshestar Riding Tours (in Hafnarfjörður). The meeting point is shown on the tour’s map link provided in the listing.

How long is the horse riding time?

The horse riding portion is 1.5 to 2 hours. With transfer, the full experience is listed as up to 4 hours.

Is pickup available from Reykjavík hotels?

Pickup is optional. It starts 60 minutes before departure, with pickup at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM tour and at 1:00 PM for a 2:00 PM tour. Pickup is only available from some hotels or main guesthouses.

What gear is included?

You get a helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear or a warm outfit for the ride. You’ll also be provided with warm overalls.

Are the guides available in English?

Yes. The guides speak English (and German and Icelandic are also available).

Can I bring a backpack or bags on the ride?

No. You cannot take backpacks or bags with you on the ride, but you can store them at the riding center.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, and riders over 243 lbs (110 kg). Riders must also be able to mount the horse by their own strength.