Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Mossy lava and a calm Icelandic horse. This 50-minute tour from Reykjavik area gets you moving fast, with a beginner-friendly ride through quiet terrain and big Icelandic horse scenery near the Bláfjöll Mountains.

I love two things here. First, the all gear included setup, helmets plus rubber boots, plus either rain wear or warm overalls. Second, the way the guides use the ride to teach you how to feel comfortable on the Icelandic horse, including tölt coaching if you want it.

The only real drawback is that it is short, about 50 minutes, and there is no food or beverages included.

Key points before you book

• 50 minutes on horseback through moss-covered lava paths around Hafnarfjörður
• Helmet, rubber boots, and weather layers provided (rain wear or warm overalls)
• Max 15 travelers plus a 110 kg / 240 lbs weight limit
• Bláfjöll panoramic views and plenty of time to look around
• Beginner-focused guidance from experienced staff, with chances for more personal coaching
• English-led tour with a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking

Entering the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre near Reykjavik

Most Reykjavik horseback tours mean a bit of travel and a bit of waiting. This one keeps things simple. You meet at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, and the experience starts right there at the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre. It is also described as near public transportation, which matters if you are not renting a car.

The center setup is built for different comfort levels. If you are not riding, you are not just standing around. You can watch what is happening and learn the rhythm before you get on a horse. That is a big deal if you have never ridden before, because nerves drop when you know what comes next.

Also, the group cap is 15. That is small enough for real attention. You are not fighting for the guide’s eyes every time something feels unfamiliar.

Gear, timing, and what you should expect 30 minutes before

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That pre-game time usually includes check-in, fitting, and getting suited up. The good news is you do not need to show up with your own helmet or boots. Ishestar provides the essentials: riding helmets, rubber boots, and rain wear or warm overalls.

That gear list is practical for Iceland. Weather changes quickly, and the ground can be slick. Rubber boots help on wet paths and in barn areas. Warm overalls matter when the air has that bite even if it looks bright outside.

You should also expect a safety run-through. The tour format includes guidance from the staff, and the ride is led by experienced guides who aim to make first-timers feel safe and comfortable.

One more timing note: the tour is about 50 minutes in total. That means the window for learning and relaxing is tight, so listening and following directions pays off.

The ride route: moss-covered lava fields and Bláfjöll panoramas

This tour is famous for one thing: it gets you onto an Icelandic horse and into scenery that feels very “Iceland” quickly. You ride through moss-covered lava fields, along riding paths with big views over the area.

You also get a panoramic look toward the Bláfjöll Mountains. Even if you have seen mountain photos already, it hits differently from the saddle. The horizon feels wider, and you notice details like how moss grows across rough ground and how the terrain shifts from one path to another.

What you should watch for on the ride:

• Changes in footing, especially on mossy sections
• How the horse moves at a steady pace, then settles again
• Your chance to stop briefly for photos when the route allows it

A short ride has a hidden upside. You are not stuck in a long day of weather and waiting. You get a strong sample, then you are free to explore Reykjavik or nearby attractions afterward.

Beginner-friendly Icelandic riding, with real coaching

If you are a complete beginner, you are not just getting handed reins and hoped-for luck. This tour is designed for riders who want the thrill without the intimidation. The guides are experienced, and they focus on making you safe, comfortable, and able to enjoy the ride.

From the reviews, I like the way coaching is described. One guide, Barbora, comes up in multiple high ratings, and the common theme is clear: the staff pays attention to you as a person, not just as a body in the saddle.

You should also know that the instruction can be hands-on. If you have some riding experience, the guide can select a horse that matches your comfort level. If you are brand new, the guide can slow your pace and give you cues you can understand right away.

There is also a chance, depending on your group setup, to ride with a more personal guide ratio. One review mentions a 1-to-1 experience, and the rider learned how to get the tölt feel right, plus details about the horse and its role in Icelandic life.

Icelandic horse basics you can actually take home

An Icelandic horse is not a “regular horse” in how it moves. The big one you will hear about is tölt. The tölt is a distinct four-beat gait that many Icelandic horses do naturally. When it feels right, it is comfortable compared with some faster gaits, and it can help you feel stable even if you are new.

The guides on this tour are not only focused on getting you from point A to point B. They also try to teach you what you are riding. One high rating specifically mentions learning about tölt technique and the horse’s origins, including the horse union, shoeing style, and the land where they are bred.

Do you need all that horse trivia? No. But it adds value if you like learning while you travel. It turns a ride into a small education, and you will understand what you are feeling under you instead of just guessing.

Dress for rubber boots and Iceland weather, not for comfort theater

You cannot out-dress Iceland. You can, however, be prepared enough to feel good in the moment. Since rubber boots and either rain wear or warm overalls are provided, your best move is to wear warm layers that fit well under the overalls.

Bring:

• Warm socks you do not mind getting slightly damp
• Gloves if you get cold easily
• A hat or hood if wind is a factor that day

Skip:

• Anything bulky that makes it hard to sit or move in the saddle
• Shoes you want to keep clean (you will be in boots for the ride)

Also, plan to layer. Iceland can look calm at the start and turn chilly later. If you arrive ready, you spend less energy worrying and more energy watching the scenery slide by.

Price and value: what $135.16 buys you

At $135.16 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity. But it can be good value if you look at what is included and how the ride is structured.

You get:

• A guided horseback experience designed for beginners
• Helmet, rubber boots, and weather gear included
• A fairly tight timeframe that avoids a half-day slog
• A capped group size (max 15), which typically means better attention than large tours

In other words, you are paying for more than movement on a horse. You are paying for guidance, safety handling, and a smooth Icelandic horse setup that reduces rental hassles.

If you are the type who likes “one great experience” instead of an all-day itinerary, the 50 minutes can feel like a smart use of time. If you want a long ride with lots of stops and no time pressure, you might consider longer options elsewhere. But as a first horseback moment in Iceland, this one is a strong fit.

Group size, private moments, and how you get the best experience

The max group size is 15. That usually hits the sweet spot: you are not alone, but you are not lost in a crowd either.

One of the standout themes from the high ratings is how attentive staff were with newcomers. In one review, the rider described a private arrangement (1-to-1) and how much that improved the learning, especially on tölt technique. You should not assume that will happen to your group, but it tells you something important about how the guides work. They can go deeper when your situation allows.

Another small but meaningful detail from the reviews: the time spent around the horses in the stable area after the ride. If you are into the animals themselves, that extra hanging out time can make the tour feel less like a quick service stop and more like a real encounter.

Who should book this Ishestar horseback ride

This tour is well-suited to:

• Beginners who want confidence, not chaos
• People who want a short, well-run activity near Reykjavik
• Anyone who wants to see mossy lava fields and Bláfjöll views without a long hike
• Riders who want to learn the basics of Icelandic movement, especially tölt

It may not be your best match if:

• You want a multi-hour ride with lots of route variety
• You are looking for food included, or a full-day experience
• You need a weight above 110 kg / 240 lbs (there is a hard limit)

Also, if you are very sensitive to weather changes, keep in mind that the experience requires good weather.

Weather plan and what happens if conditions change

This is Iceland, so weather is not a suggestion. The tour needs good weather to run. If conditions are poor and the activity is canceled for that reason, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

That flexibility is exactly what you want on a trip with tight planning. If you are traveling in shoulder season or late in the day when Iceland weather can shift fast, build in a bit of time so you can take an alternate slot if offered.

One more practical point: since you are provided rain wear or warm overalls, you are still not powerless against bad weather, but you do want to follow day-of instructions closely.

Final verdict: should you book this Iceland horseback tour?

I think this is a smart book if you fit the basics: beginner to intermediate comfort, a desire for quick access to Icelandic scenery, and interest in learning how the Icelandic horse moves.

Book it if:

• You want the Icelandic horse experience without complicated prep
• You like being guided through mossy lava terrain with clear attention from the staff
• You want something short and high impact, about 50 minutes

Skip it or look for another option if:

• You want food included
• You want more riding time and fewer transitions
• You are outside the 110 kg / 240 lbs limit

If you do book, show up early, listen on the ground, and then let the ride take you. The best moments here are usually the ones you notice when you stop overthinking and just feel the horse moving through the mossy lava paths.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The ride lasts about 50 minutes (approx.).

Where is the meeting point?

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

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a riding helmet, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance from the staff.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is designed especially for beginners, and the guides focus on keeping you safe and comfortable.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What is the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.