Icelandic Horse Riding Tour & Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Hot horses, cold hands, pure Iceland. This ride takes you from Reykjavik area to lava fields on friendly Icelandic mounts, with the special smooth gait called tölt. I love how quickly you’re out on real trails, not a long bus-and-wait setup. I also like the smart way the stables match you with a horse and then split groups by riding level so everyone gets the right pace.

The main consideration is the weather, because even with provided suits and rain gear, you still need to plan for freezing fingers and toes in winter or wind.

Key highlights for your Icelandic horse ride

• Lava fields near Reykjavik: volcanic terrain on horseback with views and rocks worth spotting
• Tölt and speed options: you can usually ride at walking pace, plus trot and tölt for faster groups
• Excellent stables in Hafnarfjörður: well-run facilities right outside town, about 20 minutes from Reykjavik
• Warm gear that fits: warm overalls, rainwear, rubber boots, and helmets sized for you
• Horse matching: staff choose a mount based on your experience and comfort level
• Photo stop and hot drinks: there’s time to pause for photos, then warm up with coffee or hot chocolate

Why ride Icelandic horses so close to Reykjavik?

You can do Reykjavik sightseeing, then still get out for something truly Iceland. This tour is based in Hafnarfjörður, about a short drive from the city, so you lose less time to commuting and more time to the ride itself.

The setting is the point. You’re not just going in circles around a stable. You’re riding across lava terrain, passing through green hillsides and along trails where you can spot different rock shapes, plus whatever flora and wildlife you catch moving through the edges of the area.

It is also an easy “yes” for a lot of people. The ride length is short enough that it feels doable, even on a busy day. And because the experience includes guidance and gear, you do not need to arrive with equestrian skills to enjoy it.

Íshestar Stables: gear, facilities, and why comfort matters

Íshestar Riding Tours is based at Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður, and it shows in how the whole operation runs. The facilities are described as excellent, and the horses are clearly taken care of in a working outdoor setting.

The big help for your comfort is that you are not left to guess what to wear. You get warm overalls and/or rain gear, plus a helmet and rubber boots in your size. There’s also a well-equipped changing area. That matters in Iceland, because your biggest problem is usually not the horse. It is the cold, wind, and wet.

A practical tip: the gear is warm, but your hands and feet can still feel it if conditions are severe. One rider noted hand warmers in boots were not enough for extreme cold, so consider extra socks and plan on thicker layers for fingers too. If rain or sleet turns icy, rainproof riding gear matters, so dress for the worst weather you can reasonably expect.

After the ride, you can warm up with drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, which feels like a small reward right after you’ve been riding in brisk air.

Mounting rules and safety: simple stuff, done properly

Horse riding in Iceland is not just a scenic activity. It is a real physical interaction with a live animal in outdoor conditions. This tour treats that seriously.

Before you ride, you need to be able to mount the horse by your own strength. There is no mention of staff lifting riders or using a special mounting platform, so if you have limited leg strength, make sure you can handle the step up safely.

No backpacks or bags are allowed with you on the ride. You store them at the riding center instead. That is normal for trail safety, but it means you should travel light and keep essentials like gloves and phone accessible before you mount.

Guides provide instruction, and riders are checked for comfort during the ride. In cold weather, extra hands and calm guidance help a lot, especially if you are new to riding or you’re worried about staying balanced.

The 1.5-2 hour route: lava fields, rocks, and the tölt gait

The ride itself is the signature experience. You head out from the stables and spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback, depending on your schedule and tour flow.

Expect volcanic terrain underfoot. The route crosses lava fields, and you ride along green hillsides in between. This is one of the best parts for first-timers because it turns Iceland’s famous geology into something you can feel with your body, not just watch from a viewpoint.

A key Icelandic-horse detail is the tölt. The guides describe this gait as special and smooth, and riders consistently talk about how different it feels compared to regular walking or a bouncy trot. If you’ve only ridden other breeds, tölt is the big “oh, wow” moment.

You’ll also spend time looking at the smaller details. Lava has textures and shapes. The trails can run beside interesting rock formations, and on clear days the views over the surrounding area are strong enough to make you forget the cold for a few minutes.

Halfway through, there’s typically a pause for pictures. This is not a long stop, but it gives you a chance to check in, breathe, and get a few photos without having to stop the whole group.

Group splits and riding speed: what you might get

Most riders start together, then the group splits after the ride begins, usually around the first 10-15 minutes. That split is the tour’s clever design. Beginners do not get dragged into faster gaits by more confident riders. Faster riders do not get stuck just watching while everyone else walks.

Here’s what you can generally expect by ability:

• Beginners group: steady pace, focused on comfort and control
• More experienced group: usually a chance for tölt and more active movement like trot, and some groups may experience faster gaits such as cantering depending on how the ride is run and who is in your split

One rider described the ability to trot and tölt as a big reason they loved the tour. Another mentioned cantering in the right group. The safest advice is to assume you will match the speed to your comfort level, and if your group conditions allow, you may get more than basic walking.

If you are brand new, don’t worry. The instructions and horse matching are a core part of the experience. If you are experienced, you can still enjoy it, but the ride is built for safety first, so it will not feel like a full training clinic. It is more like a well-managed trail ride with Icelandic horse character.

Pickup and drop-off: easy access, but know the limits

This tour offers optional pickup from selected hotels or main guesthouses. Pickup timing depends on your departure slot, because pickup begins 60 minutes before the tour departs. For example, a 10:00 AM tour lines up with a pickup at 9:00 AM, and a 2:00 PM tour lines up with pickup at 1:00 PM.

If your accommodation does not qualify for pickup, the company communicates the closest pickup point to you by email. That is useful, because you can plan your morning without guessing where you need to stand.

The drop-off list is extensive, with stops around Reykjavik like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik, Bus Terminal Reykjavík, and several hotel and bus stops across the city. Return transfer itself is optional. So if you want to save time and avoid figuring out logistics, choose pickup and confirm what transfer you want.

One more practical point: the ride is shorter than you might expect from the city-to-stables trip. That’s good for energy and bad for lingering. If you hate rushed afternoons, pick your time slot carefully.

Price and value: is $135 worth it?

At about $135 per person, this is not a budget activity. But value here comes from three things you cannot easily recreate on your own.

First, you are paying for access to a good operation and well-maintained Icelandic horses. You do not have to handle tack, grooming, or trail planning.

Second, you get the gear. Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls are included. In Iceland, buying or packing the right layers can get expensive fast. Even if you already brought warm clothes, having fitted riding overalls can be the difference between tolerable cold and pain.

Third, the experience is time-efficient. You ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours, right near Reykjavik. That means you can fit it into a half-day even if the rest of your schedule is full.

If you want one authentic Iceland activity that feels different from waterfalls and viewpoints, horseback riding over lava is a strong pick, and this price feels aligned with that.

Who this tour fits, and who should skip it

This tour is designed for a wide range of ages and experience levels, but there are clear limits.

Not suitable if:

• You are pregnant
• You are under 7 years old
• You weigh more than 243 lbs (110 kg)

Also note the mounting requirement. You must be able to mount the horse by your own strength.

For families: several riders mention kids enjoying it, including ages in the 7 to 13 range, which lines up with the minimum age rule. For teens and adults: it is a great way to do Iceland by feel and not just by sight.

For first-time riders: the tour is built for you. You get instruction, you get matched to a calm horse, and you get a group split that protects your pace.

For experienced riders: you may get more movement depending on which group you end up in. Still, the ride is not a free-for-all. It is a guided trail ride with safety and horse care as the top priority.

What to wear and what not to bring

This is the part that can make or break your day. You will be outdoors for a while, and conditions can change quickly.

Wear and bring:

• Warm layers under the provided overalls, especially for winter tours
• Extra socks. One rider stressed this after noting they were still freezing even with thermal layers
• Gloves suitable for cold and wind, because freezing fingers can make you tense up
• Anything you can do to protect feet, since rubber boots and provided warmth might not fully handle extreme cold without extra sock layers

Do not bring:

• Backpacks or bags onto the ride. Store them at the stables
• Used leather riding gear into Iceland. The rules state used leather may not be brought into the country, and riding gear needs washing (40°C), dry cleaning, or disinfection before arriving in Iceland

If you are traveling light, you can rely heavily on their kit. But if you hate cold, do not rely on it completely.

Final advice: should you book this horse riding tour?

Yes, if you want a short, guided, authentic Iceland experience that feels different from almost every other day trip near Reykjavik. The biggest selling points are the lava riding minutes from the city and the way the operation gets you comfortable fast with gear and instruction.

You might think twice if:

• You have limited leg strength and cannot mount by your own strength
• You are sensitive to cold and don’t want to invest in proper winter accessories for hands and feet
• You fall into the age, pregnancy, or weight limits

If you decide to book, my practical pick is to choose the time slot that matches your comfort with daylight and weather. In winter, the ride can be cold and windy, so go when you can dress calmly and not rush. Then show up ready for the unique Icelandic horse experience, especially the smooth tölt.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding part of the tour?

The horse riding time is 1.5-2 hours. The full experience can take 2-4 hours if you include pickup or transfer.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Íshestar Riding Tours. The stables are in Hafnarfjörður, which is about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.

Is pickup from Reykjavik available?

Pickup is optional and starts 60 minutes before departure time. Pickup is only possible from some hotels or main guesthouses, and the closest pickup point is shared by email if your accommodation is not eligible.

What’s included in the price?

Included: 1.5-2 hours of horse riding, a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or a warm outfit during the ride, and English-speaking guidance (German is available upon request, and Icelandic is also offered).

Is return transfer included?

Return transfer is optional, not included.

Are there age or weight limits?

Yes. It is not suitable for children under 7 years old, pregnant women, or people over 243 lbs (110 kg).

What should I wear for the ride?

You should wear warm layers under the provided riding gear. You are given warm overalls and/or rainwear in your size, plus a helmet and rubber boots. If conditions are very cold, extra socks and cold-weather gloves can help.

Can I bring a backpack or bag on the ride?

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

Are there restrictions on bringing riding gear to Iceland?

Yes. Riding gear that you bring must be washed (40°C), dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving. Used leather gear may not be brought into the country.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.