From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

What makes this horse tour a smart Reykjavík add-on is the setting. You get out of the city fast and then ride straight into lava fields and green hillsides on an Icelandic horse known for its smooth tölt gait.

What I like most is how well the experience is set up for real life. You step into the Íshestar stables area, get properly fitted safety gear like helmets and rubber boots, and then you’re guided by staff who keep things calm on the trail. One trade-off to note: you must be able to mount the horse under your own strength, and this is not for very small kids or for riders above the stated weight limit.

Key things to know before you go

• Lava fields without the effort, scenic riding minutes from Reykjavík
• Tölt riding, that signature Icelandic smooth gait, not just a trot
• Warm overalls, rain gear, and helmets provided in your size
• Stables with real amenities, changing rooms, and storage for valuables
• Guides keep groups together, and they split riders by confidence when needed
• Optional pickup, many Reykjavík stop options, but pickup only from hotels or main guesthouses

Why lava-field riding near Reykjavík feels different

This tour works because it hits two things at once: quick access from Reykjavík and a landscape that looks like another planet. After pickup, you head to Hafnarfjörður, where the trails take you through volcanic lava terrain and along green hillsides. From horseback, the rock formations feel close, and you notice details you would otherwise miss from a car window.

And it is not just scenic. Icelandic horses are famous for their tölt, a smooth gait that can be easier on your body than a standard trot. If you are a first-timer, you still get to experience that horse rhythm while the guides manage the pace.

One more bonus is how much variety you get in a short time. You are not spending the whole day traveling. You get the ride, the nature, and the Icelandic-horse experience without needing a full-day tour.

Íshestar Riding Tours: the stables that make this easy

The heart of the experience is the Íshestar stables just outside Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. This matters because the stables feel built for visitors, not like you are just dropped at a barn and figured it out yourself.

You change in a well-equipped area, and the staff give you what you need to stay warm and dry. Riders also use safety boxes at the centre for valuables, since you cannot take your backpack or bags on the ride.

From what I’ve learned from people who’ve gone, the staff also do a lot of hand-holding at the start. Even if you have never ridden before, you should expect clear help getting mounted, learning how to hold the reins, and getting oriented on how the group will ride together.

The ride itself: tölt, lava rock, and a pace for your comfort level

The horseback portion is about 1.5 hours, with a ride through lava fields and along greener stretches. You will be looking at different rock shapes in the lava, plus you might spot flora and wildlife along the trail edges depending on the day.

The standout here is tölt. Icelandic horses can switch to that smooth gait, and the guides time it so riders can experience it without feeling out of control. If you end up in a more confident group, you may get extra opportunities for faster movement, while slower groups keep the ride comfortable and steady.

A nice detail is how the ride is structured to keep everyone together. You are not left wandering solo. Guides keep track of spacing, and riders are grouped by comfort so nobody feels stressed trying to keep up.

If you like photography, the setup helps. People frequently mention the chance to get photos taken for you, which is helpful when you are busy balancing in waterproof gear.

Stop-by-stop: what happens from Reykjavík pickup to Hafnarfjörður riding

This tour runs from Reykjavík with pickup optional, starting about 60 minutes before departure. Pickup is available from hotels or main guesthouses, so if you are in a private flat, you’ll receive the closest pickup point by email.

Once you arrive at Íshestar, you settle in at the stables and get kitted out. Then you ride for about 1.5 hours in Hafnarfjörður’s area, crossing the lava fields on horseback.

After the ride, you head back and the activity ends at the meeting point. The drop-off list is long, covering many major Reykjavík hotels and transit stops. That means you can usually plan for a clean return without guessing how you will get back across town.

What’s included: helmets, rubber boots, and weather gear that actually helps

This is one of the best value parts of the tour. For $141 per person, you get more than a guide and horses. You also get the protective and weather gear that can be expensive or annoying to source on your trip.

Included items are:

• Riding helmets
• Rubber boots
• Rainwear or a warm outfit during the ride
• English-speaking guidance, with German also available on request

That gear list matters in Iceland, because the weather can change fast. Having an overalls layer and boots designed for wet ground means you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the trail.

The changing room is set up for customers too, so you can store street clothes out of the way and get comfortable before you mount.

Gear rules in Iceland: the parts that can trip you up

Horse tours in Iceland come with practical import rules, and you should take them seriously. You are allowed to ride with what the tour provides, but if you bring used riding gear, you need to follow the stated requirements.

Key points you should plan for:

• All riders must be able to mount the horse by their own strength
• You cannot take backpacks or bags on the ride, but you can use safety boxes at the riding centre
• Riding gear needs to be washed or cleaned/disinfected, and used leather gear cannot be brought into the country
• Children under 7 are not suitable, and there is a weight limit of 243 lb (110 kg)

If you travel with a favorite pair of riding boots or gloves, double-check whether they count as used riding gear. When in doubt, bring basics you can leave behind or plan to rely on what the tour gives you.

How the guides keep it safe, calm, and fun

Safety on horseback is not just about helmets. It is about how guides manage the group and the horse behavior.

From the experience description and strong feedback themes, the staff place a lot of emphasis on fitting the right horse to the right rider, and keeping everybody together. People often highlight that the guides are patient and that first-timers are taught what to do without being rushed.

A memorable detail from one named guide is that Sonya shared information and helped riders feel comfortable through the ride. That kind of extra attention can make the difference between feeling nervous and feeling relaxed.

You should also expect instruction on trail basics before you set off. When you mount, get your reins sorted, and understand the pace early, the rest of the trip feels much simpler.

Weather in Iceland: what you should expect on the trail

This is Iceland, so you should assume you might meet wind, rain, or colder conditions even when the morning looks fine. The good news is that the tour provides rain gear or warm overalls, plus helmets and rubber boots. That takes a huge chunk of the stress off your packing.

People describe riding in wet and cold conditions and still having a good time, which usually comes down to the gear and the confidence of the guides. The ride also tends to be flexible in feel. Even if visibility is limited, the guide can still point out what you are riding over and what to watch for.

Practical tip: wear layers you can move in. You will be dressed for weather, but you still need to move comfortably when you mount, adjust your stance, and sit through the gait.

Timing and logistics: why this fits a Reykjavík day

The full activity runs from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your exact departure time. Within that window, the riding portion is about 1.5 hours.

This matters because it gives you a lot of flexibility. You can do it as a morning plan, a midday plan, or an afternoon plan without losing your whole day. It is also close enough that you are not spending half your time in the car.

Pickup times work like this: pickup starts 60 minutes before departure, with an example of 9:00 AM pickup for a 10:00 AM tour, and 1:00 PM pickup for a 2:00 PM tour. If you are trying to match it to other Reykjavík sights, that predictability helps.

Price value: what $141 buys you, and why it adds up

At $141 per person, you are not just paying for a ride. You are paying for:

• Icelandic horses and the trail experience
• Professional guidance during the ride
• Safety gear that includes helmets and rubber boots
• Weather-ready clothing like overalls or rainwear
• Optional pickup service from designated areas

When you compare that to the cost of renting boots, hunting for rain gear, and paying for a separate guided experience, the pricing starts to look fair. You are getting a complete package built for Iceland weather.

Also, you are doing a specific kind of riding that many people want in Iceland: the tölt and lava scenery, right near Reykjavík. That saves you time compared to chasing the same vibe far outside the capital.

Who should book this lava-field horse ride, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want Iceland nature in a hands-on way. It is ideal for:

• families who want a safe, structured outdoors activity
• couples who want something different from waterfalls and tours in buses
• adventure seekers who still want an organized experience with calm horses

It also works for beginners, since the guides help riders learn the basics and keep the group riding smoothly.

Skip it if:

• you cannot mount a horse independently
• you are over the stated weight limit
• you are looking for a long multi-hour riding expedition, because this is built as a short, high-quality ride rather than an all-day trek

Should you book this tour?

If you want an efficient, close-to-Reykjavík way to ride through lava fields and experience the Icelandic horses’ tölt, this is an easy yes. The included helmets, rubber boots, and weather gear are a big part of the value, and the stables experience is built to make you comfortable fast.

Book it if you are okay with the rules: no backpacks on the ride, and plan ahead for how you will handle mounting and your gear. If you do that, you get a genuinely memorable Iceland moment without spending your entire day commuting.

FAQ

How long is the horse-riding experience?

The horseback riding portion is about 1.5 hours. The overall activity runs about 2 to 4 hours, depending on your chosen departure time.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Íshestar Riding Tours. The tour ends back at the meeting point after the ride.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. Pickup starts about 60 minutes before the tour departure time, and it is available from hotels or main guesthouses.

What gear is included?

The tour includes riding helmets, rubber boots, and rainwear or a warm outfit during the ride.

What about rain or cold weather?

You are provided with rainwear or warm clothing for the ride, plus helmets and boots, so you can ride even if conditions are rough.

Are English-speaking guides provided?

Yes. The guidance is available in English, and German and Icelandic are also available.

Do I need prior riding experience?

The tour is guided and designed to work for riders who may be new. Horses are matched to riders, and the group can be managed based on riding confidence.

What is the minimum age?

Children under 7 are not suitable. Riders ages 7 to 15 receive a 25% discount.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for people over 243 lb (110 kg).

Can I bring a backpack or bag on the ride?

No. You cannot take backpacks or bags on the ride. There are safety boxes at the riding centre for valuables.

Is return transfer included?

Return transfer is not included, though it is optional.