Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Meet Iceland on horseback. This 50-minute ride from Ishestar in Hafnarfjörður gives you a simple way to reach moss-covered lava fields and see the Bláfjöll mountains without committing to a full-day excursion. I like the calm setting and the chance to learn about the special Icelandic horse from an experienced guide. The main drawback is the short riding time, especially at $135.16 per person.

I also like that the tour is built for beginners, with helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance included. Some outings are small enough to feel almost private, and guide Barbora has been praised for making riders feel at ease. Still, weather can cancel the ride, and you need to arrive 30 minutes early, so this is not a quick, last-minute city activity.

Key points at a glance

• Ride through lava country: The route passes moss-covered lava fields and marked riding paths near Hafnarfjörður.
• Made for first-time riders: The pace and instruction are aimed at beginners, with guides helping you feel safe in the saddle.
• See Bláfjöll from horseback: The ride includes broad views of the Bláfjöll mountains and the surrounding Icelandic countryside.
• Meet the Icelandic horse: You get time to become familiar with this distinctive breed, not just sit on a horse for a photo.
• Gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance are included.
• Small group limit: The maximum group size is 15 people, though some departures may feel much smaller.

A short ride with a real Icelandic setting

Ishestar Horse Riding Centre sits at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik. The location gives the tour a rural feel without requiring a long transfer into the countryside. You begin and end at the same riding centre, which makes the outing easy to fit around other plans.

The ride lasts about 50 minutes. That is long enough to get comfortable, learn basic control, and enjoy the scenery, but it is not an extended trek. I would treat it as a focused introduction to Icelandic riding rather than a major half-day adventure.

The setting does much of the work. Instead of riding beside city streets or inside a fenced arena, you head along riding paths surrounded by moss-covered lava fields. The dark volcanic ground, soft green moss, open air, and distant Bláfjöll views give the ride a clear sense of place.

For many people, this is the appeal. You are not simply taking a standard horseback ride in an unfamiliar country. You are using a traditional Icelandic way to move through terrain shaped by volcanic activity.

Getting ready at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. This early arrival matters because you need time to check in, get fitted with equipment, and take part in the safety preparation before the ride begins.

The centre supplies riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance. Icelandic weather can change quickly, so the provided clothing is more than a minor convenience. It means you do not need to pack a complete riding wardrobe for a short activity.

You should still dress sensibly underneath the supplied layers. The provided information does not specify exactly what personal clothing to bring, but practical outdoor clothing is a sensible choice for a horseback outing in Iceland. Comfortable trousers will make more sense than stiff jeans or clothing that restricts your legs.

The preparation also gives you time to meet the horse before heading out. That is useful for a beginner. A few calm minutes around the stable can take the edge off if you have not ridden before, and it gives the guide a chance to match you with a suitable horse.

The experience has a maximum of 15 people. That is not a private ride by default, but it is limited enough to keep the group manageable. Some riders have ended up with a one-to-one outing by chance, though you should not book expecting that arrangement.

Learning the Icelandic horse before the ride

The horse is not just transport here. The tour is designed to help you become familiar with the Icelandic horse, a breed closely tied to the country’s rural life and riding culture.

Your guide provides instruction and makes sure you are comfortable before moving onto the riding paths. For a first-time rider, this is important. You want clear help with mounting, steering, stopping, and staying balanced, not a rushed handoff followed by a long ride.

One especially useful experience came from a guide who taught a more experienced rider how to ride the tölt, the distinctive Icelandic horse gait. The same guide also explained the origins of the breed, its association, shoeing style, and the country where the horses were bred. The exact amount of instruction will depend on your guide and riding background, but this shows the experience can offer more than basic riding directions.

If you already ride, tell the guide about your experience. One rider was matched with a horse that suited their background and was able to ride at a faster pace. That is not a promise that every experienced rider will get a faster outing, but it is a good reason to be honest about your comfort level.

If you are new to horses, do not feel out of place. The ride is specifically designed for beginners, and the staff are described as attentive with groups that include people who have never ridden before. The best approach is to listen carefully, ask questions early, and let the guide set the pace.

Riding across moss-covered lava fields

Once you leave the centre, the ride follows riding paths through the surrounding nature. The lava fields are the defining feature. Their rough volcanic surface is softened visually by moss, creating scenery that feels very different from the green pastures many people picture when they hear horseback riding.

The route is built around viewing rather than speed. You have time to look around, settle into the horse’s rhythm, and take in the open surroundings. The activity description does not promise galloping or a long stretch of fast riding, so you should book it for scenery and a gentle introduction, not for an adrenaline-heavy equestrian experience.

The Bláfjöll mountains provide the main broad view. From horseback, you see the mountains and nearby area from a lower, slower viewpoint than you would from a tour bus or roadside stop. That change in pace is part of the value. You are moving through the setting instead of simply stopping to photograph it.

The short duration can be a benefit as well as a limitation. If you are unsure about horses, 50 minutes is a manageable commitment. You get a taste of riding without spending most of a day in the saddle. If you are an experienced rider hoping for a serious trek, the time will likely feel brief.

The guide makes the difference

The strongest part of this activity is the attention from the staff. The guides are responsible for safety, comfort, riding instruction, and helping you understand the horse. That is a lot to manage in a short tour.

Barbora received especially warm praise for creating a relaxed atmosphere. On one outing, the rider had time for coffee on arrival, visited the stable before the safety video, and spent time with the horses after returning. Those extras may depend on the schedule and the group, but they show how the centre can feel welcoming rather than purely transactional.

That stable time is worth noticing. The riding portion is only 50 minutes, yet the experience can begin before you mount and continue after you return. If you enjoy animals, ask whether there is time to spend near the horses. Do not assume it is guaranteed, but it may add a personal touch to the visit.

The guides also appear comfortable with mixed ability levels. Beginners can receive reassurance and basic coaching, while experienced riders may get more detailed help, such as instruction in the tölt. That flexibility gives the ride broader appeal than a tour aimed only at complete beginners.

The tradeoff is that the guide’s style can shape your experience. A small group may allow more conversation and individual support. A full group of 15 will naturally give you less personal attention than a one-to-one ride. The maximum group size is still reasonable, but the experience will not always feel intimate.

Is $135.16 good value for 50 minutes?

At $135.16 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the horse, guide, helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and access to the riding centre. You are also paying for the setting and for a professionally managed beginner experience.

Still, the riding time is only about 50 minutes. If you judge the cost by saddle time alone, it may feel high. I would consider it good value for three types of people: first-time riders who want a safe introduction, visitors who care about Icelandic horses, and anyone who wants a short nature outing that fits into a busy Reykjavik schedule.

It is less compelling for experienced riders who want a long route, extended time at speed, or a full day outdoors. In that case, you should compare this short ride with longer horse treks before booking.

The price also includes useful protection from Iceland’s weather. You do not have to bring riding equipment or purchase special rain gear for the activity. That will not erase the cost, but it does make the booking easier for visitors packing light.

Timing, transport, and practical planning

The start point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. The centre is near public transportation, which helps if you are not driving. The supplied information does not give a specific bus route or transfer time, so check your route carefully and allow enough time to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Because the tour begins and ends at the same location, you do not need to arrange a separate return point. That simple layout also makes it easier to pair the ride with another activity before or after it, though you should leave a cushion for check-in and weather-related delays.

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation arrives when you book. Most people can participate, but there is a weight limit of 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. That limit is important, so check it before paying rather than assuming the centre can make an exception.

Weather matters. The activity requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to cancellation. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.

The ride is often booked about 23 days ahead. That does not mean you must book exactly three weeks early, but it suggests that planning ahead is wise, especially if your Iceland schedule has fixed dates.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this experience to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction and a short commitment
• Couples or families looking for a quiet outdoor activity near Reykjavik
• People interested in Icelandic horses and local riding traditions
• Visitors who want volcanic scenery without a long hike
• Experienced riders who are happy with a short outing and may enjoy learning about the tölt

I would be more cautious if you want a long horseback trek, guaranteed private guiding, or a fast ride. The tour can sometimes become very personal, but private service is not promised. The focus is comfort, scenery, and an introduction to the horse.

It also may not suit anyone who needs a fully indoor, weather-proof activity. Iceland’s conditions can affect the departure, and the tour is designed around being outside.

Should you book the Ishestar ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, beginner-focused way to see Icelandic nature from the saddle. The lava fields, Bláfjöll views, supplied riding gear, and careful guidance give the 50-minute outing a clear purpose. The chance to spend time with the horses before or after the ride can make it feel more personal than a quick mounted photo stop.

I would skip it if you are looking for a long trek or if $135.16 feels too high for less than an hour of riding. For the right person, though, the short length is exactly why it works. You get a taste of Icelandic horsemanship, a scenic ride, and an easy return to your day without giving up half your itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

It begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the ride last?

The horseback riding experience lasts approximately 50 minutes. You should also arrive 30 minutes before departure for preparation and check-in.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed especially for beginners, and experienced guides provide safety guidance and help you become comfortable with the Icelandic horse.

What equipment is included?

The centre provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance. Food and beverages are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people. A private ride is not guaranteed, although some departures may be smaller.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.