Hafnarfjörður: Horseback Riding Tour in Reykjavik Area

Iceland looks even better from the saddle. This short ride near Reykjavik lets you meet the gentle Icelandic horse, follow paths through mossy lava fields, and take in views toward the Bláfjöll mountains. I especially like the beginner-friendly pace and the fact that helmets, boots, rainwear, and warm riding clothes are supplied. The free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate afterward are a welcome touch in Iceland’s changeable weather.

The main thing to know is that this is a gentle 50-minute ride, not a fast horse trek. The horses generally walk in a steady line, so anyone hoping to try the Icelandic horse’s famous faster gaits should book a longer ride instead. At $132 per person, the price makes the most sense if you value good instruction, warm equipment, and time with well-cared-for horses.

Key points to know before you book

• A true beginner ride: The horses are trained, calm, and suited to people with little or no riding experience.
• Lava fields close to Reykjavik: You ride near Hafnarfjörður on paths surrounded by moss-covered volcanic ground and views of Bláfjöll.
• Small groups of up to six: A limited group makes it easier to hear the guide and get individual help.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit are included during the ride.
• A walking ride, not a speed session: Expect a relaxed route at a steady pace, with no promise of tölt or other faster gaits.
• A friendly finish at the stable: Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available after the ride, along with time to ask about Icelandic horses.

Meeting Icelandic horses at Íshestar

Your visit begins at Íshestar Riding Tours at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, in the Capital Region outside Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you need time to check in, get fitted with equipment, and receive basic instruction before mounting.

The stable experience is an important part of the outing. This is not simply a quick ride where you climb onto the nearest horse and follow a guide. You have a chance to get acquainted with the animals, learn how the ride will work, and ask questions about Icelandic horses.

The horses receive some of the strongest praise from this experience. They are described as friendly, easy to handle, and well cared for. That matters if you are nervous around horses or have not ridden since childhood. One especially useful detail from the feedback is that even a rider who had fallen from a horse as a child felt more relaxed by the end of the ride.

The guides provide instruction before you set off. They speak English, and multilingual support is also listed in English, Scandinavian languages, and German. The group limit is six people, although some departures may be smaller. A couple once had the guide to themselves, which made it easier to ask questions and hear clearly in windy weather.

What the 50-minute route is really like

Once everyone is ready, you ride out from the stable area into the nearby countryside. The route passes over riding paths and through moss-covered lava fields. This is classic Icelandic terrain: dark volcanic ground softened by green moss, with open views and little city noise.

The ride is designed for comfort, not technical riding. Your horse will generally walk at a calm pace, often following the horse ahead. That predictable rhythm is a major benefit for first-time riders. You can focus on sitting comfortably, steering with basic instructions, and looking around instead of worrying about controlling a lively animal.

You may see the Bláfjöll mountains across the distance. The views depend on weather and light, of course, but the setting gives you a clear sense of Iceland’s volcanic character without requiring a long drive from Reykjavik. The ride takes place in Hafnarfjörður, yet it feels far removed from the city once you are on the paths.

Some riders found the scenery beautiful, especially in snow or clear sunshine. Others considered the views more ordinary than the dramatic scenery found on a full-day Iceland excursion. I think that is the fair way to judge it. You are getting a pleasant volcanic setting near the capital, not a grand wilderness journey along the south coast.

The guide adds useful context as you ride. You can learn about the horses, their distinct qualities, and the surrounding area. Guides also stop for photographs when conditions allow, which is helpful because you are not carrying a camera bag or trying to take pictures while mounted.

Why Icelandic horses make this a good first ride

Icelandic horses are a particularly good match for a first horseback experience because they are often calm, steady, and comfortable to ride. The horses used here are trained for this kind of outing, and several riders found them friendly and easy to manage.

The tour gives you time to see the horses as individuals rather than treating them as transport. After riding, you can stay near the horses, pet them, and ask staff about their characteristics and background. For many people, that close contact is more memorable than the short route itself.

You should also understand what this tour does not promise. The Icelandic horse is famous for its tölt, a smooth four-beat gait, but this 50-minute comfort-style outing is mainly a walking ride. One rider expected to try faster gaits after seeing photographs of horses moving at speed, only to discover that a longer ride was needed for that experience.

That is not a flaw if you want a calm introduction. It is a limitation if you already ride regularly or want an active equestrian outing. I would treat this as a first meeting with Icelandic horses, not as a serious riding lesson or an athletic trek.

Warm gear makes a real difference

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and sitting on a horse leaves you exposed to wind. Íshestar provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit for the ride. Riders specifically appreciated the overalls and protective gear during winter and windy conditions.

You should still bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and gloves. The supplied boots and outer clothing help, but your personal layers remain important. A hat and gloves are especially useful during colder departures, when the air can feel sharp even on a calm ride.

Do not bring a backpack. Backpacks and bags are not allowed while riding, and professional cameras are also prohibited. Íshestar provides safety boxes at the stables for valuables, so you can store items before mounting. This rule may seem inconvenient, but it keeps the ride safer and avoids straps or bulky bags shifting around on horseback.

You will want to take photographs, but plan to rely on the guide for some pictures. Since you cannot carry a professional camera or backpack, put your attention on the ride and the scenery instead of trying to document every minute.

A closer look at the guide service

The guide is central to the quality of this activity. You receive basic training before getting on the horses, help selecting or preparing your horse, and support during the ride. The best part is the low-pressure approach. The guides keep the horses moving steadily, answer questions, and watch for signs that someone needs help.

The guide also gives the ride more meaning by explaining the horses and the area. One guide named Neil received warm praise for being kind from start to finish. Other guides were described as friendly, attentive, and good at sharing Iceland facts while the group rode.

The small-group format helps here. With no more than six participants, the guide can check that beginners are comfortable. It is also easier to hear explanations, which matters when wind is blowing across the open ground. If you are anxious, tell the guide before the ride begins. The whole experience is designed around a steady, reassuring pace.

The stable stop afterward

When the ride ends, you return to the stable and can warm up with complimentary coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It is a simple addition, but it gives the experience a pleasant finish, especially after a cold morning ride.

You can also ask questions about Icelandic horses, their history, and their distinctive traits. The stable area gives you a little more time with the animals instead of ending the experience the moment you dismount. Some riders valued this time with the horses as much as the ride itself.

If you have children old enough to participate, this final part can be especially appealing. Still, the minimum age is seven, and the activity is not suitable for children under that age. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women or anyone weighing over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Is $132 a fair price?

At $132 per person for 50 minutes, this is not the cheapest activity near Reykjavik. You are paying for more than saddle time, though. The price includes trained guides, safety instruction, helmets, boots, rainwear, warm riding clothes, access to a small group, and hot drinks afterward.

The value is strongest for a first-time rider who would otherwise need to rent or pack cold-weather gear. Icelandic riding conditions can be uncomfortable without proper clothing, and having the main equipment ready reduces both hassle and risk.

The value is weaker for experienced riders who want a longer route or faster movement. In that case, a longer Íshestar outing may be a better use of your money. The shorter ride is best seen as an introduction, especially if one person in your group is confident and another is nervous.

The high overall rating of 4.8 from 102 reviews fits the pattern of the experience: the horses, guides, warmth, and beginner-friendly handling receive consistent praise. The more mixed point is the scenery. Some riders found it beautiful, while others found it fairly average. Your expectations about the setting will shape how much value you feel you receive.

Who should book this Hafnarfjörður ride?

I would recommend this tour if you want a gentle way to experience Icelandic horses without giving up a full day. It works well for:

• First-time riders
• Couples with different levels of riding experience
• Families with children aged seven and older
• People staying in Reykjavik who want a nearby outdoor activity
• Riders visiting Iceland in winter
• Anyone who wants time with the horses, not just a quick photo opportunity

You may want a longer or more active ride if you already ride regularly, want to try the tölt, or expect a remote wilderness setting. The 50-minute route is calm and approachable, but it may feel too short for an experienced equestrian.

The tour can also suit a mixed group. A confident rider can enjoy the animals and scenery, while a nervous companion gets careful instruction and a horse accustomed to beginners. That balance is one of the experience’s strongest practical advantages.

Practical tips for a smoother visit

Arrive 30 minutes early. You need time for check-in, clothing, equipment, and instruction, and arriving late would put pressure on the whole group.

Dress for cold weather even if Reykjavik looks mild. Bring gloves and a hat, and wear comfortable shoes for the stable. The provided warm outfit helps during the ride, but personal layers make the waiting and preparation time easier.

Leave backpacks and professional cameras in the safety boxes. Keep valuables to a minimum, and do not assume you can carry a large phone pouch or camera bag on horseback.

If you want a faster ride, ask about the available longer options before booking. This particular 50-minute experience is a walking ride, and that is exactly why it works so well for beginners.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful if your Iceland schedule depends on weather or changing plans, but you still need to check the available departure time before committing.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want a safe, warm, well-guided introduction to Icelandic horses close to Reykjavik. The horses are the main attraction, and the calm pace gives you time to enjoy them rather than rush through a riding lesson.

Skip it, or choose a longer ride, if your main goal is speed, advanced riding, or a dramatic wilderness route. For everyone else, especially beginners and cautious companions, this is a friendly and practical way to spend part of a morning in Iceland.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at Íshestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, in Hafnarfjörður in Iceland’s Capital Region.

How long is the horseback ride?

The scheduled riding experience lasts 50 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed especially for beginners, and trained guides provide instruction and assistance before and during the ride.

What equipment is included?

Íshestar provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and a warm outfit during the ride.

Can I bring a backpack or professional camera?

No. Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed during the ride. Íshestar provides safety boxes at the stables for valuables.

What are the age and weight restrictions?

The activity is not suitable for children under seven, pregnant women, or people weighing more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.