Icelandic Horse Riding Tour & Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Volcanic rock looks different from horseback. This 1.5 to 2 hour ride from Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður gives you close views of Icelandic lava fields, green hills, unusual rock shapes, and the country’s famous sure-footed horses. I especially like the calm horses and the thoughtful split between beginner and faster groups. The main drawback is the cold: even with warm clothing, your hands and feet can suffer on a windy day.

The tour is about 20 minutes from central Reykjavik by car, with optional hotel pickup. You can ride directly to the stables or choose transport that adds roughly two hours to the total outing. The excellent riding facilities and supplied outdoor gear make this a simple choice if you want to try Icelandic horses without packing a full set of riding clothes.

Quick points before you book

• Ride across lava fields: The route passes dark volcanic rock, green hillsides, and open countryside just outside Hafnarfjörður.
• The Icelandic horse has a special gait: Experienced riders may get to try the smooth tölt, and sometimes a faster pace.
• Beginners are well supported: The larger group usually divides after about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing newer riders to remain at a gentler pace.
• Warm gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm riding overalls are available in suitable sizes.
• The horses are carefully matched: Staff choose a horse based on your height, ability, and riding experience.
• Pickup is optional: Transfers serve selected hotels and main guesthouses in Reykjavik, with pickup usually beginning one hour before departure.

Getting to Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður

Íshestar Stables sits just outside Hafnarfjörður, around a 20-minute drive from Reykjavik. The stable grounds provide a pleasant start to the outing, with changing rooms, riding equipment, and space to leave bags before you mount.

Driving yourself is easy if you have a rental car. The ride from central Reykjavik generally takes about 15 to 20 minutes according to the practical experience of recent participants, though Icelandic weather can affect roads and timing. You meet at the stable itself rather than beginning in downtown Reykjavik.

The pickup option is useful if you do not have a car. Transport starts about 60 minutes before the riding time. For example, the 10:00 AM ride has a 9:00 AM pickup, and the 2:00 PM ride has a 1:00 PM pickup.

Pickup is available only from selected hotels and main guesthouses. If you stay in a private apartment, the operator sends you the nearest pickup point by email before the ride. Check this carefully, since a pickup reservation does not necessarily mean a vehicle comes directly to every address.

The transfer makes the total outing about four hours. Without it, plan on two to three hours at the stable and on the trail, plus your own travel time.

Warm clothing, helmets, and a practical changing room

The stable supplies most of the gear you need. That includes a riding helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and either warm clothing or overalls for the ride. You can change at the facility and leave backpacks and bags there while you ride.

This is a real advantage in Iceland. You do not need to fill your luggage with bulky riding boots or waterproof outerwear. On cold or wet days, the supplied overalls can make the difference between enjoying the ride and counting the minutes until it ends.

Still, do not arrive in light clothing. Bring warm layers, thick socks, and gloves if you have them. Several people found their hands and feet became cold even when wearing the stable’s outer gear. One particularly useful tip is to choose the rainproof riding gear if rain, sleet, or snow looks possible. Icelandic weather can change quickly around the lava fields.

The stable asks that any riding gear brought into Iceland be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arrival. Used leather riding gear cannot be brought into the country. This rule is easy to overlook, so most people will find it simpler to use the equipment provided.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are a major reason to choose this outing. Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, friendly, and well suited to uneven volcanic ground. The staff take time to match each rider with a suitable horse based on riding ability and individual needs.

That matching matters if you are nervous. First-time riders have been placed on calm horses that follow the group and respond well to simple instructions. More experienced riders are paired with horses that can offer more movement and speed when conditions allow.

You may meet horses with names such as Sóti, Dena, Sammy, or Freya. The names are a small detail, but they make the stable feel personal rather than mechanical. The horses are not simply equipment for the day. The staff clearly care about their condition, rest, and behavior.

You can also expect a few horse-like interruptions. A mount may stop to investigate a snack, wander slightly toward brush, or pause for a scratch. That is part of handling a living animal, and guides keep an eye on the group.

All riders must be able to mount the horse using their own strength. Staff can assist with instructions and support, but the activity is not suitable for someone unable to climb into the saddle independently.

The first 10 minutes: safety and getting comfortable

The ride begins with basic instructions and an introduction to your horse. The staff provide helmets and riding gear, then organize the group before heading out.

If you are a beginner, the early part is intentionally gentle. You learn how to sit, steer, stop, and follow the horse ahead. The guides keep watch and check that riders are comfortable.

This is not a private lesson, so you should not expect detailed one-to-one coaching for the entire ride. But the setup is reassuring for a first attempt. The horses are accustomed to carrying new riders, and the guides give clear verbal and visual instructions.

After roughly 10 to 15 minutes, the larger group usually divides. One group continues at a slower walking pace for beginners and anyone who prefers a relaxed outing. The other may include experienced riders who want to trot, try the tölt, or move faster when the guide considers it safe.

The split is one of the tour’s smartest features. A complete beginner is not pressured to keep up with a confident rider. At the same time, an experienced rider is not forced to spend the entire ride at a walking pace.

Across the lava fields and green hills

The trail moves through lava fields and along green hillsides near Hafnarfjörður. The dark rocks create a sharp contrast with moss, grass, and seasonal flowers. You can look for unusual rock formations as the horse carries you over established riding paths.

This setting gives the outing more character than a simple paddock ride. You are not circling a small arena or following a flat track beside a road. The volcanic ground, open views, and changing textures make the ride feel connected to Iceland’s natural setting.

The route is also approachable. You do not need to be a serious equestrian to appreciate it. The horses are trained for the terrain, and the guides select a pace that suits the group.

A stop during the ride may give you time to take photos. The guides sometimes photograph riders along the way, which is helpful because you cannot carry a phone or camera comfortably while managing the reins. You should still protect any small personal items before mounting, since backpacks and bags remain at the riding center.

The scenery changes with the season. Summer brings greener hills and flowers. Autumn and winter offer a more rugged view, with lower light, dark volcanic ground, and a greater chance of wind, rain, snow, or ice. The ride can be beautiful in winter, but the cold is not a minor detail.

What makes tölt special

The Icelandic horse is known for more than its appearance. It can perform a smooth four-beat gait called the tölt. For the rider, the movement can feel more comfortable than an ordinary trot because the horse keeps a steadier rhythm.

The faster group may get to try this gait once the guides are satisfied that everyone is secure. Some experienced riders also report short periods of cantering or galloping, but you should not book this as a guaranteed fast-riding tour.

Speed depends on the group, the weather, the trail, and the judgment of the guide. If only one or two people are experienced, the faster group can be very small. That may give you more room and attention, but it also means the opportunity for a faster ride depends on who joins your departure.

For many beginners, simply walking through the lava fields is enough. The horses are the attraction, not just the speed. You get to observe their character, learn how they respond, and enjoy the ride without turning it into a competition.

A 1.5 to 2 hour ride, with a warm drink afterward

The mounted portion lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. That is long enough to settle into the saddle and see a good stretch of the area, but short enough to fit into a busy Reykjavik itinerary.

Some riders may find the saddle tiring, particularly if they are new to riding. Cold weather can also make the outing feel demanding. The benefit of a moderate length is that you get a genuine ride without committing to a full-day horseback trip.

Back at the stable, you can warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. That simple finish matters after a winter ride. There is also a gift shop, and you may have a little time around the horses before leaving, though the schedule may not allow a long visit.

The facilities receive strong praise for being clean, organized, and well maintained. You can see where to change, collect your gear, and store your belongings. The staff also explain what to wear before arrival, which reduces last-minute confusion.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour suits families with children aged seven and up, couples, solo riders, and people who want an activity beyond the usual sightseeing bus. It works especially well if you have never ridden before but still want a close encounter with Icelandic horses.

Families should note that children under seven cannot join. The activity also excludes pregnant women and anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. These limits are important for horse welfare and rider safety.

Experienced riders will enjoy the possibility of a faster group and the chance to try tölt. However, you should keep expectations realistic. This is a mixed-ability outing, not a private gallop across the countryside. The faster option depends on the guide and the group’s ability.

Animal lovers will likely get the most from the visit. The horses are friendly, curious, and easy to handle, and the staff are happy to answer questions about them. The care given to the animals is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

Is $135 good value?

At $135 per person, the tour is not the cheapest short activity in Reykjavik. I think the price is fair if you value the full package: a 1.5 to 2 hour ride, a scenic route, helmets, boots, warm gear, changing facilities, guides, and access to well-run stables.

The optional transfer changes the value calculation. If you would otherwise need a taxi or rental car, pickup may be worth paying for. It also removes the work of navigating to Hafnarfjörður, though the total outing becomes longer because of hotel collection and drop-off.

If you already have a car and want the lowest possible cost, self-driving to the stable is the practical choice. You still receive the same riding equipment and guided activity.

I would not choose this tour mainly for transportation. I would choose it for the horses, the volcanic setting, and the chance to experience Iceland from the saddle. The unusual combination is what makes the price easier to justify.

Booking details that matter

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule may change.

The guides speak English, Icelandic, and German. Other languages may be available by request, but confirm this before booking if it matters to you.

Plan to arrive ready for outdoor conditions. Bring warm base layers, extra socks, and gloves. Do not bring a backpack onto the trail, since bags must remain at the stable.

Also remember the mounting requirement. You need enough strength to get onto the horse by yourself, even though the staff provide guidance and help with the process.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

I would book this tour if you want a friendly, well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses with real scenery rather than an arena loop. The horses, guides, supplied gear, and beginner to advanced group split make it unusually approachable.

Book with care if you dislike cold weather, have limited mobility, or want guaranteed cantering. The ride can be windy, wet, and physically tiring, and faster riding is offered only when the guide considers it suitable.

For most people, the strongest choice is the standard ride with the optional pickup if you are staying in central Reykjavik without a car. Wear more layers than you think you need, accept that the horses may have opinions of their own, and enjoy the rare chance to cross Iceland’s lava fields at hoof level.

FAQ

How long does the horse ride last?

The mounted ride lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The full outing takes about four hours if you choose the transfer from Reykjavik.

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional rather than automatic. It is available from selected hotels and main guesthouses, and pickup generally starts 60 minutes before the riding departure.

Can I drive to the stables myself?

Yes. You can meet directly at Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður if you do not choose the transfer.

What riding equipment is provided?

The stable provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm clothing or overalls for the ride.

Can beginners join?

Yes. Beginners receive instructions and are usually placed in a slower group after the larger group divides. The horses are matched to riders according to experience.

Can experienced riders trot or try tölt?

Experienced riders may be placed in a faster group where they can trot and possibly try the tölt. A faster pace is not guaranteed and depends on the guide, group, trail, and conditions.

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

No. Backpacks and bags cannot be taken onto the trail, but they can be stored at the riding center during the ride.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least seven years old to participate.

Are there health or weight restrictions?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. All riders must also be able to mount the horse using their own strength.

What languages are available?

Guides offer the tour in English, German, and Icelandic. Other languages may be available by request.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.