Iceland on horseback feels like a different planet. From Þorlákshöfn, you head west toward Krýsuvík lava fields, with geothermal steam and big ocean-and-mountain views along the way, guided with enough structure to keep it fun for families.

I like the fact that this is a small-group ride (max 12), so you’re not lost in a crowd. I also appreciate that core gear is handled for you: helmets, riding equipment, plus snacks and beverages.

One thing to consider: the time and logistics can vary. Some descriptions put it around 2 hours, while the riding package is described as 4 hours, and a few real-world situations have involved timing and extra transport costs—so it’s smart to confirm the full plan before you commit.

Key points to know before you ride

• Krýsuvík lava fields and geothermal steam: you’ll ride through rough, otherworldly terrain with possible distant white steam plumes.
• Strandakirkja ocean-cliff stop: a 12th-century Protestant church with serious waves nearby, especially on windy days.
• Snacks + a rest stop that includes horses: you’ll break where both people and animals can pause.
• Small group, max 12: more attention from your guide and a calmer ride.
• Rider level matters: it’s described as medium difficulty and intended for more experienced riders, even though it’s family-friendly.
• Equipment included: helmet and riding gear are provided, but you still need warm clothes and good footwear.

Þorlákshöfn to Krýsuvík: lava, steam, and sea views on Icelandic horses

This tour is built around one of Iceland’s favorite party tricks: taking you somewhere that looks like it belongs on another planet, then letting you experience it at animal pace. You start in Þorlákshöfn at Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours (AlhestarFaxabraut 6). From there, you ride west toward the lava fields of Krýsuvík.

The ride is where the atmosphere really shows up. You’re not just moving through open country—you’re moving through old volcanic textures: rough ground, dark rock, and wide sightlines. In the distance, geothermal activity can send up white streaks of steam, so even on a “just riding” day you still get that unmistakable geothermal look. If weather cooperates, you’ll also see a mix of mountains and the sea, which makes the whole route feel bigger than a typical farm outing.

And yes, it’s family-friendly in the sense that it’s structured and supervised, with equipment and a planned route. But it’s also not a backyard pony ride. The terrain and pace are part of the experience, and that’s why rider comfort matters (more on that below).

Strandakirkja and the cliff-waves moment you’ll remember

One of the best reasons to choose this tour is the built-in change of scenery. You don’t only ride through landscapes—you also stop at Strandakirkja, a well-known Protestant church dating to the 12th century.

The church stop is designed for views. You’ll get ocean-facing scenery, and on windy days you’re likely to see impressive waves crashing on nearby cliffs. That’s not a small detail in Iceland. Wind changes everything: sound, spray, and how fast the coastline looks dramatic. So even if you’re photographing instead of reading architecture, you’ll still feel like you got something special.

There’s also a practical side. After the viewpoint time, the tour heads to a nearby café area where you can rest, grab snacks, and let the horses take a breather too. It’s the rare tour break that treats the whole group—including the animals—as part of the rhythm.

The ride flow: what your half-day actually feels like

Here’s the shape of the experience as it’s presented: you ride out from the meeting point, head west toward Krýsuvík, take in the geothermal-and-coastline views, stop at Strandakirkja, and then rest with snacks before returning back to base.

Timing is the one confusing part. The tour summary says 2 hours (approx.), but the tour inclusion also describes a 4-hour riding tour. In practice, that usually means one of two things: either the “riding time” is shorter than the total on-site time, or different versions of the same booking describe the day differently. Your safest move is to plan for a half-day commitment, not a quick in-and-out.

What you’ll feel during the ride:

• A guided route (so you’re not stuck asking, where are we going?)
• Terrain that can feel rugged underfoot
• Stops that break up the ride so it doesn’t become one long stretch in the cold

One review mentioned riding with scenery that included the water and even black-sand coastline. The main description emphasizes Krýsuvík and Strandakirkja, so that coastal element may depend on the exact route and conditions. Either way, it’s a good reminder: this isn’t just flat field riding. Iceland’s edges are part of the deal.

Difficulty level: medium isn’t a warning label, it’s the whole point

This tour is described as medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders, even while it’s promoted as family-friendly. That sounds contradictory until you think about what “family-friendly” usually means in Iceland: the experience is managed and supervised, but you still need to be comfortable in the saddle and with outdoor conditions.

So if you’re a total beginner, don’t assume the helmet and guidance automatically make it easy. Your best approach is to match the tour to your own comfort level. Ask yourself:

• Can you confidently stay balanced at a moving horse pace?
• Are you okay riding in colder, windier conditions?
• Do you have experience with basic riding cues (even if you’re rusty)?

The upside is that if you’re already comfortable, the tour becomes more satisfying. You spend less time thinking about your posture and more time noticing the scenery—lava texture, steam plumes, and that ocean-church viewpoint.

Price value check: $180, included gear, and the “confirm the total” rule

The price is $180.00 per person. That’s not cheap, so you want the included value to be clear.

Here’s what’s explicitly included:

• Riding portion described in the package
• Snacks and beverages
• Helmets and riding equipment provided

What’s not included:

• Warm, comfortable clothes
• Good shoes (this matters more than people think; Iceland footing is not “sneaker friendly” in every situation)

So is $180 fair? For Iceland, yes—when the route is scenic and the logistics are real (gear, helmets, guided stops, and snack breaks). Where value can slip is when timing and transport don’t match your expectations.

There have been situations where an extra transport cost was added for cruise-day riders, and there have also been cases where the experience was canceled last minute. Those are not guaranteed outcomes—weather and minimum traveler rules are standard for outdoor tours—but they’re a strong argument for a simple habit: confirm what’s included in the total price if you’re arriving from a port and you have strict ship timing.

If you’re not on a cruise schedule, you’ll likely feel the value more cleanly. Small group, real guided riding, and included gear is exactly what you want at this price.

Guide and group size: why small groups matter here

This is max 12 travelers, which is a big deal on a horse tour. Smaller groups mean fewer people to manage at mounts, turns, and stops. It also means you can actually hear instructions and adapt if something feels different in the saddle that day.

Your guide’s role is also more than “walk and talk.” The tour is described as supervised with your guide’s expertise, and that’s crucial in Iceland conditions—cold hands, slippery rock, wind, and horses that may be used to the landscape but still need careful handling.

In real use, you may meet guides with different communication styles. One named example was Bjorn, described as friendly and helpful. Another example was Magnus, described as nice but with limited English. That doesn’t mean you’ll have a bad time—but it is a reminder: keep your expectations simple. If English isn’t perfect, clear body language and short, repeated guidance can still keep the tour smooth.

What to bring for Iceland riding: warm layers and shoes that don’t quit

This is outdoor riding in Iceland. Even if it’s only a few hours, wind and cold can make it feel longer.

Bring:

• Warm and comfortable clothes
• Good shoes (sneakers or boots are mentioned as acceptable, but choose what you’d trust on uneven ground)
• Layers you can adjust if you start warming up

You’ll likely be provided with:

• Helmet and riding equipment
• Snacks and beverages

If you show up in fashion sneakers and summer layers, the tour can quickly feel like a struggle. The best “value” you can add to this day is dressing like you care about your own comfort.

Also: consider that you’ll be outside at viewpoints like Strandakirkja. Wind can hit hard there. Plan for standing around.

Weather, cancellations, and cruise-day timing (the practical stuff)

This tour needs good weather. If conditions aren’t safe, the operator may cancel and offer another date or a full refund. There’s also a minimum number of travelers requirement.

So what’s the practical takeaway? Don’t assume every outdoor day in Iceland runs like a calendar event. If you’re traveling on a cruise or have tight daily plans, I strongly recommend:

• Double-check the confirmed start time and the full logistics tied to your pickup (pickup is offered, but your exact arrangement matters)
• Keep a Plan B for that same day
• If your ticket doesn’t show a time, verify it with the provider before you show up at the meeting point

Outdoor tours can be cancel-friendly, but real schedules can be unforgiving. Build in slack and you’ll enjoy the day more.

Should you book the Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlákshöfn?

Book it if you want an authentic Iceland outing where you get:

• A scenic ride through lava and geothermal territory
• A meaningful stop at Strandakirkja with ocean views
• A supervised, small-group experience with gear and snacks included

Skip or reconsider if:

• You’re a beginner rider and the medium difficulty label makes you nervous
• You’re on a tight cruise timetable and you can’t afford surprises around transport timing
• You don’t want to deal with Iceland weather uncertainty, even if cancellations can come with refunds or alternate dates

If you’re comfortable in the saddle and you’re excited about riding through Krýsuvík-style landscapes, this is the kind of tour that feels like Iceland—less postcard, more real.

FAQ

Where is the horse riding tour meeting point?

The tour starts at AlhestarFaxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

It’s described as about 2 hours in the tour summary, but the included package also describes a 4-hour riding tour. Plan for a half-day commitment.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $180.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the riding tour, snacks and beverages, and riding equipment (including a helmet).

Do I need to bring a helmet or riding equipment?

No. Helmets and riding equipment are provided by the operator.

What level of rider experience is required?

The tour is described as medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders, even though it’s family-friendly.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm and comfortable clothes and good shoes (sneakers or boots are suggested). Those items are specifically listed as not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather or not enough travelers?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s canceled because a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different experience/date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.