Horses on lava fields beats any bus stop. You’ll get guided riding just outside Reykjavík, moving from tidy stables into rugged volcanic terrain, with the smooth Icelandic tölt gait under you. It’s one of those short trips that feels like you left the city far behind.

I love how smoothly these Icelandic horses move, especially when the ride turns into tölt—easy to feel, fun to watch, and great even if you’re not an expert rider. I also love the way the stables run things: you’re kitted out with warm overalls, rain gear, helmets, and rubber boots in the sizes you need, and the staff works hard to match horses to riders.

One possible drawback: finding the meeting spot can be a little tricky if your navigation skills are rusty, so give yourself a few extra minutes when you arrive at Íshestar Riding Tours.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• Tölt on real trails: you may get to experience the gait firsthand, not just sit on a steady horse.
• Excellent riding facilities near Reykjavík: Hafnarfjörður is close, but the riding feels properly wild.
• All-weather gear: you’re not guessing what to wear; rainwear, overalls, helmets, and boots are part of the deal.
• Safety-first guidance: guides keep groups together and teach you the basics before you set off.
• Bonuses for photos: the staff helps with photo opportunities as you go.
• Short day, big scenery: plan for about 1.5 hours riding, wrapped into a 2–4 hour outing.

Íshestar Stables: the fast way to get out of Reykjavík

This tour lives in the Capital Region, but it doesn’t feel like a city activity. You’re heading to Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, where the stables sit in excellent riding surroundings. That matters because in Iceland, the weather can change fast. When the base is set up well, the experience stays smooth even if it’s wet, windy, or cold.

The “minutes from Reykjavík” part is the real win. You don’t need a full day tour to see volcanic terrain. You can tack this onto a busy schedule and still come back with a story you won’t repeat with everybody else.

Pickup, timing, and the actual amount of riding you’ll do

You can start from the meeting point at Íshestar Riding Tours, and pickup is optional. If you choose pickup, it begins 60 minutes before the departure time. One example: pickup starts at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM tour, and at 1:00 PM for a 2:00 PM tour.

The total trip time is listed as 2–4 hours, depending on your start time and whether you have pickup/transfer. The riding itself is about 1.5 hours once you’re at the stables and ready to go. After the ride, the tour ends back at the meeting point, and drop-offs can be arranged at many central Reykjavík spots (you may see stops near places like Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, and the bus terminal, among others).

Practical tip: if you’re prone to being early-but-still-worried, arrive a little before pickup. One review noted they couldn’t find the meeting area right away, so a calm start helps.

Before the horses: gear that actually fits Iceland

If you’ve ridden in places where you get a helmet the size of a soup bowl, this is the opposite. At Íshestar, the staff provides riding protection and clothing designed for real weather: helmets, rubber boots, and either rainwear or warm layers (overalls are part of the setup). You don’t just get one size and hope for the best.

The changing room is well equipped, which means you’re not stuck wrestling layers in the parking lot. You’ll also put safety boxes to work for your valuables—just note that you can’t take backpacks or bags with you on the ride.

What to wear (so you stay comfortable)

• Warm base layers you can keep under the overalls or rain gear
• Gloves if you run cold
• Anything you already own that’s not leather you don’t want to risk

Mounting, skill level, and what you’ll do on the trail

This ride isn’t just for confident riders. The guiding approach is built around keeping people comfortable and together. Before you go, you learn what you need to know to mount and handle your horse safely, and guides help you get into a rhythm quickly. In the field, horses often follow each other, so first-timers can focus on balance and enjoying the ride rather than panicking about what the horse is doing next.

There’s also a useful structure on the day: groups can split by riding confidence. If you’re newer, you’ll likely ride in a more relaxed group pace. If you want more action, you may join a group that has more opportunities to move at faster gaits when conditions allow.

One detail that makes this tour feel Iceland-specific is the horses’ signature smooth gait: tölt. Guides help you experience it rather than just pointing it out like trivia.

Lava fields and green hillsides: what the ride is like in motion

You’ll ride through lava terrain and along green hillsides nearby—an excellent mix because it keeps the scenery from feeling repetitive. Lava isn’t just dramatic in photos; it creates real texture underfoot and around you. You’ll also notice rock formations that look different depending on the light, and guides point out features you’d probably miss if you were walking alone.

On horseback, you experience the terrain differently than on foot. You move with the animal, so your pace is slower than driving, but you get more viewpoints than hiking would in the same time. That’s why this works so well as a short Iceland outing.

And then there’s the tölt moment. When the horse shifts into that gait, you feel how “rideable” these Icelandic horses are. It’s smooth enough that many people can enjoy it without feeling tossed around.

Hafnarfjörður riding day details that make the experience feel safe

Staff focus is the quiet hero here. People often talk about feeling safe and supported when they’re new to riding. The guides keep the group together, give instructions clearly, and are attentive about where everyone is on the trail.

I’ve seen riders mention how helpful the staff is with procedures before you mount. That’s exactly what you want to hear, because the hard part is usually not the ride—it’s the first minutes when your body is learning something new.

If you want a real-world example of the kind of guide interaction you might get, a guide named Sonya is specifically mentioned for giving history and explanations while riding. Even if your guide isn’t Sonya, the tone you’re looking for is consistent: talk to you, keep you moving safely, and make the time fly.

Photo moments and weather: yes, you’ll still enjoy it

Iceland weather doesn’t politely wait for your schedule. The good news: the ride comes with the gear to handle wet and cold conditions. Reviews mention everything from rain to snow and wind, and the experience still works because you’re dressed for it.

Another perk: the guides and staff help with photo opportunities. Whether that means stopping at good spots or making it easy to get a shot of you on a horse, the goal is that you go home with evidence that you did this—without you having to become your own camera crew.

Price and value: is $141 a fair deal?

At about $141 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Iceland, but it also isn’t a day-long premium excursion either. You’re paying for four real things:

1) guided riding through volcanic terrain

2) access to top-notch stables in Hafnarfjörður

3) safety gear (helmet, boots, and weather clothing)

4) an experience built around Icelandic horses and the tölt gait

If you’re visiting Reykjavík with limited time, the close-to-town location matters. You’re not spending half the day just getting to the start line. And because gear is provided, you avoid the hassle (and cost) of figuring out what to wear and what to rent.

Where the value can drop a bit is if you’re coming with restrictions—like needing to bring your own leather riding gear (which is complicated in Iceland), or if you don’t meet the mounting/weight requirements. But if you’re eligible and you want a half-day nature experience, it’s a strong use of money.

Logistics you should plan around (so nothing ruins your mood)

There are a few rules that are easy to miss until you’re about to go.

Mounting requirements

You must be able to mount the horse by your own strength. If you need assistance to get up and on the saddle, this likely won’t work the way you’d hope.

Backpacks and bags

You can’t take backpacks or bags on the ride. There are safety boxes at the riding center for valuables, so bring only what you can carry without needing a backpack.

Leather gear and biosecurity

If you have used leather riding gear, Iceland rules apply. You’ll need to make sure used leather gear is washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving, and used leather gear may not be brought into the country. This is one of those “check this early” items, because it can affect what you pack months in advance.

Weight limit and child age

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7. There’s also a stated weight limit of 243 lbs / 110 kg.

Who should book this lava-field horse ride?

Book it if you:

• want a guided nature experience close to Reykjavík
• want to try Icelandic horses and feel tölt firsthand
• like the idea of warm gear and a safety-focused setup
• have a mixed group with different riding comfort levels (because groups can be split)

Consider skipping or choosing something else if you:

• can’t mount a horse on your own
• need to bring a backpack onto the trail
• are bringing used leather riding gear that you can’t treat before travel
• need a ride designed specifically for riders under 7 or above 110 kg

Should you book Íshestar’s lava-field horse ride?

Yes—if you want the volcanic terrain experience without losing a whole day to transport. This tour is built for comfort and confidence: warm overalls, helmets, boots, and clear guidance, plus that very Iceland feature—tölt—on a real trail.

If you’re nervous about finding the meeting point, plan a little extra time at Íshestar. And if you’re traveling with special gear (especially leather), handle the prep early so you don’t get stuck with packing surprises.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The total duration is listed as 2–4 hours. The riding portion is about 1.5 hours at the stables.

Where do I meet for the tour?

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

Is pickup available from Reykjavík hotels?

Pickup is optional. Pickup starts 60 minutes before departure time and is possible only from hotels or main guesthouses. If you’re staying in a private flat, you’ll receive the closest pickup point by email.

What gear is included?

You receive helmets, rubber boots, and rainwear or a warm outfit for the ride.

Can I bring a backpack or bag on the ride?

No. You can store valuables in safety boxes at the riding centre.

Are there age limits?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old. Riders ages 7 to 15 get a 25% discount.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. It’s not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg).

What languages are the guides available in?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic.

Do I need to do anything special if I bring used leather riding gear?

Yes. Used leather gear must be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Used leather gear may not be brought into the country.

Is there free cancellation?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.