Family Horse Riding Tour in Thorlakshofn

The most appealing part of this ride is its setting: you leave Þorlákshöfn on an Icelandic horse and head toward lava fields, sea cliffs, and distant geothermal steam. The route also includes Strandakirkja, a small Protestant church by the ocean, where powerful waves can crash against the nearby cliffs.

I like the small maximum of 12 riders, which should give your guide room to supervise the group rather than simply lead a long line of horses. I also like the simple Icelandic touch of stopping near a café so you and the horses can rest and have snacks before returning.

There are two points to check before paying $180: the published details conflict on the length and difficulty, and pickup information may need clarification. One section describes a two-hour, family-friendly outing, while the route details describe a four-hour ride for experienced riders. One rider also faced an unexpected $75 transport charge, so confirm the exact plan in writing.

Key points about the Þorlákshöfn ride

• The route heads toward Krýsuvík’s lava fields, with possible views of steam rising from geothermal ground.
• Strandakirkja is the main sightseeing stop, set beside the ocean with views toward waves and cliffs.
• Icelandic horses are the heart of the experience, offering a close view of the countryside that you cannot get from a tour bus.
• The group is capped at 12 people, a useful size for personal supervision and a calmer ride.
• Helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and beverages are included, but you must bring warm clothing and suitable shoes.
• Confirm the duration and transfer price, since the available information gives different timings and one rider reported an extra transport fee.

Riding Icelandic horses from Þorlákshöfn

This experience begins at Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours on Faxabraut 6 in Þorlákshöfn, about an hour from Reykjavík by road, according to one account of the journey. The meeting point is also the return point, so you do not need to arrange a second destination at the end.

The ride itself is meant to show you a quieter side of southern Iceland. Instead of viewing the country through a coach window, you sit close to the ground, move at the horses’ pace, and follow your guide through open country. The appeal is not a fast horseback excursion. It is the chance to spend time with Icelandic horses while taking in lava, ocean, mountains, and weather.

That last point matters. Iceland’s coast can be cold and windy, even when the sky looks clear at the start. You should bring warm, comfortable clothing and good shoes, such as sturdy sneakers or boots. Riding equipment and helmets are provided, but shoes and suitable clothing are not.

The tour is offered in English, and the operator provides the riding equipment. A guide supervises the group, though the available information does not promise a particular guide for every departure. Bjorn guided at least one outing and was described as friendly and helpful. Magnus, the owner, was also described as very pleasant, though communication was difficult because he did not speak English.

A route through lava, steam, and ocean air

The planned direction is west from Þorlákshöfn toward the beautiful lava fields around Krýsuvík. This is a striking part of Iceland because hard black lava, open ground, mountains, and geothermal activity appear close together.

You may see thin white strokes of steam rising in the distance from the geothermal areas. Do not expect a full geothermal walk with close-up bubbling pools unless that is specifically added to your departure. Here, the geothermal activity is part of the view, not necessarily a separate stop where you walk among the vents.

The ride may also bring views of the mountains and the sea. On a clear day, those broad views are likely to be the strongest part of the outing. On a windy or cloudy day, the same setting can feel raw and dramatic, but less comfortable. Good clothing is not a minor packing tip here. It can make the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the final hour wishing you had brought another layer.

The route may look different from one departure to another because weather and riding conditions matter. One account described a scenic 45-minute transfer to the farm, followed by about an hour of riding through lava fields. That outing included views of a salmon processing plant and construction rather than the full range of sights expected. I would treat the route as a nature ride with changing surroundings, not as a tightly scripted series of landmarks.

Strandakirkja and the Atlantic coast

The most distinctive stop is Strandakirkja, a small Protestant church with roots reaching back to the 12th century. Its location gives the stop its character. You are near the ocean, with open views and cliffs where waves can hit hard, particularly on windy days.

This is not a large monument that takes an hour to explore. Its value comes from the setting and the feeling of arriving there on horseback. You get a brief cultural stop, a coastal view, and a chance to pause before returning to the farm.

Near the church is a small café where you and the horses can rest and have snacks. The included food and drinks make this more than a quick photo stop. A break is useful after riding in cool weather, and the horses also get time to settle before the return journey.

The exact amount of time spent at Strandakirkja is not specified. You should expect the church and coast to be part of the ride rather than a separate guided historical visit. If you want detailed information about the church, ask your guide at the start of the tour.

What the ride feels like for different skill levels

The word family-friendly needs a little care here. The headline presents the outing as suitable for families, but the detailed description calls the ride medium difficulty and says it is intended for experienced riders. The listed fitness requirement is moderate.

That means you should not book based only on the family label if nobody in your group has ridden before. Ask the operator what experience level is accepted, especially for children or nervous riders. The tour includes supervision, but supervision does not automatically make a medium-difficulty ride suitable for a complete beginner.

For an experienced rider, the appeal is clear. You can focus on the Icelandic horses and the changing scenery rather than worrying about a beginner lesson. The ride to the black sand beach and along the water was especially well received by one pair of riders, who described it as adventurous and authentic.

For a less experienced rider, the practical issue is not just balance. A four-hour ride requires stamina, and cold wind can make it feel longer. If your confirmation says two hours, ask which route and riding time apply to your departure. The difference between a short outing and four hours in the saddle is substantial.

The horses are a major part of the experience. Icelandic horses are compact, sturdy, and closely linked with the country’s riding culture. You will get a more personal view of them here than you would at a quick photo stop, since the horses carry you through the countryside and also rest during the café break.

Small groups and guide support

A maximum of 12 riders is a sensible size for this kind of activity. It is large enough to keep the tour operating efficiently, but small enough that a guide can watch the group and respond to basic needs.

Your guide’s role matters most at the start, when riders receive equipment and instructions, and during the route, when the pace and spacing of the horses need attention. The operator promises supervision and expertise, but the quality of communication may depend on who leads your outing. Bjorn guided one highly praised ride, while communication with Magnus was difficult for another rider because of the language barrier.

The tour is offered in English, so you should receive English-language information as part of the booking. Still, if riding instructions are especially important to you, contact the operator ahead of time and ask who will guide your date. That is a reasonable request for any horseback activity.

A small group does not guarantee a quiet ride. The horses and riders set the rhythm, and the group may need to stay together. But the 12-person limit is still preferable to a large commercial line, especially for riders who want a more personal outing.

The real value of the $180 price

At $180 per person, this is not a cheap way to see the Þorlákshöfn area. The price makes more sense if you want a full horseback outing with equipment, a guide, snacks, and several hours of scenery rather than a short ride near a stable.

Helmets and riding equipment are included, which saves you from arranging specialist gear. Snacks and beverages are also included, and the route combines riding with sightseeing at the lava fields, coast, and Strandakirkja.

The value becomes weaker if your actual ride is much shorter than expected or if transport costs are added without clear warning. One rider described a 45-minute journey to the farm and about an hour of riding, then reported an unexpected $75 charge for transport to and from a cruise ship in Reykjavík. That charge was not expected at the time of booking and created a serious practical problem.

Pickup is listed as available, but the exact pickup area and price are not clear from the supplied details. If you are staying in Reykjavík, staying in Þorlákshöfn, or arriving by cruise ship, ask these questions before booking:

• Is pickup included in the $180 price?
• Is the pickup available from my exact address?
• Is there a separate return charge?
• How long is the actual riding time?
• Is the ride two hours or four hours?
• Is the route suitable for my riding experience?

Those answers will tell you far more about the value than the headline price alone.

Timing problems you should resolve first

The duration information is inconsistent. The summary gives an approximate two-hour duration, while the detailed route says four hours and describes a medium-difficulty ride for experienced riders. The included activities also refer to a four-hour riding tour.

Do not assume that the shorter time is simply a typo. It could refer to one departure or a shorter version, while the four-hour description may belong to another route. Contact Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours before you finalize plans, particularly if you have a cruise departure, a connecting tour, or a tight Reykjavík schedule.

One cancellation caused a rider to lose valuable time while visiting the port, since it happened less than 24 hours before the outing. Another rider arrived in Þorlákshöfn and found confusion about the stable and operator, followed by a delay in receiving a refund. These accounts do not establish what will happen on your date, but they do justify confirming the meeting point, operating status, and transfer arrangements close to departure.

The stated cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Bad weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can also lead to a change of date or a full refund.

Practical preparation for the coast

Wear warm layers that let you move comfortably in the saddle. Bring good shoes, either sneakers or boots, because the operator does not provide them. A helmet and other riding equipment are supplied.

You should also allow extra time for the meeting point if you are coming from Reykjavík. Pickup is offered, but confirm its cost and location. The activity ends back at the starting point, so plan your onward transport from Þorlákshöfn rather than assuming the ride will finish in Reykjavík.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is sent at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, according to the available details. The group limit is 12 people.

The weather requirement is important. This is an outdoor horseback ride along an exposed coast and open lava country. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to an experienced rider who wants a small-group outing with Icelandic horses and does not mind a changeable coastal day. You will get the most from the ride if you value scenery, animal contact, and a slower way to see southern Iceland.

It may also suit a family with confident riders, but I would not treat the family-friendly label as proof that beginners of every age and ability are accepted. Ask about minimum age and riding experience, since those details are not provided.

The ride is less suitable if you need a guaranteed two-hour schedule, close control over your transport, or a polished city pickup. It is also a poor match if you dislike wind, cold, or the possibility that scenery may be less dramatic on the day.

Should you book the Þorlákshöfn horse ride?

Book this experience if the core idea appeals to you: riding Icelandic horses through open country toward lava fields, the Atlantic coast, and Strandakirkja, with snacks and a small group. The strongest parts are the horses, the setting, the coastal church, and the chance to get beyond the usual Reykjavík sightseeing circuit.

Before paying $180, confirm four things directly: the true duration, your riding level, the exact meeting point, and every transport charge. If those details are clear and your group can handle a medium-difficulty ride, this can be a memorable and authentic Iceland excursion. If the answers remain vague, choose a tour with a more firmly defined schedule.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Alhestar Horse Rental and Tours, Faxabraut 6, 815 Þorlákshöfn, Iceland.

Where does the activity finish?

The ride ends back at the meeting point in Þorlákshöfn.

How long is the horse riding tour?

The supplied details give different durations. One description says approximately two hours, while another describes a four-hour riding tour. Confirm the timing with the operator before booking.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is presented as family-friendly in one description, but the detailed information calls it medium difficulty and intended for experienced riders. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, so confirm suitability for your riding level before booking.

What is included in the price?

Helmets, riding equipment, snacks, and beverages are included. You must provide your own warm, comfortable clothing and good shoes.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A full refund is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.