Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

The Icelandic horse is the star here. At Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, you ride through moss-covered lava fields and along marked paths with the Bláfjöll mountains spread out ahead. The ride is built for beginners, but the setting gives you a real taste of Iceland rather than a short arena lesson.

I like the practical setup: helmets, rubber boots, and weather gear are provided, and the guides stay close to riders who need help. I also like the chance to learn about the Icelandic horse itself. One guide, Barbora, has been praised for explaining the breed, its five gaits, shoeing style, and the special tölt.

The main drawback is the short riding time. You pay $135.16 for about 50 minutes in the saddle, so this is best viewed as a scenic introduction, not a full-day riding trip. You must also arrive 30 minutes early, and poor weather can affect the schedule.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride is made for beginners: You do not need advanced riding skills to take part, and the guides provide safety direction.
• The Icelandic horse gets proper attention: You have time to learn about this sturdy breed and, depending on the day, spend extra time near the horses.
• Moss-covered lava fields set the scene: The route gives you a close view of Iceland’s volcanic ground rather than only distant mountain scenery.
• Bláfjöll mountain views add scale: The panoramic view helps turn a short ride into a proper Icelandic outing.
• Weather gear is included: Helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance come with the tour.
• The group can reach 15 riders: That is small enough for a guided introduction, though the exact feel depends on the day’s group.

Riding through Iceland’s lava fields

This tour gives you a gentle introduction to Iceland on horseback. Instead of rushing from one photo stop to another, you move at the pace of the horse along riding paths and through open nature near Reykjavik.

The moss-covered lava fields are the most distinctive part of the setting. Iceland’s volcanic ground can look stark and rough, but the moss softens it with green texture. From horseback, you see the surface at close range, with the path and surrounding ground unfolding slowly instead of flashing past a vehicle window.

You also get views toward the Bláfjöll mountains. The mountains provide a broad backdrop and help you understand the scale of the area. This is not a mountain ride, and you should not expect a long wilderness route, but the combination of lava, open sky, and distant peaks makes the short outing feel connected to Iceland’s natural character.

The pace is aimed at people who want to try riding without committing to a difficult or lengthy trip. That makes it a good match for a first ride, a family group with eligible participants, or a couple looking for something different from museums and city sightseeing.

Meeting the Icelandic horse at Ishestar

The Icelandic horse is more than transportation here. The tour is designed to help you become familiar with the breed, and that matters because the Icelandic horse has a distinct place in local riding culture.

The ride can include an explanation of the horse’s origins and riding style. One especially useful account describes a guide named Barbora teaching a rider about the breed’s background, its union, shoeing style, and the tölt. The tölt is a smooth Icelandic gait, and an experienced rider may have a chance to learn how to ride it correctly.

Do not assume every departure will become a private lesson. The group may include up to 15 people, and the amount of individual instruction depends on the size and mix of the group. Still, the format gives beginners a chance to ask questions and learn how to sit, steer, and feel comfortable on the horse.

Your horse may also be chosen with your riding background in mind. That is useful if you have ridden before but are not familiar with Icelandic horses. The experience can then become more than a slow walk, though the details depend on the guide, horse, and group on your departure.

What happens during the 50-minute ride

You begin at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, outside central Reykjavik. You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Build that extra time into your day, since the meeting time is part of the required schedule rather than a suggestion.

At the center, you receive the gear needed for the outing. Helmets and rubber boots are supplied, along with rainwear or warm overalls. This is especially helpful in Iceland, where conditions can change quickly and you may not want to risk your own clothing on a damp or muddy ride.

The safety portion is important for first-time riders. You will receive guidance before heading out, and the guides are there to help you feel secure on the horse. The tour is not presented as a technical riding course, so expect clear basics rather than a long classroom session.

Once mounted, you follow riding paths through the surrounding nature. The ride is built around scenery and a comfortable introduction to the horse. The route includes moss-covered lava fields and views toward the Bláfjöll mountains, with the horse providing the unusual vantage point.

At the end, you return to the same riding center. Some departures may allow time in the stable or near the horses afterward. That extra time is not guaranteed as a separate scheduled activity, but it can be one of the most memorable parts of the visit when the day’s timing allows it.

Why the beginner focus matters

Horseback riding can feel intimidating when you are unfamiliar with the animal, the equipment, or the basic commands. This tour reduces that pressure by making beginners the main audience and by including a guide throughout the ride.

I like that the focus is not simply on placing you on a horse and sending you along a path. The guides are expected to help you feel safe and comfortable, and the strongest individual account describes careful instruction on the tölt and the horse’s background.

Still, you should be honest about your comfort level. A 50-minute ride is short enough for a cautious first attempt, but it is still physical activity. You will be sitting on a moving animal outdoors, and the conditions may be cool, wet, or windy. The supplied warm clothing helps, but it does not turn the outing into an indoor activity.

The stated weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. If you are close to that limit, check the current booking terms before paying. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not give detailed guidance for every mobility or medical condition.

Gear, weather, and comfort

The included gear is a real part of the tour’s value. You receive a riding helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance. That means you do not need to own riding equipment or pack a full set of specialist clothing for one short outing.

Wear comfortable clothing beneath the supplied outerwear. The exact clothing requirements are not specified, so use practical outdoor basics and be ready for Icelandic weather. You should also expect some contact with mud or damp ground, which is one reason the rubber boots are useful.

Weather matters enough that the activity can be canceled if conditions are poor. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is fair for a horseback outing, but it means you should avoid placing the ride at the center of a tightly packed final day in Iceland.

The ride is offered in English. That helps if you want basic instructions and an explanation of the horses during the activity. A small group of no more than 15 can also make it easier for the guide to keep an eye on riders, though a full group will naturally allow less personal attention than a private booking.

Is $135.16 good value for 50 minutes?

At $135.16 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. The price deserves a clear look because the riding portion lasts about 50 minutes, and the listed tour does not include food or drinks.

The value comes from the complete setup rather than saddle time alone. You receive the horse, guide, safety instruction, helmet, boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and access to a scenic route near Reykjavik. You also avoid buying or carrying riding equipment for a single excursion.

I would consider it worthwhile if you specifically want to ride an Icelandic horse and have limited time. The setting and breed make this different from a standard trail ride, and the beginner-friendly format lowers the barrier to trying it.

I would hesitate if you are an experienced rider looking for several hours in the saddle. At this price, the short duration may feel limiting. You may also find better value if your main goal is simply to see Icelandic nature, since other outings can provide more sightseeing time for a similar budget.

The ride makes the most sense as a focused experience. You are paying for a brief, guided encounter with the Icelandic horse, not a long riding expedition or a meal-and-transport package.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a controlled introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity near Reykjavik
• Families with participants who meet the tour requirements
• Horse lovers who want to learn about Icelandic horses
• Experienced riders who are curious about the tölt and the breed
• People who want a short activity that fits around other Iceland plans

I would be more cautious if you dislike uncertain weather, have limited mobility, or want a long and fast ride. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not promise a particular pace or provide detailed accessibility information.

The tour also suits a mixed group better than many riding experiences. A beginner can take part while a more experienced rider may enjoy learning about the Icelandic horse and trying its distinctive gait. The guide’s ability to match a horse to your experience can make a difference, though that depends on the group and the day.

Booking and timing tips

The experience is commonly booked about 23 days in advance. That is a useful planning guide, especially if you are visiting during a busy period, though it is not a guarantee that every date sells out.

Keep the 30-minute early arrival requirement in mind when planning transport. The meeting point is at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, and the activity ends there. It is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify a particular bus route or transfer time, so check your route before setting out.

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile. That keeps the arrival process simple, but you still need to show up on time with enough room for check-in and preparation.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the experience start time. Canceling or changing the booking less than 24 hours ahead is not refundable, and the cutoff uses local Iceland time. Since weather can affect the ride, keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible.

My call: a memorable short ride for the right rider

I would book this tour if riding an Icelandic horse is on your Iceland wish list. The combination of moss-covered lava, Bláfjöll views, supplied weather gear, and beginner-friendly instruction gives the 50-minute outing a clear purpose.

I would not book it expecting a full riding day. The price is high for the time in the saddle, and the scenery, while beautiful, is experienced on a relatively short route. But if you want a manageable first ride with a distinct Icelandic setting, Ishestar offers a practical and appealing choice.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The ride ends back at the meeting point at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The riding activity lasts approximately 50 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed especially for beginners, with safety guidance and support from experienced guides.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The stated weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum group size of 15 people.

What happens if poor weather cancels the ride?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.