Icelandic Horse Riding Tour & Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Iceland on horseback feels special because you get to move through lava fields with Icelandic horses on a guided trail, just minutes from Reykjavík. I like how the ride is structured for different comfort levels, and I like that you are not stuck improvising cold-weather gear since the stables kit you up.

Here is the one drawback to think about first: the weather can be brutal. Even with warm overalls, your hands and feet may still get cold, and you have to be able to mount the horse under your own power.

Key things I’d plan around

• Tölt and other speeds, with the group split so beginners can stay comfortable
• Excellent stables setup at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, outside town
• Gear provided, including helmets, rubber boots, and warm or rain-protective layers
• Lava field riding, with rocky formations and green hillsides close by
• Photo stops and a guide who watches everyone, so you get both views and reassurance

Why Ride Icelandic Horses Right Outside Reykjavík?

This tour works because it puts a true Iceland outdoors moment right next to the city. You are leaving Reykjavík behind for a short drive, then spending 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback across volcanic ground and along green slopes.

What makes Icelandic horses worth the effort is how they move. You may ride at a smooth, special gait called tölt, and that is a big part of why people come all the way to Iceland for horses instead of just doing a local trail ride.

The best part for most first-timers is that the stables match horses to your ability, not your bravado. You start with a group, then you get separated into a slower and a faster option so the pace fits your comfort.

Íshestar Stables: Facilities, Horse Care, and Included Gear

Íshestar Riding Tours is set up for real riding days, not a quick photo line. The facilities include well-prepared changing areas, and the operation is geared toward keeping you warm, dry, and safe.

Your ride outfit is mostly handled for you. You are given warm overalls, rain gear when needed, and helmets in your size, plus rubber boots. That is one of the smartest value points here. Iceland is expensive and unpredictable, so having the right layers solved for you is a win.

On top of that, the horses are clearly treated as working animals with care and routine. People consistently notice how well the horses behave and how calm they are under saddle, even when weather is cold or riders are nervous.

One more practical note: you cannot bring backpacks or bags onto the ride. You store them at the riding center, so plan to travel light.

The Plan from Start to Finish, Including Hafnarfjörður and the Reykjavík Drop-Off

Your day starts at Íshestar Riding Tours, but you can choose an optional pickup. Pickup begins 60 minutes before your departure time, and the stables route you to a designated meeting point if pickup is available for your specific hotel area.

When you arrive in Hafnarfjörður, you get kitted out and briefed. Expect clear safety instructions, plus help getting adjusted and ready before you mount. After that, it is straight into the ride.

The main riding portion takes you through lava fields and along green hillsides. Your guide keeps the group together while also managing rider comfort, which matters more than it sounds. In cold conditions, having people settled and guided reduces stress for both you and the horses.

After the ride, you warm up at the stables. People often point out a hot drink at the end, which is exactly what you want after riding in wind and cold air.

Then you return to Reykjavík via drop-off points across central areas. The stops include places like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, City Hall, and several hotel and bus terminals, so it is usually easy to get back to your base without a long taxi ride.

Riding Through Lava Fields, Rocks, Flora, and the Tölt Feeling

The headline here is lava terrain. You will cross volcanic ground on horseback, which is unlike most trail rides where the ground is consistent and forgiving. Lava fields can be rough in texture, but the ride is managed on suitable paths.

You also get time to look at details you would not notice from a bus. Your guide points out interesting rock formations and local vegetation as you ride. That is the difference between seeing Iceland from a window and experiencing it at walking pace, then at tölt.

What you should expect physically is balance work. Icelandic terrain can feel uneven, but the horses are trained for rider comfort. Your job is to follow the guide, keep a steady seat, and focus on steering with the basics you are taught.

If you are offered tölt, take it. Many riders talk about tölt as the moment where the ride starts to feel uniquely Icelandic. It is smoother than many people expect, and once you find the rhythm, you can really appreciate the views and the quiet volcanic surroundings.

Group Splitting for Beginners and Experienced Riders

One reason this tour earns high marks is how it handles mixed riding skills. You start as a larger group, then after the ride gets moving, the group splits.

Beginners usually ride at a calmer pace focused on control and confidence. More experienced riders get an option to go faster, which can mean trotting and tölt depending on the group and conditions.

This is one of those details that sounds small until you are the person who feels out of place on a fast tour. I like that the stables aim to prevent “too fast for my comfort” situations by matching your pace to your ability.

Another smart touch is that your horse selection is not random. You get matched to your riding needs, which helps you stay relaxed. In cold weather, calm control is everything.

Pickup, Timing, and How Long You’ll Really Be Out

The riding is 1.5 to 2 hours, but total time depends on whether you use pickup and transfer. With transfer, plan on up to about 4 hours door to door.

Pickup is available starting 60 minutes before departure, and the stables share pickup timing based on your tour slot. If you drive yourself, it is also doable since the stables are around 20 minutes from Reykjavík, which makes this a good option even if you do not want to wait for a vehicle.

Drop-off matters too. The tour returns you to multiple convenient stops across Reykjavík, so you are not stuck back at the edge of town. If you are planning dinner or a later activity, pick a time slot that leaves buffer for cold fatigue.

What to Wear and Bring, Plus Iceland’s Leather Rule

This tour solves most of your clothing needs, but you still have to show up properly layered. Wear warm base layers and plan for wind. Even with overalls, riders report cold hands and cold feet, so bring whatever helps you retain heat.

The stables provide warm overalls or rain gear, plus helmets and boots. That said, add extra socks and warm layers under the gear. In winter conditions, your boots and gloves matter more than you think.

One important country entry rule can catch people off guard. Used riding gear made of leather may not be brought into Iceland, and any riding gear you do bring needs to be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arrival. If you are traveling with saddles, boots, or other leather items you have used, check this early so you do not end up scrambling.

Also remember: no bags or backpacks during the ride. If you bring a camera, keep it accessible for the stables, not strapped to your body for the trail.

Price and Value: Is $135 Worth It?

At about $135 per person, this is not a cheap activity. But it tends to feel fair when you compare what is included and what you get in return.

You are paying for:

• A guided experience through volcanic terrain
• High-quality facilities at Íshestar
• Helmet and rubber boot provision
• Warm overalls and rain protection
• A short drive from Reykjavík that still delivers a real nature experience

The biggest value signal is how much effort goes into matching riders and managing comfort. When a first-timer and an experienced rider both feel included, the tour becomes more than a “one size fits all” product.

Also, the included gear reduces hassle. In Iceland, buying or renting the right cold-weather clothing can quickly add up, and you avoid that part of the cost.

If you love horses, the value becomes even stronger because Icelandic horses are a specific experience. A generic “horseback ride” might be easier to find elsewhere, but Icelandic tölt and lava field riding are not.

Who Should Book This Horse Tour?

This is a great fit if you want a meaningful Iceland nature moment without committing to a full-day excursion. It works for families in the right age range and for adults who want adventure with a supportive structure.

It is also a strong choice if you are a first-time rider. The stables provide equipment, give safety instructions, and split groups by skill so nobody feels forced into a pace they cannot handle.

That said, it does have clear limits. It is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or riders over 110 kg. You also must be able to mount the horse using your own strength.

If you have knee or leg limits that make mounting hard, plan a different activity. The tour is rewarding, but the physical start matters.

Should You Book Íshestar Riding Tours?

Book it if you want a guided ride that feels genuinely Icelandic, not just a novelty. The combination of volcanic ground, Icelandic horses, and a well-run operation near Reykjavík makes this one of the more practical “bucket list” activities.

Do not book it if cold weather makes you miserable and you have not prepared for hands and feet that may feel freezing. Also skip it if mounting a horse on your own is not realistic.

If you are unsure, think about your goal. If your goal is to ride Icelandic horses through lava fields with a smooth tölt option and solid support, this tour is a strong match. If your goal is a quick, warm, minimal-effort outing, you may want something gentler.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Íshestar Riding Tours at the stables. The meeting point is listed on the tour map link provided by the operator.

How long is the horse-riding portion?

The horse-riding part lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Does the tour include pickup from Reykjavík hotels?

Pickup is optional. Pickup starts 60 minutes before your tour departure time, and pickup is at 9:00 AM for the 10:00 AM tour and at 1:00 PM for the 2:00 PM tour. Pickup is only available from some hotels or main guesthouses.

What is included in the price?

Included are the 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or a warm outfit, and English-speaking guidance. Other languages like German may be available upon request.

What should I wear or bring?

You should dress for cold Iceland weather. The stables provide overalls or rain gear plus helmets and boots, but you still need warm clothing under the gear. Also, no backpacks or bags can be taken on the ride.

Are children allowed?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old.

What is the weight limit?

The tour is not suitable for people over 243 lbs, which is 110 kg.

Is this tour offered in languages other than English?

The live guide speaks English. German and Icelandic are also listed as available.

Can I cancel if plans change?

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