Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Horseback riding near Reykjavik is a great way to trade car hours for close-up time in the Icelandic outdoors. I like that this is beginner-first, so you are not thrown into the deep end, and I also like the small group size that keeps the attention on you and your horse. One consideration: it is weather dependent, so you may need to roll with a date change if conditions are rough.

At Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, the ride itself is short, around 50 minutes, but the experience feels complete. Guides actually coach you on the Icelandic horse, and in a standout moment, one guide you may hear about, Barbora, is praised for being relaxed, personal, and helpful right up to the riding moment.

Key highlights to look for at Ishestar

• Beginner coaching in English, with guidance and safety support from experienced staff
• Moss-covered lava fields and mountain views around the Bláfjöll area
• All the gear you need is included, like helmets, rubber boots, and rain wear or warm overalls
• A small group max of 15, so it is easier to get help if you need it
• Time before and after the ride to meet the horses and settle in at the stable
• Tölt coaching for riders who want technique, not just a casual walk

Why this ride works so well from Reykjavik

If you want Iceland nature without a long day, this is one of those smart, practical plans. You base yourself around Reykjavik and still get out to lava terrain, mossy ground, and broad sky views that make Iceland feel like Iceland.

The other thing I really like is how the experience is built around comfort and pacing. This is designed especially for beginners, which matters on a place where weather and footing can be unpredictable. You are given what you need to ride (helmets and proper boots), and you get guidance so you spend less time worrying and more time paying attention.

Getting set up at Sörlaskeið 26, Hafnarfjörður

Your experience starts at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure so you can check in, get fitted, and not feel rushed.

Here is what is included for you:

• riding helmets
• rubber boots
• rain wear or warm overalls
• guidance from the staff

That clothing detail matters. Iceland weather can change fast, and having the right outer layer helps you focus on the horse and the ride. Also, since the tour is offered in English, you can follow directions clearly without guessing.

Before you ride, there is typically safety messaging and setup time. One review points out that the group had a safety video before mounting, then had a chance to get oriented at the stable. This is one of those small things that makes the whole outing feel calmer.

The 50 minute ride: mossy lava, trails, and Bláfjöll views

The core of the experience is a horseback ride through natural terrain around the Bláfjöll mountains. You will be passing moss-covered lava fields and riding paths with big panoramic views.

Because the ride is about 50 minutes, you get a satisfying taste of the outdoors without it turning into a full-day commitment. It is long enough to actually feel like you are part of the environment, not just doing a quick photo stop.

A key detail is pacing. Beginners are usually not pushed hard. Instead, the guides keep you comfortable and help you get the hang of riding on an Icelandic horse. If you want a bit more challenge, you may get coaching that improves your technique as you go.

What it feels like to ride an Icelandic horse (and get real coaching)

This tour is built around making you comfortable on the Icelandic horse. You get opportunities to get to know the horse during the ride, and the staff chooses horses that fit your experience level.

One highly praised highlight from the ride experience is instruction on the gait technique, including tölt. If you have never heard the word before, do not worry. The guides can walk you through what to do, so you are not left guessing. One review specifically called out a guide working 1-2-1 with them to help them ride tölt correctly, while also explaining how the Icelandic horse is bred and why its shoeing style matters for the terrain.

Even if you do not go deep into technique, you still benefit. Good coaching changes everything. It helps you feel balanced, it helps you stay relaxed, and it helps the ride feel like a real skill you are picking up, not just sitting on an animal and hoping for the best.

Why the guide experience is the real selling point

Price matters, but guide quality is what makes an activity feel worth repeating. In the feedback, Ishestar’s staff come across as attentive and calm. People highlight the guides as accommodating, collaborative with the group, and quick to make first-time riders feel safe.

A guide name you may hear in reviews is Barbora. She gets called out for being great, including working with the group in a relaxed, personal way. In one case, the group even got a private-style experience, which meant more direct coaching.

One other praised detail: the facility setup for riders and spectators. That sounds minor until you are actually there. When the stable area is organized and people know what to do next, the whole outing runs smoother, and you waste less energy on logistics.

What happens before and after the ride

You are not just dropped in the saddle and forgotten. There is time around the stables that makes the ride feel more human, and it often includes a chance to interact with the horses.

One review describes arriving, getting coffee on site, watching or going through the stable process before the safety step, and then being able to hang out with the horses back at the barn before leaving. Even if you do not get the same exact flow, the overall pattern is the same: you get orientation, you ride, then you have a moment to settle back in.

That added stable time is worth it because it helps you see what you are riding. You get a better sense of the horse you are assigned, and you can relax after the ride instead of sprinting off to your next activity.

Price and value: is $135.16 worth 50 minutes?

At $135.16 per person for an experience around 50 minutes, this is not a cheap “easy add-on.” But it is also not overpriced compared with what goes into it: guided coaching, safety gear, weather-ready clothing options, and horses that are trained and cared for.

Here is why I think it holds value:

• Gear is included, including helmet and boots. That saves you money and hassle.
• Beginner-first instruction can prevent a rough start, which is a big part of the real value.
• Small group size (max 15) usually means more attention.
• The setting gives you lava fields and Bláfjöll views in a concentrated, easy format.

One trade-off: food or beverages are not included. If you want a snack before or after, plan ahead. If you are traveling with limited time, consider pairing the ride with a nearby meal rather than trying to squeeze it in last minute.

Timing, weather, and what to wear

This activity runs only when conditions allow. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

So what should you wear? Follow the logic of Iceland: expect wind, damp air, and sudden temperature shifts. You will be given rain wear or warm overalls and rubber boots, which helps a lot, but you still want layers under the clothing.

Also, because you will be outside for the full experience window (including arriving early), you should come prepared for cold waiting. Warm socks and a practical base layer are the kind of boring choice that makes you feel like a pro.

Who this horseback ride suits best

This is a strong fit if you:

• are a beginner who wants to ride an Icelandic horse with coaching
• want a short, guided outdoor experience rather than a full-day tour
• value clear instructions in English
• prefer a small group outing with supportive staff

It may not be the best fit if you:

• want a long riding adventure that goes on for hours (this one is about 50 minutes)
• are very sensitive to outdoor conditions, since the ride depends on weather
• are over the weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs

The practical details that matter on the day

A few things to keep in mind so you do not waste time on the day.

• This tour ends back at the meeting point at Sörlaskeið 26.
• You receive a mobile ticket.
• Confirmation comes at booking time.
• The group is capped at 15 travelers.
• It is near public transportation, which helps if you are planning your Reykjavik area logistics.

Also, because it is offered in English and structured for first-timers, it is a good option when your Iceland trip includes mixed levels in your group.

Should you book this horseback riding tour?

If you want a beginner-friendly ride that mixes real scenery (mossy lava fields and Bláfjöll views) with coaching and included gear, yes, book it. It is priced like a guided, equipment-supported activity, and the payoff is that you are not left to figure it out on your own.

I would especially recommend it if you care about safety, want staff who feel genuinely accommodating, and like the idea of learning a bit about the Icelandic horse beyond just sitting there. If the weather looks questionable and you do not want to risk a date change, then you might wait until closer to your trip window. Otherwise, this is the kind of Reykjavik day plan that feels both easy and memorable.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The ride is about 50 minutes.

Do I need to arrive early?

Yes. You should be at the riding center about 30 minutes before departure.

Where is the meeting point?

It is at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

What is included in the price?

You get a riding helmet, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs.

What if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time for a full refund.