From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

One word: rökkri? Nope. Think lava plus horses. This guided ride from Reykjavík quickly gets you out of the city and onto trails where Iceland’s volcanic ground and green hillsides mix under your boots. You’ll also feel the character of Icelandic horses firsthand, especially their smooth tölt gait, while guides keep the group moving and together for great photos.

I love that the tour leans practical: top-notch stables, well-sorted riding clothing, and staff who help you get comfortable fast. I also like the pacing because it works for first-timers and more confident riders, with groups matched by comfort level. One drawback to know up front: you must be able to mount the horse under your own strength, and the ride isn’t for everyone if you’re over the stated weight limit.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• Tölt on lava trails: You get a chance to experience the signature gait on real volcanic ground.
• Top facilities at Íshestar Stables: Warm overalls, rain gear, helmets in your size, and a well-equipped changing area.
• Guides who manage the group: Help keeping riders together, plus lots of on-the-ride information and photo moments.
• Comfort-minded pacing: Beginners can take it easy; more experienced riders may get extra riding options.
• Pickup from many Reykjavík-area hotels: Optional pickup and a long list of drop-off locations back in the city.

Icelandic horses vs. regular horses: what you’ll notice fast

Icelandic horses have a reputation for being steady and friendly, and this tour is built around that. What hits you quickly is the motion: the tölt gait is smooth enough that your body stops working like you’re trying to survive a bad elevator.

And because you’re riding Icelandic horses, you’re not just getting a cute animal encounter. You’re getting a different way of moving across the terrain, which matters when the ground around you is jagged lava rock and uneven textures.

Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður: the warm-up before the ride

The action starts at Íshestar Riding Tours with the stable base in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. Even before you mount up, you’ll feel how organized this place is, from the changing area to the gear setup.

You get a full kit to handle weather: warm overalls, rain gear, rubber boots, and a helmet. The staff also match horses to rider needs and help with safety, which is a big deal when you’re riding for the first time or you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery.

One more practical detail I like: there are safety boxes at the riding centre for valuables, and you can’t bring backpacks on the ride. That means you’re not scrambling to figure out where your phone, camera, and wallet go once you’re saddled.

The Hafnarfjörður ride itself: lava fields, green hillsides, and real trail time

Your horse time is about 1.5 hours riding in the Hafnarfjörður area. The route takes you through lava fields and along green hillsides, which gives you contrast: rough, dark volcanic ground up close, then softer-looking grassy slopes rolling past.

This is one of those tours where the setting does some of the work. Lava fields can look alien and quiet, and riding on horseback makes you slow down and notice textures you’d miss from a road. You’ll also have chances to look at rock formations and small plants along the way, depending on the conditions and what’s visible that day.

How the tölt may show up for you

You should expect the guides to show you how the horses move, and that tölt gait is a standout. If you’re new, focus on staying relaxed and following the horse in front of you. If you’re more confident, the pace may feel more active, and you may get a better chance to experience tölt firsthand.

In a few departures, guides split the group by riding confidence, including a slower option for beginners and a more active option for experienced riders. That matters because it keeps the ride from feeling like a single-speed treadmill.

Riding comfort and group control: what safety looks like here

A calm horse isn’t luck. It’s training plus selection, and the tour emphasizes both. The staff are geared up to help you get on and get steady, and guides keep riders organized so you’re not bouncing around trying to find space.

You can also expect photo support. Guides take photos and help coordinate shots so you get something memorable without stopping the flow every two minutes. If you’re wondering whether you’ll feel lost, the answer is mostly no, because the guides keep the group together and explain what to do step-by-step.

Sometimes you’ll hear horse history during the ride, and one guide name that comes up is Sonya, who shared horse background in a way that added context beyond just riding.

How pickup and drop-offs work from Reykjavík

This tour runs on scheduled start times, typically with pickup that begins 60 minutes before departure. Pickup points are available from hotels or main guesthouses, and if you’re in a private flat, you’ll get the closest pickup point information by email.

Once you reach the stables in Hafnarfjörður, the riding block happens and then the tour returns you back to the meeting point. From there, drop-offs cover many Reykjavík stops, including well-known options like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, and the central bus terminal area.

Why this timing format matters

In Reykjavík, time gets eaten fast by weather and short daylight. A tour like this that stays close to the capital helps you get an outdoor experience without turning your whole day into logistics. And because the ride is only a few hours total, you can still plan other stops in the city afterward.

What’s included: gear, helmets, and the stuff you don’t have to guess

Here’s the value part that makes this easier than most self-planned horse rides: the operator provides the essentials. You’ll get helmets and rubber boots, plus rainwear or a warm outfit for the ride.

The changing room setup is also part of the win. When Iceland weather flips from drizzle to wind to snow, you don’t want to be improvising with your own clothes while everyone else looks like they know what they’re doing. The provided gear keeps the learning curve low.

One more note: if you’re bringing leather riding gear from elsewhere, there are strict rules. You need used leather gear to be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving, and used leather gear may not be brought into Iceland otherwise.

Price and value: is $141 reasonable for this kind of Iceland day?

At $141 per person, this isn’t a throwaway activity, but it also isn’t priced like a luxury spa with a horseshoe-shaped garnish. The value comes from what you get bundled into that price: English-speaking guidance, helmet and boots, rainwear or warmth gear, and real trail time through lava fields.

You’re also paying for safety infrastructure and trained staff. A stable that can fit helmets in sizes, sort riders into appropriate groups, and match horses to rider needs costs money. In Iceland, where weather can turn fast, having the gear and process handled for you is a practical advantage, not a small detail.

If you’re doing a short stop in Iceland, this tour makes sense because it’s close to Reykjavík and doesn’t require a full-day commitment to reach the riding area.

Weather reality: when Iceland turns up the volume

Iceland doesn’t always cooperate, and this tour still runs. Riders have reported everything from wet, windy, and snowy conditions to days where you get a clearer view of the lava fields. The consistent part is that you’ll be equipped for it with overalls, rain gear, and helmets.

That said, you should dress with the “cold hands, warm core” idea. Even with gear provided, bring layers that work under the overalls and keep movement comfortable. If you’re prone to getting chilly, pack for it because the ride time is outdoor and exposed.

There’s also something fun about early departures. Some riders have experienced a sunrise ride, which can make the whole thing feel cinematic while the horses move steadily across the ground.

Who should book this horse tour, and who should skip it

This works well for families with children who meet the age requirement, and it’s also a solid pick for adventure seekers who want something different from waterfalls and museums. The experience is described as safe and beginner-friendly, with guides teaching correct procedures and helping you feel secure from the start.

It also suits people who want Iceland nature close to Reykjavík. You don’t need a long drive to see volcanic terrain from horseback, and the quick timing makes it easier to fit into a tight itinerary.

Read the limits before you fall in love with the idea

Skip or reconsider if:

• You can’t mount the horse by your own strength.
• You’re over 243 lbs (110 kg).
• Your child is under 7 years old.

Children ages 7 to 15 can receive a 25% discount, which makes the pricing easier for families.

Should you book the Reykjavík area lava-fields horse ride?

Yes, if you want an outdoor Iceland experience with minimal hassle and you’re comfortable riding in changing weather. You’ll get a real sense of the place because you’re moving over lava fields on Icelandic horses, not watching it from behind a bus window.

Book it especially if:

• You want smooth tölt riding and guided help even as a beginner.
• You like the idea of provided gear so you don’t gamble on what clothes to bring.
• You’re staying in Reykjavík and want something close that still feels like Iceland.

Don’t book it if you know you won’t meet the mounting ability requirement or you’re over the weight limit. And if you hate outdoor cold in wind and rain, plan for layers anyway because Iceland weather can be bold.

Bottom line: if your dream version of Iceland includes horses, lava, and a guide who knows the area, this tour is a strong value way to make that happen.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

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

How long is the horse-riding portion?

The ride in Hafnarfjörður is about 1.5 hours, and the overall tour duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours depending on the time slot.

Is pickup included, and where does it pick up from?

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

How far is Hafnarfjörður from Reykjavík?

Hafnarfjörður is about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.

What gear do I get for the ride?

You’ll get riding helmets and rubber boots, plus rainwear or a warm outfit during the ride. The stables also provide warm overalls.

Can I bring a backpack or bag on the ride?

No. You cannot take backpacks or bags with you, but there are safety boxes at the riding centre for valuables.

Are there age or weight limits?

Yes. It’s not suitable for children under 7 years old, and there is a weight limit of 243 lbs (110 kg).

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

No. The tour is described as safe and beginner-friendly, with guidance on riding procedures and group splits by riding confidence.

What languages are the guides?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic.

Is the transfer back to your hotel included, and what about cancellations?

Return transfer is not included and is optional. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.