Few minutes later you’ll be on a horse.

This Reykjavik-area ride gives you a real taste of Iceland’s outdoors without needing serious experience, and the scenery does the heavy lifting—moss-covered lava fields and wide open views toward the Bláfjöll mountains. I like that the crew sets you up for comfort right away: you get helmets and riding boots, plus weather gear when you need it, and the guides focus on helping you feel safe while you learn how the Icelandic horse moves.

Two things I especially appreciate: you ride through dramatic terrain that’s easy to reach from town, and you get time to understand the Icelandic horse up close rather than treating the animal like a prop. One consideration: this is weather dependent, so if conditions are rough you may need to switch dates or receive a refund.

Key Things to Know Before You Ride

• Beginner-focused pacing with guidance designed to help you feel comfortable fast
• Full gear included: helmets, rubber boots, and rain wear or warm overalls
• Mossy lava route + big mountain views around the Bláfjöll area
• Small group size (max 15) for a calmer experience on horseback
• Icelandic-horse technique time, with extra help if you want to learn the tölt
• 50 minutes on the trail that fit neatly into a day in Reykjavik

Entering Ishestar: a Simple Start in Hafnarfjörður

This tour is based at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður, not far from Reykjavik. The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, and you return there at the end. Translation: you don’t spend your day transferring between half a dozen places. You show up, get ready, ride, and go back.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That buffer matters. You’ll want time for fitting and getting oriented before you’re led out to the horses. With Iceland weather, those extra minutes also help if you’re sorting out layers, gloves, or rain gear.

The ride itself is about 50 minutes, and the experience is offered in English with a mobile ticket. There’s a clear “small-group” feel too, with a maximum of 15 travelers, which usually means less waiting and more attention from the guides.

What’s Included (and Why It Makes or Breaks the Ride)

Horseback riding in Iceland can be wet, windy, and cold—fast. So I’m a big fan that this one includes the stuff that actually changes your comfort level.

You’re provided with:

• Riding helmets
• Rubber boots
• Rain wear or warm overalls
• Guidance from the staff and guides

That “guidance” piece is important. A beginner-friendly tour isn’t just about telling you where to sit. It’s about helping you understand what to do with your posture and your reins, especially when you’re dealing with a horse that moves differently than many riding breeds.

Food and beverages are not included. If you tend to get hungry quickly, eat before you go. If you’re visiting in the cold months, having something in your stomach can also make the whole experience feel easier, even if you don’t eat much.

Your 50-Minute Itinerary: From Safety Brief to Mossy Lava Trail

The tour runs as a single, straightforward experience—there’s one main stop: the riding center at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre. Even though it’s short, the structure is designed to keep things smooth for first-timers.

Here’s what you can expect in sequence:

1. Arrive early (30 minutes before departure) and get set up.
2. Safety briefing and orientation before you mount. In similar rides, this often includes a short talk or video and a chance to ask questions while you’re still on the ground.
3. Get to know your horse before heading out. One guide-led touch I like: you’re not rushed straight into the saddle. You have moments to be around the horses, which helps you feel less like you’re “just along for the ride.”
4. The ride itself through Iceland’s outdoor terrain.
5. Back to the barn when the 50 minutes are done.

If you want to maximize the value, arrive early and ask one or two questions about what to do if you feel unsure. The time on the ground is where a good guide can prevent a stressful ride.

The Route: Moss-Covered Lava Fields and Bláfjöll Views

This is the part you’re actually paying for. The ride takes you through moss-covered lava fields, then along riding paths with panoramic views toward the Bláfjöll mountains and the surrounding area.

Why this route is so satisfying for most people: the terrain gives you the “Iceland wow” factor without requiring a long hike. You’re moving, you’re above the ground just enough to see the space around you, and you’re not stuck waiting for the bus or the weather to allow a longer outdoor tour.

You’ll also learn that “lava fields” don’t just mean black rock. When the ground is carpeted in moss, it turns the scenery into something textured and softly colored, not just dramatic and harsh. That moss-and-rock mix is exactly what makes this ride feel distinctly Icelandic instead of generic countryside riding.

Learning the Icelandic Horse: Tölt Tips and Animal Knowledge

The Icelandic horse is the star of the show here. The guides don’t treat them like background. You’ll get help understanding the animal and how to ride in a way that matches how Icelandic horses move.

One standout teaching theme from the experience: learning the tölt correctly. The tölt is a distinct four-beat gait that can feel smoother and more controlled than a typical walk or trot, especially once you get the rhythm right. If you’re a beginner, the guide’s job is to help you avoid tense hands and confusing cues. If you have prior experience, you might get a faster pace and more specific coaching.

In a review-led example, a guide named Barbora spent time talking through tölt technique and sharing background on the Icelandic horse—things like origins, how they’re used, and even details like shoeing style and where they’re bred. You may not get every single fact every time, but the overall approach is clear: you’re riding a breed with quirks, and the guides want you to understand the why behind the riding.

Bottom line: this tour is better when you lean into the “learn a little” side. Ask how to seat your body, how to hold your hands, and what to expect from your horse before you start moving.

Gear, Weather, and Comfort: How to Dress Like a Smart Rider

Even though this is billed for beginners, you still need to dress for the reality of Iceland outdoors. The good news is that you get rain wear or warm overalls plus rubber boots. That takes away a big chunk of uncertainty.

Here’s how you can help yourself:

• Wear layers you can move in comfortably under the provided gear.
• Bring gloves if you run cold; if you forget, you might have to borrow them on the spot, and that’s never ideal.
• Expect wind. Wind + wet + short sleeves is a bad combo.
• Don’t worry if you feel awkward at first. The goal is comfort and safety, not looking like a seasoned rider.

Weather matters here. The tour notes say it requires good weather. When conditions aren’t ideal, the operator will offer a different date or refund—so keep your schedule flexible when possible.

Price and Value: Is $135.16 Worth 50 Minutes?

At $135.16 per person for an experience that’s roughly 50 minutes, the price can look steep on paper. But the value is in what’s included and the kind of setting you get.

A quick value breakdown:

• You’re getting gear that’s not just “recommended,” it’s provided: helmet, boots, and weather clothing.
• You’re getting qualified guidance that’s focused on helping beginners actually ride rather than just hold on.
• You’re accessing scenic terrain—mossy lava and mountain views—that you’d likely spend a lot more time trying to reach by foot.
• You’re in a small group (up to 15), which usually improves the experience quality.

The time is also part of the deal. You don’t need to carve out a half-day. If you’re building a Reykjavik itinerary with a mix of museums, day trips, and scenic stops, a 50-minute ride is a nice way to add something physical and outdoorsy without blowing your whole day.

If you’re deciding between this and a longer ride, ask yourself what you want most:

• If you want Iceland scenery and a comfortable introduction to Icelandic horses, this is strong value.
• If you want hours of riding with minimal guidance, you might look at longer, more advanced formats.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and When to Skip It)

This tour is designed especially for beginners, and it’s a good match if you’re curious about Icelandic horses but don’t want to plan a complicated outdoor outing. It also works well if you want a guided way to see the countryside near Reykjavik without committing to a full-day hike.

It’s also capped at 15 travelers, so it tends to feel calmer and more personal than large group activities. That matters when you’re learning something new.

You should consider skipping (or at least double-checking fit) if:

• You’re over the weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs.
• You need guaranteed outdoor time no matter the weather. This ride requires good weather.
• You’re expecting food included. You’ll need to handle that elsewhere.

Most people can participate, but it still pays to be honest about your comfort level with safety instructions and riding equipment before you book.

Practical Tips to Make Your Ride Better

These aren’t gimmicks—they’re the small choices that tend to improve the experience:

• Arrive early and stay flexible. The tour starts with prep, and early arrival reduces stress.
• Listen closely during the briefing. Even a few minutes of correct cueing can help your horse ride more smoothly.
• Ask about tölt only if you care. If you want that smoother gait, say so. If not, you can still enjoy the trail and scenery.
• Dress for damp and wind. You’ll get weather gear, but your comfort starts with good base layers.
• Bring a camera plan. You can likely take photos, but you may want to wait for stops or steadier moments so you don’t fuss with it while you ride.

If you’re lucky with timing, you might even get small extras on arrival. For example, one guide-led experience described coffee available when they arrived and a chance to hang out with the horses in the stable afterward. That’s not something you should plan your day around, but it’s a nice reminder that the staff may create a relaxed atmosphere around the ride.

Should You Book This Iceland Horse Riding Tour?

If you want a beginner-friendly horse ride with real Iceland scenery, I think this is a strong pick. It checks the boxes that matter most for first-timers: safety and support, included gear, small group size, and a route that delivers mossy lava and mountain views without requiring a full-day commitment.

Book it if:

• You want an easy entry into riding the Icelandic horse
• You care about comfort (helmet, boots, and weather clothing included)
• You’d rather spend 50 minutes outside than half a day hiking

Skip it if:

• Your schedule can’t move due to weather
• You’re looking for food and drinks included
• You’re above the weight limit

If you’re building a Reykjavik trip and you want one experience that feels both outdoorsy and uniquely Icelandic, this one earns a spot on your list.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The ride is about 50 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland and ends back at the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is this tour good for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed especially for beginners.

What’s included in the price?

Included are riding helmets, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or beverages included?

No. Food or beverages are not included.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When do I need to cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.