A ride on Icelandic horses can turn dry scenery into motion. This family-friendly tour takes you from Þorlákshöfn toward the Krýsuvík geothermal-lava area, then pauses at a 12th-century church with big ocean views. I especially like the small-group size (max 12) and the included helmets and riding equipment, so you can focus on the ride instead of logistics. One drawback to think about: timing and extra costs can vary, including reports of last-minute cancellations and unplanned shuttle charges for cruise guests.

Expect a lot of wind, volcanic ground, and ocean light. The route also builds in a practical break at a nearby café for snacks—helpful when you’re dressed for cold and your horse needs a breather too. The main consideration for me is communication and rider expectations: one guide experience involved a non-English-speaking owner (Magnus), while another guide (Bjorn) was friendly and helpful.

Key highlights and what matters most

• Krýsuvík lava fields plus geothermal steam: white plumes can show up in the distance.
• Strandakirkja (12th century) with ocean views: the clifftop waves look loud even from a calm viewpoint.
• Small group, up to 12: easier questions, less waiting around.
• Included gear and snacks: helmet and equipment are handled for you, plus snacks and beverages.
• English offered, but check details: most of the experience is described in English, yet one review flagged language gaps.
• Plan for real Icelandic weather: cold and windy days are part of the deal.

From Þorlákshöfn to Krýsuvík: What the ride route is really like

This tour is based in Þorlákshöfn (Thorlák’s Harbour), and the ride heads west toward Krýsuvík, famous for geothermal activity among black lava. On a clear day, you’re not just staring at a horse. You’re also looking out at a raw, volcanic setting where the land looks built from old fires. In the distance, you might catch small bursts of steam rising from the ground—easy to miss if you’re not watching, but memorable when you spot it.

You’ll also get sea-and-mountain viewpoints along the way. That mix matters because Iceland scenery isn’t just visual; it changes quickly with wind and cloud cover. Even if visibility is flat, you’re still riding through a landscape that feels uniquely Icelandic rather than scenic-in-a-generic-way.

One practical note: the schedule can feel longer than the time in the saddle. For example, one rider reported about 45 minutes to reach the farm area before the main ride, then around an hour riding through lava fields. So if you’re timing this around another activity, don’t treat it as a tight 2-hour block. Treat it as a half-day that includes travel time, prep, and the ride itself.

Strandakirkja Church Stop: Ocean cliffs, wind, and a real reason to pause

A key part of the itinerary is a visit to Strandakirkja, a Protestant church known in Iceland and dated to the 12th century. The big reason to include this stop is the view. You’re high enough to see the ocean spread out, and on windy days you can expect impressive waves crashing against the cliffs nearby.

This is also a smart pacing move for a family horse tour. Horses and people both need downtime, and the church stop gives your group a natural “we’re here” break. It’s not just a photo stop, either. It helps you reset your footing and breathing after time on horseback, especially when you’ve been moving at a steady trot or slower walk over uneven ground.

If you get weather that turns quickly—which is common in the south coast—this is the kind of stop that can still be worth it. Even when the ride is cold and windy, the ocean will usually be doing something dramatic.

The café break: Snacks, warmth, and horse-friendly timing

Close to the church is a small café where you can rest. The tour includes snacks and beverages, and this is the moment where those items make the most sense. You’re likely to be cold, your hands may feel stiff in gloves, and your horse needs a pause before the return.

The value here is simple: Iceland can punish bad timing. If you’re not eating and warming up at least briefly, you’ll feel it quickly, especially on a horseback ride. The café stop also reduces the stress of trying to eat on the go. You can sit, sip, and warm your core before heading back.

You and your kids will probably love it for the same reason: it breaks up the ride into smaller chunks, and it gives you a chance to absorb what you just saw instead of thinking about what’s next.

Riding experience level: Medium difficulty, family-friendly structure

The tour is described as medium difficulty, and the activity is intended for experienced riders. That sounds like a contradiction with “family-friendly,” but in practice it usually means this: it’s family-oriented in format (guides, included gear, manageable group size), while the actual riding demands basic comfort with handling a horse and staying balanced.

Here’s how I’d interpret that as a practical traveler:

• If you’ve ridden before and are comfortable with saddles, reins, and the pace changes, this will likely feel like a fun outdoor day.
• If you’re a total beginner, you should treat this as a risk and ask the operator what the expectations are for control and riding posture.

The included helmets and riding equipment help a lot with confidence. In a sport like this, proper fit matters. When the operator provides gear, you’re more likely to get an equipment setup that fits you well enough for Iceland conditions (cold, wind, and uneven terrain).

Also remember: this is Iceland. Even if the route looks straightforward, the ground can be surprising under hoof. So your best “family-friendly” strategy is to keep expectations realistic. It’s an adventure ride, not a calm petting-zoo stroll.

Small-group feel: why the max 12 matters

This tour limits the group size to 12 travelers. For many sightseeing tours, small-group means you get better photos and less waiting. Here, it matters more than that.

Horse riding is time-sensitive. Saddling takes time. Mounting takes time. And the guide needs to manage pacing so the group isn’t spread out. With a small group, you’re less likely to end up watching other riders go ahead while you’re still dealing with straps and adjustments.

English is listed as offered, and that should be a relief if you’re not comfortable in Icelandic. But don’t assume every conversation will be smooth. One review mentioned an owner named Magnus who was nice but didn’t speak English, which made communication difficult. Another review described a guide named Bjorn as friendly and helpful.

So, think of it like this: the tour likely runs smoothly overall, but if you have questions about pace, supervision, or your child’s comfort, you’ll get the best outcome by asking clearly at the start.

Pickup and timing: simple on paper, worth verifying in real life

Pickup is offered, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. That sounds clean and easy. Yet in real life, timing can get complicated when you’re combining a horse activity with a cruise stop, port schedule, or public transport.

A particularly important detail for cruise passengers: one rider reported an additional $75 charge for transportation between the cruise ship area and the riding location in Reykjavik—an unexpected add-on not described in the listing they used. The ride still happened, but it created a scramble to get cash quickly.

I can’t promise that will apply to your situation. But you should treat it as a flag. If you’re arriving by cruise, email or message the operator before you go and ask:

• Is there any extra shuttle or transport fee?
• What’s the exact cost and what does it cover?
• Where do we meet, and how long does it take to reach the horses?

That one bit of homework can turn a potentially stressful day into a smooth one.

What’s included (and what you should bring anyway)

The tour includes helmets & riding equipment, plus snacks and beverages. That’s a big value item because proper riding gear is not something you want to improvise in a cold country.

What’s not included is the stuff you control:

• Warm and comfortable clothes
• Good shoes (the info mentions sneakers or boots)

For Iceland, I’d plan like this:

• Dress in layers so you can handle wind without overheating when you’re moving.
• Use shoes with grip. Lava terrain and farm paths don’t care about your fashion choices.
• Bring gloves you can ride in. If you can’t hold your reins comfortably, you’ll feel it fast.

Also, if you’re hoping to keep kids comfortable: warmer clothes matter more than you think, because the ride includes standing around at prep times and walking pauses.

Price and value: is $180 per person worth it?

At $180 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in the region. But it can still be good value if you weigh what you’re getting.

You’re paying for:

• A guided ride with supervision
• Included helmets and riding equipment
• Snacks and beverages
• Access to a volcanic landscape route and a historic church stop

Horse riding tours often cost more because you’re renting animals, tack, and experienced staff time. So the value hinges on one thing: how smoothly the day runs and how much quality riding time you actually get.

The mixed review experiences highlight what to watch for. One issue involved a cancellation by the operator less than 24 hours before the event, and that kind of disruption can erase the value quickly. Another issue involved unexpected extra transport fees for cruise guests.

My advice for value: confirm the plan clearly the day before (or the morning of) when possible, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. And if you’re doing this while in Iceland only briefly, protect your investment by booking a backup idea nearby.

Weather reality: when the ride becomes about staying comfortable

This is an experience that relies on good weather. If weather is poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. Wind and cold don’t just make you uncomfortable—they can make the horses and riders work harder to stay steady.

If you’re flexible and you pack for cold, this is still a great way to experience Iceland beyond buses and viewpoints. Volcanic scenery looks even better when you’re physically there, feeling the wind, and watching steam rise in the distance.

But if your group is sensitive to cold or you’re traveling with very young kids, you’ll want to think carefully. Warmer layers, gloves, and a realistic attitude about time outside are key.

Who should book this horseback tour in Þorlákshöfn?

I think this tour fits best if you want an Iceland experience with real movement and hands-on nature—not just a drive-and-stand kind of day.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You (and kids, if applicable) are comfortable being outdoors in wind and cold.
• You have at least some riding experience since the activity is described as medium difficulty for experienced riders.
• You like small-group experiences where a guide can keep an eye on everyone.

I’d be more cautious if:

• You’re on a cruise with strict timing and you don’t know whether there are extra shuttle fees.
• Your group is relying on perfect communication in English and you can’t tolerate language barriers.
• You need a fully guaranteed schedule, since there are reports of last-minute cancellations.

My booking checklist before you commit

To make this tour feel like good value, I’d do three quick checks:

• Confirm pickup details and whether any extra transportation fees apply to your exact arrival method.
• Ask what the riding difficulty means in practice for your skill level, especially if children are involved.
• Make sure you can dress for wind and cold, because comfort will make the difference between a fun adventure and a miserable scramble.

Should you book it? My practical take

Book this horseback ride if you want a real Icelandic nature day—lava fields, steam in the distance, and an ocean-view church stop—wrapped into a small group with included gear and snacks. The $180 price can make sense when you factor in equipment, guided supervision, and the time outdoors.

But don’t book it blindly. The most serious risks shown in the information are last-minute cancellations and potential surprise transport costs for cruise guests. If you handle those details up front and you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys weather and movement, you’ll probably find this tour a memorable, authentic outing from Þorlákshöfn.

FAQ

What’s the tour duration?

The experience is described as about 2 hours in the summary, but the tour details state a 4-hour riding tour. Plan for a half-day overall.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

English is listed as an offered language.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks and beverages are included, and your operator provides helmets and riding equipment. Warm clothing and good shoes are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm, comfortable layers and good shoes (sneakers or boots). If you get cold easily, you’ll want to pack extra warmth for wind.

What 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.

How late can I 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 experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.

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