Mossy lava fields and big mountain views.

This horseback tour in the Reykjavik area is a simple, feel-good way to experience Iceland’s outdoors on an Icelandic horse, with English guidance and a ride route that takes you past moss-covered lava and open riding paths. You’ll also get panoramic scenery toward the Bláfjöll mountains, which makes the 50 minutes feel like more than a quick stop.

Two things I like a lot: all the key riding gear and the beginner-focused coaching. You’ll be provided riding helmets, rubber boots, and either rain wear or warm overalls, plus guidance from the staff.

One consideration: it’s about 50 minutes, so it’s not a full-day adventure. And since it requires good weather, you’ll want to stay flexible if conditions are rough.

Key things to know before you mount

• Beginner-first route through moss-covered lava fields and riding paths
• Gear included: helmets, rubber boots, and rain wear or warm overalls
• Small group size with a maximum of 15 people
• English offered with a planned safety flow before you ride
• Icelandic horse coaching that can include tölting technique and horse background
• Meeting time is 30 minutes early at Sörlaskeið 26, Hafnarfjörður

Ishestar Horses: A beginner-friendly Iceland ride that still feels real

If you want the Iceland horse experience without needing serious riding skills, this tour is built for you. It starts with a setup that focuses on comfort and safety first, so you can concentrate on the fun part: being out on the trail with Iceland scenery around you.

You’re riding an Icelandic horse, the breed known for its distinctive gaits and for being well-suited to riders of different levels. The guides also make time to help you understand what you’re feeling, which is a big deal when you’re new to horseback riding.

And yes, the scenery matters here. The route is designed to take you past mossy lava fields and toward wide mountain views—especially around the Bláfjöll area—so your ride doesn’t feel like a fenced-in novelty.

Where you start in Hafnarfjörður (and what to do with that 30-minute head start)

You meet at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, which is the activity’s start and end point. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure, because that’s when the team gets everyone sorted and ready.

A good part of the experience is the pacing. You typically start with a safety video and gear fitting before you go to the horses. That extra lead-in time helps if you’re nervous—there’s less rushing, and you can get your bearings fast.

This is also a practical location for Reykjavik-area visitors. The tour notes it’s near public transportation, and it uses a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper tickets in cold weather.

The 50-minute ride: mossy lava fields and Bláfjöll mountain panoramas

The ride itself is about 50 minutes and follows riding paths that pass through moss-covered lava fields. That combination is one of Iceland’s signatures: raw volcanic ground softened by green moss, with open views that stretch farther than you expect.

As you move along the route, you’ll get panoramic views toward the Bláfjöll mountains and the surrounding area. Even in a short ride window, this kind of terrain gives you a sense of real distance—like you’re actually out in Iceland, not just circling near the barn.

Because the tour is structured for beginners, don’t expect aggressive trail riding or complicated maneuvers. Instead, the goal is to make the fundamentals feel manageable: sitting comfortably, holding the reins correctly, and learning what the horse is doing as it walks or transitions.

What could feel tricky?

Not everyone enjoys the physical rhythm of riding. If you’re expecting a smooth, standing-on-a-platform type of ride, horseback riding can feel more “alive” under you—especially if you’re new to the horse’s gait. The good news: the guides are there to help you stay comfortable, and the Iceland horse is often easier to ride than people expect.

Your guide’s role: safety first, then hands-on horse coaching

The experience doesn’t just hand you reins and point you down a path. Guides are part of the ride’s value, and that shows in the way they teach riders what to do.

For example, one standout guide named Barbora has received excellent feedback for coaching riders on tölt—including how to ride it correctly—and for explaining Icelandic horse background. That kind of teaching changes the ride from passive watching to active understanding.

If you’re a true beginner, you’ll likely appreciate how the guides focus on comfort and control before speed. If you already have riding experience, you may also get more technical instruction—especially around how to sit and move with the horse.

Also, the group size is capped at 15 travelers, which can help keep attention from getting lost in a big crowd. You’re still in a group environment, but the operation has room to support people.

Learning Icelandic horse culture while you ride

There’s a quiet thrill in realizing you’re not just riding any horse. Icelandic horses have a distinct identity, and the guides bring that into the experience in ways that feel practical rather than lecture-y.

During the tour, you might learn about the origins of the Icelandic horse, plus details like the horse’s union (the organizational side of the breed) and the shoeing style that fits the land where the horses are bred. You’ll also get context on how the horse’s body and movement relate to Iceland’s terrain.

If you’re into the details, this part is worth your attention because it makes the scenery more meaningful. You’re seeing mossy lava and mountain views, and you’re also learning why this horse is such a natural match for the environment.

And if you’re not into horse facts? You’ll still benefit from the coaching. Understanding the gait and what your body should do helps you relax, which usually leads to a better ride.

Included gear makes a difference more than you think

One of the smartest “value” choices here is what they provide. You get riding helmets, rubber boots, and rain wear or warm overalls, plus guidance.

That matters because Iceland weather doesn’t politely ask if you packed for it. If it’s wet or cold, you’re not left guessing. And if you’re worried about finding the right footwear, you’re covered with the rubber boots included.

It also reduces friction before the ride. You don’t have to play outfit Tetris in the parking lot, or spend time hunting for gear. The tour is designed to move you from meeting point to saddle without a long checklist.

What to bring?

The tour doesn’t list personal items as part of the included package, so you should plan based on the fact that you’ll wear the provided outer layer gear and boots. In practice, you’ll likely want to wear something comfortable under the overalls and be ready for short, weather-affected timing.

Price and value: $135.16 for a short ride done right

At $135.16 per person, this is not a budget activity. But for a Reykjavik-area horseback ride that includes safety gear, weather gear, helmets, boots, and guided instruction, it can feel like fair value.

Here’s where the math makes sense:

• You’re paying for staff time (training riders, guiding on trails, safety setup).
• You’re getting included equipment, which saves you both money and hassle.
• The ride is about 50 minutes, which is a realistic duration when you factor in briefing, equipment fitting, and the short daylight/variable weather typical for Iceland.

If you’re comparing it to self-guided tours (which don’t exist safely in the same way), this one gives structure. It’s also good if your Iceland itinerary is already full—this adds a genuine Iceland experience without consuming half a day.

If you’re trying to stretch value, the best plan is to book this as your “outdoor wow” segment and then build the rest of your day around nearby attractions.

Weather reality: plan for flexibility, not perfection

This tour requires good weather. That doesn’t mean it’s cancelled for every cloud. It means the operator may adjust dates if conditions aren’t right for riding.

If the weather turns, you’ll want a plan B day nearby. The upside is that the experience is short enough that, when conditions are workable, it’s easy to fit into a packed visit.

Who should book this Iceland horseback ride (and who might skip it)

This is a great match if:

• You’re a beginner who wants to ride an Icelandic horse without feeling overwhelmed.
• You want a guided experience through lava fields and scenic terrain with English support.
• You care about gear and comfort, since helmets, rubber boots, and warm/rain gear are included.
• You prefer small groups, with a maximum of 15.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re expecting a long, multi-hour trek. This is about 50 minutes on horseback.
• You’re extremely sensitive to the physical feel of riding (it’s still horseback riding, not a gentle amusement-ride glide).
• You fall outside the 110 kg / 240 lbs weight limit.

Also, remember this ends back at the starting point, so it’s designed as a clean, self-contained activity.

Should you book this horseback ride from Reykjavik?

I’d book it if you want a beginner-friendly way to experience Iceland horse culture and get real trail scenery—especially mossy lava fields and Bláfjöll mountain views—without needing advanced skills. The included helmets, boots, and rain/warm gear remove a lot of trip stress, and the English guidance plus small group size make it feel organized.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a long adventure or you’re scheduling it on a day you can’t move if the weather isn’t suitable. For most Reykjavik-area visitors, this is one of those activities that hits the sweet spot: short, scenic, and thoughtfully run.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The ride is about 50 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes riding helmets, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food or beverages are not included.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

No. The tour is designed especially for beginners, and guides focus on helping you feel safe and comfortable.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. English is listed as one of the available languages.

What’s the weight limit?

The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

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