Icelandic Horse Riding Tour & Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Ride Iceland’s lava on a calm Icelandic horse. This short guided ride near Reykjavík uses the tölt gait to turn a volcanic trail into something you can actually feel in your body, not just stare at from a viewpoint. You’ll cross lava fields, pass green hillsides, and spot rocks, plants, and local wildlife while staying on well-managed riding paths.

I really like two things about this tour. First, the Íshestar Stables setup is genuinely strong for winter riding, from well-equipped changing areas to provided gear like helmets and rubber boots. Second, the guides take time to match you to a horse and then split the group so beginners can feel safe and confident, while more experienced riders get a chance at faster riding.

One thing to plan around is the cold, plus the basic physical rules. You must be able to mount the horse on your own strength, and even with warm overalls, hands and feet can still feel painfully chilly in bad weather. Also, the ride is short by design, so if you want hours in the saddle, this is the quick hit, not a full-day adventure.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Lava field riding minutes from Reykjavík, via a well-run stable in Hafnarfjörður
• The Icelandic tölt gait on smooth trails, plus options to trot or canter for advanced riders
• Top-tier provided gear, including warm overalls, rain gear, helmets, and rubber boots
• Clear group management, with riders split early so you do not hold anyone back
• Photo moments and end-of-ride warm drinks, a nice touch after the cold
• Practical rules like no backpacks on the horse and a real ability check for mounting

Why Hafnarfjörður Makes This Ride So Easy

Reykjavík is great, but most horse riding that feels truly Icelandic usually means driving out far. This one is different. You start from Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from central Reykjavík. That means you can fit Iceland horse time into a normal half-day schedule without burning half your trip on transportation.

If you choose the pickup option, the operation runs on a wide net of Reykjavík drop-off points, so you are likely to find something close to where you are staying. Pickup typically starts 60 minutes before the departure, with a clear example schedule: pickup at 9:00 AM for the 10:00 AM tour, and 1:00 PM for the 2:00 PM tour.

Even if you drive yourself, the vibe is the same. You show up at the stables, get kitted out fast, and you are riding soon after. It keeps the experience from turning into logistics day.

Entering Íshestar Stables: Warm Gear and Horse Matching

The first payoff comes before you even mount. At the stables, you get outfitted with practical Iceland riding essentials: helmets, and rubber boots, plus warm overalls and rain gear sized to you. The changing room is described as well-equipped, which matters in Iceland because weather changes fast and you do not want to be wrestling clothing in the wind.

I also appreciate how seriously they take matching horses to riders. Multiple riders note they pair you based on experience level and then manage the group so you are not stuck on an uncomfortable mount or riding pace.

Then there is the safety tone you feel right away. They give instructions and guidance before you go out, and there are staff watching closely to keep horses and riders under control. That calm, hands-on approach makes a huge difference for nervous first-timers.

One more practical detail that helps: you cannot take backpacks or bags on the ride. You can store them at the riding center, which prevents the usual hassle of trying to secure items while also trying to enjoy the ride.

What You Will Experience on the Lava Trail

The core ride is about 1.5 to 2 hours in the Reykjavík area. The route is designed around Iceland’s volcanic scenery, so you spend time moving across lava fields and along green hillsides. Expect to look at rock formations and to keep an eye out for flora and fauna along the way.

A big part of the magic is that you are not just walking beside volcanic ground. You’re traveling over it. The ground looks and feels different from a bus window or a photo stop, and the horse is your pace-setter. Even riders who say they were nervous at first often describe the trail as smooth and the horses as responsive and well-behaved.

You also get some natural pacing. A stop for photos happens around the halfway point for many riders, which is useful. It breaks the cold wind, lets you reset, and gives you a chance to step off the horse briefly and take in the view without trying to hold your phone steady in gloves.

In winter conditions, the ride can feel longer than it sounds, mostly because cold sneaks in. The best strategy is to dress for discomfort and trust the provided layers, not the weather forecast.

Tölt, Trot, and Canter: How the Guides Adjust Your Speed

This tour is popular for one simple reason: Icelandic horses do not move like other horses. You get the chance to experience the tölt gait, a smooth, four-beat rhythm that many riders describe as special the moment you feel it under you.

Speed and “how fast” you ride depends on your comfort level and the horse you are matched to. Riders consistently describe a group split early, often within the first 10 to 15 minutes. One group goes slower for beginners, and another group is set up for people comfortable with faster paces like trotting and tölt, with some mentioning cantering as well.

That split is not just for thrill seekers. It is also for fairness. If someone new gets overwhelmed, the entire group pace suffers. The way they manage this means you do not end up riding at the wrong intensity for your skills.

One thing I would not count on is a specific high-speed moment on every ride. Advanced riders mention canter or even gallop at times, but it sounds dependent on group size, conditions, and who is in the experienced group that day. Your best bet is to aim for the tölt experience, then let “extra speed” be a bonus.

Timing, Pickup, and the Reykjavík Drop-Off Pattern

The stated total duration is 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you take the optional transfer. The riding time itself is 1.5 to 2 hours, so the extra time mostly comes from pickup and drop-off.

This matters because Iceland days can pack up fast. If you want to see the northern lights or add another activity the same day, the shorter ride block helps. If weather is rough, having a timed schedule also reduces decision fatigue.

Drop-off points are extensive, including central options like Hallgrímstjörn (Hallgrimskirkja), Harpa, and Reykjavík bus terminal areas, plus many hotel stops. That kind of coverage is practical when you are traveling around the city and do not want a long walk in cold weather after a horse ride.

If you are not using pickup, you just meet at the stables. Either way, the experience stays focused on riding, not on wandering.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is one of those activities that feels family-friendly in a broad sense, but it has firm limits.

Best fit:

• First-time riders who want guided instruction and a managed pace
• People who specifically want to ride Icelandic horses and feel tölt
• Families traveling with kids who meet the minimum age and can mount safely
• Adventurers who like nature, lava, and a short but memorable out-and-back ride

Not a fit:

• Children under 7 years
• Pregnant women
• People over 243 lbs (110 kg)
• Anyone who cannot mount the horse by their own strength

Also, consider cold sensitivity. Reviews include plenty of winter riding comfort, but also clear warnings that hands and feet can freeze even when you wear layers. If you tend to run cold easily, plan to overprepare with socks and gloves, not just the outerwear they provide.

Value Check: Is $135 Worth It?

Let’s talk value in real terms. At $135 per person, you are paying for a short, guided nature experience plus a lot of equipment support that you would otherwise need to source or rent: helmets, rubber boots, and warm overalls or rain gear, all sized for you.

You are also getting something that is hard to replicate on your own. Icelandic horse riding, especially tölt, is not a “try it later” activity unless you are booking another guided option. Here you get a structured outing with horses that are well cared for, staff support, and a trail designed for riding.

Is it cheap? No. But it is closer to “reasonable for Iceland” than “high-end splurge,” and it has two value multipliers:

1. You minimize time in transit from Reykjavík.
2. You reduce gear stress with provided winter riding clothing and safety equipment.

If you compare it to other outdoor tours, you are buying a unique physical experience, not just a scenic drive. For many riders, that unique factor is exactly why this tour earns strong recommendations.

Practical Tips So Your Ride Feels Great

Based on common winter comments, here’s what will make or break the comfort factor.

Dress like you expect wind and cold.

Even with warm overalls, multiple riders call out frozen hands and feet. Bring extra socks, wear warm layers underneath, and take gloves seriously.

Use the provided kit correctly.

Helmet and rubber boots are part of the safety system. Wear the rain gear/overalls as instructed so the warmth actually stays in.

Plan for no personal bags on the horse.

You can store items at the center, so travel light. This also keeps you from feeling rushed while trying to secure a backpack before mounting.

Expect a beginner and experienced split.

If you are new, do not aim for the faster group. It is not about bravado. It is about being set up for success, then having fun without strain.

If you want tölt, aim your expectations there.

Some riders get trotting and even cantering in the experienced group, but tölt is the consistent highlight you can plan around.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a focused, short Iceland horse experience with great facilities, provided winter gear, and a guided route over lava fields that is close to Reykjavík. If you are curious about tölt or you want your first ride to feel safe, this tour style is built for that.

Skip it if you cannot mount independently, if you fall outside the age or weight limits, or if you are highly sensitive to cold and do not want to plan for it. Also, if you crave long hours in the saddle, this one is intentionally a half-day format.

If you are trying to decide between timeslots, pick the one that gives you your best weather window. Then show up dressed to stay warm, trust the staff, and let the horses do the work of making Iceland feel close.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The riding time is listed as 1.5 to 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Íshestar Riding Tours.

Is pickup from Reykjavík available?

Pickup is optional, and it starts 60 minutes before the tour departure time. Pickup is possible only from some hotels or main guesthouses.

What is included with the tour price?

Included items are 1.5 to 2 hours of horse riding, riding helmets, rubber boots, and rainwear or a warm outfit for the ride, plus English-speaking guidance.

Do I need to bring my own helmet or boots?

No. Helmets and rubber boots are provided.

Can beginners ride, or is it only for experienced riders?

The tour is designed to work for different experience levels, and the group may split so beginners can ride at a slower pace while more experienced riders can go faster.

What age and weight limits are there?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years, and there is a weight limit of 243 lbs (110 kg).

Can I bring a backpack or bag on the ride?

No. You cannot take backpacks or bags on the ride, but you can store them at the riding center.

What should I wear or bring for cold weather?

You should dress for Iceland conditions. You will be provided rainwear or a warm outfit, but it’s still important to bring appropriate warm layers underneath, since cold can affect hands and feet on the ride.