If you want Iceland on horseback, start here.

A short, beginner-friendly ride from Íshestar in Hafnarfjörður lets you feel close to Iceland’s wild scenery without needing previous experience. You’ll go through moss-covered lava fields and quiet riding paths, then warm up afterward at the stables with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

I especially like the small group setup, limited to just 6 people, and the fact that helmets, rubber boots, and warm rain gear are included. I also appreciate how the tour is designed around getting you comfortable around the Icelandic horse, with trained guides who can answer questions in English, Scandinavian languages, and German.

One consideration: this 50-minute session can be more of a steady walk than the faster gaits you might be picturing from photos, so if you want more speed, plan on booking a longer ride next time or choosing a more active option.

Key things that make this Hafnarfjörður horse ride worth your time

• Moss-covered lava fields and riding paths that feel remote, even from the Reykjavík area
• Beginner-first instruction from trained guides, plus time to get to know the Icelandic horse
• Included helmets, rubber boots, and warm rain-wear so you are not hunting gear at the last minute
• A warm drink stop after the ride, with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at the stables
• Bláfjöll mountain views that show off why this region is so loved for short outdoor escapes
• No backpacks on horseback, with complimentary safety boxes for valuables at the stables

Getting to Íshestar and what you’ll see before you mount

This ride starts at Íshestar Horse Riding Centre, and the address you’ll see listed is Sörlaskeið 26. I recommend arriving early so you can use the time before your departure for fitting, briefing, and settling in.

The pre-ride setup is a big part of why the experience works for first-timers. You’ll be issued riding helmets and rubber boots, and you’ll also get rain-wear or a warm outfit for the ride, so your focus stays on feeling secure rather than figuring out clothing in changing weather.

Also, there’s one rule you should take seriously: you cannot bring a backpack or bag while riding. If you arrive with something you need to keep, Íshestar provides complimentary safety boxes at the stables for valuables, so you are not juggling your stuff while trying to relax.

50 minutes on Icelandic horses: lava trails and Bláfjöll views

The ride itself is 50 minutes, and the core idea is simple: calm, guided horseback time through Iceland’s dramatic ground. You’ll head onto moss-covered lava fields and follow riding paths, with scenery that shifts from textured terrain to wide mountain views.

A standout part is the panoramic scenery around the Bláfjöll mountains. Even on a short ride, that kind of viewpoint gives you a sense of space, not just a loop around a farm.

Pace is where expectations matter. The tour is geared for beginners, and you should expect a ride that prioritizes comfort and safety. Some riders end up with a mostly steady walk rather than the faster gaits they expected from photos, so if you want more motion, treat the 50-minute option as your first taste and consider an extended ride for your next step.

Why this tour feels beginner-friendly (even if you’ve never ridden)

This is one of those tours that’s not trying to impress you with technical jargon. It’s focused on making you feel okay on a horse, and that’s what you’ll notice quickly after the briefing.

Before you mount, you’ll get trained guidance from experienced staff who speak multiple languages, with English provided as the live guide language. Guides are there to make sure you feel safe and comfortable, and they also plan for time so you can learn about the horses themselves.

That instruction is especially important because Icelandic horses move differently than many people expect. The best part is that you are not thrown into the deep end. Instead, you get coaching that helps you understand how to sit, how to hold steady, and how to move with the horse.

One practical bonus for beginners: because the group is limited to 6 participants, you’re more likely to get attention and explanations you can actually hear and use, even if conditions get windy and you’d otherwise struggle to follow instructions.

Gear and safety: what’s included, what you still need

Íshestar provides the heavy lifting in the “what do I wear” department. You’ll get helmets, rubber boots, and rain-wear or a warm outfit for the ride, which is a big value point for anyone traveling light.

Still, there are a few items you should bring so you can stay comfortable the whole time:

• Comfortable shoes (for stable areas before and after the ride)
• Hat
• Gloves

If you’re wondering about cameras, note that professional cameras are not allowed. That’s worth remembering if you were planning to use a big lens. A phone is typically the sensible option for personal photos, and the guide may stop for photo moments while you’re out on the horses so you can get some nice images.

Finally, remember the weight and age limits. This ride is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, and people over 243 lbs (110 kg). If any of those apply, you’ll want to choose another activity that fits better.

The ride ends at the stables, and that warm drink is not just a nice touch

After the 50-minute ride, you get to relax at the stables. The tour includes complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, which is exactly what you want after being outside for a short chunk of time.

This stop also helps you “come back to Earth” after learning how to be on a horse. You can ask questions about the Icelandic horse’s history and traits, and you’re not rushed offsite right away.

From the experience perspective, this post-ride time adds real comfort. You’re not just checking a box and leaving. You get a chance to absorb what you did, plus a bit of time to interact with the horses in a calm setting before you head onward.

Price and value: is $132 for 50 minutes actually fair?

At $132 per person for 50 minutes, the price isn’t the cheapest Reykjavik-area activity. But for what you get, it can feel fair value, especially if you would otherwise have to buy or rent riding gear.

Here’s why it pencils out:

• Gear is included (helmet, rubber boots, rain-wear or warm outfit), which saves money and stress
• You’re paying for trained guides, safety focus, and a guided route through Iceland terrain
• You’re getting a small-group experience, limited to 6 people
• You also get a warm drink after the ride

If your goal is simply to ride, one short session can feel like a strong first step. If your goal is full-on saddle time with more motion, you might find the 50 minutes a bit short, and you’ll likely want a longer option next time.

What to watch for: who will love this most, and who might want alternatives

This tour fits best if you want:

• An easy, structured introduction to horseback riding in Iceland
• A guided ride through mossy lava terrain near Reykjavík
• A stable experience where the staff actively help beginners feel comfortable
• A short outdoor break you can plug into a day of sightseeing

You might want to skip or rethink it if:

• You’re looking for a long, intense ride session
• You want to do it with a backpack or bag on the horse
• You fall outside the stated limits, including child age and maximum weight

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, the small group can be a real advantage. People can talk to the guide more easily, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re competing to hear instructions.

Should you book this Hafnarfjörður horseback riding tour near Reykjavík?

Yes, book it if you want a safe, beginner-friendly way to experience Iceland from the saddle, and you like the idea of short but scenic time on Icelandic horses. The included gear, the small group size, and the warm drink after the ride make it feel well thought out for people who want comfort, not chaos.

I’d book with a small expectation adjustment. Treat the 50 minutes as your first taste, especially if you are expecting dramatic gaits like you see in action photos. If that’s a priority, consider upgrading to a longer or more active ride option when available.

If you want a calm introduction to Iceland’s horses, with real views and solid guide support, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at Íshestar Horse Riding Centre, with the listed location at Sörlaskeið 26.

How long is the ride?

The horseback riding time is 50 minutes.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is limited to a small group of 6 participants.

Is this tour good for beginners?

Yes. It is designed especially for beginners, and guides provide instruction so you feel safe and comfortable.

What equipment is included for the ride?

Helmets, rubber boots, and rain-wear or a warm outfit are included.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and gloves.

Can I bring a backpack or bag?

No. Riding with backpacks or bags is not allowed, but Íshestar provides complimentary safety boxes at the stables for valuables.

Are professional cameras allowed?

No. Professional cameras are not allowed.

What happens after the ride?

After the tour, you can relax at the stables and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 7 years, pregnant women, and people over 243 lbs (110 kg).