Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Pickup Option from Reykjavik

After reviewing hundreds of traveler accounts, we found this horseback riding experience genuinely delivers on its promise of connecting you with Iceland’s raw landscape and one of the world’s most unique horse breeds. The standout feature isn’t just the riding itself—it’s how the operators have structured the experience to accommodate everyone from complete beginners to seasoned riders, splitting groups by ability level so nobody feels left behind or held back.

What really impressed us is the value proposition. At $133 per person for two hours of guided riding that includes gear, instruction, and warm beverages afterward, you’re getting a solid deal for an Icelandic adventure. The tour also offers genuine flexibility with pickup options from multiple Reykjavik locations, which saves you the hassle of figuring out transportation on your first day in the country.

That said, there’s one practical consideration worth noting upfront: this isn’t a solitary, intimate wilderness experience. Groups can reach 20-30 riders, though the operators do break you into smaller groups fairly quickly. If you’re seeking total solitude with nature, you should know what you’re signing up for. The experience shines brightest for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for an accessible way to experience Iceland’s landscape without committing to a full-day adventure.

The Experience at a Glance

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Location: Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland (about 15-20 minutes from central Reykjavik)
Price: $133.02 per person
Group Size: Up to 30 riders per tour
Best For: Families, beginner to intermediate riders, nature lovers, anyone short on time

The tour operates through Ishestar, a well-established operator that’s been running these rides long enough to have refined the experience. Confirmation comes immediately upon booking, and you can choose from morning or afternoon time slots depending on your schedule and whether you want to catch sunrise or sunset light across the lava fields.

Before You Mount: What Happens at the Stables

You’ll arrive at the stables about 30 minutes before your tour begins (or use their pickup service, which takes the guesswork out of navigation). The first thing that strikes many riders is how genuinely gentle these Icelandic horses are. One traveler noted: “The horses were beautiful and well trained. Exploring Iceland on an Icelandic horse is a great experience.”

Your instructor will have you assess your riding ability—beginner, intermediate, or experienced. This matters more than you might think, because the whole operation hinges on honest self-assessment. Don’t inflate your skills here; the guides use this information to ensure everyone stays safe and actually enjoys themselves.

You’ll get a brief introduction to the Icelandic horse breed itself, which is worth paying attention to. These aren’t the tall, lean horses you might be picturing. Descended directly from Viking horses brought to Iceland in the 10th century, they’re stocky, sure-footed, and famously gentle. What makes them special—and what you’ll actually experience during the ride—is their unique four-beat gait called the tölt. This gait lets you move quickly across rough terrain while sitting comfortably in the saddle, without the jarring bounce of a regular trot.

The stable provides all necessary gear: helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and warm coveralls. One practical tip from a past rider: “It can get very windy very fast so make sure you are wearing a hat or ear protection.” The stables account for this with their provided gear, but knowing it’s coming helps you mentally prepare.

You’ll watch a short instructional video before heading out, then you’re fitted with your horse and ready to ride. One first-timer shared their experience: “I was given a horse for a beginner (like me) and my daughter who knows how to ride had a horse suited for her ability. It was organized and well run.”

The Ride: What You’ll Actually See and Do

Once mounted, you’ll follow your instructor on what typically starts as a group, but here’s where the operation gets smart. After watching how each rider handles their horse for the first few minutes, the guides split you into groups based on ability and comfort level. Beginners stay with one guide on easier terrain at a walking pace. Intermediate and experienced riders get to explore faster routes and practice that special tölt gait.

The scenery you’ll pass through is genuinely striking. You’ll weave through lava fields—those dark, rocky landscapes that look almost otherworldly—and moorland dotted with volcanic mountains and lakes. The landscape here feels raw and untouched, which is precisely what makes it memorable. One rider captured this perfectly: “A must if you want to see an amazing sunrise over the snowy flat mountains. The pines and the lava fields are breathtaking.”

If you’re in the faster group, you’ll get chances to really move, which one experienced rider appreciated: “The ride was quite nice and we were able to ride fast as well! The family loved the opportunity to get back on a horse.” Even if you stay in the slower group, you’re still experiencing the same dramatic landscape and getting quality time with a genuinely well-trained horse.

The guides themselves tend to be knowledgeable about both the horses and the terrain. Multiple travelers mentioned this: “Our guides were incredibly nice and knowledgeable. The horses were beautiful and well behaved and had great personalities.” Some guides go further, sharing stories about the area and the horses themselves, which adds a layer of context to what you’re seeing.

The two-hour timeframe works well. It’s long enough to feel like a real adventure—you’re not just posing for photos—but short enough that you won’t be exhausted if you’re not a regular rider. One traveler who hadn’t ridden in decades noted: “It was fun for me as well as I haven’t been on a horse in 50 years. Everything comes back quickly though!”

After the Ride: The Warm-Up

After you return to the stables, you’ll have time to decompress with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This isn’t just a throwaway bonus—it’s a genuinely nice way to wind down and process what you’ve just experienced. You’ll likely be buzzing from the adrenaline and fresh air, and the warm beverage gives you a moment to chat with other riders and your guides.

Practical Logistics That Actually Matter

Transportation: If you book the pickup option, you’ll be collected from selected locations in Reykjavik. The company notes that pickup times are pre-booked and might be from a nearby bus stop rather than your hotel’s front door, so confirm the exact location when you reserve. The drive to the stables takes roughly 15-20 minutes from central Reykjavik. If you’re driving yourself, arrive 30 minutes early.

Physical Requirements: You need to be able to mount a horse from the ground without a mounting block. This is non-negotiable—the stables don’t provide one. If you have mobility concerns, check with the operator before booking. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, though “moderate” is flexible depending on which group you end up in.

Important Restrictions: There’s a weight limit of 110kg (240 lbs) and a minimum age of 7 years old. Pregnant women cannot ride due to safety concerns for the unborn child. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and up to two children can ride with one adult at full price.

Cancellation and Weather: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if your plans shift. If weather becomes dangerous, the tour will be rescheduled or fully refunded. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so this protection matters.

The Value Question: Is $133 Worth It?

For two hours of guided horseback riding on premium, well-trained horses in one of the world’s most visually stunning settings, with all gear provided, instruction included, and warm beverages after, $133 represents solid value. You’re not paying for luxury accommodations or fine dining—you’re paying for access to a genuine Icelandic experience that would be much harder to arrange on your own.

Compare this to other Reykjavik activities: whale watching tours run similar prices for similar durations, and you don’t get the same hands-on interaction or physical engagement. A horseback riding tour also works well in combination with other activities since it’s only two hours, leaving your day flexible.

What Travelers Actually Say

The reviews paint a consistent picture. Out of 1,145 reviews, 96% of travelers recommend this tour, and the average rating sits at 4.8 out of 5. The vast majority of feedback is enthusiastic: “This is a MUST! Guides, horses, forest, lava fields, fresh air and beauty…this is EPIC!!”

The most frequently praised elements across reviews include guides who genuinely care about both riders and horses, the stunning landscape, the quality of the horses themselves, and how well the operation handles mixed-ability groups. One traveler summed it up: “I’ve done many, many trail rides over years and this was a top one. I will be back!”

Even the practical details get positive mentions. One rider appreciated the weather preparation: “It was raining the day I went but they are fully prepared and had gear for everyone to stay dry. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and I never felt uncomfortable on my horse.”

There are occasional critiques worth considering. One traveler felt that some staff members seemed less enthusiastic than others, though the actual guides on the ride itself were friendly and professional. Another noted the group size can feel large initially, though this resolves once you’re split by ability. These are minor notes in an otherwise glowing collection of reviews.

Who Should Book This Tour

This experience works beautifully for several types of travelers. Families with children aged 7 and up get a shared activity that accommodates different skill levels. Beginner riders find a supportive, well-structured introduction to horseback riding in a spectacular setting. Experienced riders get to push themselves with faster riding and the unique tölt gait.

It’s also excellent for people on a tight schedule. You get a legitimate Icelandic adventure without committing to a full day of travel. Photographers will find themselves in gorgeous light, especially if you choose a morning or afternoon slot that aligns with the sun’s angle.

The tour is less ideal if you’re looking for total solitude, prefer one-on-one instruction, or have mobility limitations that make mounting difficult. It’s also worth considering if you’re uncomfortable around animals or have never ridden before—though the operation does accommodate complete beginners well.

Booking and Preparation Tips

Book at least a few weeks in advance if possible. The data shows these tours average 41 days advance booking, meaning they’re popular enough that availability can tighten, especially during peak season (June through August).

If your hotel isn’t on the pickup list, contact the operator directly to find the nearest pickup point. Have your hotel address ready when you book.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. One practical traveler warned: “Make sure you don’t take your nice expensive shoes as they will get ruined.” The provided boots help, but mud happens.

Check the weather forecast the night before, but don’t cancel just because it looks rainy—the gear they provide is genuinely adequate, and Iceland’s weather changes quickly. Many riders specifically mention that riding in light rain adds to the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need prior horseback riding experience?
A: No. The tour is explicitly designed for beginners, and guides assess your skill level on arrival. You’ll be placed in a group matched to your ability, so complete beginners ride at a walking pace with appropriate instruction.

Q: What’s included in the tour price?
A: The $133 per person price includes the guided ride itself, all riding gear (helmet, boots, rain gear, warm coveralls), instruction, and hot beverages afterward. Hotel pickup is available as an add-on option and must be pre-booked.

Q: What if I’m not a confident rider or it’s my first time?
A: You’ll be matched with a beginner-friendly horse and guide who will keep the pace slow and manageable. One first-time rider noted: “The staff was extremely knowledgeable and I never felt uncomfortable on my horse, they definitely made you feel at ease.”

Q: How big are the groups?
A: Tours can have up to 30 riders, but guides split you into smaller groups by ability level within the first few minutes of riding. You’ll typically ride with 6-15 people in your actual group depending on ability level and group composition.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: Light rain and wind are normal in Iceland and the tour operates in these conditions—gear is provided. If weather becomes dangerous, the tour will be rescheduled for another date or fully refunded.

Q: Can children ride?
A: Yes, children aged 7 and older can participate. They must be accompanied by an adult, and up to two children can ride with one adult (both paying full price). Children are matched with appropriate horses based on their size and riding ability.

Q: What’s the weight and physical fitness requirement?
A: There’s a 110kg (240 lbs) weight limit. You need moderate physical fitness and must be able to mount the horse from the ground without assistance. Pregnant women cannot ride.

This Icelandic horseback riding tour delivers genuine value for travelers seeking an authentic connection with Iceland’s landscape and unique horse culture. You get quality instruction, well-cared-for horses, stunning scenery, and a manageable two-hour timeframe—all at a reasonable price point. The operation’s strength lies in how it handles mixed-ability groups, ensuring beginners feel supported while experienced riders get to push themselves. Book this if you want a memorable, hands-on Icelandic experience that doesn’t require a full day of commitment, or if you’re looking for a family activity that genuinely works for different skill levels. Skip it only if you need total solitude, have mobility concerns about mounting, or prefer to avoid group activities altogether.