Icelandic Horse Riding Tour & Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Riding Icelandic horses is one of those ideas that sounds too good to be true, then you’re out there. This 1.5-2 hour guided ride from Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður feels special because you cross lava fields on horseback and get to experience the horses’ smooth gait called tölt. I also like that the operation is built for real comfort, with excellent facilities and a strong focus on matching horses to your comfort level. One drawback to plan for is the cold, especially in winter, since hands and feet can get very chilly even when you’re wearing the provided gear.

The pickup option also makes the day easier, since you can choose transport from central Reykjavík hotels or head out on your own. You’ll get English-speaking guidance, safety instructions, helmets, and warm overalls or rain gear, so you’re not stuck hunting for Iceland winter riding supplies at the last minute. Still, you should consider the rider limits and rules: you need to be able to mount under your own power, backpacks are not allowed on the ride, and some travelers will be turned away due to age, pregnancy, or weight limits.

If you want a short, high-impact Iceland nature experience that doesn’t require a full day tour, this one makes a lot of sense. The timing is tight, so you’ll be back in Reykjavík while you still have energy for a soak in a hot pool or a warm dinner.

Key things that make this ride worth it

• Tölt on Icelandic horses: That signature smooth gait is the star of the show.
• Lava field riding close to town: Real volcanic terrain, just minutes from Reykjavík by car.
• Great gear and facilities: Warm overalls, rainwear, helmets, rubber boots, and a changing room that actually helps.
• Guides split you by comfort level: You’ll spend more time at a speed that fits you, not just one pace for everyone.
• Photo moments built into the ride: Guides take photos during the activity, so you’re not constantly fumbling for your camera.
• Warm-up stop after the ride: Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee help you thaw out.

Riding from Íshestar Stables, Hafnarfjörður, near Reykjavík

This tour starts at Íshestar Riding Tours, outside Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. The stables are set up for day-trip riders, so when you arrive you’re not wandering around trying to figure out what happens next. There’s a proper basecamp feel, with staff who focus on getting you kitted out quickly and safely.

If you choose the optional pickup, it’s timed to get you to the stables with buffer. Pickup starts 60 minutes before your departure, and specific pickup points include major hotels and several central bus stops, so you can usually match it to where you’re staying. If you’re in a private flat, you’ll get a nearby pickup point communicated to you by email before your tour.

If you’re the type who hates shuttle logistics, driving yourself can be a relief. The stables are easy to reach from Reykjavík, and several riders have mentioned it feels straightforward once you’ve plotted the route. Just remember Iceland weather can change fast, so leave a little earlier than you think you need.

Why this location matters

You get to ride Icelandic nature without losing most of your day to driving. That’s a big deal when the weather is chilly or windy, since you’ll spend most of your time outdoors on the horse, not on a bus.

Price and what you actually get for the money

The price is $135 per person, with the ride itself lasting about 1.5-2 hours. Total duration is listed as 2-4 hours when you include pickup or transfer time.

At first glance, it’s not the cheapest activity in Iceland. But the value is in what’s included:

• Helmet and rubber boots
• Warm overalls and/or rain gear
• Guided riding for the full trail portion
• English guidance (German and Icelandic are available on request)
• A well-run setup at Íshestar’s facilities, so you’re not improvising cold-weather clothing

In other words, you’re paying for a staffed, safety-focused horse experience, not just the right to walk a trail with horses in the background. If you factor in how much winter riding kit can cost or how annoying it is to assemble on a trip, $135 can start to look more reasonable.

Gear rules that make or break a cold-weather ride

One reason this tour scores so well is that the stables don’t treat winter like an afterthought. You’re offered warm overalls, rain gear, and helmets in your size. Changing rooms are well-equipped too, so you can shift layers without turning the experience into a struggle.

The no-backpack rule

You cannot take backpacks or bags on the ride. You can store them at the riding center while you ride. This matters because Iceland trips often involve day bags, camera bags, and extra layers. Plan to pack smart, and keep valuables with you before you mount.

Leather gear restriction

Iceland has strict rules about bringing used leather. Your riding gear needs to be washed at 40°C, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arriving. Used leather may not be brought into the country. The practical takeaway: if you were thinking of bringing your own worn riding boots or tack, reconsider and rely on the gear provided here.

Cold-weather reality check

Even with the provided suits, gloves and warm socks matter. Some riders have said hand warmers in boots were not enough for very cold days. If there’s even a hint of rain or snow, use the rainproof riding gear they provide rather than hoping it will be fine.

The trail: lava fields, green hillsides, and a tölt you can feel

The heart of the tour is the actual riding route. You move through lava fields and along green hillsides, guided by people who know the area well. The trail is designed for riders of different abilities, which is why group management is a big part of the experience.

The horses are Icelandic horses, and they’re known for the tölt gait. That’s the smooth, steady rhythm that makes Icelandic horse riding feel different from a lot of other “walk and trot” horseback experiences. You’re not just watching scenery roll by. You’re moving through it, with lava rock formations and vegetation you’d miss on foot.

Guides encourage you to look out for interesting rocks, flora, and fauna during the ride. This is one of those small touches that turns a ride from a simple activity into a nature moment.

What the timing feels like

The ride itself is about 1.5 hours in the Hafnarfjörður area. You’ll get a tour feel that’s long enough to settle in, not so long that cold becomes your entire focus.

There’s usually a chance to stop for photos at points along the route. If you like memories without effort, that matters, because your hands are busy holding the reins and staying balanced.

Beginners and experienced riders: how the group split changes everything

A big part of this experience is that the group can split into different pacing levels. Many riders report a split after the first 10 to 15 minutes, so you don’t spend the rest of the ride stuck at a speed that doesn’t fit.

If you’re newer to riding, you’ll likely spend more time walking, learning basics, and building confidence. If you’re experienced, you may get more trot and tölt moments, and in some cases cantering has been mentioned. One important caution: you should not count on the fast group plan in every situation. Weather, group mix, and how riders are progressing can influence what you get.

How they handle horse matching

You’re also matched to a horse based on your riding ability. That’s one of the most praised parts of the operation. Riders have been matched to horses named Sammy, Freya, Sóti, and Dena, and the shared theme is that the horses behave well and are comfortable for different riders.

Even if your partner is nervous, you should still feel supported. Guides check in multiple times and make sure riders are okay during the ride, which reduces that fear factor that can ruin a first-time experience.

Safety and riding requirements you should not ignore

Horse riding in Iceland is beautiful, but it’s still riding. The tour has clear requirements:

• All riders must be able to mount the horse by their own strength
• There are weight limits, with an upper limit of 243 lbs (110 kg)
• It’s not suitable for children under 7 years
• It’s not suitable for pregnant women

If you’re coming off a long day of travel, or if mounting is harder for you than you expected, tell the staff at the stables. The tour expects you to participate actively, not just sit and hope.

What safety setup looks like on the ground

You get a helmet, and instructions are given before you ride. Many riders mention clear guidance and enough staff presence to help keep the horses in line. On cold days, being properly layered helps you stay tense-free, which helps both you and the horse.

Facilities that make the ride smoother than you’d expect

The stables at Íshestar are repeatedly praised for their facilities and horse care. You’re not just stepping into a parking lot and getting on a horse. There’s a real setup, including changing rooms, warm overalls, and a gear system where you’re offered sizes that fit you.

A practical benefit: you don’t have to pack your own full riding kit in your hand luggage. Even if you bring your own gloves or base layers, the heavy winter items can stay in the provided system.

After the ride: warming up and what you can do next

When you’re done, you’re not just released back into the cold. Hot drinks like hot chocolate, tea, and coffee are available, which is a welcome reset after a winter ride. Some riders also mention there’s time to browse a gift shop afterward.

If you’re planning the rest of your day, this tour is a nice bridge between “morning sightseeing” and “evening food.” The ride is long enough to feel like an achievement, but short enough that you’re not forced into a full-day tour block.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• A short, high-impact Iceland activity close to Reykjavík
• To ride Icelandic horses and experience tölt
• A guided experience that handles different rider levels with a group split
• A cold-weather friendly outfit system (overalls, rain gear, helmets)

It may not be the best choice if:

• You don’t meet the mounting requirement or weight limit
• You’re traveling with very young kids
• You are pregnant
• You hate cold weather and don’t want to gear up for it

Should you book Icelandic Horse Riding with pickup from Reykjavík?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a bucket list style Iceland experience without spending most of your day in transit. It’s close to Reykjavík, the facilities are genuinely good, and the ride itself is long enough to feel like riding, not just a demo.

I’d especially recommend it if you’ve been curious about tölt and you want to experience Icelandic horses the way they’re meant to be ridden. If you do book, plan like it’s a winter sport: wear extra socks, use the provided rainproof gear when needed, and keep a small pack-less setup.

Skip it if your biggest issue is cold discomfort or if you don’t meet the basic rider requirements. Otherwise, this is one of those rare activities where the scenery, the horse handling, and the organization all show up at the same time.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding portion?

The horse riding lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the schedule. With optional transfer, the total time is listed as 2 to 4 hours.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Pickup is optional. Pickup starts 60 minutes before departure time and is available from selected hotels or main guesthouses, with the closest point provided for private flats.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Íshestar Riding Tours. The meeting point is at the stables in Hafnarfjörður (you can use the provided map link for exact location).

What gear is included?

You get a helmet and rubber boots, plus rainwear or warm riding gear depending on conditions. The stables also provide the changing-room setup so you can get ready on site.

Can I bring a backpack or bag on the ride?

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

What is the minimum age and max weight?

It is not suitable for children under 7 years old. The weight limit is 243 lbs (110 kg).

Is the tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

What languages are guides available in?

Guidance is available in English. German and Icelandic are also available upon request.