From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

If you’re looking for a way to see Iceland’s volcanic landscape beyond the usual tourist trails, the Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields offers a delightful blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and local culture—without even leaving the Reykjavík area. This guided experience, lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours, takes you across lava-strewn terrain, green hillsides, and intriguing rock formations, all on the back of well-cared-for Icelandic horses.

One of the things we love most about this tour is how accessible it is—just minutes from Reykjavík, you get to experience Iceland’s raw natural beauty without the hassle of long travel times. Plus, the friendly guides and calm, well-trained horses make it perfect for beginners or families, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride. A potential consideration is the weather, which can be unpredictable; rain gear is provided, but it’s good to be prepared for Iceland’s notorious weather.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, authentic outdoor experience that offers a taste of Iceland’s volcanic landscape and local equestrian culture. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a solo adventurer, or part of a family group, this activity offers a memorable way to connect with Iceland’s nature on horseback.

Key Points

• Accessible from Reykjavík with well-equipped facilities and easy logistics.
• Suitable for all experience levels, including complete beginners and families.
• Expert guides provide interesting insights into the landscape and horses.
• Incredible scenery including lava fields, green hills, and volcanic rocks.
• Good value for money, offering a safe, well-organized ride with gear included.
• Optional transfer makes it easier to coordinate your day.

An In-Depth Look at the Lava Field Horse Ride

This tour is a wonderful way to combine Iceland’s volcanic scenery with a leisurely ride that emphasizes safety, comfort, and authentic connection with the landscape. The ride starts at Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður, a location praised for its fantastic facilities and stunning surroundings. The stables are only about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, making it a quick escape from the city’s urban vibe.

The Itinerary, Step by Step

Start and Pickup: Depending on your booking choice, you’ll either meet directly at the stables or be picked up from designated locations around Reykjavík. The tour offers convenient options, including a pickup starting at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, with the ride typically lasting about 1.5 hours, though some options extend up to 4 hours if you opt for additional activities or longer rides.

Arrival at the Stables: Upon arrival, you’ll find a well-organized, friendly environment. The facilities are top-notch, with changing rooms, warm overalls, rain gear, and helmets provided—important considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather. The staff, notably the guides like Þór and Kristín, take pride in matching riders with suitable horses, which makes a big difference whether you’re a total newbie or an experienced rider.

The Ride Through Lava Fields: Once suited up, the adventure begins. You’ll cross lava fields with fascinating rock formations, viewing volcanic terrain from a unique vantage point. Guides will share insights about the lava’s history and Iceland’s volcanic activity, adding an educational layer to your experience. The landscape is both rugged and lush, with green hillsides providing dramatic contrast to the black lava.

What You’ll Experience: Riding in Icelandic style, you’ll notice the tölt gait, a smooth, four-beat gait that Icelandic horses are famous for. It’s a comfortable and fun way to cover more ground while soaking in the scenery. Several reviews mention how gentle and well-cared-for the horses are, which is critical for beginners or those nervous about riding.

Photo Opportunities and Group Atmosphere: Guides are attentive, and many take photos during the ride—something reviewers consistently appreciate. The friendly atmosphere and the scenic backdrop make for memorable photos, whether you’re snapping with your phone or just taking in the views.

Post-Ride: After dismounting, there’s time to interact with the horses, ask questions, or relax at the café. Many reviewers mention the warm, attentive staff who ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe. The facilities, including a cozy café across the street, provide a perfect spot to unwind, have a hot drink, and share stories about your ride.

The Scenic and Cultural Highlights

The landscape you’ll traverse offers much more than just lava and rocks. Watch for intriguing geological features such as volcanic vents and unique rock formations. The combination of lava fields and lush greenery gives you a real sense of Iceland’s volcanic past and resilient nature. Several reviews emphasize how beautiful the scenery is—some compare the landscape to a moon or Mars surface, but with the lushness of Iceland’s flora providing a stark contrast.

The guide-led commentary adds depth to the experience, with stories about Icelandic horses, lava formation, and local folklore, making it educational as well as fun. Reviews like “the guides were very knowledgeable and chatty,” highlight how engaging guides like Kristín and Þór made the tour more memorable.

Value for Money and Practicalities

At a price that includes gear, helmets, rainwear, and the ride itself, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the high standards of safety and the quality of the horses. The small group sizes and personalized attention contribute to a more relaxed experience.

If you’re concerned about weather, don’t worry—rain gear is provided, and many reviewers mention that even in less-than-ideal conditions, they still had a fantastic time. The tour also offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for beginners and families seeking a safe, scenic activity close to Reykjavík. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a quick, authentic encounter with Icelandic nature without strenuous hikes or long excursions. The landscape offers enough variety to fascinate nature lovers, while the gentle, friendly horses keep it accessible for all ages.

Practical Details That Matter

• Duration: 2-4 hours overall, with the ride itself lasting around 1.5-2 hours.
• Pickup & Meeting: Optional pickup from selected Reykjavik locations or meet directly at the stables.
• Facilities: Well-equipped changing rooms, rain gear, helmets, and rubber boots provided.
• Group Size: Small, personalized groups ensure attention and safety.
• Experience Level: Suitable for complete beginners; children 7+ are welcome with a 25% discount.
• Weight Limit: Not suitable for riders over 243 lbs (110 kg).
• Languages: Tours are offered in English, German, and Icelandic.
• Cost: Consider the value—gear, guidance, and a scenic, safe ride all included.

Authentic Experiences from Past Riders

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the horses. One reviewer mentioned “the horses were very kind, gentle, and well taken care of,” emphasizing how crucial the well-being of the animals is for a positive experience. Others appreciated the informative commentary and the opportunity for photos—something many travelers cherish as a souvenir.

A common theme is how peaceful and scenic the ride felt, with many describing the landscape as “beautiful,” “breathtaking,” or “like riding on a different planet.” The friendliness and attentiveness of staff make even nervous riders feel comfortable, with one reviewer noting, “the guides were very helpful and made it easy to learn.”

The Sum Up

This Icelandic horse riding tour offers a fantastic way to experience the volcanic landscape around Reykjavík with comfort and confidence. The combination of expert guides, friendly horses, and stunning scenery makes it a genuinely worthwhile activity for a wide range of travelers. Its affordability, safety measures, and the chance to learn about Icelandic horses and lava formations mean it’s more than just a ride—it’s a memorable Icelandic adventure.

Whether you’re a total novice, a family with kids, or a seasoned rider seeking a scenic outing, this tour will deliver a gentle, authentic, and visually spectacular experience. Plus, the opportunity to connect with Iceland’s nature from the back of a calm horse is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 7 and older can participate, and they receive a 25% discount. The tour is designed to be friendly for all ages and experience levels.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially since Iceland’s weather can be wet and windy. Rainwear is provided, along with helmets and rubber boots, so you won’t need to bring much (just your enthusiasm).

Do I need experience riding horses?
No, this tour is suitable for complete beginners. The guides are very attentive and find horses that match your comfort level, ensuring a relaxed ride.

What if the weather is bad?
Rain gear is provided, so you can still enjoy the ride in light rain. The scenery is dramatic in all weather, and safety measures are in place.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is optional. You can meet directly at the stables or opt for the pickup service from select Reykjavík locations.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This horseback riding tour is a blend of adventure, education, and stunning scenery—an authentic Icelandic experience just a short drive from Reykjavík that’s worth adding to your itinerary.