Two hours, and you are riding Iceland. This Icelandic horseback tour from Ishestar is built for real trail time, with instruction on the horses’ smooth tölt gait and scenic routes through lava fields and moorland. You meet your instructor first, get matched to your ability, then head out behind the guide.

I love two things most. First, you start with coaching, then ride in groups based on how you handle the saddle, so beginners do not get tossed into the deep end. Second, the gear is included (helmet, rubber boots, rain gear, warm overall) plus a warm coffee, tea, or hot chocolate back at the stables. One consideration: pick-up only works from selected Reykjavik points, and if your lodging is not listed you may need to adjust where you meet the driver.

Key things to know before you book

• You get grouped by ability after you ride a bit, not just by age or how fit you say you are.
• Tölt coaching makes the rough terrain feel more manageable, since it is a special four-beat gait.
• Pickup is option-based and pre-booked, and it may be from a nearby bus stop, not directly in front of your door.
• Everything you need for weather is provided, including rain gear and a warm overall.
• You will share the stables and trail with a small group, up to 30 riders total.

Icelandic horses and tölt training that actually helps

If you have never ridden an Icelandic horse, you might expect “regular horseback riding.” Then you learn about the tölt, and suddenly you are paying attention to the rhythm of the horse, not just holding on. Icelandic horses are known for this four-beat gait, and the tour uses it to keep the ride smooth even when the terrain gets rugged.

The best part is that you do not just get a route and hope for the best. You will meet your instructor, tell them your experience level, and they start you with basics right away. After a short instructional video, you get into the saddle and learn how to help your horse settle into the tölt.

Reykjavik pickup, meeting point, and the short ride to the stables

The tour runs from Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. If you choose the pickup option, you select your pickup point from a list during booking. Important detail: they only pick up from selected Reykjavik points, so if your hotel is not listed you need to reach out to the operator to find the nearest option.

Also, pickup may be from a nearby bus stop. That is not a problem, but it does mean you should double-check the exact pickup location once confirmed. Your time matters on a tight Iceland schedule, and a vague “near your hotel” pickup can turn into extra walking in wind and rain.

Good to know: if you drive yourself, be at the stables 30 minutes before your start time. That extra time helps you get fitted, watch the quick instructions, and avoid the last-minute rush.

What you get on-site at Ishestar: boots, rain gear, helmets, and rules

When you arrive at the stables, the whole experience shifts from city logistics to horse-world logistics. You will be fitted with helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall. That matters more than you might think. Iceland weather changes fast, and getting wet plus cold is the combo nobody wants during a 2-hour ride.

One practical tip from real riders: do not wear your nicest shoes. Even with boots provided, you will still deal with barn areas and muddy bits around the stables. Wear clothes you do not mind getting scuffed.

You also need to follow a couple of firm barn rules:

• Used riding gear is not allowed on the tour or near the horses.
• Everyone must be able to mount from the ground by their own strength. There is no mounting block mentioned, so plan for that.
• The tour weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lb, and the minimum age is 7 years old.

And yes, they are serious about safety and health: pregnant women cannot ride due to possible harm to unborn children.

Getting ready to ride: video, gear check, then a first coaching moment

The ride starts with a simple flow that makes sense. You meet your instructor to discuss your ability level (beginner, intermediate, or experienced). Then you watch a short instructional video. After that, you get your provided gear on, and you head into the saddle.

What I like about this approach is that it is not all talk. You learn the idea first, then you feel it right away. Your instructor will coach you on easing your horse into the tölt, which is the core skill that makes the ride feel good.

If you are a total first-timer, you will still get a path. You do not need to pretend you are an expert. You just need to communicate honestly and follow the instructions while you settle in.

The itinerary, stop by stop: a single stop that leads to real riding time

This tour is straightforward: one main stop at Ishestar Horse Riding Tours, and then you ride and return to the meeting point. Even though it is short on paper (about 2 hours), you are getting a true guided trail experience, not a long series of waits.

The ride itself includes:

• Time to learn and practice the tölt feel
• A guided trek behind your instructor
• Terrain that shifts from easier sections to more challenging routes depending on your group
• A finish back at the stables, where you warm up again with hot drinks

In other words, the “stops” are really part of the riding flow. You will spend your time moving, learning, and taking in Iceland’s volcanic terrain.

Where you ride: lava fields, moorland, lakes, and volcanic mountains

Your route takes you through lava fields and moorland, with views of volcanic mountains and lakes. That is one of the reasons this works so well in a short time frame. Iceland outdoors can be huge and spread out. This tour focuses you on the kind of ground that looks and feels distinctly Icelandic.

The lava fields are the star here. They look dramatic, even when the light is gray. On a clear morning or afternoon, you also get that bright Iceland feeling, and the ride becomes more than exercise. It turns into a moving photo moment.

And yes, timing can matter. Some riders love the morning slot for softer light and a “sunrise ride” vibe over snowy flats when conditions line up. If you are trying to optimize photos, choose your ride time based on your weather and daylight plans that day.

Ability-based groups: beginners, intermediates, and experienced riders

This is one of the most valuable parts of the tour design. Early on, after seeing you ride, your instructor splits you into three groups: beginners, intermediates, and experienced. That means the “same tour” still gives different riders a ride that fits.

Here is how it typically plays out:

• Beginners ride slowly over easier terrain.
• Intermediate and experienced riders go on more challenging routes and ride at paces tailored to their comfort.
• You can tell your instructor if you want to go slower or faster.

Real-world proof from the experience details is that many riders find the tour beginner friendly without making the ride boring. You get coaching and pacing for comfort, but you are still outside doing something special.

The horses: calm, friendly, and built for tölt comfort

Icelandic horses can look compact, but do not let that fool you. They are sturdy, good-natured, and they are bred for Iceland conditions. They are also known for the tölt, which is a huge deal for rider comfort on uneven ground.

A lot of the praise centers on how gentle and well trained the horses feel. That is not a small point. When you are on an animal you do not know, calm behavior matters just as much as scenery.

You also get something extra if you like learning. In addition to riding, the guides share history about the horses and the area. Even if you just catch bits of it while you focus on staying balanced, it turns the ride into a “learn while you move” activity.

After the ride: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and a proper warm-down

Once the trek ends, you are not just left cold and windblown. Back at the stables, you can refuel with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. That warm drink is a simple but smart touch, especially in Iceland.

It also gives you a chance to reset. You will be riding in boots and rain gear, and even when it is not raining, wind can sneak in. A warm drink plus a few minutes to stretch is a nice finish to a two-hour outdoor outing.

Price and value: what you really get for about $133

At $133.02 per person for about 2 hours, this is not the cheapest activity in Reykjavik. But it is also not just a “walk with horses.” You are paying for:

• Guided coaching (including tölt instruction)
• Ability grouping based on how you ride
• Included safety gear and weather gear
• The warm drink stop after riding
• The fact that pickup is available from Reykjavik via selected points, which saves you time and hassle

In Iceland, it is often the smaller things that add value. Here, the gear bundle is a big one. Rain gear and warm overalls can be expensive or annoying to figure out last minute. Having the stables provide them means you can travel lighter and show up ready.

If you are deciding between DIY riding and a guided option, this tour’s value comes from guidance plus the Icelandic horse experience, and you get that without needing local riding skills.

What to pack and what to avoid

You will get major weather coverage from the operator’s provided rain gear and warm overall, but you still need to think about what sits underneath.

Pack basics:

• Warm layers you can move in
• A hat or something that helps with wind (some riders specifically warn that wind can rise fast)
• Gloves if you run cold
• Clothes you do not mind getting damp or scuffed

Avoid:

• Wearing your best shoes into a muddy barn area
• Bringing used riding gear or anything that has been used near horses
• Assuming you can rely on a mounting block, since you must mount from the ground yourself

If you have ear sensitivity, consider some protection too. One rider called out how fast the wind can get.

Who this tour is best for, and who should pass

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a short, high-impact Iceland nature activity from Reykjavik
• Like horseback riding and want to learn a signature Icelandic skill (the tölt)
• Prefer guided safety and structured groups based on ability
• Appreciate having gear handled for you

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Need a pickup that goes exactly to your hotel door. Pickup is only from selected points.
• Have trouble mounting a horse from the ground on your own.
• Are pregnant, since women cannot ride on these tours.
• Are over the weight limit or below the minimum age.

Also, keep your expectations aligned. With a maximum of 30 travelers, you are not going to get a private ride. It will feel organized, but you should still expect a busy barn environment at times.

One small human note: service style can vary

One lower rating in the details points to a mismatch in how some staff communicated. Most of the overall experience feedback is positive about friendly, welcoming guides and calm horse handlers. Still, if you are very sensitive to customer service vibes, remember this is a working stable that runs multiple groups. You will likely get a mix of personalities, and the instructions will sometimes sound scripted, even when everything runs smoothly.

Should you book Ishestar horseback riding with Reykjavik pickup?

Book it if you want an Icelandic horseback ride that is structured, not random. The pairing of tölt coaching plus ability-based group splits makes this a strong choice for first-timers and confident riders alike. I also think the included gear and warm drink are a smart value, especially if you plan to ride early in your trip and do not want to hunt for rain clothing.

Skip or rethink it if your lodging pickup location is a hassle, you cannot mount from the ground, or you need a quieter, more private setup than a small-group tour can offer.

If you can handle uneven terrain, follow safety rules, and you like the idea of learning a distinctive Icelandic gait, this is a very practical way to spend a couple of hours. It is one of those activities that makes Iceland feel real fast.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik?

The ride is listed as about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

The meeting point is Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is offered as a tour option, but it must be pre-booked. You choose your pickup point from the list, and pickup may be from a nearby bus stop. If your hotel is not listed, you should reach out to find the nearest pickup point.

What is included in the tour?

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are included, along with helmets, rubber boots, rain gear, and a warm overall.

What are the age and weight limits?

The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lb. The minimum age is 7 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can pregnant women ride?

No. Pregnant women cannot ride on these tours.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance; later cancellations are not refunded.