Horseback Riding Near Reykjavík: Geothermal Trails & Lava Fields

Icelandic horses navigate terrain most visitors never see: geothermal hot springs, lava fields and the warm river Varmá.

A 2-hour horseback riding activity in South Iceland near Reykjavík, where you ride across geothermal areas, lava fields and river valleys with an English-speaking guide. Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík are included, as is all riding and safety equipment. Children from age 7 can join. The route changes based on weather and wind, but typically passes hot springs near Hveragerði, volcanic hills and views of the Varmá river, with warm drinks offered during winter months.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding through scenic Iceland

• Ride up hill on riding trails
• Pass slopes of mountain Reykjafjall
• Ride through green forest
• Pass hot springs near Hveragerði
• View volcanic hills above village
• See Varmá river and green valleys
• Warm up with hot drink in winter
• Learn about Icelandic horse
• Ride back to farm

The experience

What separates this from a standard tour is that you're on horseback the whole time, not watching from a vehicle. You start by riding up a hill on established trails along the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain, then pass through a rare green forest, uncommon in Iceland, before reaching the geothermal area above Hveragerði. The landscape here is visibly active: colorful hot springs, steam rising from valleys, and terrain that shifted dramatically during the 2008 earthquake and continues to change. The route then follows volcanic hills overlooking the wide southern lowlands, with views down to the Varmá river, which carries geothermal water and is called the "warm river" for that reason.

The ride lasts around 2 hours and covers a mix of surfaces: riding trails, meadows, and paths through the geothermal zone. Your guide speaks English and knows the area well enough to adjust the route depending on weather and wind conditions on the day. In winter, you stop to warm up with coffee, tea or hot chocolate and learn about Icelandic horses before heading back to the farm. All riding and safety equipment is provided, including rain gear or insulated coveralls depending on the season. Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík are included in the booking.

Children from age 7 are welcome to ride. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. There is a weight limit of 110 kg. Service animals are allowed.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík.
• riding and safety equipment.
• rain gear or insulated coveralls.
• warm drinks and Icelandic horse information during winter months.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (7 to 14 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.Operator's directions: “5 minutes south of Hveragerði directly on road 1.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Eldhestar horse riding

Is this one for you?You ride the whole time on established trails and meadows, not from a vehicle, so this suits anyone who wants to move through the landscape on horseback rather than observe it from a distance. The route adjusts to weather and wind each day, which means you get the best terrain available rather than a fixed itinerary, but also that the specific scenery changes from one departure to the next.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 14 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the geothermal area near Hveragerði actually like to ride through?

The geothermal zone sits on volcanic hills above the village of Hveragerði, known as the "hot spring capital of the world." You'll see colorful hot springs, steam rising from green valleys, and constantly changing terrain shaped by the 2008 earthquake. The landscape is visibly active and unlike most riding terrain elsewhere in Iceland.

Do I need riding experience to book this activity?

No. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, and your English-speaking guide adjusts the route based on conditions and the group's ability. Children from age 7 can participate.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The guide chooses the best riding routes available on the day based on weather and wind. You'll have rain gear or insulated coveralls provided, and the route may shift to different trails or meadows south of the farm, but the ride goes ahead as scheduled.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík are included in the booking, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the farm.

What's included in the price?

The booking includes the 2-hour ride, English-speaking guide, all riding and safety equipment, rain gear or insulated coveralls, and pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík. In winter, warm drinks and information about Icelandic horses are also provided.