Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour on Lava Fields & Bláfjöll Views

Summary

Ride Icelandic horses through mossy lava fields to Bláfjöll

You’ll ride Icelandic horses across mossy lava fields with views of Bláfjöll mountains, guided by locals who know every path. Gear is included so you stay warm and dry. Along the way you’ll hear quirky stories (maybe about elves) and get plenty of time to connect with your horse — plus that feeling of quiet you only find out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding tour in Iceland

• Arrive at riding center early
• Meet guides and prepare
• Ride through lava fields
• Enjoy views of Bláfjöll mountains
• Learn about Icelandic horses

Top questions

Is this horseback riding tour in Iceland suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed especially for beginners and includes guidance throughout.

How early should I arrive before the horseback riding tour?

You should be at the riding center 30 minutes before departure time.

What’s included in the horseback riding tour?

The tour includes helmets, rubber boots, rain wear or warm overalls, and guidance from local staff.

Where does the horseback riding tour take place?

The ride goes through moss-covered lava fields near Reykjavik with views of Bláfjöll mountains.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, the weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs per rider.

Can children join this Icelandic horse tour?

Infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller; check directly for age limits on horseback.

What if it rains during the tour?

Rain wear or warm overalls are provided so you stay comfortable whatever the weather does.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary riding gear like helmets, boots, rainwear or warm overalls depending on what Iceland decides to do with its weather that day. Local guides lead you through scenic trails near Reykjavik toward Bláfjöll mountains — just make sure you’re there half an hour early so you don’t miss out on meeting your horse before heading out together.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from a horseback riding tour in Iceland — I mean, I’ve sat on a horse before, but never one of these sturdy little Icelandic ones. The morning was cool and a bit damp when we showed up at the riding center (they ask you to get there half an hour early, which gave us time to awkwardly sip coffee and watch the horses munching hay). Our guide, Sigrún, handed me a helmet and some rain pants with a grin. She said something about “the weather always changing here,” which turned out to be true about ten minutes later.

The horses are smaller than I thought — not ponies, just… stockier? Mine was called Glóð. She smelled like grass and wool and somehow made me feel calm even though my heart was thumping at first. We set off in a slow line through these endless moss-covered lava fields outside Reykjavik. The ground felt soft underfoot, almost bouncy, and there was this hush except for the clop of hooves and Sigrún’s voice drifting back with little stories about elves living in rocks (she swears it’s true). At one point she pointed out the Bláfjöll mountains ahead — blueish even under gray clouds.

I got brave enough to try their special gait — tölt — after Sigrún promised it wouldn’t throw me off. It’s hard to describe but kind of like gliding? My legs tingled afterward. We stopped for a minute so someone could adjust their stirrups and I caught this weirdly sweet smell from the wet moss all around. I still think about that view: just green waves of lava rock rolling toward those distant mountains. Didn’t expect to feel so peaceful on horseback, honestly.