Horseback Riding Tour Iceland: Icelandic Horses & Lava Fields

Ride moss-covered lava fields on an Icelandic horse, with the Bláfjöll mountains across the horizon.

A 50-minute horseback riding tour in Iceland for beginners, led by an English-speaking guide through moss-covered lava fields with views of the Bláfjöll mountains. You arrive 30 minutes before departure, wear a riding helmet and boots provided by the center, and spend the ride getting to know the Icelandic horse breed in a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Children from age 7 are welcome; the weight limit is 110 kg (240 lbs).

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding adventure in Iceland

• Arrive at riding center 30 minutes early
• Begin horse riding tour through lava fields
• Ride along paths with mountain views
• Learn about Icelandic horses from guides

The Experience

How much riding experience do you actually need? This tour is built for people who've never been on a horse before. The Icelandic horse—a breed native to the island for over a thousand years—is smaller and steadier than many riding horses, which is why beginners find them manageable. Your guide handles the pacing and makes sure you feel secure in the saddle before moving into the lava fields.

The ride itself takes you through terrain that looks like nothing else: moss-covered lava fields where the ground is soft underfoot and the stone underneath is black and ancient. You'll follow established riding paths, and the guides position the route so the Bláfjöll mountains stay in view across the landscape. The whole outing runs 50 minutes in the saddle, which is long enough to settle into the rhythm of riding without exhaustion. Helmets, rubber boots and rain gear or warm overalls are all provided—you don't bring your own.

Arrive at the riding center 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. An English-speaking guide leads the group and stays with you throughout, watching for signs of discomfort and adjusting the pace if needed. The experience is designed around comfort and safety, not speed or difficulty, so the focus stays on the horse and the landscape rather than on proving anything.

What’s included

• Riding helmet.
• rubber boots.
• rain gear or warm overalls.
• guidance from an English-speaking guide throughout the 50-minute ride.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Ishestar

Is this one for you?Your guide handles the technicalities while you connect with the horse and absorb the moss-covered lava fields—no riding experience needed.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

103 verified traveler reviews

5 ★98

4 ★1

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the Icelandic horse actually like to ride?

The Icelandic horse is smaller and more sure-footed than many riding breeds, which makes it a natural fit for beginners. The breed has lived on the island for over a thousand years and is known for a calm temperament, so guides can focus on teaching you to ride rather than managing a nervous animal.

Do I need to know how to ride before I book?

No—this tour is designed specifically for beginners. The guide teaches you how to sit, hold the reins and move with the horse, and you'll have time in the saddle to get comfortable before the ride moves into the lava fields.

What happens if I'm nervous about horses?

The guide works with you on the ground before you mount, so you can get to know the horse and ask questions. Once you're riding, the pace is steady and the guide stays close, watching for any sign of worry and adjusting the route or speed if you need it.

What do I wear, and what's provided?

Riding helmets, rubber boots, and rain gear or warm overalls are all included. Wear clothes you can move in—jeans or riding pants work well—and bring a jacket in case the weather shifts. The center provides everything else you need for the ride.

How long is the actual riding time?

The ride itself is 50 minutes. You'll arrive 30 minutes before departure for a briefing and to meet your horse, so plan for about 90 minutes total at the center.

Can children ride on this tour?

Children from age 7 are welcome. Younger children can come along in a pram or stroller if an adult brings them, but they won't be riding.