Icelandic Horseback Riding near Reykjavik: Lava Fields Tour

Ride through lava fields on an Icelandic horse, not watch them from a bus.

Icelandic horseback riding near Reykjavik takes you through lava fields and hillsides on horses bred for this terrain, with groups organized by riding ability so you get the pace that suits you. The tour runs 1.5 to 2 hours from stables 20 minutes outside the city center, with a live English-speaking guide, helmets, rubber boots, rain gear and warm clothing all provided. Pickup from Reykjavik is available as an add-on option; if you drive yourself, arrive 30 minutes early.

The Experience

The stables sit a short drive outside Reykjavik's city center, and before you mount, the guide organizes riders into groups by ability—slow walkers and faster riders separate so nobody spends two hours waiting for someone else's pace. Children under 12 typically stay in the slower group unless they already ride regularly. You'll wear a helmet, rubber boots and rain gear or a warm overall, depending on the weather, and the horses themselves are Icelandic breeds, compact and sure-footed on terrain that would trip most other stock.

The ride moves through lava fields, green hillsides and mountain views over roughly two hours. The slower group mostly walks; the faster group picks up speed. If you want to gallop, the operator runs a separate exclusive tour for that. Midway through, you stop for coffee, tea or hot chocolate—a moment to settle and look around before heading back to the stables.

Pickup from Reykjavik is included if you book the transfer option; if you drive yourself, you'll need to arrive 30 minutes before the tour starts. The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout. All riders need to be able to mount the horse under their own strength from the ground, and the weight limit is 110 kg (240 lbs).

What’s included

• Riding helmet, rubber boots, rain gear or warm overall.
• coffee, tea or hot chocolate during the ride.
• live English-speaking guide.
• organization into groups matched to your riding ability.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ishestar

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actually ride—not watch from a vehicle—and prefer a slower pace that lets you focus on the horse and the landscape instead of keeping up with faster riders. The faster group is available if you're comfortable galloping; the exclusive gallop tour is the choice if speed is your main goal.

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Top questions

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes—the slow group is designed for beginners and walks most of the route, so you'll get a relaxed introduction to riding on Icelandic terrain without pressure to keep up with faster riders.

What's included in the ride, and do I need to bring anything?

Helmets, rubber boots, rain gear and warm clothing are all provided; you just bring yourself and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate is included partway through.

How do I get to the stables from Reykjavik?

The stables are a 20-minute drive from the city center; you can book pickup from Reykjavik as part of your tour, or drive yourself and arrive 30 minutes before your start time.

What are Icelandic horses like to ride?

Icelandic horses are smaller and stockier than many breeds, with sure footing on lava and hillside terrain; they're bred for this landscape and handle it confidently, which is why they're the standard for riding tours here.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children from age 7 are welcome; those under 12 typically ride in the slower group with an adult guardian, unless they already have regular riding experience.