Sólhestar Red Lava Ride
A 2.5-hour ride run by Sólhestar Horse Riding through the Red Lava Hills, from $140.
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Iceland Horse Tours: Compare Rides, Prices And Stables
Thirty horse riding tours across Iceland, grouped by region and tour type.
- $86lowest per-person from-price across these tours
Red Lava Hills Ride
Often fully booked (see live listing)
from $140 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Meets
- Sólhestar stable, Surtlugata 19
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Sólhestar Horse Riding
- Pickup
- meeting point and transfer details are shown at booking
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Rider weight limit
- 110 kg
- Group size
- Not stated
Iceland Horse Tours In Numbers
130 to 150+ cm
Breed Height · withers; average 142 cm in breeding evaluation
300,000+
Registered Worldwide · as of 2024, about 40% in Iceland
5
Gaits · walk, trot, canter plus tolt and flying pace
Banned
Used Tack · saddles, bridles, nosebands, pads, rugs, whips and used riding gloves
Wash or disinfect
Used Boots And Clothes · machine wash or dry clean; else 2% VirkonS and store 5 days before contact with horses
95 to 120 kg
Weight Limits · range across 8 operators; most state 100 to 110 kg
6 to 12 years
Minimum Ages · depends on operator and tour; shortest rides start lowest
2 h 46 min
Reykjavik To Vik · 186 km by road, free-flow driving
Iceland Horse Tours By Region And Ride Type
Reykjavik area rides
Flexible-Length Lava Field Ride
This Íshestar Riding Tours outing runs between 2 and 4.5 hours depending on the option you pick, with pickup available from Reykjavik so you arrive at the stables without arranging any transit of your own, from $129 per person.
Check availability
Laxnes Farm Ride, Pickup
A 3 hour 30 minute ride with Laxnes Horse Farm, with pickup from Reykjavik included, from $166.
Check availabilityHveragerdi and countryside rides
2-Hour Hot Spring Valley Ride
Sólhestar runs this two-hour ride out of Hveragerdi toward the hot spring valley of Reykjadalur, from $140.
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Trail Ride With Prep Lesson
The trail ride starts with a prep lesson before you set out.
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One-Hour Countryside Ride
Eldhestar Volcano Horses runs this one-hour ride from Hveragerdi, an easy introduction to riding in Iceland.
Check availabilitySouth coast black sand rides
1-Hour Vik Black Sand Ride
Vik Horse Adventure puts riders on Icelandic horses for a one-hour ride straight onto the black sand beach at Vik, from $126.
Check availability
Foss Travel 2-Hour Black Beach Ride
FossTravel runs this two-hour southern Iceland ride across black volcanic sand, from $185 with free cancellation.
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Reynisfjara Beach Ride, 3 Hours
Saddle Stories runs this three-hour ride across South Iceland farmland and shallow rivers until the ground turns to black sand at Reynisfjara, one of the most photographed beaches on the island, from $292.
Check availabilityNorth Iceland rides
Hestasport Viking Ride, Varmahlíð
Hestasport Activity Tours runs this 1.5-hour Viking ride from Varmahlid in North Iceland, from $118.
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Deacon Ride, 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Stable Stop runs the Deacon ride, 2 hours 15 minutes on horseback in North Iceland, rated 4.9 across 51 reviews.
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Akureyri Ride, Photo Stops
A 1 to 1.5 hour ride run by AK Hestaferdir EHF near Akureyri, with photos of you and your horse included.
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30-Minute Waterfall Photo Ride
A 30-minute ride with Hestasport that ends with photos at a waterfall.
Check availabilityPrivate rides
Private Úlfarsfell Ride, Pickup
A private two-hour ride from Icelandic Riding, departing from Reykjavík or Mosfellsbær.
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Private Lake Hafravatn Ride, 3 Hours
A three-hour private ride from Icelandic Riding that heads to Lake Hafravatn outside Mosfellsbær, from $206.
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Private Gásir Ride, 1 Hour
A one-hour private ride at Gásir near Akureyri on horses from AK Hestaferdir, rated 5.0 by reviewers.
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Finnsstaðir Private Ride, 1.5 Hours
Finnsstaðir Horse Farm runs this 1.5-hour private ride outside Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, from $247.
Check availabilityDay tours with riding
Gray Line Viking Ride, Golden Circle
This nine-hour Gray Line Iceland day tour from Reykjavík pairs a Viking-style horse ride with the classic Golden Circle route, so you spend part of the day in the saddle and the rest on a coach between the major sights, from $265.
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Golden Circle and Ride, 11 Hours
This 11-hour BusTravel Iceland day tour combines a farm ride with the Golden Circle.
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Riding and Whale Watching Combo
A five-and-a-half-hour Special Tours Iceland day from Reykjavik pairing a horse ride with whale watching.
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Riding and Silfra Snorkel Combo
This eight-hour Arctic Adventures day trip from Reykjavik combines two of Iceland's best-known activities: snorkeling in the Silfra fissure and riding Icelandic horses, priced from $307 per person.
Check availabilityNarrow The Iceland Horse Tours List To Your Ride
A starting shortlist of the three best-reviewed rides. Answer a question below to rebuild it around you.
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| Tour | Kind | Meal | Length | Meets | From | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sólhestar Red Lava RideSólhestar Horse Riding | Reykjavik area rides | Meal not stated | 2.5 hours | Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik | $140 | ★ 4.82,789 reviews | Check availability |
| Flexible-Length Lava Field RideÍshestar Riding Tours | Reykjavik area rides | Meal not stated | 2 - 4.5 hours | Íshestar Riding Centre, Hafnarfjörður | $129 | ★ 4.81,989 reviews | Check availability |
| Laxnes Farm Ride, PickupLaxnes Horse Farm | Reykjavik area rides | Meal not stated | 3 hours 30 minutes | Laxnes Horse Farm, Mosfellsdalur | $166 | ★ 4.8901 reviews | Check availability |
| 1-Hour Vik Black Sand RideVik Horse Adventure | South coast black sand rides | Meal not stated | 1 hour | Vik Horse Adventure, Vík | $126 | ★ 4.8571 reviews | Check availability |
| Small-Group Volcano Ride, PickupViking Horses | Reykjavik area rides | Meal not stated | 3 hours | Given at check-in | $182 | ★ 4.7259 reviews | Check availability |
| 2-Hour Hot Spring Valley RideSólhestar Horse Riding | Hveragerdi and countryside rides | Meal not stated | 2 hours | Sólhestar Reykjadalur, Hveragerði | $140 | ★ 4.7227 reviews | Check availability |
| No rides fit that combination of filters yet. Drop the duration or category filter and the full set of thirty tours returns. | |||||||
Best Month For Iceland Horse Tours
Reykjavik High
Reykjavik Rain
Reykjavik Daylight
Vik High
Vik Rain
Akureyri High
Akureyri Rain
Akureyri Daylight
Riding Note
- Reported or just starting
- Present
- Building or consistent
- Common or peak
- Not named
- This month
January
Reykjavik High: 3.2 / -1.7 Reykjavik Rain: 87.1 Reykjavik Daylight: 5h 25m Vik High: 3.5 / -1.4 Vik Rain: 203.1 Akureyri High: 2.7 / -3.5 Akureyri Rain: 60.2 Akureyri Daylight: 4h 43m Riding Note: Nights below freezing, short daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
February
Reykjavik High: 3.3 / -1.9 Reykjavik Rain: 90.6 Reykjavik Daylight: 8h 38m Vik High: 4.0 / -0.6 Vik Rain: 178.6 Akureyri High: 2.6 / -3.6 Akureyri Rain: 52.2 Akureyri Daylight: 8h 22m Riding Note: Nights below freezing, moderate daylight, wetter than most months; south coast wetter than Reykjavik
March
Reykjavik High: 4.2 / -1.3 Reykjavik Rain: 80.7 Reykjavik Daylight: 11h 42m Vik High: 4.4 / -0.7 Vik Rain: 184.7 Akureyri High: 3.5 / -2.6 Akureyri Rain: 47.4 Akureyri Daylight: 11h 40m Riding Note: Nights below freezing, moderate daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
April
Reykjavik High: 6.9 / 1.0 Reykjavik Rain: 59.0 Reykjavik Daylight: 15h 05m Vik High: 6.5 / 1.4 Vik Rain: 155.9 Akureyri High: 6.6 / -0.3 Akureyri Rain: 25.9 Akureyri Daylight: 15h 19m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, long daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
May
Reykjavik High: 10.1 / 4.0 Reykjavik Rain: 52.6 Reykjavik Daylight: 18h 24m Vik High: 9.0 / 4.1 Vik Rain: 137.7 Akureyri High: 10.3 / 3.2 Akureyri Rain: 24.1 Akureyri Daylight: 19h 02m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, long daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
June
Reykjavik High: 13.0 / 7.2 Reykjavik Rain: 43.3 Reykjavik Daylight: 21h 02m Vik High: 11.3 / 6.7 Vik Rain: 171.7 Akureyri High: 13.7 / 6.6 Akureyri Rain: 20.7 Akureyri Daylight: 23h 03m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, long daylight, drier than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
July
Reykjavik High: 14.9 / 9.1 Reykjavik Rain: 49.9 Reykjavik Daylight: 19h 43m Vik High: 13.2 / 8.3 Vik Rain: 151.7 Akureyri High: 15.1 / 8.5 Akureyri Rain: 33.7 Akureyri Daylight: 20h 41m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, long daylight, drier than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
August
Reykjavik High: 14.1 / 8.6 Reykjavik Rain: 64.5 Reykjavik Daylight: 16h 24m Vik High: 12.8 / 8.0 Vik Rain: 211.0 Akureyri High: 14.8 / 7.9 Akureyri Rain: 41.4 Akureyri Daylight: 16h 46m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, long daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
September
Reykjavik High: 11.4 / 6.2 Reykjavik Rain: 87.0 Reykjavik Daylight: 13h 02m Vik High: 10.3 / 5.4 Vik Rain: 214.4 Akureyri High: 11.8 / 5.4 Akureyri Rain: 53.2 Akureyri Daylight: 13h 07m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, moderate daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
October
Reykjavik High: 7.6 / 2.7 Reykjavik Rain: 79.8 Reykjavik Daylight: 9h 49m Vik High: 7.4 / 2.8 Vik Rain: 242.2 Akureyri High: 6.6 / 1.1 Akureyri Rain: 74.0 Akureyri Daylight: 9h 39m Riding Note: Nights above freezing, moderate daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
November
Reykjavik High: 4.7 / -0.1 Reykjavik Rain: 86.5 Reykjavik Daylight: 6h 30m Vik High: 4.7 / -0.1 Vik Rain: 195.3 Akureyri High: 3.6 / -2.1 Akureyri Rain: 68.3 Akureyri Daylight: 6h 00m Riding Note: Nights below freezing, short daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
December
Reykjavik High: 3.3 / -1.6 Reykjavik Rain: 94.9 Reykjavik Daylight: 4h 12m Vik High: 3.6 / -1.3 Vik Rain: 206.2 Akureyri High: 2.6 / -3.6 Akureyri Rain: 72.8 Akureyri Daylight: 3h 11m Riding Note: Nights below freezing, short daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik
Open the month-by-month table
| Month | Reykjavik High / Low (C) | Reykjavik Rain (mm) | Reykjavik Daylight | Vik High / Low (C) | Vik Rain (mm) | Akureyri High / Low (C) | Akureyri Rain (mm) | Akureyri Daylight | Riding Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.2 / -1.7 | 87.1 | 5h 25m | 3.5 / -1.4 | 203.1 | 2.7 / -3.5 | 60.2 | 4h 43m | Nights below freezing, short daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| February | 3.3 / -1.9 | 90.6 | 8h 38m | 4.0 / -0.6 | 178.6 | 2.6 / -3.6 | 52.2 | 8h 22m | Nights below freezing, moderate daylight, wetter than most months; south coast wetter than Reykjavik |
| March | 4.2 / -1.3 | 80.7 | 11h 42m | 4.4 / -0.7 | 184.7 | 3.5 / -2.6 | 47.4 | 11h 40m | Nights below freezing, moderate daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| April | 6.9 / 1.0 | 59.0 | 15h 05m | 6.5 / 1.4 | 155.9 | 6.6 / -0.3 | 25.9 | 15h 19m | Nights above freezing, long daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| May | 10.1 / 4.0 | 52.6 | 18h 24m | 9.0 / 4.1 | 137.7 | 10.3 / 3.2 | 24.1 | 19h 02m | Nights above freezing, long daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| June | 13.0 / 7.2 | 43.3 | 21h 02m | 11.3 / 6.7 | 171.7 | 13.7 / 6.6 | 20.7 | 23h 03m | Nights above freezing, long daylight, drier than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| July | 14.9 / 9.1 | 49.9 | 19h 43m | 13.2 / 8.3 | 151.7 | 15.1 / 8.5 | 33.7 | 20h 41m | Nights above freezing, long daylight, drier than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| August | 14.1 / 8.6 | 64.5 | 16h 24m | 12.8 / 8.0 | 211.0 | 14.8 / 7.9 | 41.4 | 16h 46m | Nights above freezing, long daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| September | 11.4 / 6.2 | 87.0 | 13h 02m | 10.3 / 5.4 | 214.4 | 11.8 / 5.4 | 53.2 | 13h 07m | Nights above freezing, moderate daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| October | 7.6 / 2.7 | 79.8 | 9h 49m | 7.4 / 2.8 | 242.2 | 6.6 / 1.1 | 74.0 | 9h 39m | Nights above freezing, moderate daylight, mid-range rain; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| November | 4.7 / -0.1 | 86.5 | 6h 30m | 4.7 / -0.1 | 195.3 | 3.6 / -2.1 | 68.3 | 6h 00m | Nights below freezing, short daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
| December | 3.3 / -1.6 | 94.9 | 4h 12m | 3.6 / -1.3 | 206.2 | 2.6 / -3.6 | 72.8 | 3h 11m | Nights below freezing, short daylight, wetter than most months; south coast rain 2x or more Reykjavik |
Reykjavik, South Coast Or North: Where To Ride
| Reykjavik Area | South Coast (Vik) | North Iceland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive from central Reykjavik | Hafnarfjordur 15 min, Mosfellsbaer 18 min, Hveragerdi 43 min, Selfoss 54 min | Vik 166 min (186.2 km) | Varmahlid 252 min, Akureyri 335 min |
| Drive from Keflavik airport | Hafnarfjordur 42 min, Hveragerdi 83 min | Vik 207 min | Varmahlid 294 min, Akureyri 376 min |
| Terrain stated by operators | Lava fields and green hillsides; Reykjanes lava field and Helgafell (Ishestar) | Black beach (Vik Horse Adventure) | Wide valleys and glacial rivers, Skagafjordur (Hestasport) |
| Typical ride lengths | 1 to 3 hours riding; 3 to 5 hours with transfer | 30 minutes and 1 hour | Private 3-hour tour; short tours |
| Hotel pickup | Offered by Ishestar, Eldhestar, Laxnes, Viking Horses, Solhestar | None stated; most guests drive | None stated |
| Rider weight limit stated | 110 to 120 kg | 100 kg | 95 to 100 kg |
| Minimum age stated | 6 to 12 years by tour | 6 (30-minute) or 10 (1-hour) | not fetched |
| Levels stated | Beginner-friendly through strong intermediate | Easy-going 1-hour ride | not fetched |
Map Of Iceland Horse Tours Stables
Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.
Map tiles and place names: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Reykjavik Area
- Sólhestar Red Lava Ridefrom $140
- Flexible-Length Lava Field Ridefrom $129
Hveragerdi And West
- 2-Hour Hot Spring Valley Ridefrom $140
- Trail Ride With Prep Lessonfrom $135
South Coast
- 1-Hour Vik Black Sand Ridefrom $126
- Foss Travel 2-Hour Black Beach Ridefrom $185
North And East
- Hestasport Viking Ride, Varmahlíðfrom $118
- Deacon Ride, 2 Hours 15 Minutesfrom $153
- Sólhestar Stable, ReykjavikReykjavik Area
- Íshestar Riding Centre, HafnarfjörðurReykjavik Area · 11 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Íslenski Hesturinn, VíðidalurReykjavik Area · 3.0 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Laxnes Horse Farm, MosfellsdalurReykjavik Area · 11 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Icelandic Riding, Akrar 2, MosfellsbærReykjavik Area · 6.7 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Icelandic Riding, Akrar 1, MosfellsbærReykjavik Area · 6.9 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- BSÍ Bus Terminal, ReykjavikReykjavik Area · 11 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Hótel Eldhestar, ÖlfusHveragerdi And West · 30 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Sólhestar Reykjadalur, HveragerðiHveragerdi And West · 27 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Hestaland, BorgarbyggðHveragerdi And West · 60 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Sturlureykir Horse Farm, ReykholtHveragerdi And West · 65 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Saddle Stories, South IcelandSouth Coast · 105 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Grímsstaðir Farm, Hella to HvolsvöllurSouth Coast · 76 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Vik Horse Adventure, VíkSouth Coast · 155 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Hestasport, VarmahlíðNorth And East · 194 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Ytri-Bægisá Stable, HörgársveitNorth And East · 235 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- AK Hestaferðir, AkureyriNorth And East · 245 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Gásir, near AkureyriNorth And East · 251 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
- Finnsstaðir Horse Farm, EgilsstaðirNorth And East · 373 km from Sólhestar Stable, Reykjavik in a straight line
What Riders Say About Iceland Horse Tours
These guest quotes are copied verbatim from each tour's own booking listing; we do not collect or edit them, only choose which to show.
“Thank you to all the staff for the detailed and patient explanations. The whole horseback riding experience was wonderful! Even as a first-time rider, I felt very safe and comfortable.”
“I had so much fun and our guide Jenny was incredible! The horses are well behaved and make the experience very comfortable and fun.”
“I had such an amazing time on this tour. Laura was a wonderful guide and explained everything very clearly.”
“My guided trail ride was excellent!”
Where To Stay In Reykjavik Before Your Ride
KEX Hotel and Hostel Reykjavik
Reykjavik, near Laugavegur and Hallgrimskirkja
Check ratesFosshotel Reykjavik
Reykjavik, near Laugavegur, Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa
Check ratesReykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Reykjavik
Check ratesIceland Horse Tours Questions, Answered
How much does a horse riding tour in Iceland cost, and what changes the price I pay?
Published from-prices across these 30 tours start at $86 per person for a short waterfall ride in North Iceland and reach $307 for the combo that pairs riding with Silfra snorkeling. Duration drives most of the difference: a 30-minute ride sits at the bottom of the range, while an 11-hour Golden Circle riding day costs far more.
Can I cancel or change my booking, and what does free cancellation actually cover?
Free cancellation applies to every tour listed on this site, so plans can change without losing the full booking amount. Exact cut-off times differ by operator, so read the cancellation terms on the live booking page before reserving.
What should I wear and bring for a horse riding tour in Iceland?
Wear layers and be ready for wind, rain and sun during one ride. Warm socks, a waterproof outer layer and sturdy shoes are the basics, and operators supply riding helmets, which are mandatory.
Can beginners join, and are there age or rider weight limits on Icelandic riding tours?
Yes, beginners are welcome on most rides, and some tours include a lesson before you set out, like the trail ride with prep lesson from Hestaland efh. Each stable sets its own rider age minimums and weight limits, so check the listing for the numbers that apply to your ride.
Should I book a tour with pickup from Reykjavik or meet the operator at the stable?
Pickup spares you a rental car and works well on a short trip, and several rides out of the capital list it as an option, including tours by Íshestar, Viking Horses and Laxnes Horse Farm. Meeting the operator at the stable costs less and opens more areas, from hot spring valleys near Hveragerdi to black sand beaches around Vik.
What makes the Icelandic horse different, and what are the five gaits I keep hearing about?
Centuries of isolated breeding gave the Icelandic horse its small size, calm nature and sure feet. Most horses move through walk, trot and canter, and many Icelandics add the tolt, a smooth four-beat gait that carries you along without a bounce.