Horse Riding in Iceland Through Lava Fields Near Reykjavik

Horse riding through lava fields near Reykjavík offers an easy outdoor adventure where you cross ancient volcanic terrain on an Icelandic horse just outside the city. Most tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours, operate year-round, and work well for beginners who want a scenic ride without taking up half the day.

What sets this guided experience apart is the landscape. The trail winds through ancient lava fields in the Hafnarfjörður area near Mt. Helgafell. Moss-covered rock, uneven volcanic ground, and open vistas create an unmistakably Icelandic atmosphere.

The Reykjavik Horse Riding Lava Tour is ideal for travelers seeking volcanic scenery on a shorter ride close to the capital. To better understand the setting, it helps to take a closer look at the Icelandic horse, the lava field landscape, and Mt. Helgafell above the trail.

The Icelandic horse is a small, sturdy riding breed developed in Iceland, valued for its friendly temperament, sure-footedness, and smooth gait. Along with walk, trot, and canter, many Icelandic horses also have the tölt, a four-beat gait that is especially comfortable to ride.

Their ancestors were brought to Iceland during the settlement period, and the breed has remained isolated for more than 1,000 years. That long period, together with life in a harsh climate, has shaped a horse with endurance, balance, and adaptability. (USIHC—Meet the Icelandic Horse)

A lava field is an area formed when lava spreads across the ground, cools, and hardens into rock. In Iceland, this often means wide stretches of rough, uneven ground shaped by old volcanic flows. (USGS—Lava Flow)

On this horse riding tour, the lava field is part of what gives the landscape its character. Dark volcanic rock is often blanketed in green moss, softening the terrain visually and creating the contrast many travelers notice right away.

Mt. Helgafell rises above the lava fields near Hafnarfjörður, giving the ride a clear landmark, not just open volcanic ground on all sides. It is a well-known town’s mountain that helps the scenery feel more defined as you move through it.

Helgafell also belongs to the same volcanic story as the trail itself. It formed during the late Ice Age in an eruption beneath a glacier, so it naturally fits into a ride shaped by lava, moss, and old volcanic ground.

What makes this experience even more appealing is the balance between dramatic terrain and a horse breed suited for steady, beginner-friendly riding.

Icelandic horses suit first-timers well because they are steady, calm, and comfortable to ride. Beginners are usually paired in a way that helps the tour feel approachable from the start, with horses and pace matched to your experience level.

Key traits:

• Calm, friendly temperament

• Small but strong build with good balance

• Unique and gentle four-beat gait (tölt)

• Well-suited to Iceland’s uneven ground and changing weather conditions

You can learn more about the breed’s history, traits, and what sets it apart from other horses in our complete guide to the Icelandic horse.

Here’s how the Icelandic horse riding tour in the lava fields usually unfolds:

• Arrive at the riding farm

• Get fitted with your gear and a short introduction

• Meet your guide and get matched with a horse

• Ride through lava fields, volcanic terrain, and open hillsides near Mount Helgafell

• Return after the ride for hot drinks

Average duration: 1.5–2 hours

Location: Reykjavík/Hafnarfjörður area

Difficulty level: Easy

The tour starts just outside Reykjavík, so it fits neatly into a day in Iceland's capital city without giving up your whole afternoon.

Yes, this tour is suitable for many first-time riders. It’s rated easy, led by a trained guide, and includes the gear you need. The Arctic Adventures horse riding tour works especially well for travelers wanting to meet Icelandic horses without booking a long or physically demanding experience. 

• Calm pace

• Guidance before and during the ride

• Helmet, boots, and rainwear included

• Short duration that feels manageable for beginners

• No prior experience needed

Not every horse riding tour in Iceland takes you through the same kind of landscape or type of outing. Comparing lava field rides with horse riding options on the South Coast and Golden Circle makes it easier to choose the one that fits your time and travel style.

Not sure which one fits your trip best? Compare styles and locations, or browse all horseback riding tours in Iceland to find the right match.

There is no single best season for this ride. The lava tour runs all year, so the better question is what kind of landscape and daylight you want most.

• Summer (roughly May to September): This is when the lava fields appear greener and the days are longest. Longer daylight makes the ride feel less rushed and the landscape looks brighter.

• Winter (roughly October to April): Winter brings shorter days, darker tones, and the chance of snow on the lava fields. The scenery can feel sharper and moodier, but weather changes tend to affect the day more.

• Spring and fall: These shoulder months usually feel quieter than peak summer and often bring softer light and more contrast in the landscape. They’re a middle ground for seasonal variety without the busiest travel period.

Dress for changing weather rather than the calendar. The tour includes basic riding gear, but your own layers still matter once you’re out in the lava fields. 

Wear:

• Warm layers, even in summer

• Gloves

• Thick or wool socks

• Long, comfortable pants that are easy to move in—skip the denim, since it gets wet easily and dries slowly

• Warm, waterproof, closed-toe shoes for getting to and from the stables

Usually provided by the tour operator:

• Riding helmet

• Rubber riding boots

• Rainwear

Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, so it helps to dress in layers for wind or light rain. For a broader seasonal guide, see our guide on what to wear in Iceland.

For many travelers, lava horse riding ends up being one of the most memorable and approachable experiences of their trip.

• Ride a purebred Icelandic horse

• Explore old volcanic terrain

• A good fit for beginners and families

• Easy to add to a day near Reykjavík

• Big scenery without a long or demanding outing

Among the many things to do in Iceland, this is one of the easier ways to enjoy volcanic landscapes, an Icelandic horse, and a memorable ride without giving up your whole day. It pairs well with other Reykjavík day tours if you're looking to fill the rest of your afternoon.

Yes, visitors can ride Icelandic horses on guided tours across the country, including easy rides built for beginners. Tours are designed for travelers, so you get the gear you need, guidance before you head out, and a horse that matches your experience level.

Yes, when you join a guided tour, horse riding in Iceland is generally safe. The horses follow established riding paths, the tours include safety gear, and guides help you get comfortable before the ride begins. Beginners are also taken into account, which makes a big difference if it’s your first time in the saddle.

The standard horse riding through lava fields tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also other tours with longer options, so you can choose a shorter ride or spend more time out on the trail, depending on your plans. This makes it easy to include in a Reykjavík itinerary without giving up a full day.

No, you do not need previous horse riding experience. First-time riders are welcome, and you get help with the basics before setting off. Less-experienced riders may be paired with easier horses, and groups can be adjusted based on confidence level.

Prices vary by tour length and operator, but the Reykjavík lava tour starts from around 16,916 ISK ($137/€118) per adult as of early 2026. Check the tour page for current pricing.

Yes, children can join many horse riding tours in Iceland, but the age limit depends on the tour. On the Reykjavík horse riding tour, the current minimum age is 8 years. It’s always worth checking the tour details before booking, especially if you’re traveling with younger kids.

Yes, Icelandic horses are smaller than many other breeds, but they are sturdy, sure-footed, and known for their calm nature. They are also famous for the tölt, a smooth gait that many riders find especially comfortable.