Horseback Riding in Iceland

Discover Iceland

Overview

The Discover Iceland itinerary combines riding the famous Icelandic horses in the southern agricultural area of Iceland.

During the ride enjoy marvelous views of the Volcano Hekla and the glaciers Langjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Ride into the uninhabited wilderness north of the romantic valley Tungufellsdalur and follow the mighty salmon river Stóra-Laxá sided by fantastic basalt columns on wonderful tölting tracks. On horseback visit the Golden waterfall Gullfoss from its much more remote eastern side and ride along the breathtaking Laxárgljúfur canyon.  A visit to the famous Golden Circle sites such as Þingvellir National Park and the hot spring Geysir  is included on the transfer days.

Overnight at the lovely Geysir hotel.

Breakfast is served at the hotel, lunches are picnics or at cafes, dinners are an out of pocket expense.

  • Overview:
    Icelandic horses are short (about 13.2 hands average) but stout and strong, weighing 800 to 1000 pounds and are quite capable of carrying large and heavy people over rough distances at a brisk rate. The horses are usually in snaffle bits — loose rings with snap-on, one-piece reins. English-type saddles are used in the Icelandic style, somewhat of a cross between a dressage and an endurance saddle.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Icelandic
  • Trip Pace:
    moderate
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    220 lbs

The hotel Geysir offers easy access to the Golden Circle route. Gulfoss waterfall and Geysir are close by as well as hiking trails and the hot pods at the hotel are definitely worth a good soak. Reykjavik is only about an hour’s drive and the town of Vik further east on the ring route is also a great place to visit.

The hotel is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious hotels to be found in South Iceland. Fine dining is offered and a very cozy bar invites for cocktails. Geysir Golf Course (9 hole) is situated right by the hotel.

Breakfasts at both hotels are sumptuous buffets including everything from a variety of breads and sweet rolls, cold cuts, cooked eggs, different cereal options, fresh fruits and fruit salads, yogurts among other things. Lunches can be either a picnic in the countryside or a stop at cafeterias if the weather does not allow for picnics. Dinners are an out of pocket expense and both hotels offer great restaurant options. In Fludir there is also another restaurant across the street from the hotel. Dinners are quite expensive in Iceland and can easily start at $50 per person.

Reykjavik the morning of Day 1.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1:  Þingvellir National Park – Friðheimar Greenhouse Restaurant – Tungufellsdalur Valley – Gullfoss waterfall 
Pick up at 9 am at your hotel or at  BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. Please be ready in your riding clothes at pick up. Drive to Þingvellir National Park for a short walk “in between the continents” before enjoying a lovely lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouse Restaurant. Transfer to Tungufell farm for your first ride. After an introduction into the safety issues, tack and gaits of the Icelandic horse set off for a lovely gentle ride over good tölting tracks through the beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley with its clear mountain springs and lovely arctic birch forest. The route takes you through rolling hills and idyllic farmland with young horses, sheep and cattle grazing on endless green fields. If you think of typical Icelandic farm life – here it is! As you climb in altitude the landscape becomes more and more barren. Ride towards Hvítá glacier river and enjoy undisturbed views on Gullfoss waterfall from the east side, a much more remote location. Lovely tracks take you back to the farm where you leave the horses before checking into your ovely hotel, situated right by the geothermal field where the geyser Strokkur throws his 30 m water fountain  into the air every 6 to 10 minutes. Evening and dinner spend individually. (Riding distance approx. 12 miles)

Day 2

Day 2:  Highland ride over Hrunaheiði plateau to abandoned farm Kluftir 
Today is going to be a wonderful ride into the uninhabited wilderness north of the romantic valley of Tungufellsdalur. Climb on a high mountain plateau and follow the narrow tracks made only by sheep and horses. Enjoy wonderful views of the wild green mountainside, follow wild Litla Laxá river and surely get a wonderful feeling of mountain freedom! Pass the abandoned farm of Kluftir and leave the horses at Kaldbakur farm. Short transfer back to the hotel after a truly adventurous ride! (Riding distance ca. 12 miles). Evening open for individual dinners and entertainment at the hotel.

Day 3

Day 3:  Laxárgljúfur Canyon – Secret Lagoon 
Today’s ride takesyou along the breathtaking Laxárgljúfur canyon. The canyon itself is about 10 km long and drops up to 200 m where it is at its steepest. The famous salmon river Stóra Laxá has carved the canyon through layers of basalt lava and palagonite. Stop at the ruins of Hrunakrókur farm, a beautiful and remote setting underneath a waterfall. (Riding distance ca. 13 miles). On the way back to the hotel stop at the Secret Lagoon, a beautiful bathing spring. So do pack your bathing suit for today

Day 4

Day 4: Sólheimar Farm Museum and basalt columns of Hrepphólahnjúkar

After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, return to the horses for a last day´s ride through fertile farm land and along the river Stóra-Laxá. Y0u stop at the little local museum Samansafnið along the way and take a peek into the old days of farming life in Iceland. Continue your ride on narrow riding paths along the salmon river underneath the beautiful basalt columns of Hrepphólahnjúkar. Before you say goodbye, enjoy a last and tasty  coffee & cake treat by your wonderful local hosts. (Riding distance ca. 13miles.) Back to Reykjavík in the late afternoon. Drop off at BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík or any accommodation in the capital area. Safe onward journey

Itinerary Addendum

The outfitter reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Check with us for any additional available dates with a minimum of 2 riders. Their season is June through the end of August.

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Jun 13, 2024
Jun 16, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,845
  • Single Supplement
  • $470

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Contact Biggi Hayes

It was a wonderful ride in every way. Stefnir and Anita are the loveliest and hardest-working people I think I have ever met. They treat their beautiful horses with love and terrific care and attention. Their tack was in perfect condition. Stefnir answered endless questions about Iceland's history, culture and geography. Anita spent time with us each afternoon following our ride. She is a fabulous cook and baker. Their adorable children visited us too. The accommodations were comfortable, clean and warm. The weather was sunny every day! Despite the sun, it was quite cold when riding. I'm glad I followed your suggestions re: packing. I wore long underwear, winter riding gloves, layers of shirts - synthetic and wool - a puffy jacket and a rain/ wind shell each day on the trail. All in all, a perfect "10"!

Gruber, May 2019