If you are wondering where to go horseback riding in Iceland, one thing stands. Iceland! In the land of fire and ice.
Whether you know of Iceland through its history with Norse mythology or the fire photos you’ve encountered on social media.
Iceland is a country that is filled with varying, magnificent terrain and rich history. Did you know that the country’s parliament or Alþingi is the oldest globally, founded at Þingvellir in 930?
With so much history, getting to ride the same tracks as the Vikings did, dine on the same meals as them, and sleep on the same lands through some tours is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Very few people get to experience this. The Icelandic horse is a marvel on its own.
Its believed to be first brought in by Vikings in the 9th /10th century and remains one of the purest and oldest breeds on earth.
Although stocky and short, their horses are known for their long mane and unmatched athleticism, which isn’t typically seen in other horse breeds.
In addition to the three gaits, the Icelandic horse has mastered the tölt (a four-beat gait) and skeið.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, these locations will have you saddled up and enjoying some of the best trails you’ve ever been on.
Here are seven locations that are perfect for your next Icelandic adventure.
Iceland
Iceland’s rich history and sagas are only a part of what you will get when you sign up for tours with Mr. Iceland on his farm Efri-Úlfsstaðir.
Providing horses bred for the best possible riding experience, whether you are a novice rider getting on your horse for the first time or an experienced horseman.
Mr. Iceland will ensure that you pair with the right horse for your ability. For $190, get the experience of riding and dining with either Hordur, the farm owner, or one of the guides.
You can choose the ride and eat, a private tour, or an overnight stay on the farm.
You start with a quick tour of the farm where a horse is chosen for you, according to riding ability.
Later, you will be taught how to communicate with your horse and lead him, after which a lesson is given.
Afterward, the ride starts, and you will see some of Iceland’s best views. After returning to the farm, you are greeted by a roasted lamb, potatoes, and salad dinner.
Hordur shares stories of his life as a farmer and his daily life during the meal.
Private Ride
Consider the private ride ($290 per person) if you’ve ever wanted to ride on a black sand beach.
The ride, which takes you down to Landeyjarsandur, the longest black sand beach in Iceland, starts down by the river and down to where it meets the Atlantic
Ocean. After getting to the beach, riders dismount, and their horses rest; the ride begins the ascent to the farm.
For an authentic Viking stay, consider staying on the farm in Jakob’s House, the oldest concrete house on the southern shore.
Although completely renovated, you still get views of 4 active volcanoes Hekla, Eyjarfjallajökull, Tindfjallajökull, and Westman Islands.
Combine that with some riding on trails and to the Black Sand Beach, and you will indeed have a memorable Icelandic vacation.
Note
- You can combine all rides with an overnight stay on the farm.
Website: https://mriceland.is/
Address: Landeyjavegur, 861 Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
Phone: +354 8447220
Email: hordur.bender@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +354 844 7220
Polarhestar
Adventures with Polarhestar are different for everyone.
Polarhestar has been offering horseback rides for the past 35 years.
Tucked between lonely fjords, lush valleys, and impressive mountains.
Whether a newbie or otherwise, the farm has a herd of over 150 horses, perfect for you and your riding groups.
Operating in the polar region, they have different riding tours.
These tours range from long multi-day tours to short rides perfect for your love affair with Iceland.
On their long multi-day tours, they have three different rides: ring around the midnight sun, Autumn Colors and Northern lights, and fascinating Northern Iceland.
In addition, they offer some long-riding excursions. These rides include views of Northern Iceland, like lake Mývatn, the waterfall Goðafoss, the turf houses of Laufás, and a whale watching tour on the Fjord Eyjafjörður.
While the sights of lake Mývatn might seal the deal for some, their shorter rides are just as magnificent.
The rides traverse through green meadows and over Fjord Eyjafjörður.
Their short rides are divided into 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, and 3 hours.
After all riding tours, coffee or tea, cake, and cookies are served.
For accommodations, the farm offers three cozy cottages, each containing a shared bathroom and four rooms that can fit up to 26 guests, four bedrooms, five twin bedrooms, and a two-bedroom summer house.
Riding Tour Price Per Person
- 1 Hour Ride 7,500 ISK
- 1.5 Hour Ride 10,500 ISK
- 2 Hour Ride 12,000 ISK
- 3-Hour Ride 15,000 ISK
Note
- The weight limit for the one and 2-hour rides is 110 kgs or 243lbs and 100kgs or 220 lbs for the three-hour tour and day ride.
- Riding helmets, gloves, and raincoats are provided
- Booking in advance is recommended. However, it would be best if you did confirmations a day prior.
- Cancellations should be made through email or letter.
Website: https://www.polarhestar.is/en
Address: Grýtubakki II, 601 Akureyri, Iceland
Phone: +354 896 1879
Email: polarhestar@polarhestar.is
Langhus Farm
A guided horse tour operator since 1999, Langhus farm provides a place where horse lovers can go out and breathe fresh air with other equine enthusiasts.
Langus Farm offers intimate guided horse tours, with several horse tours to choose from.
The Viking Tour
A best seller for sure, the Viking tour goes through ancient valleys surrounded by towering mountains and meadows. The tour duration is 2 hours.
The Black Beach Ride
Perfect for experienced riders and novices. The ride takes you through open landscapes, pass a variety of birds during summer, and learn about the area’s history. Duration is 2 hours.
A Little Of Everything Tour
Just as the name suggests, enjoy a combination of experiences from the Viking and beach tour, with opportunities for going fast or slow as you cross rivers and go through meadows overlooking the lake.
Perfect for adventurous beginners and experienced riders.
In addition, the farm also offers a geothermal mineral bath, farm visits, sheep round-ups, and beginner or short rides, perfect for learning how to ride with some practice sprinkled in. The ride duration is 3 hours.
Website: http://icelandichorse.is/
Address: Langhús farm , 570 Fljót, Skagafjordur, Iceland
Phone: +0354)-8478716
Email: arnhei(at)simnet.is
Icelandhorsetours
Located on Helluland farm, Icelandhorsetours offers horseback rides and lessons for everyone.
Whether new to the sport or more seasoned, riding on the farm is unlike any other experience you will engage in.
If you’re looking to spend your days riding along the Fjord admiring the beautiful landscapes, consider one of their longer rides.
They offer rides with their free herd (stay in Kolbeins valley), rides through two different lakes (Horsetour Hóp), or their riding holidays in Skagafjörður where you combine riding and sightseeing of locations such as the natural hot pot Grettislaug.
The guest house is available for accommodations and can host up to ten people.
In addition, they offer short day tours; 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2-hour beach and 3-hour rides, and sheep or horse round-ups during September.
The house came with a kitchen and shared bathroom.
Website: https://icelandhorsetours.de/de/
Address: Helluland, 551 Sauðárkrókur
Phone: (00354) 8478577
Email: info@icelandhorsetours.com
Lytingsstaoir
Horses, nature, and hospitality that is what you get once you arrive at Lytingsstaoir. With an incredible herd of sturdy, beautiful horses, you will truly get a personalized professional experience.
However, depending on your riding experience and comfort level, you can choose either.
- The winter ride lasts between 1-2 hours,
- Stop and ride, which includes accommodations and a 2-hour ride
- The ride and discover vacation ride perfect for families looking to engage in other activities and still have daily rides.
The rides are charged at
- 36.000 ISK for two ps for the stop and ride
- 83.000 ISK per person for the ride and discover the ride
They offer accommodations in 3 different cottages, all ideally situated across the farm for the best viewing experience.
Website: https://lythorse.is/
Address: Lýtingsstaðir, 561 Varmahlíð Iceland
Phone: +354 893 3817
Email: info@lythorse.is
Trails
Iceland has some of the most beautiful untouched lands on earth. Here are a few trails that are the best possible trail riding experience.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Thermal River
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Thermal River trail is a must-do when in Iceland.
Located 40 minutes from Reykjavik, the trail is filled with hot springs that form little river pools, and the trail is loved by most hikers, bird watchers, and horseback riders.
Reykjadalur is considered a moderately challenging route.
Features
- The route is easy to follow and takes about 2 hours to complete.
- Hot springs
- The parking lot features autopsy.
- Trail gets muddy during heavy rains.
- The landscape can get a bit steep at the trailhead.
Thingvellir National Park
A crowning jewel for Iceland, Thingvellir is filled with so much history and geology that you might find yourself going back there for the duration of your stay in Iceland.
It’s the only place where you can visibly see them, numerous lava fields, basalt rocks, and Iceland’s largest natural lake Þingvallavatn.
Thingvellir National Park is home to the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates with two designated horse trails.
Features
- A visitor center with an interactive presentation explains the area’s nature and wildlife, and a service center offers souvenirs and coffee.
- The park is open 24/7 and doesn’t require entrance fees.
- A stunning waterfall
- Numerous rifts, gorges, and canyons open for exploration
- Varied birdlife along the lake’s shores looks out for the red-throated diver.
Phone: 5144030,
Email: skogarholar@lhhestar.is
Conclusion
Iceland’s magnificent landscape is breathtaking, from the black sand beaches to the mountains and volcanoes. If you’re planning on traveling to Iceland, we hope this list helps you out.
