Option 1: 3 Days
Riding Distance 34 Km
Day 1: Arrival
The tour begins in the evening. Guests who arrive in Iceland on the same day take the airport shuttle Flybus (Reykjavik Excursions) from the airport to Reykjavík (BSÍ bus terminal). We will pick you up at BSÍ or at your hótel / guesthouse between 17:30 and 18:00 and drive to our farm about 40 minutes drive. The day ends with dinner.
Day 2: Meadows, Mountains and River Banks
After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the lobby and together you will walk over to the stable. You will get necessary riding equipment (riding helmet, warm overall or rain gear) and a short riding demonstration before you get to know the horses during a few rounds in the paddock. Today we ride 5- 6 hours, starting with the tour Meadows and Mountains. We ride on soft trails along the meadows around our farm, a good opportunity to experience the special gait of the Icelandic horse tölt We then follow the river and continue on an old route towards Ingólfsfjall Mountain, named after the first Norwegian Viking who settled in Iceland in the 9th century. We ride along the slopes of the mountain Reykjafjall with nice views of the landscape between the ocean and the volcanic mountains surrounding the village before returning to the farm for warming up and a light lunch. After lunch, we saddle our horses again for the afternoon ride, Soft River Banks and continue riding through grassland, now following the river Gljúfurá south to the scenic landscape at the delta of the mighty glacial river Ölfusá. We stop at an old cemetery with a great view of the river before continuing further down to the soft river banks, enjoying a short ride on black lava sand. This area is close to a bird sanctuary and known for many species of wetland- and sea birds. Weather permitting, we might even catch a glimpse of the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. We proceed through the grassy plains before returning to our farm, where coffee and home baked cake will be available. In the evening, you have the possibility to take a relaxing bath in the hotel’s hot tubs before dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 3: Hot Springs & Horses
Today we experience a variety of scenery during 3.5-4 hours on horseback. We start the day with the tour Horses and Hot Springs, riding on excellent trails along the slopes of Reykjafjall Mountain and through a green forest. We then pass by many hot springs in the colourful geothermal area Gufudalur valley. This area is situated just above the village of Hveragerði and expanded dramatically during the big South Iceland earthquake in 2008. The path continues along the volcanic hills above the village, which is known for its beautiful location between the green mountains of volcano Hengill and wide plains. We stop at the stable area for some refreshments and learn more about the Icelandic horse before riding back to our farm for lunch. In the afternoon, we spend another hour on horseback on an adorable Icelandic horse to heat body and soul during the tour Midwinter Warmth, before driving to the thermal swimming pool in Hveragarði to soften up in the big and warm hot tub, relax in the steam sauna or take a swim in the comfortably warm water. Imagine sitting in steamy water as a light snowfall turns the grass around you white. After returning to our farm, coffee and home-baked cake will be served in the cosy environment of the hotel.
Day 4: The Heritage Tour & Golden Circle Tour
On the final day, you will ride The Heritage Tour in the morning. This tour takes us 1.5-2 hours on nice trails through meadows, lava fields and a small river. On our way we enjoy the nice scenery of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms which give us an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades. After the riding and checking out of the room we warm up with light lunch and coffee or tea. Then you will be picked up to visit the three most impressive natural sights in South Iceland along the Golden Circle. The famous Geysir geothermal area, the “golden waterfall” Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. The Geysir geothermal area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep canyon. You also spend time encountering a cross-section of Iceland’s natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological significance. You will be back in Reykjavík around 18:00.
Option 2: 4 days with Whale Watching
Riding distance 40 km
Day 1 - 3 as above
Day 4: The Heritage Tour and Whale Watching
Today you will ride The Heritage Tour in the morning. This tour takes us 1.5-2 hours on nice trails through meadows, lava fields and a small river. On our way we enjoy the nice scenery of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms which give us an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades. After lunch, you have the chance to go for whale watching in the bay next to Reykjavik. After whale watching we pick you up close to the harbour in Reykjavik at 17:30 and drive back to our farm. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 5: Ingolfstrail and Golden Circle
The final day starts with the Long Mountain Tour. You will ride in the footsteps of the first settler Ingólfur Arnarsson along the slopes of mountain Ingolfsfjall, which is named after him. On your way, you will learn more about Iceland’s history and the interesting geology of this area and see the replica of Viking longhouse. After the riding and checking out of the room we warm up with light lunch and coffee or tea. Then you will be picked up to visit the three most impressive natural sights in South Iceland along the Golden Circle. The famous Geysir geothermal area, the “golden waterfall” Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. The Geysir geothermal area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep canyon. You also spend time encountering a cross-section of Iceland’s natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological significance. You will be back in Reykjavík around 18:00.
Prices
Option 1:
Guest House Accommodation 3 nights £950.00pp
Hotel Accommodation 3 nights £1175pp
Option 2:
Guest House Accommodation 4 nights £1295pp
Hotel Accommodation 4 nights £1495pp
Double room for single occupancy in the hotel additional £65 per night
Dates
Available each Sunday and Wednesday until 30 April 2024 and 01 October 2024 - 30 April 2025
Pick up Sundays and Wednesdays in Reykjavik at 17:30
What to bring
We can provide you with hats, riding boots and rain/ outerwear but please have good shoes, comfortable leggings or tracksuit bottoms (riding jodphurs not necessary), gloves and a buff is recommended and if you want to bring a camera, please bring a small waist bag as backpacks cannot be taken on horseback. Bring your swimsuit and towel!
Riding wear / gear – Caution: Disinfect!
Used boots, riding wear, helmets, saddlebags etc. must be disinfected before arrival in Iceland. Chaps, bridles and other used leather gear must not be brought to Iceland. That is because infectious, contagious diseases can easily be brought into the country, which poses a great threat for the horses as they are not vaccinated. Riding wear is normally washed and shoes and are washed and cleaned with VirkonS, Iodine or some other fluid disinfectant.
Hotel Accommodation
Our hotel was built with ecological technology and is the first lodging in Iceland to receive the Nordic Swan. The Swan certification ensures the highest standards in terms of quality, environment, and health. Among other regulations, certified operations are subject to certain guidelines regarding energy and water consumption, waste management and use of chemicals.
The daily changing menu is comprised of the finest selection of Icelandic produce with a vegan or vegetarian option.
Every day from 16:00 to 22:00 you can enjoy our hot tubs or just relax in the hotel.
At peak travel times we sometimes use our hotel in the local village - they are the same standard and we take care your trips to and from the stables.
Guesthouse
In addition to the hotel, we also offer accommodation in our small and cosy guesthouse, located next to the hotel. The guesthouse offers a comfortable living room, shared bathroom facilities, tea kettle that can also be used to make instant coffee, and small refrigerator, however, we do not offer cooking facilities. Guests that stay at the guesthouse are welcome to use all facilities and services of hotel, including the hot tub and restaurant.
Riding Ability
The riding style in Iceland is similar to English riding. We use simple snaffle bits, bridles with detachable nose-bands and clips on the end of the reins so they can be easily removed when grazing. Our saddles are comfortable with soft, rather flat seat, it is not necessary to bring saddle seat pads.
These tours are suited for all experience levels. We select horses according to riding skills and participants on our tours always get to try “tölt”, the special, smooth gait of the Icelandic horse.
Children from Age 10 years.
Weight limit
Icelandic horses are capable of carrying adults without difficulty. The maximum weight is 120 kg/18 stone . Riders must be able to mount a horse with little assistance.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, temperatures are usually moderate all year round. Average temperatures in Reykjavík are about 12°C in July and 1°C in January. Icelandic weather is known to be unpredictable and changing several times a day. A beautiful day can suddenly turn windy and rainy (and vice versa). Travellers to Iceland should be prepared for anything and dress in layers.
Daylight hours
From mid-May to mid-August the sun only sets for only a few hours per day, and it is effectively light for the whole 24-hour period. In contrast, there are around 4-5 hours of effective daylight during mid-winter. But Iceland’s inexpensive geothermal energy means that streets and buildings are well-lit during winter darkness.
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.