This ride runs all year round and can be joined any day of the week. We offer shorter riding days in the Winter programme.
Two days of riding and a chance to explore the diverse Icelandic lanscapes from from this well established and professional stables - they have been breeding and training Icelandic horses for over 40 years.
In the Summer months of May to September, we offer full day rides: 4 -5 hours in the saddle, picnic lunches and even the chance to bathe in the geothermal streams.
In the Winter months of October to April the riding is adjusted so there are 2 rides each day: 2 hours in the saddle per session with a light lunch back at the hotel
Day 1: Arrival
The tour starts in the evening. Tour members who arrive the same day to Iceland should take the Flybus from the airport to the final bus station BSÍ in Reykjavík. We will greet you at the bus station in Reykjavik between 17:30- 18:00 and drive you to our farm near the village Hveragerði. After check-in, dinner will be served in the hotel dining room.
Summer Riding Day 1: Below the Mountains
On this day tour, we discover the beautiful landscape opening up between the volcanic mountains and the Atlantic ocean in southern Iceland. We begin the tour on nice riding trails along the meadows which are ideal for trying the special gait of the Icelandic horse, tölt. We then follow the river to an old cemetery close to the mighty glacial river, where we enjoy the panoramic view of the river delta and the famous volcanos Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, weather permitting. A grassy path takes us further down to the soft, black lava sand on the river banks and through shallow water to the green island Lambey. On our way, we have good chances of seeing various kinds of birds living in the wetlands of the nearby bird sanctuary. In the summer we stop for a lunch break out in nature before continuing through farmland towards mount Ingólfsfjall, a table mountain named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson. An old Viking path takes us along the mountain Reykjafjall, where both sheep and horses graze in the summer. On the way back to our farm we have a nice view over the surrounding area and the local village. Awaiting us back at our farm are coffee and home-baked cake. You will have the opportunity to relax in the hotel’s hot tubs before dinner.
Winter Riding Day 1: Below the Mountains
On this day tour, we discover the beautiful landscape opening up between the volcanic mountains and the Atlantic ocean in southern Iceland. We begin the tour on nice riding trails along our meadows which are ideal for trying the special gait of the Icelandic horse, tölt. We then follow the river to an old cemetery close to the mighty glacial river, where we enjoy the panoramic view of the river delta and the famous volcanos Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, weather permitting. A grassy path takes us further down to the soft, black lava sand on the river banks and through shallow water to the green island Lambey. We come back for the lunch break to the hotel before continuing through farmland towards mount Ingólfsfjall, a table mountain named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson. An old Viking path takes us along the mountain Reykjafjall, where both sheep and horses graze in the summer. On the way back to our farm we have a nice view over the surrounding area and the local village. Awaiting us back at our farm are coffee and home-baked cake. You will have the opportunity to relax in the hotel’s hot tubs before dinner.
Summer Riding Day 2: The Hot Springs Tour Reykjadalur Valley – Vistas and Volcanos
This day tour offers spectacular views featuring the variety of the magnificent Icelandic nature. We ride through lava fields towards the green hills surrounding the volcano Hengill. The horses then take us up on narrow trails into the valley Reykjadalur, passing the beautiful waterfall Djúpagilsfoss and many hot springs. In the summer months we will have the opportunity to take a relaxing bath in a warm stream. Bring your swimsuit and a towel. On our way down the valley, we enjoy fascinating panoramas over the surroundings, the local village and the farmland all the way down to the coastline, where we might see the Westman Islands, weather permitting. We continue on excellent riding trails and through the colourful geothermal Gufudalur valley with hot springs, an area which expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008. The path then takes us through a green forest and along the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain back to the farm, where coffee and home-baked cake are waiting for us.
After that the bus will bring you back to Reykjavik, arrival around 17:00-17.30
Winter Riding Day 2: Horses & Hot Springs and Heritage Tour
We first ride up a hill on excellent riding trails, along the slopes of the mountain Reykjafjall and through a green forest, a rare sight in Iceland. We then pass many hot springs in the impressive, colorful geothermal area situated just above the village of, a small town also known as the “hot spring capital of the world”. This area expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008 and is constantly changing. The path continues along the volcanic hills above the village, which is also known for its beautiful location between the volcano Hengill and the wide plains of the southern lowlands. We have a nice view of Varmá river, called the “warm river” as geothermal water flows through it, and green valleys with rising steam in the distance. After lunch back at the farm we head out one last time 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. Nice riding trails give a good opportunity to experience the “tölt”. At the end of the tour you are invited for coffee and home-baked cake before our bus takes you back to Reykjavik around 16.15 - arrival around 17.00.
SUMMER PRICES
Summer months: 01 May - 30 September 2026
Guesthouse £655pp
Hotel £765pp
Solo room occupancy Hotel £65 Guesthoue £40 per night
WINTER PRICES
Winter months: 01 October 2026 - 30 April 2027
Guesthouse from £630pp
Hotel £745pp
Solo room occupancy Hotel £55 Guesthoue £35 per night
Accommodation
We offer two options for your stay.
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 Accommodation
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 - please ask - as they will need a certain level of riding experience. Age from 15 years unaccompanied on the ride
Weight limit
Icelandic horses are capable of carrying adults without difficulty. The maximum weight is 110 kg/17 stone . Riders must be able to mount a horse with little assistance.
Climate and weather
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.
We can offer other longer riding tours and include stays in the Icelandic wilderness, please get in contact with us in Equestrian Escapes to discuss your riding holiday adventure.
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.