The Magic of Iceland Horse Tours: A Complete Guide
Iceland's unique landscape of volcanic terrain, glaciers, and lush valleys creates the perfect backdrop for experiencing the country on horseback. The Icelandic horse, with its distinctive five gaits and sturdy build, offers visitors a special way to connect with Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will talk about the top Iceland horse tours you should try.
Icelandic horse tours have become a must-do activity for several compelling reasons:
- Unique Horse Breed: The Icelandic horse is one of the purest horse breeds in the world, unchanged for over 1,000 years due to Iceland's isolation. They're known for their extra gait called "tölt," which provides an incredibly smooth ride even across rough terrain.
- Access to Remote Areas: Horseback allows you to reach stunning locations inaccessible by vehicle, including highland paths, river crossings, and ancient trails.
- All-Season Activity: Tours operate year-round, each season offering a different perspective of Iceland's beauty—from summer's midnight sun to winter's northern lights.
- Cultural Connection: Horses have been integral to Icelandic culture since the Viking settlement, making these tours a living history lesson.
- Suitable for All Levels: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, tours are designed for every skill level.
Top Iceland Horse Tours and Reviews
1. Ishestar Golden Circle Riding Tour
Location: Hafnarfjörður (near Reykjavík)
Duration: 6 hours (2-3 hours riding)
Price Range: 14,000-18,000 ISK
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
The Ishestar Golden Circle Riding Tour exceeded all expectations! Departing from their well-maintained stables near Reykjavík, this 6-hour experience perfectly balances riding time with Iceland's natural wonders.
2. Laxnes Horse Farm Viking Tour
Location: Mosfellsdalur (20 min from Reykjavík)
Duration: 3 hours (1.5-2 hours riding)
Price Range: 10,000-14,000 ISK
Difficulty: All levels
The family-run Laxnes Horse Farm offers an authentic experience that feels more like riding with friends than a commercial tour. The Viking Tour takes you through stunning river valleys with mountains towering in the background.
3. Eldhestar's Volcano Tour
Location: Hveragerði (45 min from Reykjavík)
Duration: 5-6 hours (3-4 hours riding)
Price Range: 16,000-22,000 ISK
Difficulty: Intermediate
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you want to experience Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes, Eldhestar's Volcano Tour is unbeatable. We rode through geothermal areas with steaming vents, crossed rivers, and climbed hills with views of Mt. Hengill volcano. The longer riding time allowed us to really bond with our horses and perfect the tölt gait. Our guide, Hanna, was incredibly knowledgeable about both volcanology and horsemanship. The well-maintained facilities and excellent equipment showed Eldhestar's professionalism. Their commitment to sustainability (they're eco-certified) was also impressive. This tour offers a profound connection to Iceland's elemental forces.
4. Riding Tours South Iceland's Glacier View Ride
Location: Vík, South Iceland
Duration: 4 hours (2 hours riding)
Price Range: 14,000-18,000 ISK
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This tour offers the unique opportunity to ride with views of both Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the black sand beaches near Vík. The contrasting landscapes—ice cap, volcanic sand, and green pastures—make for stunning photography. Our guide, Jón, was passionate about Icelandic horses and taught us about their unique history and characteristics. The horses were exceptionally sure-footed on the varied terrain. The tour included a stop at a hidden waterfall that few tourists visit. The small group size (maximum 6 riders) allowed for personal attention and a customized pace. This tour perfectly combines Iceland's most iconic landscapes with an authentic riding experience.
5. From Reykjavík: Full-day Golden Circle & Horse Riding Tour
Location: Departing from Reykjavík
Duration: 9-10 hours total (including 1.5-2 hours horse riding)
Price Range: 24,000-30,000 ISK
Difficulty: All levels, beginner-friendly
Tour Includes: Golden Circle sightseeing + Icelandic horse experience
Tour Overview
This exceptional combination tour offers the perfect blend of Iceland's most famous natural attractions along with an authentic Icelandic horse riding experience. Starting with hotel pickup in Reykjavík, this well-organized tour manages to pack two quintessential Icelandic experiences into a single, unforgettable day.
Practical Information
How Long Do Tours Take?
- Short Tours: 1-3 hours (typically 1-2 hours in the saddle)
- Half-Day Tours: 3-5 hours (2-3 hours riding)
- Full-Day Tours: 6-9 hours (4-6 hours riding)
- Multi-Day Tours: 2-10 days with daily riding
Best Time to Go
- Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, warmer temperatures, lush landscapes
- Fall (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors, fewer tourists
- Winter (November-March): Northern lights possibilities, snow-covered landscapes
- Spring (April- May): Newborn foals, blooming landscapes
What to Wear
- Provided by Most Tour Companies: Helmets, rain gear, rubber boots
- You Should Bring:
- Layers (thermal underwear, fleece, wind/waterproof outer layer)
- Gloves
- Thick socks
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (even in winter)
- Camera (preferably waterproof or protected)
Practical Information
First-Time Riders:
- Book a 1-2 hour tour specifically labeled for beginners
- Choose tours that stay on flat terrain
- Consider private lessons before a group tour
- Recommended: Laxnes Horse Farm, Ishestar shorter tours
Intermediate Riders:
- Half-day tours are ideal
- Tours that include varied terrain and different gaits
- Recommended: Eldhestar's Volcano Tour, Sólhestar's Beach Ride
Experienced Riders:
- Full-day or multi-day tours
- Tours that specifically mention opportunities for tölt and gallop
- Specialized tours focusing on horsemanship
- Recommended: Hestasport's Highland Adventure, Viking Horses' Advanced Riding Tours
Health and Safety Considerations
- Most tours have weight limits (usually around 110 kg/240 lbs)
- Inform tour operators of any medical conditions
- Riding insurance is recommended (often available through tour operators)
- Follow all safety instructions from guides
- Tours may be modified due to weather conditions
Booking Tips
- Book well in advance during high season (June-August)
- Many tours offer hotel pickup from Reykjavík
- Ask about group discounts and family rates
- Check cancellation policies regarding weather
- Consider combining horse tours with other activities for a full-day experience
Final Thoughts
Experiencing Iceland on horseback creates memories that last a lifetime. The unique combination of the remarkable Icelandic horse, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage makes these tours special even for those who've ridden horses elsewhere in the world. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural connection, or simply a different way to experience Iceland's natural beauty, a horse tour should be on your itinerary.
Remember that these Iceland horse tours support the preservation of an ancient breed and traditional horsemanship skills. By choosing responsible tour operators who prioritize horse welfare and environmental sustainability, you're contributing to the continuation of this important aspect of Icelandic heritage.
About the Author
Meet Gitana, the adventurous soul behind Tripsiniceland! She has been living in Iceland since 2022, Gitana is passionate about helping travelers discover the best of this stunning country. Through her blog, she shares expert tips and insider advice to ensure you have an unforgettable Icelandic adventure. Whether you're dreaming of glaciers, volcanoes, or hidden gems, Gitana’s goal is to make your Iceland experience truly extraordinary!
