Woman standing with Icelandic horse in Iceland

Horseback Riding in Iceland: The Best Tours [2024]

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LOOKING FOR ICELANDIC HORSE RIDING TOURS?

I’ve got you covered! I rode horses for 15 years and my first horse was an Icelandic. I also drove the entirety of Iceland last year and sought out all the best places to try horseback riding in Iceland 🙂

If you know me, I don’t usually promote animal tourism (okay I never do) but this is a little different. Below I’ll show you what to look for when seeking a good place to ride Icelandic horses, why Icelandic horses are unique, and share the best tours.

Icelandic horses are so special and I was so happy to spend time with them when I was there. I can’t wait for you to with one of these Iceland horse tours!

Horseback Riding in Iceland: Tours

Icelandics are known for taking good care of their horses and Iceland horse tours are one of the top things to do while in Iceland.

Below are some of the best horseback riding tours in Iceland. Peruse at your leisure and choose the one that fits what you are looking for!

1) Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 2 hours | 💳 BOOK NOW

Two icelandic horses with green grass and mountains in the background

📍 Location: Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland (30 min from Reykjavik)

🚌 Transfer: Hotel pickup/dropoff offered from Reykjavik for $15

💥 Highlights: 800 + reviews, divided by skill level, beverages provided

On this 2-hour tour operated by Ishestar, you will be split into groups of beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders. This way you will enjoy a route and pace that fits your skill level.

Either way, you will ride through lava-laden terrain, past mountains, lakes, and moors. When you return, enjoy a warm beverage with the group at the barn!

Check out these cool places to stay in Iceland!

2) Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 30 min OR 1 hour | 💳 BOOK NOW

📍 Location: Meet at Smiðjuvegur 6, 870 Vík (southern Iceland)

🚌 Transfer: Not available, must get there on your own

💥 Highlights: 300+ reviews on Google, black sand beach

With this tour, operated by Vik Horse Adventure, you can choose between a 30-minute ride and a 1-hour ride. Either way, you will ride from the stables to the black sand beach in Vik!

You can cross two things off your bucket list with this tour – black sand beach and riding horses on the beach! Plus, your guide will share stories and information about Iceland while you ride.

If you do go to Vik, check out the Reykjadalur, the geothermal river nearby!

3) The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 1 hour 30 min | 💳 BOOK NOW

Horse back riding in Iceland barn

📍 Location: Hestasport Reception – Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland (North)

🚌 Transfer: Not available, must get to Hestaport Reception on your own

💥 Highlights: More rural landscape, less busy than southern Iceland

On this hour-and-a-half riding tour operated by Hestasport, your guides will lead you along old trails to a beautiful waterfall. In the winter, you will be riding in the snow!

This is a small group tour (maximum 8 people) just outside of Akureyi in the North. This is a great tour for a more personal experience in a more quaint part of Iceland. All levels are welcome.

In the winter tour, thermal overalls and raingear are provided as needed.

*If you do go up north also be sure to check out Husavik!

*Hestasport also offers a family-friendly riding tour if you have littles with you!

4) Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 2 hours 30 min | 💳 BOOK NOW

A guy in a blue jacket sitting on an Icelandic horse on a horse back riding tour in Iceland

📍 Location: Meet at Solhestar Horse Rental or request pickup

🚌 Transfer: Pickup available from hotels in Reykjavik

💥 Highlights: Red lava, volcano history, all levels

That’s my brother in this photo! haha. This tour, operated by Solhestar, takes riders through the red lava hills and past a 5000-year-old volcano in the south of Iceland. We enjoyed this tour.

Similar to other all-level tours, you will have the option of taking a beginner route or a more intermediate route. Either route you choose you will have a guide talking to you about the area and a wonderful horse partner!

5) Private Horse Riding to Lake Hafravatn

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 3 hours | 💳 BOOK NOW

Two Icelandic horses in a pasture in Iceland

📍 Location: 582Q+XPJ Mosfellsbær, Iceland (25 minutes NE of Reykjavik)

🚌 Transfer: Option for pickup in Reykjavik area at additional cost

💥 Highlights: Custom to your skill level, scenic, private

Looking for a more personalized experience? This tour is a great option! You will meet your guides on their farm just north of Reykjavik where they will help you get your horse ready and tell you about Icelandic horse folklore (and more).

From there you will head out for a 2 – 2.5 hour ride on the farm. Since this is a private tour it will be completely tailored to your skill level and interests.

Not only are you getting an incredible scenic ride in the countryside, but you will be getting instruction on proper riding techniques (as needed) or if you are already comfortable riding you will just be able to enjoy the ride at a faster pace or on a more advanced route!

6) Deacon Horse Riding Tour

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 2 hours | 💳 BOOK NOW

Icelandic horses in a field in Iceland

📍 Location: Stable Stop Horse Riding, Akureyri, Iceland

🚌 Transfer: Not available

💥 Highlights: All levels, northern Iceland, remote

This small group tour (maximum 6 riders) takes place just outside of Akureyri in the North. You will travel through the mountains, horse trekking in Iceland, for about 2 hours.

This tour is offered in the Spring and summer months (February – October). It takes you to areas in the mountains that cars and tour buses cannot reach so it’s very remote and serene.

When you return from your ride there will be coffee and refreshments waiting! This is another great option if you want to go horse back riding in Iceland.

7) Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour

 RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ 3 hours 30 minutes | 💳 BOOK NOW

Woman crossing a river on horseback in Iceland

📍 Location: Laxnes Horse Farm (30 minutes outside Reykjavik)

🚌 Transfer: Pickup from Reykjavik included

💥 Highlights: 500+ reviews, all levels, countryside, family-operated

The Laxnes family is super sweet and will do their best to show you a great experience. Upon pickup, you will have the chance to hear farm stories and interesting facts about Iceland.

When you arrive at the stables the family will match you with a horse depending on your skill level.

Then head out with the group on a beautiful countryside trail. The horses are gentle and well cared for.

How to Pick a Horse Riding Tour in Iceland

As I mentioned earlier, Icelandic horses are typically well cared for. That being said, it’s always important to do a little evaluation upon arrival before going through with your tour. Here are some things to look for:

Hooves: Healthy horse hooves should be clean and free from debris. Look for signs of neglect, such as cracked, broken or untrimmed hooves. Horses should have well-trimmed hooves that are smooth and clean.

Grooming: The horses should have clean coats with no excessive dirt or matted hair. Check for visible signs of skin irritation, like rashes, wounds, or excessive or old sweat marks (signs of overwork and improper care).

Weight: Horses should have a healthy weight and be in good body condition. Assess this by looking at their ribcage; ribs should be barely visible but not protruding. Horses should have a solid, muscular build rather than a frail or overly thin appearance.

Treatment: Observe how the staff and/or owners talk about and treat the horses. They should be gentle, respectful, and knowledgeable. Positive interactions will look like calm handling and kind words.

They should be attentive to the horses’ needs and be able to answer questions about the horses’ health and care if you ask. They should speak about their horses enthusiastically and lovingly.

Barn Condition: The barn should be clean and organized, with adequate ventilation and light. Stalls should be free from excessive waste and have fresh and clean water.

Read Reviews! People will talk about how the horses were treated and what conditions the barn was in. This is a good way to vet a facility/tour company without being there to see it first.

Woman feeding carrots to horses in a pasture in Iceland

What is Unique About Icelandic Horses?

Icelandic horses are a cherished part of Iceland’s cultural heritage. They have a handful of distinguishing characteristics including their gait, temperament, history, and exclusive status in Iceland.

Tölt Gait: One of the most unique features of Icelandic horses is their tölt gait. The tolt is a four-beat lateral gait that is very smooth to ride, allowing riders to travel comfortably over rough terrain. The tölt is known for its speed and smoothness, with little to no bounce.

History: Icelandic horses have a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Viking settlers brought them to Iceland in the 9th and 10th centuries.

Exclusive Breed Status: Icelandic horses are the only type of horse allowed in Iceland. This policy has been in place since the Vikings first brought them to Iceland.

This policy protects the breed from diseases and maintains its purity. Their isolation has helped maintain their unique characteristics and health, free from many common equine diseases found elsewhere. Once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it is not allowed to return.

Temperament: Icelandic horses are known for their friendly, calm, and gentle temperament. They are generally very sociable and enjoy interacting with humans and other horses.

Size & Stature: Icelandic horses are short and sturdy. Their height technically puts them in the “pony” category (14.2 hands or shorter) but they are not called ponies. They have a strong and sturdy build that aligns more with a horse, and they have always been used for functions that align more with horses than ponies (transportation, farm work, & riding).

FAQ

Is there horseback riding in Iceland?

Yes, horseback riding is popular in Iceland and is a great way to experience the country’s unique landscapes.

Are Icelandic horses hard to ride?

Icelandic horses typically have a gentle temperament and smooth gait making them easy and enjoyable to ride for all skill levels.

What is the weight limit for Icelandic horse riders?

It can vary depending on the specific tour operator and the individual horse. Most tours note a maximum weight of 220 pounds (99kg).

Why can’t Icelandic horses go back to Iceland?

Icelandic horses cannot return to Iceland once they leave the country due to strict regulations aimed at protecting the health and purity of the breed.

Do horses roam free in Iceland?

Yes, in Iceland, it is common to see horses roaming free, especially during the summer months.

Do horses get cold in Iceland?

Icelandic horses are well-adapted to the cold climate of Iceland. However, the horses do not roam free in the winter. They keep them closer to home and in the barns for extra warmth.

Are Icelandic horses friendly?

Yes, Icelandic horses are known for their friendly and gentle temperament.

Can a tall person ride an Icelandic horse?

Yes, as long as a person is within the weight limit, a tall person can ride an Icelandic horse.

Wrap Up

Horseback riding in Iceland is an exciting way to explore the stunning landscapes. Riding and Icelandic horses are a huge part of the culture. I highly recommend adding a riding tour to your itinerary.

You can find tours all over Iceland. The ones featured here are mostly outside of Reykjavik and in the north near Akureyri. If you find a tour on your own, be sure to follow the tips above to ensure the horses are in good condition and well taken care of.

Icelandic horses are so sweet and have a very unique history and cool gait. You will have a great time exploring Iceland on horseback. Enjoy!