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Horse riding in Iceland: What to know
Horseback riding tours are a fantastic way to explore Iceland’s beautiful nature and experience its culture. Tours are available all around Iceland and are perfect for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
You will be accompanied by expert riders who will guide your tour and ensure a safe and pleasant experience. You'll be provided with all the gear you need, such as helmets, and you'll learn how to handle your horse before starting the tour.
Top Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Iceland has many horseback riding tours that offer different experiences depending on the region and the season. Whether you want a short ride or a full-day adventure, there are options for everyone.
Some tours provide transfers from Reykjavik, while others can be joined on location if you're planning a road trip, giving you the freedom to add this activity to your adventure. Here are some of the best horseback riding tours in different areas of Iceland.
Best Horse Riding Tours From Reykjavik
Reykjavik offers several excellent horseback riding tours for all riding levels. Some tours even offer convenient pickup from your accommodation, making it easy to enjoy a riding adventure even if you're short on time.
- The Horse Riding Tour from Reykjavik: The best-rated horse riding tour offers pickup from Reykjavik. You'll ride through the beautiful Raudholar red hills and take in the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
- Easy 2-Hour Horse Riding Tour through Lava Fields: See beautiful lava fields on the friendly Icelandic horse on this top-rated tour. It offers an optional Reykjavik transfer.
- Scenic 5-Hour Horseback Riding & Icelandic Heritage Tour: This longer horse-riding experience brings you to the scenic countryside close to the town of Hveragerdi. It includes pick-up from Reykjavik.
From Reykjavik, you can also combine horse riding with other experiences, like this tour of the Golden Circle or this lava caving tour. These are all excellent ways to enjoy nature and get to know the Icelandic horse.
Best Horse Riding Tours in South Iceland
South Iceland is home to some incredible landscapes, making it a perfect place for horseback riding! These are the best horse tour options in the region.
- Horseback Riding Tour on the Black Sand Beach from Vik: This best-rated South Iceland tour departs from Vik and is great for all skill levels. You'll ride along the beautiful black sand beach with views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and dramatic mountains.
- Horse Riding Tour from Hveragerdi: This highly-rated, family-friendly tour departs from Hveragerdi, and you'll ride through lush hillsides known for their geothermal activity.
- Enchanting 1.5-Hour Horse Riding Tour of the Reykjadalur Valley: Ride through the famous Reykjadalur hot spring valley and witness the geothermal heat of the earth, surrounded by lush mountains. This highly rated tour starts in Hveragerdi town.
Best Horse Riding Tours in North Iceland
North Iceland is a very popular region for horse riding, with great options to choose from. Explore scenic coastlines and landscapes with the best horse tours in the North.
- 1.5-Hour Horseback Riding in the Countryside: Explore the peaceful landscapes of the historic Skagafjordur fjord with this best-rated tour.
- Small Group 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour in North Iceland: This highly-rated excursion offers a gentle ride through the northern countryside starting from the village of Varmahlid by the Ring Road.
- Scenic 1.5-Hour Seaside Horseback Riding Tour in Husavik: This tour departs from Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and takes you along beautiful coastal trails with views of the sea.
Best Horse Riding Tours in East Iceland
East Iceland is a region of dramatic fjords, vast wilderness, and quiet coastal villages. These horseback riding experiences are perfect for exploring off the beaten path, and these are the best options.
- 3-Hour Horse Riding Wilderness Tour in the Countryside: This top-rated adventure takes you into the untouched wilderness surrounding the Wilderness Center, where you’ll ride through quiet trails on the edge of the eastern highlands.
- Magical 3-Hour Midnight Sun Horseback Riding Tour: This experience is only available between June and August, as you'll ride under the soft glow of the midnight sun, surrounded by the serene East Iceland landscapes. It starts from the Wilderness Center.
Best Horse Riding Tours in West Iceland
West Iceland is home to very diverse nature and areas like the capital region, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and the Westfjords. These are the best horse riding tours in West Iceland.
- 2-Hour Horseback Ride through Mosfellsbaer: This highly-rated tour takes you through the serene countryside in the Mosfellsdalur valley, west of the capital region. Enjoy the fresh air and lush green fields as you explore this beautiful area.
- Exciting 1.5-Hour Horse Riding Tour of Borgarnes: Explore the nature around the town of Borganes on horseback and admire the beautiful Borgarfjordur fjord, surrounded by tall mountains.
What to Know About Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Horse riding tours in Iceland are available all year, but each season brings a different experience. In summer, you’ll ride through lush landscapes, while winter tours showcase snowy scenery and the Icelandic horse in its adorable, fluffy winter coat.
There are different horse tour lengths to choose from, and you can take short rides that only take an hour or two, which are usually family-friendly. If you want to go all out on a horse-riding adventure, some tours last up to a full day and often include additional activities, like hot spring bathing in nature. These are better suited to experienced riders.
What makes horse riding in Iceland truly special is the Icelandic horse itself. Icelandic horses are famous for their gentle nature, their unique, smooth “tölt” gait, and their ability to travel easily over rough ground.
They were brought here by the first settlers of Iceland over 1,000 years ago, and this small, strong horse is one of the purest breeds in the world. To protect the breed, Iceland doesn’t allow other horses into the country, and Icelandic horses that leave can never return. This helps keep the breed healthy and unique.
You’ll find horseback riding tours all around the country, so whether you're staying in Iceland's capital or planning a road trip, you’ll have plenty of chances to ride the special Icelandic horse.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best horse riding tour in Iceland?
1. 2.5-Hour Horse Riding Tour in Raudholar from Reykjavik: The best Iceland horse riding tour is highly rated among travelers and includes a transfer from Reykjavik and brings you to the beautiful Raudholar red hills, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
2. Easy 2-Hour Horse Riding Tour through Lava Fields: This excellent beginner-friendly horse riding tour has an optional transfer from Reykjavik, ideal for those staying in the capital.
3. 1-Hour Horseback Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach from Vik: Take in the views of the beautiful Reynisdrangar sea stacks on the black sand beach in Vik on this tour. This tour is a fantastic addition to any South Coast itinerary.
What is the cheapest horse riding tour in Iceland?
1. Family-Friendly 1-Hour Horseback Riding Tour: This affordable South Iceland horseback riding tour is family-friendly and is simple and easy for children.
2. Scenic 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour From Saltvik Farm: This tour is close to the town of Husavik and offers beautiful views of Skjalfandi bay and surrounding mountains.
3. Small Group 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour in North Iceland:
Explore the historic Skagafjordur fjord with this tour, which is available between April and October.
Where can I go horseback riding in Iceland?
Can I join a horse riding tour in Reykjavik?
Can I go horseback riding in Vik?
Can I go horseback riding in Hveragerdi?
1. Horse Riding Tour from Hveragerdi: A family-friendly ride through lush hillsides with geothermal activity.
2. Reykjadalur Valley Tour: A 1.5-hour ride through the famous hot spring valley surrounded by mountains.
Can I go horseback riding in Borgarnes?
Can I go horseback riding in Husavik?
Can I go horseback riding in East Iceland?
1. Wilderness Center Tour: A 3-hour ride through untouched trails in the eastern highlands.
2. Midnight Sun Tour: A magical ride under the midnight sun, available during summer months.
Do I need any riding experience to go horseback riding in Iceland?
If riding experience is required, it will be clearly stated in the tour description.
Can children go horse riding in Iceland?
This 30-minute Horseback Riding Tour from Vik is an excellent choice for children as young as 6 years old to try their hand at riding in a safe environment.
Otherwise, this indoor 1.5-hour Horse Riding Tour in South Iceland has an age limit of 4 years old and is perfect for families with young children.
Can I take a private horse riding tour?
A great option near Reykjavik is this private 1-hour horse-riding tour, which welcomes all skill levels.
For skilled riders, this private 3-hour horse riding tour in Northwest Iceland offers an exciting adventure, starting from the town of Varmahlid.
Can I visit a farm or meet the horses without riding?
How fast will I go on a horse riding tour in Iceland?
During the tour, you can see if you feel comfortable going a bit faster, perhaps to experience the famous "tölt" gait, which is unique to the Icelandic horse.
If you already feel comfortable horseback riding and want to go at a faster pace, you may prefer to book a tour intended for experienced riders, like this 5-hour horse riding tour from Reykjavik.
How long are horse riding tours in Iceland?
However, you can find tours that last between 5 and 9 hours or even multi-day horse riding tours, which are better suited for those who have some experience.
How old do you have to be to go on a horse riding tour in Iceland?
Some tours have a limit of 10 years old, and others are mostly recommended for adults.
What should I wear on a horse riding tour in Iceland?
Do I need to bring any equipment for a horse riding tour?
What is the weight limit for riding Icelandic horses?
This limit is usually 198 to 220 pounds (90 to 100 kilograms) for Icelandic horses, though this will depend on the tour.
Some horses are stronger than others, and during a tour, each tour participant is paired up with a horse that is best suited to carry their weight.
You may be asked to provide your weight when booking a horse riding tour so you can be paired with the horse best suited for you.
Can I take photos during my horse riding tour in Iceland?
It’s best to check with your guide as they may help you stop safely to capture the scenery and your experience. They can also help you capture photos of you on your horse!
Will my horse riding tour in Iceland be canceled if there is rain?
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
What gaits will I experience on my horse riding tour in Iceland?
Can I feed Icelandic horses during my horse riding tour?
If you wish to bond with your Icelandic horse by feeding it, simply pick up some grass or hay from the ground and see if they feel like having a snack.
Will I ride the same horse throughout the tour?
Why are Icelandic horses so friendly?
Do Icelandic horses only exist in Iceland?
Is the Icelandic horse a pony?
Is it safe to go horseback riding in Iceland?
Are Icelandic horses hard to ride?
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