
Iceland
Iceland - Horse riding under the Northern Lights
Iceland - Horse riding under the Northern Lights
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Keflavik
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Dormitory room / cabin / guesthouse
Overview
On this riding tour you experience south Iceland's winter landscape from the back of an Icelandic horse. You also visit the sights of the Golden Circle, go whale watching and relax in hot springs such as Reykjadalur. With a little luck, the Northern Lights glow in the evening sky.
On this horseback riding tour, you'll not only experience the breathtaking landscape of South Iceland on the back of an Icelandic horse, but also explore famous places like the sights of the Golden Circle and go whale watching. Relax after your rides in hot springs and geothermal baths, and with a bit of luck, you might even see the unique Northern Lights.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Transfer Reykjavik – Vellir Horse Farm
Pick-up in Reykjavik (either at the BSI bus terminal or at your hotel) on the day of arrival around 5:30 pm. Drive to Vellir Farm near Hveragerði. Dinner together, introductions and tour overview.
Transfer Reykjavik – Vellir Horse Farm
Day 1
Pick-up in Reykjavik (either at the BSI bus terminal or at your hotel) on the day of arrival around 5:30 pm. Drive to Vellir Farm near Hveragerði. Dinner together, introductions and tour overview.
Day 2
Horseback riding tour through winter landscapes
After a hearty breakfast, we meet our guide for a short introduction and riding demonstration. Then we have time in the paddock to get to know our Icelandic horses better before we begin our riding tour through the Icelandic countryside. The bridle paths lead us through the area surrounding the farm and offer the perfect opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse's special gait – the tölt. We ride along old bridle paths towards the volcanic mountains, enjoying the diverse landscape between the sea and the Hengil volcano. After a warming lunch at the farm, we mount up again before heading to the Hveragardi geothermal pool. Here we can bathe in the warm water and relax in a steam sauna. In the afternoon, we enjoy coffee and homemade cake and check the Northern Lights forecast. If the forecast looks promising, we keep our eyes peeled at the farm and go Northern Lights hunting. (Approx. 4-4.5 hours)
Horseback riding tour through winter landscapes
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we meet our guide for a short introduction and riding demonstration. Then we have time in the paddock to get to know our Icelandic horses better before we begin our riding tour through the Icelandic countryside. The bridle paths lead us through the area surrounding the farm and offer the perfect opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse's special gait – the tölt. We ride along old bridle paths towards the volcanic mountains, enjoying the diverse landscape between the sea and the Hengil volcano. After a warming lunch at the farm, we mount up again before heading to the Hveragardi geothermal pool. Here we can bathe in the warm water and relax in a steam sauna. In the afternoon, we enjoy coffee and homemade cake and check the Northern Lights forecast. If the forecast looks promising, we keep our eyes peeled at the farm and go Northern Lights hunting. (Approx. 4-4.5 hours)
Day 3
Horseback riding tour Hot Springs & Reykjadalur
Today we ride through the breathtaking diversity of Icelandic nature. We pass the colorful Gufudalur geothermal area with its many hot springs and follow the trails along the volcanic hills. Near the stables, we take a break and learn more about the wonderful Icelandic horses. After the break, we ride back to the farm for a warm lunch before driving to Hveragerdi in the afternoon and hiking into the beautiful Reykjadalur geothermal valley. Along the way, we see the Djupagilsfoss waterfall and many hot springs. Those who wish can take a dip in the warm river before we begin our return journey along the coast. Dinner awaits us back at the farm.
Horseback riding tour Hot Springs & Reykjadalur
Day 3
Today we ride through the breathtaking diversity of Icelandic nature. We pass the colorful Gufudalur geothermal area with its many hot springs and follow the trails along the volcanic hills. Near the stables, we take a break and learn more about the wonderful Icelandic horses. After the break, we ride back to the farm for a warm lunch before driving to Hveragerdi in the afternoon and hiking into the beautiful Reykjadalur geothermal valley. Along the way, we see the Djupagilsfoss waterfall and many hot springs. Those who wish can take a dip in the warm river before we begin our return journey along the coast. Dinner awaits us back at the farm.
Day 4
Horse riding & whale watching
Today's ride takes us along beautiful trails through meadows and lava fields. We enjoy the scenery, passing volcanic mountains and several farms. After the ride, we'll have a light lunch before being transferred to the port of Reykjavik in the afternoon for a 3-hour whale watching tour. After the exciting tour, we'll return to the farm for coffee and homemade cake, and the chance to warm up in the farm's hot tubs.
Horse riding & whale watching
Day 4
Today's ride takes us along beautiful trails through meadows and lava fields. We enjoy the scenery, passing volcanic mountains and several farms. After the ride, we'll have a light lunch before being transferred to the port of Reykjavik in the afternoon for a 3-hour whale watching tour. After the exciting tour, we'll return to the farm for coffee and homemade cake, and the chance to warm up in the farm's hot tubs.
Day 5
Reittour
After breakfast, we saddle the horses and ride for 1.5-2 hours through the countryside near the farm. Afterwards, we have a light lunch and then prepare the horses for the second ride of the day. We ride along the Gljufura River to the mighty glacial river Ölfusa, from where, weather permitting, we can see as far as the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Upon returning to the farm, a hearty dinner awaits.
Reittour
Day 5
After breakfast, we saddle the horses and ride for 1.5-2 hours through the countryside near the farm. Afterwards, we have a light lunch and then prepare the horses for the second ride of the day. We ride along the Gljufura River to the mighty glacial river Ölfusa, from where, weather permitting, we can see as far as the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Upon returning to the farm, a hearty dinner awaits.
Day 6
Horse riding tour Ingolfstrail & Golden Circle
Our final day begins with the Ingolf Trail mountain ride. We ride in the footsteps of Iceland's first settler, Ingolfur Arnarsson, who established himself here in the 9th century. On this ancient Viking route, we learn about Iceland's history and the region's fascinating geology. Afterwards, we return to the farm, check out of our rooms, and enjoy a light lunch. We bid farewell to the horses and depart for the Golden Circle: the famous Geysir geothermal area, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and the historic Thingvellir National Park. The tour concludes around 6 pm in Reykjavik. Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Experienced riders and advanced beginners with good physical condition Accommodation: Tour 8eH: 5 nights in a hotel room with made beds Tour 8eG: Accommodation 5 nights in a guesthouse in a shared room with shared shower/toilet and made beds Duration: Tour 8eH: 6 days - 5 nights - 5 days of riding - 50 km (last night in Reykjavik not included) Tour 8eG: 6 days - 5 nights - 5 days of riding - 50 km (last night in Reykjavik not included)
Horse riding tour Ingolfstrail & Golden Circle
Day 6
Our final day begins with the Ingolf Trail mountain ride. We ride in the footsteps of Iceland's first settler, Ingolfur Arnarsson, who established himself here in the 9th century. On this ancient Viking route, we learn about Iceland's history and the region's fascinating geology. Afterwards, we return to the farm, check out of our rooms, and enjoy a light lunch. We bid farewell to the horses and depart for the Golden Circle: the famous Geysir geothermal area, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and the historic Thingvellir National Park. The tour concludes around 6 pm in Reykjavik. Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Experienced riders and advanced beginners with good physical condition Accommodation: Tour 8eH: 5 nights in a hotel room with made beds Tour 8eG: Accommodation 5 nights in a guesthouse in a shared room with shared shower/toilet and made beds Duration: Tour 8eH: 6 days - 5 nights - 5 days of riding - 50 km (last night in Reykjavik not included) Tour 8eG: 6 days - 5 nights - 5 days of riding - 50 km (last night in Reykjavik not included)
Services
What's included
Accommodation in a hotel/room with shower/toilet
English-speaking guide during the horseback riding tour
from/to Reykjavik
Full board during the ride (not in Reykjavik)
Excursion to the Golden Circle
Whale watching excursion
Rain gear, riding helmet
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Dinner, last night in Reykjavik
possibly additional excursions/entrance fees
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This winter riding tour is suitable for experienced riders as well as advanced beginners with good physical condition. Over five days of riding, you'll be out in cold, windy, and sometimes snowy conditions, so warm, windproof clothing is essential. Depending on the option chosen, you will stay in a guesthouse or a hotel. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Notes
Dinner on the last evening is not included in the price. Pick-up in Reykjavik on the arrival day is around 5:30 pm and arrival in Reykjavik on the departure day is around 6 pm. Please note that this tour includes some short sections that we will have to cover on foot, leading the horses. Itinerary subject to change. You can find interesting facts about the Northern Lights and tips on how to best photograph them here. in our blog. Information for travelers with reduced mobility: Generally, our trips are unsuitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still accommodate your travel wishes. Please contact us.
