Iceland
Iceland - Horseback Riding Tour - Wild Iceland – Vatnajökull & Vestrahorn
Iceland - Horseback Riding Tour - Wild Iceland – Vatnajökull & Vestrahorn
Duration
7 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Dormitory room / cabin / guesthouse
Overview
This riding tour for experienced riders takes you through southeast Iceland along the Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. On stages of about 20 to 25 kilometres you ride across black sand beaches, through wide valleys and to rugged mountains such as Vestrahorn – an impressive interplay of fire and ice.
Experience the untamed beauty of Southeast Iceland on a unique horseback riding tour along the mighty Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. This journey takes you through a captivating landscape of black sand beaches, rugged mountains, and sweeping valleys – a breathtaking interplay of fire and ice. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover Iceland in its most pristine form – on horseback.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Transfer Reykjavik – Skogafoss – Staffafell
Pick-up in Reykjavik on the day of arrival around 10:00 am at the BSI bus station. Drive southeast to Stafafell. On the way, we will stop at Skógafoss waterfall, one of the most famous attractions in southern Iceland.
Transfer Reykjavik – Skogafoss – Staffafell
Day 1
Pick-up in Reykjavik on the day of arrival around 10:00 am at the BSI bus station. Drive southeast to Stafafell. On the way, we will stop at Skógafoss waterfall, one of the most famous attractions in southern Iceland.
Day 2
Flaajökull – Vatnajökull – Flatey
After a hearty breakfast, we set off for Laekjarhus farm, where our horses and equipment await us. We ride up the mountain slopes towards the glacier, along Flaajökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, and cross the river delta beyond Flatey. The wild, untouched landscape around us makes this ride truly unique. Afterwards, we return to our comfortable accommodation in Stafafell and relax there for the rest of the day. (approx. 20-25 km).
Flaajökull – Vatnajökull – Flatey
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we set off for Laekjarhus farm, where our horses and equipment await us. We ride up the mountain slopes towards the glacier, along Flaajökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, and cross the river delta beyond Flatey. The wild, untouched landscape around us makes this ride truly unique. Afterwards, we return to our comfortable accommodation in Stafafell and relax there for the rest of the day. (approx. 20-25 km).
Day 3
Hornafjardarfljot – Skogey – Dynjandi
We pick up our horses in Holtasel and ride towards the majestic Hornafjardarfljot River. We cross the river via an old bridge and ride along further floodplains until we turn towards the coastal lowlands of Skogey. A newly constructed gravel road leads us to Dynjandi, an old farm known for its beautiful surroundings. (approx. 20-25 km)
Hornafjardarfljot – Skogey – Dynjandi
Day 3
We pick up our horses in Holtasel and ride towards the majestic Hornafjardarfljot River. We cross the river via an old bridge and ride along further floodplains until we turn towards the coastal lowlands of Skogey. A newly constructed gravel road leads us to Dynjandi, an old farm known for its beautiful surroundings. (approx. 20-25 km)
Day 4
Vestrahorn – Almannaskard Pass
After breakfast, we set off for one of Iceland's most spectacular landmarks: Vestrahorn. This iconic mountain rises with jagged peaks above the black sand beaches of the south coast. Our ride takes us to a Viking village (a reconstructed settlement) on the coast before we return via the scenic Almannaskard Pass. (approx. 20-25 km)
Vestrahorn – Almannaskard Pass
Day 4
After breakfast, we set off for one of Iceland's most spectacular landmarks: Vestrahorn. This iconic mountain rises with jagged peaks above the black sand beaches of the south coast. Our ride takes us to a Viking village (a reconstructed settlement) on the coast before we return via the scenic Almannaskard Pass. (approx. 20-25 km)
Day 5
Lon – Glacier
Our ride today begins in Alammaskard, from where we ride deeper into the Lon region. Here, the mountain range opens up to the interior, allowing us to explore the remote, wild landscape all the way to the glacial river Jökulsá. We end the day in Stafafell, where we'll enjoy a group dinner and reflect on the day's ride. (approx. 20-25 km)
Lon – Glacier
Day 5
Our ride today begins in Alammaskard, from where we ride deeper into the Lon region. Here, the mountain range opens up to the interior, allowing us to explore the remote, wild landscape all the way to the glacial river Jökulsá. We end the day in Stafafell, where we'll enjoy a group dinner and reflect on the day's ride. (approx. 20-25 km)
Day 6
Hvannagil Gorge – Jökulsa
On our last day of riding, we'll head into the impressive Hvannagil Gorge, surrounded by golden rhyolite mountains. From there, we'll follow the Jökulsá River, which will take us into the wetlands and vast deltas of the region. At low tide, we'll ride along the unique clay tracks before returning to Stafafell Farm. (approx. 20-25 km)
Hvannagil Gorge – Jökulsa
Day 6
On our last day of riding, we'll head into the impressive Hvannagil Gorge, surrounded by golden rhyolite mountains. From there, we'll follow the Jökulsá River, which will take us into the wetlands and vast deltas of the region. At low tide, we'll ride along the unique clay tracks before returning to Stafafell Farm. (approx. 20-25 km)
Day 7
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Black Beaches – Reykjavik
Accommodation in shared rooms in a hostel
After our final breakfast with the group, we say goodbye to our hosts and drive back to Reykjavik. On the way, we visit some of the most famous sights on the South Coast: the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, black sand beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls. Arrival in Reykjavik is around 5:00 PM. Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Experienced riders in good physical condition. The tour presents a physical challenge and requires stamina. Accommodation: Overnight stays in shared rooms in a hostel. Duration: 7 days - 6 nights - 5 days of riding
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Black Beaches – Reykjavik
Day 7
Accommodation in shared rooms in a hostel
After our final breakfast with the group, we say goodbye to our hosts and drive back to Reykjavik. On the way, we visit some of the most famous sights on the South Coast: the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, black sand beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls. Arrival in Reykjavik is around 5:00 PM. Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Experienced riders in good physical condition. The tour presents a physical challenge and requires stamina. Accommodation: Overnight stays in shared rooms in a hostel. Duration: 7 days - 6 nights - 5 days of riding
Services
What's included
Accommodation in shared rooms during the ride
5 days of riding
English-speaking guide during the horseback riding tour
from/to Reykjavik
Full board during the ride (not in Reykjavik)
Rain gear, saddlebag and 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
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This horseback riding tour in southeast Iceland is suitable for experienced riders in good physical condition. It is a physical challenge and requires stamina; the daily stages are approximately 20 to 25 kilometers long.
You will be staying at the Stafafell Hostel.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Notes
Pick-up in Reykjavik on the day of arrival around 13:00 and arrival in Reykjavik on the day of departure around 17:00. Program subject to change. 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.