Horseback Riding Vacations in Iceland

Iceland: “The Land of Fire and Ice”

This great island, located on the border of the Arctic Circle on the Northern Atlantic Its outstanding features are its volcanic and pristine nature, as well as its fiords.

Many riders that discover it visit Iceland repeatedly, attracted by its one-of-a-kind islands and incomparable landscapes, full of friendly people and excellent riding opportunities.

Skagafjörður is an amazing fiord in the north of Iceland. Quintessential farming centre (it has its own farming university) with a rich history, it was the northern capital of rural life in the 18th and 19th centuries in Iceland.

Its fortress-like, steep cliffs are impressive and burst with many different bird species.

Another interesting place you can visit is a group of dark coloured hills. These hills are called Rauðhólar – Red Hills – and they are pseudo-craters of about 5,000 years old.

Since these pseudo-craters are rarely seen outside Iceland, they are a quite unique phenomenon. They are formed when the molten lava at 1,100 °C flows over ponds and lagoons, and makes the water boil. The boiling water steam pressure causes explosions, which create these fake craters.

And remember that there is a good chance you will see the Northern Lights in the Arctic sky above north Iceland during the autumn/winter seasons.

It's an unforgettable night show you cannot miss! Hestasport!

The Icelandic horse

The only breed you can find in Iceland is the robust Icelandic horse. These strong and reliable horses were first introduced in Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th century.

Due to their Scandinavian lineage, they are usually referred to as Viking horses. These Icelandic horses have 5 walking modalities: the so-called fetgangur, which means “walk”, the brokk or trot, the tölt or fast ride, the skeið and the stökk, also called gallop.

In most tours, you will be riding together with a group of free horses that travel in herds. You can change mounts frequently, depending on their level of exhaustion.

Equestrian tourism in Iceland

Iceland is characterized by its hidden and fascinating trails, and especially by its volcanic scenery, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and deep fiords.

Equestrian tourism here is a unique and exciting experience.

Most Icelandic people offer equestrian tourism services, although they take the double or triple number of horses in their rides, as a precaution, to avoid tiring them across the demanding terrain.

Horseback tours here offer accommodations with a little more or a little less luxury, it all depends on what you prefer.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Iceland

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of Iceland on horseback.

Hestasport

Located in the Skagafjörður region, they offer a wide variety of tours to suit anyone, from first-time riders to fanatical horse enthusiasts.

You will stay in their beautiful cottages, with magnificent views overlooking the vast plains and mountains of the Skagafjörður valley.

For those travel companions who do not wish to ride, they can organize a number of activities to visit and enjoy the island.

They are short riding tours from one hour up to day tours, but they also have long week tours taking you into the Icelandic highlands.

Wilderness Expedition

In this trek, you can ride in pure nature and herding trails, where simplicity is present in every detail.

• This is their most demanding ride.
• In true Icelandic style, you will be driving a free running herd of horses through vast grasslands, stony mountains and a volcanic landscape towards the glacier.
• You lead the herd across rivers and rugged mountains.
• Explore new tracks, as the old ones may have vanished in the last winter.
• In the evenings, simple but cosy mountain huts and a hearty Icelandic dinner will await you.

If you are looking for a real horseback adventure in the Icelandic wilderness and prefer untouched, stunning nature to luxury, this is your tour!

Visit their web site and find more information about their tours: riding.is.

Viking Horses

They are located near Rauðhólar lava field, in the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, Viking Horses is a family-run company offering unique horse riding adventures in small and private groups.

Mountains, beautiful green nature and the spectacular volcanic landscape of Rauðhólar surround their stables just 15 minutes from Reykjavik.

Their slogan is “Small Groups, Big Adventures” , they prefer small groups because riding in smaller groups means they are able to guide and instruct each rider on a personal level.

They care for their horses since they are the stars of their team. They will make sure they are healthy and happy. All their horses are well trained and therefore easy to ride.

Aspects to consider:

• This is why they use high-quality riding equipment.
• The age minimum on their regular tours is 8.
• Children between 8 and 16 have to be accompanied by an adult.
• The weight limit is 110 kg.
• You must be in a good physical shape for the riding.
• Guests cannot carry suitcases, backpacks or big cameras on tours.

Learn more about them, their horses and tours on their web site: vikinghorses.is.

Riding Iceland Saltvík

Located in the north of Iceland, in the coast area of Húsavík, their owners, Bjarni and Elsa, are great hosts and passionate about their job.

Saltvík is a family-run business and today their daughters – Iðunn, Arna Védís and Sigrún Anna – are beginning to participate, helping them with the tours and training the horses during the winter.

From 1994 to 2000, Bjarni was guiding and running, for Ishestar, the first organized tour that crossed the whole country, "The trail of Sprengisandur".

Their "Northern Exposure" tour has been one of the most popular riding treks in Iceland since it started in 1994. This tour now has a new name, "The Diamond Circle", which shows the northeastern part of Iceland with its most beautiful features.

They have more than 16 options in Iceland, in different times of the year. We will now describe one of them as an example.

Winter Ride and Northern Lights

• Riding on ice, northern lights and winter adventure.
• There are two outstanding departure date:s the preparation period for Christmas in December or the fireworks of New Year’s Eve.
• During autumn and winter, they offer great riding adventures from Saltvík farm.
• Day rides from Saltvík farm along the coastline of the Arctic.
• There is a good chance you will see the northern lights in the Arctic sky.

In the darkest hours of the planet around New Year’s Eve, the Northern Lights is something you must see at least once in your lifetime.

In February and March, you can spend a day in some riding championships on ice, a popular event among Icelandic horsemen.

You can also visit the natural Lake Mývatn and some other nearby places of interest such as Dimmuborgir, “the amazing lava formations near Lake Mývatn and the thermal springs in the geothermic area of Hverarönd".

Discover more of Iceland, and this provider in particular and its Equestrian Tourism options, on their web site: ridingiceland.is.

Iceland is a land of fire and ice; it is synonymous with nature in its purest form: volcanoes, geysers, thermal lagoons, glaciers, Northern Lights... Immerse yourself in that sea of colours accompanied by your horse and let yourself be guided by expert riders.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Iceland on horseback?

Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Europe and discover the stunning landscapes of Iceland and other European countries. There, you can find our recommendations for trusted riding holiday operators and their equestrian programs in the 19 countries of Europe.