Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Handpicked rides on Icelandic horses from Reykjavík, Vík, Húsavík and Skagafjörður — where to ride, what is included and how to book.
Montez au cœur du pays du cheval islandais
Pólar Hestar est une ferme familiale près de Grenivík, dans le nord de l’Islande, où le cheval vit dans son véritable environnement : balades courtes, journées entières et hébergement à la ferme.
Voir Pólar HestarGuided horse riding tours
From a half-hour ride for children to a full day combined with whale watching. Booking happens with Guide to Iceland through an affiliate link — prices and availability are always current there.
Raudholar Red Hills: 2.5-Hour Ride from Reykjavík
Hotel pickup in Reykjavík, then out to the Rauðhólar red hills, lava formations from an eruption roughly 5,000 years ago. The ride suits beginners and experienced riders, with tölt wherever the ground allows.
2-Hour Ride Through Lava Fields
A gentle ride over lava and mossy ground just outside the capital. Pickup from Reykjavík is optional, which makes it an easy choice if you have your own car.
1-Hour Black Sand Beach Ride from Vík
Ride along the shore at Vík with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in view. A short, memorable stop that fits neatly into a South Coast drive.
2-Hour Ride Through Mosfellsdalur
A ride through Mosfellsdalur valley, about half an hour from Reykjavík. Calm, green surroundings with a river and mountains — a good fit for families who do not want to give up a whole day.
1-Hour Ride from Saltvík near Húsavík
Ride with Skjálfandi bay and the mountains around Húsavík as your backdrop. Easy to combine with whale watching on the same day.
1-Hour Ride in Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður is the heart of the Icelandic horse: breeding farms, riding halls and wide valleys made for riding. The tour runs in small groups and is available April to October.
Full Day: Horse Riding and Whale Watching
A long day that pairs riding an Icelandic horse with a whale watching sail. For anyone who wants two of the country’s best-known experiences in one day.
Every horse riding tour on Guide to Iceland
The live list of horse riding tours around the country, with departure points, duration, today’s prices and availability.
Affiliate disclosure: the links above are affiliate links. If you book, we earn a small commission from Guide to Iceland at no extra cost to you.
Where should you ride?
Reykjavík & Mosfellsdalur
Year-roundShort drive from the city, lava and moss. Easiest to book with pickup if you have no car.
South Coast: Vík & Hveragerði
Year-roundBlack sand beach in Vík and hot springs at Hveragerði — a good break on the way east.
West: Borgarnes
Year-roundShort rides by Borgarfjörður with mountains above. Fits a Snæfellsnes drive.
North: Skagafjörður & Húsavík
April–OctoberThe heart of the Icelandic horse, with most of the country’s breeding farms and longer rides for experienced riders.
East: Eastfjords
SummerFewer tours than south and north, but some of the quietest and prettiest trails in the country.
Every tour above departs from one of these areas — see the details on each tour.
Before you saddle up
- The Icelandic horse is small but strong and has five gaits, including the tölt, an unusually smooth ride in the saddle.
- Most tours have a weight limit around 110 kg. Tell the operator at booking if you are near it.
- A helmet is always provided, but sturdy shoes with a small heel and a windproof jacket make the ride much better.
- Wind and drifting snow can postpone winter rides. Book early in the day if you have a flight or a long drive later.
- Beginners need not worry: guides set the pace to the group and go through the basics before you set off.