Try horse riding in Iceland
One of Iceland’s most famous and particular creatures is the Icelandic horse. But it’s not actually native to the Land of Ice and Fire. Instead, it was brought over by the Nordic people who first settled this land over a thousand years ago.
As the story goes, the horses that made the journey across the sea were chosen for their hardiness. Having survived Iceland’s cold winters and difficult grazing for all this time, this breed of horses has only ever become stronger. So, while they may be small for the standards of a horse, they’re truly mighty beasts.
You can get to know them for yourself on a horse riding tour in Iceland. Explore the nature and incredible landscapes of this miraculous country while guiding your own horse across its paths and trails. It promises a truly authentic experience of Iceland.
Many opportunities for horseback riding in Iceland take place close to Reykjavík. For example, you can travel through volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and hot springs on a horse riding tour in Gufudalur valley. Or ascend the mountain of Ingólfsfjall and see the Gljúfurá river on horseback. Both start only a 20-minute drive out of the city.
It’s an unforgettable experience for all of the family. At Icelandia, all our horse riding tours are available to anyone from the age of 7.
If you don’t want to ride but still want to see Icelandic horses in action, head to Friðheimar. Here, you can see demonstrations of all that Iceland’s horses can do, including their two unique gaits that other species can’t perform. Bred for competitions, these are some of the finest horses in the country.
Don’t miss out on these miraculous animals when visiting Iceland—book one of the best horse riding experiences in Iceland with us. Explore our tours to get started.
FAQ:
Icelandic horses are quite small for typical horse standards. While they can easily carry adults, we do set a weight limit at 120 kg per rider. This is to ensure the comfort of both rider and horse.
You can ride horses in Iceland throughout the year. Icelandic horses are hardy animals and are happy to walk on any terrain, including the snow.
You should be aware though that there will likely be snow on the ground. You’ll need to wrap up warm to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Similarly, in winter, the weather can change very quickly. All tours may be cancelled or rearranged at short notice.
During the summer, Iceland’s horses tend to roam free. You can see them in the mountains or highlands, as well as closer to civilisation. Due to the range that they cover, they’re fit and healthy by the time the colder season comes.
In the winter, though, we keep them on farm land, where we can provide them with hay and give them shelter when the weather becomes too harsh.
Whatever you’re doing in Iceland, the weather is always unpredictable. So, pack clothes to make sure that you stay warm and dry, no matter how the weather changes.
That means practical outdoor gear, a warm jumper, and a waterproof jacket. Bringing a pair of waterproof trousers is also a good idea.
Sturdy and waterproof shoes are wise too. Even if your horse will provide the transport, there will be times when you need to walk—and the terrain can be rough and wet.
Icelandic horses are famous for their strength, their different coloured coats, and the fact that they have two more gaits than most horses. These gaits are known as tölt and flying pace. You can ask your guide if they can demonstrate.
Of all the Icelandic horses, the most famous is probably Sleipnir, the legendary beast ridden by the god Odin. Sleipnir has eight legs and can fly across the sky.
Horses in Iceland typically live outside throughout the year, even in winter. However, during the colder months, they do have access to shelter. They can access stables throughout the winter.
There are many horseback riding experiences in and around Reykjavík. At Icelandia, we run horse riding activities from our stables a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
For example, Gufudalur valley is a great place to go horse riding in Iceland from Reykjavík. Suitable for all skill and experience levels, it’s an awesome and convenient destination for a day out from the city.
One of the truly impressive things about Icelandic horses is just how hardy they are. Over the centuries, they’ve survived incredibly cold winters and have adapted to the harsh conditions.
What makes them particularly resistant to the cold is their double coat. While in summer their coats become thinner, during the winter it grows long and thick, to protect them from the elements.
People of all ages can ride Icelandic horses. All we ask is that you’re seven years old or above.
Many people think that because the horses are so small, they can’t carry adults. This isn’t true, as Icelandic horses are actually very strong!
Book a horse riding tour with Icelandia and we’ll take you to places where you can enjoy Iceland’s nature with few other people around. We only run small-group tours, so you can enjoy close attention and expert advice from your guide.
Icelandic horses are a great breed on which to learn how to ride. That’s because they’re small, mild-tempered, and easy to control. In fact, if you’re a beginner, Iceland might be the best place to learn how to ride a horse!
There are many opportunities for horseback riding in Iceland. In fact, you’ll find some of the best options for horse riding in the world right here.
That’s thanks to two things. Firstly, the Icelandic horses themselves. These are a hardy breed of horse that’s specific to Iceland. They may be small, but they’re mighty.
Then, there’s the jaw-dropping landscape that you’ll be exploring. Soak it all in from the back of your steed.
Horses are used in Iceland in all manner of ways. They are ridden for leisure, they are often bred and trained for competitions, and they are still used by farmers for rounding up sheep in the highlands. They remain an important part of Icelandic life and culture.