Horse riding is an attractive and popular activity in Iceland for visitors and natives. You can hop on various guided horse riding tours across Iceland in diverse locations, from the beaches to the mountains or even beside a mighty glacier. Icelandic horses, well-known for their sure-footedness and gentle nature, make riding tours around Reykjavik both safe and thrilling.
Tourists can embark on Iceland tours from Reykjavik to explore horse riding, offering a unique experience for all age groups. The stunning natural wonders of Iceland will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable horseback ride through lush greenery. Here is the ultimate guide to Iceland’s top horse-riding destinations.
Reykjavik Riding Center
Reykjavik, the capital center of Iceland, is the perfect base from which to enjoy a horseback riding tour before heading back to the city for the evening. On the horse riding tour, you can find many incredible natural landscapes near Reykjavik. These tours often include riding through lava fields and along the trails with panoramic views of Reykjavik and its surroundings. The center has well-maintained stables, an indoor riding arena, and outdoor riding tracks, ensuring year-round riding opportunities regardless of weather conditions.
Professional guides assist the riding tours, ensuring safety and providing insights into the history and characteristics of Icelandic horses. There are two riding tours from this center – Icelandic horseback riding tours from Reykjavik and Viking horses Reykjavik horseback riding tours. These Viking horses pride themselves on providing tours that cater to small groups, giving a personalized and intimate experience with Icelandic horses.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
It is also referred to as “ Iceland in Miniature “. Indeed, it is incredible and one of Iceland’s most picturesque locations for horseback riding. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula boasts diverse scenery that ranges from volcanic peaks to lava fields and coastal cliffs. Bewildering horse riding allows you to explore Kirkjufell mountain, glaciers, and charming fishing villages dotted along the coast.
The Stori-Kambur Horseback Riding in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula gives you a midnight glacier horse riding experience for several days among the surrounding countryside along the coast and amid the majestic Snæfellsjokul Glacier. In addition to it, the Snæfellsness 8-day Horseback Ride along Midfjardara River, the lovely beach at Longueur, and the scenic Snæfellsness National Park, as well as near the hot springs and geothermal pools, are excellent.
Golden Circle
It is one of the popular tourist destinations in the country, with many natural wonders and stunning horseback riding. Taking a horse riding through the Golden Circle offers a unique perspective on its natural wonders. The package of Golden Circle and horse riding, which takes around 10 hours, would be an amazing experience for horse riding lovers.
This covers the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, the stunning Geysir geothermal area, and the magnificent Thingvellir National Park. Furthermore, more challenging routes along the gorgeous River Gljufula in the Golden Circle can also be explored if you are an advanced horse rider.
Akureyri
Akureyri, Iceland’s fifth largest city, is a remarkable location for horseback riding in Northern Iceland. Situated at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, Akureyri is nestled among stunning mountains and offers scenic views of the fjord. The Polar Hestar Short Horseback Riding takes you along rivers, mountains, fjords, or farms, and it would definitely be an amazing journey. Besides, Polar Hestar Long Horseback Riding lasts for a week and gives you the amazing scenery of North Iceland.
Hekla Volcano
Horse riding at this destination allows you to get a very close look and feel the power of the volcano and nature. It is a magical experience to see the Icelandic mountain queen from all sides and ride through very different landscapes and beautiful patches. Many free herds that run alongside make the riding dynamic and unique. This adventure ride leads you to explore the vicinity of Hekla volcano and offers an exhilarating experience.
Laxnes Horse Farm
This destination is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavik. It offers a convenient and authentic Icelandic horse riding experience to all levels of riders, from beginners to experienced horse riders. The journey happens through great scenic landscapes, including meadows and along the picturesque red hills, with views of Mount Esja.
Vatnajökull National Park
Regardless of changing weather conditions at Vatnajökull National Park, the horse riders find the proper destination here to enjoy riding. It offers expensive vistas and diverse terrain. The adventurous horse riding near Vatnajökull allows you to explore glacial rivers, black sand deserts, and ice caves. The atmosphere and the park’s dynamic landscapes provide a unique backdrop for horseback tours together with adventures in Iceland’s remote wilderness.
Eldhestar
Eldhestar, situated about 30 minutes from Reykjavik, has offered the largest variety of horse riding in Iceland since 1986. It includes short rides and full-day, multi-day tour adventures. Many packages are there through the scenic Rauðhólar hills and lava fields. Horseback riding at Eldhestar would be a bewildering experience to enjoy in the Icelandic countryside, both for small group sizes and personal preferences.
Points to Consider for Horse Riding In Iceland
- Select the destination and tour packages according to your experience in horse riding.
- As the weather conditions of Iceland are unpredictable, dress in layers accordingly
- Consider tour packages with great experiences to enhance your riding with more knowledge.
- As Icelandic horses have been part of their culture for over a millennium, horse riding in Iceland would be a great chance to learn about the unique characteristics of their horses.
- Book in advance, especially at peak summer times, and capture the stunning sceneries in Iceland through perfect devices
Conclusion
Well known for its staggering landscapes and unique cultural heritage, Iceland provides an unparalleled experience for horse riding enthusiasts. Undoubtedly, Icelandic horses are renowned for their strength, endurance, and gentle disposition, making your journey a great experience. From the above explanation, it is crystal clear that exploring Iceland on horseback from Reykjavik provides an eccentric and enriching experience for all horse riders worldwide, regardless of their age group and experience level in horseback riding.
