Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland is known for its otherworldly landscape dotted with volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, glaciers, geysers, geothermal springs, and of course, the Icelandic horse - a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.
The Icelandic horse is the only breed that can perform five gaits: walk, trot, canter, pace, and tölt - the fluid, flying gait that makes this horse so comfortable to ride and so adept at covering great distances over rough terrain. The Icelandic horse is also the only breed of horse allowed in Iceland - horses that leave are not allowed to return, and no other horses may be imported into Iceland. These horses, though small, are hardy, surefooted, docile, and a pleasure to ride as you explore the wild and rugged landscape of this unique island.
Trekking with a Loose Herd
Vast expanses of open landscapes are waiting to be explored, and only the Icelandic horse can take you where no roads go. With a population of less than 400,000 – half of whom live in the capital city of Reykjavik – most of Iceland is sparsely populated, ripe for exploration, and there is no better way to do so than from the saddle of a surefooted Icelandic horse.
Ride with a loose herd - guests help maneuver the herd from point to point, where the horses will stay overnight. Riders change horses daily, and sometimes multiple times during the day, giving you an opportunity to get to know the many different personalities of the breed.
Trips are either guesthouse-based, where riders return to the same guesthouse each night, or hut-based progressive trips, where riders stay in multiple mountain huts along the journey.
Guesthouse-Based Tours
Enjoy comfortable accommodations in a family-owned guesthouse on the farm where your tour is based. Enjoy home-cooked traditional Icelandic meals served family-style and a nice soak in the hot pot after long hours in the saddle.
Iceland
Diamond Circle Tour
Discover northern Iceland, exploring mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes of northern Iceland.
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Iceland
Saltvik Tour
A more relaxed version of the Diamond Circle tour, this ride offers short riding days in northern Iceland.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Iceland
Kirkjufell Tour
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, an area replete with clandestine waterfalls, mystical legends, quaint fishing villages, and lava fields.
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Iceland
Midnight Sun Tour
A stone’s throw from the arctic circle where 2 weeks a year the sun doesn’t set, ride along the arctic coast chasing the midnight sun.
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Iceland
Autumn Horse Roundup
Join the farmers of northern Iceland in their yearly gathering and sorting of their horse herds.
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Combination Tours
Spend a few nights in a comfortable guesthouse and a few nights in a remote hut in the wilderness, combining comfort with rustic adventure.
Iceland
Chasing Waterfalls Tour
Combine guesthouse-based comfort with 2 nights in mountain huts on the kaleidoscopic Landmannalauger trail.
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Iceland
Landmannalauger Tour
Combine guesthouse-based comfort with 2 nights in mountain huts on the kaleidoscopic Landmannalauger trail.
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Hut-to-Hut Tours
After spending the first night of your trek in a guesthouse, embark on a hut-to-hut journey across the Icelandic landscape, staying in rustic mountain cabins along the way. Different cabins offer different amenities, such as natural geothermal hot pots. All offer remote locations and spectacular views.
Iceland
Southern Highlands Tour
Trek though colorful Fjallabak and Landmannalaugar beneath the volcano Eyjafjallajökull.
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Iceland
Kjölur Trail Tour
Follow one of Iceland’s oldest trails, dating back to the Viking era, through the central highlands.
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Riding Level: intermediate/advanced
Winter Wonderland Tours
Iceland is a magical place, especially when draped in a snowy winter cloak, adorned by the sparkle of the northern lights. Come and enjoy this particularly magical time of year on horseback.
Iceland
Northern Lights Tour
Ride across the winter terrain of northern Iceland and enjoy views of the northern lights.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Riding Level: all welcome
Iceland
Riding and Knitting Tour
Spend your days riding and knitting! Learn to knit your very own Icelandic sweater.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Riding Level: all welcome
Iceland
Horses on Ice Tour
Northern lights tour + watch Icelandic riders compete in the annual ice ride competition at Lake Mývatn.
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Riding Level: all welcome
Blog: Iceland
Read about the Icelandic breed, and what it’s like to trek over 100 miles with a loose herd of Icelandic horses.