Mountains, Glaciers, and Waterfalls of the Southern Highlands

2025 Dates:

June 14-20
June 25-July 1
July 8-14
July 20-26
August 15-21

Duration:

7 days / 6 nights

Difficulty:

Intermediate / Advanced

Waterfalls, mountains, caves, lava fields, lupins and lush green grass: There is nothing you don’t see on this tour that leads South of Tindfjallajökull into the Southern Highlands.

This unique tour combines guesthouse accommodations with remote mountain huts, allowing riders to experience both Icelandic hospitality and the tranquility of the remote wilderness.


Horses

The Icelandic horse is a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. They are known for their surefootedness and gentle nature, and they are famous for the Tölt, a gait unique to the breed, which makes them incredibly comfortable over great distances and rugged terrain.

Riders will be accompanied by a loose herd, which adds a unique and exciting dynamic to the ride! Riders will change horses 1-2 times per day, giving them the opportunity to get to know a variety of horses over the course of the week.


Riding

Intermediate to Advanced

Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, tacking and untacking their own horse, and controlling the horse at all paces, even though rides will mainly consist of the walk and tölt.

Distance: 10-20 miles/15-30 km per day

Ride Time: 5-7 hours/day


Tack

Horses will be in saddles developed specifically for the Icelandic horse, closely resembling Dressage saddles. Saddle bags will be provided.


Terrain

This tour encompasses remote areas only accessible on foot or by horseback, riding on mainly soft riding tracks, ideal for riding the tölt. The ride will travel through farmland, across rivers, winding through hills and mountains to alpine lakes, and across black sand deserts.


Accommodation

Riders are accommodated in shared rooms (2-4 people per room) in a cozy farmhouse for the first 3 nights. The next 3 nights will be spent in a remote mountain hut in a shared bunkroom with sleeping bags.

Bring your own sleeping bag!


Dining

Breakfasts and dinners are served family-style at the guesthouse. Home-cooked meals consist heavily of lamb and fish. Traditional Icelandic breakfasts include porridge, toast, cold cuts, and cheese. Riders make their own sandwiches in the morning to pack on the trail each day.

*We recommend bringing your own snacks for the trail, and any packets or condiments for adding to your sandwich (peanut or almond butter, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)


Itinerary


Planning and Packing


Dates


Book This Trip

Price Includes:

  • All accommodations

  • All meals

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment, riding helmet, rain gear, water bottle, and saddle bags

  • Transfer from Reykjavik to the farm

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Iceland

  • Accommodation in Reykjavik

  • Transportation to/from the airport

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas

  • Gratuities and personal expenses

  • Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary