Explore Northern Iceland on Horseback
2024 Dates:
▪ May 2-5 ▪ May 27-30 ▪ June 17-20
▪ July 4-7 ▪ August 5-8 ▪ August 29-1
▪ September 9-22 ▪ September 23-26
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty:
All levels
The landscape of northern Iceland is known for its vastness and beauty. The tour begins and ends at Saltvik Farm near Húsavík. From there we trek to Lake Mývatn through volcanic features and picturesque landscapes, from the shores of the river Laxá, over Hvammsheiði Heath, along the forested hillsides in Laxárdalur, towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains, and across the black sand deserts of Hólasandur. All the while we are accompanied by a loose herd - riders rotate horses throughout the tour, experiencing the full range of the Icelandic horse.
Visit Húsavík, the oldest settlement in Iceland, the largest town in Þingeyjarsýsla district, and the whale capital of Iceland. Whale watching can also be added as an additional activity for which Skjálfandi Bay is famous. Spend one night in a mountain hut, surrounded by natural geysers and the vast, open landscape. Enjoy hot pot soaks after long days in the saddle, and a visit to a local geothermal hot pool.
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
All levels welcome
Rides will mainly consist of the walk and tölt, and can be tailored to accommodate all levels of riding.
Distance: 10-25 miles/15-35 km per day
Ride Time: 3-5 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 single or shared rooms (2-4 people per room) at the guesthouse on Saltvik Farm, which offers stunning views out over Skjálfandi Bay and a nice hot tub to soak in after a day in the saddle.
Guests spend one night in the mountain cabin at Þeistareykir, a quaint bunkhouse surrounded by bubbling natural steam vents.
√ WiFi
√ Hot tub
X Laundry
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
Daily rides will depart from the farm, riding along the bay, coastline, and up into the hills.
Planning and Packing
Rider Resources:
Stories from the Saddle:
Dates
▪ May 2-5
▪ May 27-30
▪ June 17-20 SOLD OUT
▪ July 4-7
▪ August 5-8
▪ August 29-1
▪ September 9-22 SOLD OUT
▪ September 23-26
Rates
Solo Rider
Individual Booking
Multiple Riders
Booking together
Children
Ages 10-15
Price Includes:
All accommodations
All meals
All riding activities, including tack and equipment, riding helmet, rain gear, water bottle, lunch box, and saddle bags
Flight from Reykjavik to Húsavík
Entrance to Geosea geothermal spa
Optional whale watching excursion
Does not include:
Airfare to and from Iceland
Transportation to/from the airport
Travel Insurance
Visas
Gratuities and personal expenses
Whale watching (book upon arrival)
Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary
Book This Trip
Please fill out this form to request more information or to book this trip, and a member of our team will contact you shortly regarding the next stage of your booking.