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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Iceland
Intro to Iceland
 East and SouthHighland Tours Iceland Shorts Northern Tours West
Also see:
Hiking Trips
Horseback in:
Norway
Finland
Europe Overview
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Power of Creation
East and South
Iceland
It is our pleasure to present again one of our most popular tours
from our early years – Fjallabak, with a twist. The ride combines the
varied nature of Iceland, geological highlights with great riding tracks
that pleases riders and horses alike.
Our ride starts alongside Markarfljót River and up into the
mountains. We follow good riding tracks through black ash from Mt. Hekla
eruptions and spend a night close to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Our ride
leads us across the sand desert Mælifellssandur and into lava fields
originating from Skaftáreldar, a devastating eruption in the 18th
century. Lakagígar craters created an area of dramatic beauty and are
just one of the many natural highlights we visit on this tour. Whether
you join this tour from east to west or west to east, riding through the
amazing Fjallabak landscape is an unforgettable experience.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Progressive Ride (no camping)
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Reykjavík
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Airport:
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Keflavík
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Transfer:
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Keflavík airport
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
Max
16 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations (Hotel accommodation in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride), meals (expect in Reykjavik), 6 riding days.
| A | 2013 | 9 day trip, AP #12 | 9d / 8n | €1878 | $2440 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Keflavic airport on Day 1 included
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Airport transfer is provided on first and last day of the tour. Any other days - please take the Airport "Flybus" into the city.
Rates do not include:
Meals at hotel in Reykjavik (except breakfast. Insurance.
Tours operate alternatively from west to east, the next tour being from east to west.
Sunday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a hotel in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic lambstew. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Monday: Reykjavík – Eyvindarmúli – Einhyrningur
Drive in the morning to Eyvindarmúli Farm in the historical Fljótshlíð area where we meet staff and horses and start our ride alongside the Markarfljót River. We ascend into the mountains to Einhyrningur Mountain Cabin where we spend the night. Enjoy the great view of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Thórsmörk Nature Park. (25 km)
Tuesday: Einhyrningur – Emstrur
This day takes us across the mighty Markarfljót River (on a bridge). We ride through the scenic Emstrur area. This sensitive grazing area in the highlands pleases our horses and we spend the night in a mountain cabin. At the cabin we leave the herd behind and continue on individual horses to explore the area some more. We ride into the beautiful Botnar valley and stop at a cave used in earlier times as a shelter for farmers when gathering the sheep. Before heading back to the cabin we stop at a hilltop and enjoy the great view of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and the notorious Katla crater. (30 km)
Wednesday: Emstrur – Glacier Mýrdalsjökull – Lambaskarðshólar
We follow the Fjallabak Trail across Mælifellssandur, a black sand desert north of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Through Álftavatnskrókur grazing area and past Lake Álftavatn we continue our ride and cross several small glacier fed rivers on our way to the cabin at Lambaskarðshólar. This is our longest riding day that features an ever changing landscape. Many of our clients in the old days told us that this is a day they will never forget. We end our ride at Lambaskarðshólar cabin, close to River Skaftá. Hot showers are available tonight. (55 km)
Thursday: Lambaskarðshólar – Skaftárdalur
Our horses rest in the morning and we enjoy the beautiful nature at Lambaskarðshólar. It is only a short walk to Silfurfoss waterfall, also called “little Gullfoss”. After lunch we follow Skaftá River down to Skaftárdalur Farm where we spend the night at the farmhouse. Now we have entered the area that was most effected by the Skaftáreldar eruption in the 18th century, when the river canyons were filled by lava, causing the water to cascade on top of the lava field since. Overnight stay at Skaftárdalur Farm.
(20 km)
Friday: Skaftárdalur – Hrossatungur – Laki – Blágil Cabin
Today we ride back into the highlands again to visit the famous Lakagígar craters. About 135 craters erupted on a huge fissure and they covered the area with lava and the whole country with ashes for about two years. Animals succumbed to hunger or volcanic poisoning, a large part of the human population died and only 38.500 people survived the disaster. We ride in the huge lava fields originating from the devastating eruption and spend the night at Blágil Cabin, only 5 km away from the craters. (40 km)
Saturday: Blágil – Leiðólfsfell – Skaftárdalur
This is our last day of riding and we descent from the mountains down to Skaftárdalur valley again.
We ride east of the lava flow to Mt. Leiðólfsfell, a landmark of the area and continue our ride to Skaftárdalur Farm where we spend another night. (30 km)
Sunbday: Skaftárdalur - Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. Return to Reykjavík at approx. 15:00.
Monday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Departure July 22 is operated on a reversed itinerary. On Monday we drive to Farm Skaftárdalur and start the ride to Blágil Cabin past Mt. Leiðólfsfell.
Meeting:
Reykjavík
Airport:
Keflavík
Transfer:
Keflavík airport
Airport transfer is provided on first and last day of the tour. Any other days - please take the Airport "Flybus" into the city.
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic
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Pace:
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Strong intermediate riders capable of handling horses in open country. 140 miles
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
16 riders
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A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives.
On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
A
ride for Strong intermediate riders. Comfortable and in control at all
paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hrs. per day.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the
arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century.
Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of
Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has
ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred
"Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands
from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they
were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory
in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure
footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land
certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly
adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder
that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier
times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and
respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself.
Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane
of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special
features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the
fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a
faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses,
but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally
accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to
adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a
trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally
guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic
horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the
Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to
this day.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherland. more
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland
enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in
winter. However, the weather can change quickly, and you should be
prepared for the unexpected.
Average temperatures in Reykjavik:
January 35 F (1.6 C)
April 42 F (6 C)
July 56 F (13.3 C)
October 44 F (7 C)
You can find the weather forecast in English on www.vedur.is/english.
You should be ready for all
kinds of weather as it can change very quickly. We provide you with good
rain-clothes, a riding helmet and a sleeping bag. Also a saddle bag
(where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of
gloves etc.).
Luggage will be transported
in the kitchen van. Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases.
Pack light because transport space is limited.
Normal street-clothes are not necessary except for your stay in Reykjavík before or after the tour.
We recommend not too much luggage on the tour and you can leave extra luggage at the guesthouse if you want to.
Cameras:
We recommend to bring a small camera that can be taken in a pocket, a waist/hip bag or in the saddle bag.
Large camera equipment we can not allow on the horses for security
reasons. Tours are operated with a free running herd - at speed of tölt
or trot for most of the day. We take breaks to relax the horses and then
it is possible to take pictures. While on the horse taking pictures is
rather difficult since the horses are constantly moving. Because of the
herd instinct it is not possible to stop an individual horse, they all
will follow each other.
You can leave larger Digital SLR with your luggage at the farm or put it
in their luggage that will be transferred to the new accommodation.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (Knee high riding boots - preferably rubber) |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Warm jacket or overcoat |
| Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater |
| Warm socks and gloves, at least two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat. |
| Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chaffing). |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jogging suit or other comfortable cloths to wear in the huts |
| For the ladies – sports bra. |
| Bathing suit and flip flops |
| Slippers for the huts (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house) |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| A small camera to take with you when riding |
| Personal toiletries (soap etc.) |
| Small pillow |
| Towel |
| Ear plugs *some people snore* |
| Small flashlight, ie: headlamp |
| If interested, duty free alcohol at Iceland airport |
| Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days |
| Insect repellent, gnat net head cover |
| Band aid and second skin plasters for chaffing |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor) |
| Sunglasses |
| Song books |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation in Reykjavík. Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride.
Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the riding tour, includes breakfast only, not lunch and dinner.
Traditional Icelandic stew is served on the arrival day.
During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Strong intermediate riders capable of handling horses in open country. 140 miles
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
8 riders
|
Max
16 riders
|
|
A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives.
On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
A
ride for Strong intermediate riders. Comfortable and in control at all
paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hrs. per day.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the
arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century.
Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of
Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has
ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred
"Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands
from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they
were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory
in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure
footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land
certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly
adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder
that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier
times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and
respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself.
Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane
of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special
features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the
fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a
faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses,
but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally
accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to
adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a
trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally
guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic
horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the
Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to
this day.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden who are only required to produce national identity cards issued by the competent authorities in their countries of origin.
Passport Note
Iceland is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals of referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
2. EU nationals staying longer than 90 days will need to apply for a residence permit from the directorate of immigration in Iceland.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
A stay in another Schengen-Zone country counts as the same as a stay in Iceland.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes/1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Power of Creation
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT12
9 days /
8 nights
~$2,440.00
Dates :
July
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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