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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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Magical and Mysterious Snaefellsnes
West
Iceland
The national park of Snæfellsnes Peninsula is where you find one of the most recognised sights in Iceland; the glacier covered cone volcano Snæfellsjökull. Its mythical atmosphere became famous through Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. Many of the famous Sagas unfolded in this spectacular area; a home to elves, trolls and ancient sorcerers. Today rich bird life attracts visitors from all over the world. The peninsula itself is often called “Iceland in a nutshell” because of its diversity of landscape.
We ride through mighty lava fields, craters and ashes of ancient eruptions enjoying wide-open stretches of light-coloured sand on the beaches where only the tide sets a limit to the freedom of horses and riders. Hítardalur Valley comes as a surprise with multicoloured mountains. Majestic Snæfellsjökull rises ahead of us when we traverse the beach on a traditional trail only known by the locals. Crater Eldborg is a landmark, where the light sand turns black once you reach its lava field. On our last riding day we follow the outskirts of the lava flow along the shore before we return the horses to the farm.
Our hosts and partners on this tour for over 20 years, Sigurður (Siggi) and Ólöf are proud of their large selection of well-trained horses. Whether you like an easy-going horse or a more spirited one, you can be sure to find the right horses to suit your liking. Experiencing “tölt”, the unique gait of the Icelandic horse is made easy for you since we follow good riding tracks on land. The smooth sand of the beach makes this tour a delight for both horses and riders.
Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm offers cosy rooms and a warm outdoor tub where we can relax after an exciting riding day. Accommodation is in beds in shared rooms. We spend two nights at different locations in sleeping bag accommodation. Enjoy not having to pack and unpack every day yet experience a challenging ride herding free running horses alongside.
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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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Keflavik Airport
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Airport:
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Keflavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Keflavik Airport
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
Max
18 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Hotel accommodations in Reykjavík. Shared rooms for all nights during the ride, sleeping bags accommodation for two nights, most meals during the ride, sleeping bag, saddle bag, raingear, safety helmet, 6 riding days - 215 km
| A | 2013 | 9 day trip, AP Tour number 5 | 9d / 8n | €1932 | $2510 |
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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Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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06/15
- 06/23
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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06/22
- 06/30
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/06
- 07/14
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/20
- 07/28
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/03
- 08/11
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/24
- 09/01
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/18
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Accommodation in Reykjavík includes breakfast only, not lunch and dinner.
Optional: Bus tour to sights on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, extra cost ISK 3.500
Day 1: Arrival in Iceland - Keflavík Airport - Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2: Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
Morning transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride into the mountains through fertile farmlands and along good riding tracks to Grímsstaðir Farm with its proud history dating back to medieval times. Overnight at Stóri-Kálfalækur in made up beds, Showers and a hot tub on site. (30 km)
Day 3: Grímsstaðir – Hítarhólmur
The ride today leads through multi-coloured mountains and along low bushy hillsides. Hítardalur is a geological paradise. Vast lava fields, soft tracks through ashes and the high palagonite (tuff) mountains give you the impression of taking a ride on the moon! We leave the horses at the Hítarhólmur mountain and drive back to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where the hot tub is waiting. (30 km)
Day 4: Hítarhólmur – Kolviðarnes – Laugagerði Schoolhouse
We continue our ride through this mystical volcanic valley. We stop at the sheep gathering place Hítardalsrétt and if you take a good look you can see the troll woman Hít who was turned into stone returning late from a date. We proceed west across Hítará River and travel trough an area well known as the hideout of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir. At Kolviðarnes Farm we leave the horses and spend the night at Laugagerði Schoolhouse where a swimming pool heated with geothermal water awaits us. (45 km)
Day 5: Laugagerði Schoolhouse – Traðir – Hof Farm
After rejoining the horses we start our beach ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. View majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you and feel the horses’ excitement and take part in their joy on this extraordinary trail released by the tide. Our horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while we stay at Hof Farm with a geothermal hot tub on site. (40 km)
Optional (available at an extra charge):
Drive along the coast towards the romantic fishing villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Here we are right underneath magical Mt. Snæfellsjökull. Visit the Information center of the Snæfellsnes National Park and learn about its mysterious powers. View beautiful bird cliffs along the shore, shaped by powerful waves. Meet giant Bárður Snæfellsás and hear about historic celebrities like the far travelled Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir and mass murderer Axlar Björn!
(Price per person: ISK 3.500)
Day 6: Hof – Traðir – Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur
Another day´s ride on the yellow coloured, sandy beach. Direction changes and we head back towards mighty Eldborgarhraun lava field. An unique experience for everyone with lava-fields and mountains on one side of the trail and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We leave the horses at Kolviðarnes Farm and drive to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where we spend the last two nights. (40 km)
Day 7: Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm
Last day on the beach and yet a new experience. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of Eldborgarhraun lava field. Imagine the black lava still on the move on your way back to dry land. The ride ends at Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where we enjoy Ólöf’s farewell dinner. (30 km)
Day 8: Stóri-Kálfalækur – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for an overnight stay in a guesthouse. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:00.
Day 9: Dep. from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
Subject to change
***Please note that the beach ride is determined by the tide. Therefore the riding can start at any hour of the day and even last into the night. Don't worry though, the nights are bright at this time of the year. Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for the beach ride!
Meeting:
Keflavik Airport
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Keflavik Airport
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic Horses
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Pace:
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Daily rides are 4-6 hours (30-50 km).
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
18 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.
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
From the end of May to the end of August it's the time of the midnight sun, of the never-dark nights. Iceland is famous for its thermal pools, and you can count on never being more than a few nights away from their warmth and relaxation.
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.).
Normal street-clothes are not necessary except for your stay in Reykjavík before or after the tour.
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 rubber riding boots recommended for beach ride**) |
| 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.
..view other reports for different trips
You will be staying in small guest houses or mountain huts, or in school dormitories in sleeping bags.
Accommodation in Reykjavík includes breakfast only, not lunch and dinner. At the welcome meeting, a traditional Icelandic stew is served on the arrival day.
Vegetarian meals are available upon request. During the ride all meals are 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.
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
|
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Icelandic Horses
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Pace:
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Daily rides are 4-6 hours (30-50 km).
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
|
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Min
8 riders
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Max
18 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.
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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Magical and Mysterious Snaefellsnes
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT05
9 days /
8 nights
~$2,510.00
Dates :
June to Aug
Trip Rating :
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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