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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Iceland
Intro to Iceland
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Also see:
Hiking Trips
Horseback in:
Norway
Finland
Europe Overview
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Ice Riding in Myvatn
Iceland Shorts
Iceland
Winter time is the main riding season in Iceland and is substantially different than riding during the summer time. Riding in the snow and on the ice is a magical experience and is something that every rider should try at least once in their lifetime.
We will ride spectacularly trained and sure-footed Icelandic horses and enjoy an incredible ride on the ice of lake Mývatn.
Another highlight of this program is that you get to watch the Mývatn Open, when horses and riders compete on the ice of the frozen lake.
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Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Reykjavik Domestic Airport
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Airport:
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Keflavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Reykjavik Domestic Airport
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
13 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals, Flight from Reykjavík to Húsavík and bus drive to the farm, Entrance to Geosea and Myvatn Nature Baths & 3 riding days
Rain wear, Water bottle, Saddle bag & Riding helmet can be provide
| A | 2024 | 4 day trip | 4d / 3n | €1420 | $1560 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Meeting is at Flugfélag Ernir in Reykjavík airport on Day 1 at 4pm.
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Meeting is at Flugfélag Ernir in Reykjavík airport on Day 1 at 4pm.
Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages (can be bought at Duty Free ahead of time) & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Meeting is at Flugfélag Ernir in Reykjavík airport on Day 1 at 4pm. You take a flight north to Húsavík (flight is approx. 45 minutes). Our farmer, Halldór, will pick you up at Húsavík airport and drive you to Bjarnastaðir farm for a lovely dinner.
We will then soak in the outdoor hot tub, get to know each other and chat before we get a good night rest.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 2: Ice Ride & Nature Baths
After breakfast, we head out to meet our horses at lake Mývatn. We will participate in a fun group ride on the frozen lake and enjoy waffles and hot drinks at Selhótel. After this venturesome day, we will visit the Mývatn Nature Baths a geothermal area with many outdoor baths.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 3: Mývatn open & Northern Lights
Today is an exciting day! We will go back to lake Mývatn to watch the Mývatn Open competition, where hundreds of riders compete in Tölt, Skeið and other categories on frozen lake Mývatn. After we have watched this stunning show, we will ride under the Northern Lights if the weather allows.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 4: Final Ride
This morning we will ride around Bjarnastaðir farm. After lunch, we will head back to Húsavík and warm up in Geosea, a geothermal bathing mecca, near Húsavík.
Then, we fly back to Reykjavík at 5:55pm. Arrival time in Reykjavik is approx. 6:45pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Meeting:
Reykjavik Domestic Airport
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Reykjavik Domestic Airport
Meeting is at Flugfélag Ernir in Reykjavík airport on Day 1 at 4pm.
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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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Approx. 3-4 hours per riding day, mostly at a walk and tolt
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Walk |
Trot |
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Level:
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(2
to
5
out of 5) Novice to Advanced
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Age:
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Min
6
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Weight:
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Max
242 lbs / 110 kg
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
13 riders
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Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.
Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.
Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience.
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
Reykjavík area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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37
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37
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39
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43
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49
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54
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57
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57
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51
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45
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40
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37
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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27
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28
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29
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33
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39
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44
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48
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47
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42
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36
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31
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28
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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3
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3
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4
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6
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10
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12
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14
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14
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11
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7
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4
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3
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-3
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-2
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-2
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1
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4
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7
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9
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8
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6
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2
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-1
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-2
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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13
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13
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14
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11
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10
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9
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9
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12
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12
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12
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12
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14
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected; thanks to the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which regulate the climate. Its average mid-winter temperatures are no lower than those in New York City. The city's coastal location does, however, also mean it is prone to wind, and gales are common in winter. Reykjavik is also a very wet city, having on average 213 rainy days out of the year, with spring having slightly more sunny days! The south is the wettest part of the country. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy.
Icelandic weather is known to be unpredictable and changing several times a day. A beautiful day can suddenly turn windy and rainy (and vice versa). Travelers to Iceland should be prepared for anything and dress in layers.
Winter
The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the country only experiences a few hours of daylight each day.
Summer
The summer temperatures in Reykjavík range from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights.
The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.
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 saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).
Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases. Pack light because transport space is limited.
You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly. We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours.
• Knee high riding boots - water resistant/ waterproof
• 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 against chafing).
• For the ladies – sports bra.
• Riding trousers.
• Track suit.
• A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
• Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
• A small camera to take with you on the ride.
• Band aids and second skin plasters for chaffing.
• Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
• Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).
• Sunglasses.
• For those with sensitive eyes/contact lenses, goggles.
• Ear plugs. Some people snore!
Disinfecting of the riding gear
It is important to follow the regulation regarding the disinfecting of used riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: http://www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/ridingequipment/
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.
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
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Accommodations
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
You will be accommodated in Bjarnastaðir Farm, the home of Halldór Olgeirsson and Elín Maríusdóttir. It is situated in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. Halldór and Elín, breeders of both horses and sheep will welcome you with open arms and their warmth and hospitality is indeed second to none.
•Number of beds: 23
•Made up beds: Yes
•Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
•Number of showers: 4
•GSM connection: Yes
•WiFi: Yes
Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.
Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased in the duty-free store of Keflavik airport.
Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Approx. 3-4 hours per riding day, mostly at a walk and tolt
|
Walk |
Trot |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
5
out of 5) Novice to Advanced
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Age:
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Min
6
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Weight:
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Max
242 lbs / 110 kg
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Riders:
|
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Min
1 riders
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Max
13 riders
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Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.
Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.
Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience.
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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Ice Riding in Myvatn
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT26
4 days /
3 nights
Dates :
March
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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