Horseback riding in East and South, Iceland

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- Icelandic Winter Experience
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Horseback riding vacations in Iceland, East and South

Horseback riding tours

Rides in Iceland

  Intro to Iceland

Over 210 lbs


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Equestrian tours in Iceland, East and South
Icelandic Winter Experience


Itinerary for Icelandic Winter Experience




Sample itinerary - subject to changes

NOTE: Please, note that this tour is dependent on weather and Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed.


Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
The tour starts in the evening. Tour members who arrive the same day in Iceland should take the “Flybus” (operated by Reykjavik Excursions) from the airport to the final bus station BSÍ in Reykjavík (not included in package). We will greet you at the bus station or at your hotel / guesthouse in Reykjavik for 17:30-18:00 and drive you to our farm Vellir near Hveragerði. There you will be lodged at our Guesthouse. We will get to know each other during dinner. The day will end with a detailed description of the tour (might be the following morning).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse


Day 2 (Tuesday): Riding through meadows and mountains
After breakfast, your guide meets you for a short introduction in the stable. The guide will provide the necessary riding equipment (riding helmet, warm overall or rain gear) and start with a short riding demonstration before you get to know the horses during a few rounds in the paddock. Today we ride on soft trails along the meadows surrounding our farm, a good opportunity to get familiar with the special gait of the Icelandic horse, the “tölt”. We then follow the river Gljúfurá, head towards the volcanic mountains and ride on an old route along the slopes of the mountain Reykjafjall. Our reliable horses take you up and down the trail, while you enjoy nice views of the diverse landscape between the ocean and the volcano Hengill.
Back at the farm, we warm up with light lunch before we choose horses for the afternoon program. We spend another hour on horseback before driving to the thermal swimming pool in Hveragarði to soften up in soothing, warm geothermal water, relax in the steam sauna or take a swim in the comfortably warm outdoor pool. Imagine sitting in a steamy hot tub as a light snowfall turns the grass around you white. Afterwards, coffee and home baked cake will be served in the cozy environment of your accommodation. We check the Northern Lights forecast and get some useful information about this natural phenomena. If the forecast is favorable, and the sky is clear, we look out for the lights at the farm or go on a hunt!
Riding 2.5-3 hrs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse


Day 3 (Wednesday): Ride through Gufudalur valley & Hike through Reykjadalur valley
We start the day by riding on excellent trails along the slopes of Reykjafjall Mountain and through a green forest. We pass by many hot springs in the colorful geothermal area of Gufudalur valley. This area is situated just above the village of Hveragerði and expanded dramatically during the big South Iceland earthquake in 2008. The path continues along the volcanic hills above the village, which is know for its beautiful location between the green mountains of volcano Hengill and wide plains. We stop close to the stable area for some refreshments and learn more about the Icelandic horse before riding back to our farm for lunch. We then drive about 5 minutes through Hveragerði, passing the area where we went riding in the morning and start hiking upwards into the magnificent geothermal valley of Reykjadalur. On our way up, we will see the beautiful waterfall Djúpagilsfoss and many colorful hot springs. You also have the opportunity to take a relaxing bath in a warm river, an unforgettable experience! On our way down, we can enjoy a spectacular panorama over volcanic mountains, the village Hveragerði and all the way down to the coastline, where we might see the Westman Islands, weather permitting. The tour ends with some refreshments at the accommodation. We will check the Northern Lights forecast and have a chance to watch a spectacular movie about this phenomenon.
Riding 2.5-3 hrs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse


Day 4 (Thursday): Ride around the farm & Whale Watching
Today you will have the chance to experience two big beautiful animals on the same day: the horse and the whale!
We start the day with a nice ride on trails crossing meadows, lava fields and a small river. On our way, we enjoy the nice scenery of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms which give us an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades. After our ride, we warm up with a light lunch.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to the old harbor in Reykjavik for a 3 hours whale watching in Faxaflói bay, with a good chance to see whales and a nice view of Reykjavik and the mountains surrounding the capital. Our bus will take you back to back to your accommodation. Back at our farm coffee and home baked cake will be available and you have the possibility to relax in our hot pots before dinner.
Riding 1.5 hrs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse


Day 5 (Friday): Ride along the rivers
Depending on the weather and wind, we will ride for 1.5-2 hours through the surroundings of our farm. Afterwards we will have a light lunch and then go out to the stable again to prepare our horses for the afternoon ride. In the afternoon, we follow the river Gljúfurá  to an old cemetery and further down to the soft river banks of the mighty glacial river Ölfusá.  From there, we have a view of the river and if the weather allows the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Upon your return to the farm, dinner will be served.
Riding 4-5 hrs.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse


Day 6 (Saturday): Ingólfs trail & Golden Circle Tour
The final day starts with a ride on the Ingólfs trail. You will ride in the footsteps of the first settler Ingólfur Arnarsson, who settled in Iceland in the 9th century. On our way on the ancient Viking route on the foot of the table mountain Ingólfsfjall, you will learn more about Iceland’s history and the interesting geology of this area. After the ride and checking out of your room we warm up with a light lunch, coffee and home baked cake. Then you will be picked up to visit the three most impressive natural sights in South Iceland (Golden Circle): The famous Geysir geothermal area, the “golden waterfall” Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. The Geysir geothermal area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep canyon. You also spend time encountering a cross-section of Iceland’s natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological significance. You will be back in Reykjavík around 6:00 pm.
Riding 1.5-2 hrs.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

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Icelandic Winter Experience
Tour Code: IT-ICRT-E8
6 days / 5 nights
Dates : Jan-Apr & Sep-Nov

Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
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.
CIntermediate
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.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 01/29 - 02/03 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Expired
A 2024 02/12 - 02/17 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Expired
A 2024 02/26 - 03/02 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Expired
A 2024 03/04 - 03/09 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Expired
A 2024 03/18 - 03/23 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Expired
A 2024 03/25 - 03/30 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Expired
A 2024 04/08 - 04/13 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
A 2024 09/23 - 09/28 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
A 2024 10/07 - 10/12 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
A 2024 10/14 - 10/19 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
A 2024 10/28 - 11/02 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
A 2024 11/04 - 11/09 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
A 2024 11/18 - 11/23 6d / 5n 6 day trip 1 /16 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: Icelandic
Horses: Icelandic Horses
Pace: Moderate with long tolts. Daily rides...

Airport: Keflavik Airport
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Climate
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