Having the opportunity to visit Iceland is something you can’t pass up. The island is jampacked with otherworldly geographical features that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Simply traveling to the country is enough for an unforgettable experience, but if you want to really ramp up your trip, there’s no better way than signing up for horseback riding tours in Iceland.
Horseback riding in Iceland?
That’s right! Throughout the entire year, Icelandic horse trekking tours bring visitors to the country’s most incredible destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible. For multiple nights and dozens of kilometers, you’ll be far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and submerged in the vast, peaceful wilderness.
What Makes Iceland So Special?
When it comes to choosing a destination for horseback riding, the options are limitless. So why should you choose Iceland? Well, it’s no secret that major films and TV shows have shot some of the most visually stunning scenes on the island–ever heard of Game of Thrones? The landscape is riddled with fiery volcanoes, icy waterfalls, and massive glaciers. When the snow melts in the spring, Iceland comes alive and erupts with colors. If nature is your calling, it doesn’t get much more special than what this country has to offer.
The other big draw is that Iceland is easy to get to. Whether you’re coming from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, the total flight time is far less than what you’d expect. Hop on a plane in New York, and you’ll be touching down in no more than 5.5 hours–not bad, right?
Meet the Incredible Icelandic Horses
Horses might not be the first thing you think of when someone mentions Iceland, but they have actually been a crucial resource for the island’s inhabitants for more than a thousand years. Horses were first introduced around the 10th century, coming from Norway, and today there are more than 80,000 of them roaming the land.
But Icelandic horses aren’t your typical breed–no, no, no! These are some of the oldest purebred horses in the world. Different breeds were mixed on the island only until the 11th century when the importation of horses stopped. Icelandic law now prohibits other breeds from being brought into the country.
The horses on the island are known for their elegant gaits, smaller size, variety of colors, sturdiness, and all-around beauty. They make for an incredibly comfortable riding experience and have wonderful personalities. The most difficult part about Icelandic horse trekking tours is saying goodbye to your steed after the trip.
Horse Riding Holidays in Iceland
No matter if this is your first riding experience or if you’re a long-time veteran, our horseback riding tours in Iceland are unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Each tour will take you on a multiday trip to unique and fascinating parts of the country. The experiences we offer range from three-day to eight-day trips, and you’ll be accompanied by a trusted guide and sleep soundly in comfortable beds or cozy sleeping bags.
The most popular time to ride through Iceland is, undoubtedly, the summer, and it’s a great choice. But if you want to try something a bit different, there are a few winter programs to choose from and experiences that will put you face-to-face with the northern lights.
Whichever time of the year you decide to go, Iceland’s landscape, thermal pools, and homey sleeping arrangements won’t be something you soon forget. So, let’s take a look at some of the destination you may see on your horse riding holidays in Iceland.
Experience Remarkable Destinations
Iceland horseback riding vacations give you options. Whether you want to see volcanoes, glaciers, or hot springs, there’s a tour that will meet your desires. Here are some of the top places to look forward to, but keep in mind that the possible destinations go far beyond this list–have a look at our catalog to get an idea of all the options.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is considered to be one of the top destinations in Iceland, and it is home to the only UNESCO site on the mainland. Although the park is a major destination for tourists, your guide will take you to some of the most remote areas, in addition to places outside the park, where it will be just you and the stunning wilderness.
Borgarfjörður District
Down in southwestern Iceland, riding through the Borgarfjörður district will bring you to lush, green valleys, raging rivers, endless hot springs, and gorgeous glaciers. Choosing a horseback riding tour in this district gives you an incredible experience outdoors while also staying at a comfortable community center throughout the trip. At the end of each day, you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip at one of the many excellent swimming pools.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Waterfall lovers will want to check out tours that go through the Stakkholtsgjá Canyon and stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of the country’s most impressive waterfalls. The water flows in front of a large cave, and walking behind the waterfall makes for an epic photo, so have your camera ready!
Thórsmörk Valley
The valley of Thórsmörk was named after none other than the Norse god Thor, so you can expect to witness some serious scenery. Some of the best horse riding Iceland offers can be found here. There are volcanic mountains, glacial rivers, and gorgeous forests. Check out the tour that combines Thórsmörk with a riding experience along an Icelandic beach.
Book Your Horseback Riding Tours in Iceland
These trips are once-in-a-lifetime adventures that will introduce you to pieces of nature you never knew could exist. Scroll through our multi day horse riding Iceland tours and find the experience that’s perfect for you. Horse Tours Club is here to make sure you link up with the best programs in the country at no additional cost. Each one of the organizers we work with has been verified and is able to match the needs of riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Don’t wait to book your tour to avoid missing out on the opportunity!
