This tour with 5 exciting riding days along the beach and up the mountains takes you to some of the most exhilarating routes and views in Borgarfjörður West Iceland. Our daily rides of 4-5 hours (20-25 km) on excellent horses take us along the beach with views to the beautiful fjord Borgarfjörður on one side and to the high mountains of Hafnjarfjall and Skarðsheiði towards the other side. We will ride for two days along the beach and for three days in green valleys, on a riverbank and over the heathland.
Accommodation is provided at hotel Hamar close to Borgarnes with bar and outdoor jacuzzi to relax in after the ride.
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Premium
Weight limit
95 kg
/
209 lb
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Steinunn G. is the provider and guide of this trip
The provider speaks: English
I bought my first horse at the age of 16 and have been smitten by the „horse bug“ ever since. By now i own 14 horses and some of my younger horses come from my own breeding lines..
I decided to use the COVID time to go to the Icelandic guiding school so now I am a certificate driver/guide. I likes horses with a character, with good tölt and good temperament.
Steina with her team, Ari & Lóa invite you to a great horse riding experience in Iceland.
The tour guides you'll probably meet as well
Margrét Lóa
Lóa is Steinunn’s daughter. She started riding when she was 5 years old and has been riding ever since.
She bought her own horse when she was only 11 years old, a 5 year old Palomino mare, Klassik, which is now her breeding mare. She is the competition rider in the team but also loves to go on horse riding trips which she has been doing since the age of 10.
Ari
Ari started riding at a young age with his father. Horse riding is his favourite thing to do after work and he is the main guy to come to for a coffee in his riding club.
He has 2 grown up children (no grand children yet) but they are not riding with him so one can say that Steina and Lóa are his “horse-family”. His favorite horses are those who are cooperative to run after the loose herd.
Tour highlights
Black Beaches
The long stretches of smooth sandy beaches make this tour a delight for both horses and riders
Good Rest After the Ride
Relax in a geothermal pool or an outside hot tub (with mountain views!)
We Will Tölt
Ride our Icelandic horses along volcanoes, rivers and lakes
Route details
Day 1
Beach Ride at Melafjörur
Meet and greet at your accommodation in Reykjavík (timings vary as it depends on the tide). Please be ready in your riding clothes. Our hosts take pride in finding suitable horses for each and every rider before we set out to the beach.
We tölt and canter along the famous Melafjörur beach with breathtaking views to the lovely Borgarfjörður fjord on one side and to the high mountain ridge of Hafnarfjall (844 m) to the other side. Small skerries with an abundant birdlife enrich the beautiful beach site. We ride along the lagoon Narfastaðaós to Ölver, the private summerhouse of our host where we enjoy some coffee and cake while the horses enjoy their well-deserved rest.
A short drive takes us to Borganes town, a small and beautiful town set amid lava and with amazing views. We take a short tour through the town before we check in at the cozy Hamar Hotel with excellent golf facilities. Enjoy a bath in the outside hot tub with mountain views! Dinner and evening individually.
Riding distance: 15-20 km.
Day 2
Continue on the Beach and on to Skorradalur Valley
Day 3
Riding Along a Mountain and River
Day 4
Along Skorradalsvatn Lake
Day 5
Mountain Ride Over Remote Skarðheiði
Difficulty
Challenging
Tour provider's comments
To participate in these tours, riders are expected to have prior riding experience to navigate challenging trails safely.
Riding daily: 4-5 hours (20-25 km)
Breed: Icelandic horses. Tack: English.
Accommodation
Comfort
Premium
Hotel
4 nights
Single supplement: ISK 74.700.
4 nights
Hotel Hamar
Double/twin room or Single supplement (Single is extra charge)
This hotel offers relaxing outdoor hot tubs, an 18-hole golf course and activities such as whale watching and snowmobile safaris.
Reykjavik and Snæfellsnes National Park are a 1-hour drive away. Hotel Hamar’s rooms feature minimalist modern design, heated floors and a private patio. All have private bathrooms with showers. The hotel restaurant serves traditional Icelandic food and international dishes made from fresh, locally produced ingredients.
Guests can also enjoy views of the Borgarfjördur Fjord or have a drink on the patio. Icelandair Hamar is found 3 km north of Borgarnes, just off Iceland’s main road, Route 1, also known as the Ring Road.
Travel recommendations
Group meeting place
Borgarnes, Iceland
Tour conditions
Included
- accommodation;
- bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm;
- riding;
- rain gear;
- wool sweaters;
- saddles, helmets, bridles, nosebands, rugs, whips, etc.;
- meals.
Extras
- flights;
- insurance;
- single supplement;
- tips and personal expenses.
Group size
up to 4 touristsDuration
5 days
4 nights
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
Importing the following equipment is strictly prohibited:
- used riding equipment, such as saddles, bridles, nosebands, pads, rugs, whips, etc.;
- used riding gloves.
Cleaning and disinfection: used riding clothes and boots should be washed in a washing machine or dry cleaned prior to entering the country.
Used riding clothes and boots that cannot be placed in a washing machine or dry cleaned should be washed and disinfected as follows:
- rinse thoroughly with detergent;
- dry;
- spray with 1% VirkonS® (10g per liter of water);
- store for at least 5 days prior to bringing the clothes into contact with.
Packing list:
- warm jacket or overcoat;
- warm (woolen or fleece) sweater. Pls note we always bring extra;
- Icelandic woolen sweaters on tours in case riders get cold;
- warm socks and gloves, at least two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat;
- warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chafing);
- for the ladies – sports bra;
- riding trousers;
- swim suits;
- insect repellent, gnat net head cover. Pls note we also always bring some extra ones;
- sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor);
- your own water bottle – Icelandic water is one of the best in the world.
Remember to follow the Disinfection.
Is the tour only for experienced riders?
Is it one horse per person?
Do you ride Western or English style and what kind of saddles do you use?
Cancellation of booking
Tour reviews
Based on 4 reviews
- M Marianna27 Oct, 2023about provider❤️❤️❤️i miss « arrow » so much, I had such a great connection with him 🙏🙏🙏27 Oct, 2023
- S Sabine9 Jun, 2023about providerMany thanks to Steina, Loa and Ari for once again guiding us to incredible locations and allowing us to ride your gentle horses. We had a wonderful time with you all and will cherish the memories for a long time!9 Jun, 2023
- HN Hermès Noir8 Dec, 2021about providerThank you team for providing us with an unforgettable holiday experience. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Iceland on beautiful Icelandic horses led by a knowledgeable guide. The hospitality of our attentive hostess made us feel truly pampered and cared for. Our picnic under the clear sky was a delightful highlight. Every detail was taken care of, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction throughout the trip, creating a truly magical experience.8 Dec, 2021
Dates and Prices
- US$ 3 26615 – 19 Aug 5 days 4 nights
- US$ 3 26621 – 25 Aug 5 days 4 nights
