Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Experience Iceland the traditional way on the legendary Icelandic horse. Horse riding tours in Iceland are a memorable way to explore lava fields, black sand beaches, green valleys, rivers, mountains and quiet countryside landscapes with trusted local guides.
Whether you are a first-time rider, a family with children, an experienced rider or a traveller looking for a scenic activity near Reykjavík, the South Coast or North Iceland, horse riding in Iceland is one of the most authentic ways to connect with the country’s nature and culture.
Horse riding tour quick guide
- Best for first-time riders: Short and gentle countryside tours with calm Icelandic horses and clear guide instruction.
- Best for scenery: Black sand beach rides, lava field routes, river valleys, mountain views and South Iceland landscapes.
- Best for families: Beginner-friendly tours with safety equipment, suitable horses and relaxed riding pace.
- Best for combo days: Horse riding with Golden Circle, hot springs, whale watching or longer countryside experiences.
Recommended horse riding tours
Scenic horse riding tour on the black sand beach near Vík. Enjoy an easy and memorable ride on Iceland’s dramatic South Coast.
Ride Icelandic horses near Hveragerði, enjoy lunch at Vellir farm, then tour Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
Scenic horse riding tour through geothermal landscapes near Hveragerði, combining Icelandic horses, hot springs and green valleys.
Full-day horse riding tour from Reykjavik through rivers, lava sand and green valleys with views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull.
This 1-hour horse riding tour in the Icelandic countryside is ideal for families, small groups and travellers with their own car.
A full-day experience combining scenic horse riding, a light lunch and relaxing geothermal pools near Hveragerði.
Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay combined with a scenic Icelandic horse riding tour near Húsavík.
A relaxed small-group horse riding experience in Skagafjörður, perfect for first-time riders exploring the scenic countryside of N...
A relaxed horse riding tour through meadows and lava fields, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s rural heritage and the smooth tölt ...
A scenic horse riding tour inspired by Icelandic folklore, riding through meadows, lava fields and places believed to be home to e...
Start here if you want to compare some of the strongest horse riding tours in Iceland. These recommended options include black sand beach riding, Golden Circle combinations, hot spring experiences, countryside routes and scenic tours for different riding levels.
Beginner-friendly horse riding tours
A relaxed small-group horse riding experience in Skagafjörður, perfect for first-time riders exploring the scenic countryside of N...
A relaxed horse riding tour through meadows and lava fields, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s rural heritage and the smooth tölt ...
Relaxed horseback riding through meadows and lava fields, perfect for experiencing the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt.
This 1-hour horse riding tour in the Icelandic countryside is ideal for families, small groups and travellers with their own car.
Scenic horse riding tour through meadows and mountain slopes near Hveragerði, with wide views across volcanic landscapes in south ...
Scenic horse riding tour on the black sand beach near Vík. Enjoy an easy and memorable ride on Iceland’s dramatic South Coast.
Beginner-friendly horse riding tours are ideal if this is your first time in the saddle or if you want a relaxed introduction to the Icelandic horse. These tours usually move at an easy pace and focus on comfort, safety and enjoying the landscape.
Guides help match riders with suitable horses and provide basic instructions before the ride. This makes short horse riding tours a strong choice for families, couples and travellers who want an authentic Icelandic experience without needing previous riding experience.
Horse riding near Reykjavík
A relaxed horse riding tour through meadows and lava fields, offering a glimpse into Iceland’s rural heritage and the smooth tölt ...
Relaxed horseback riding through meadows and lava fields, perfect for experiencing the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt.
Scenic horse riding tour through geothermal landscapes near Hveragerði, combining Icelandic horses, hot springs and green valleys.
A full-day experience combining scenic horse riding, a light lunch and relaxing geothermal pools near Hveragerði.
Ride Icelandic horses near Hveragerði, enjoy lunch at Vellir farm, then tour Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
This 1-hour horse riding tour in the Icelandic countryside is ideal for families, small groups and travellers with their own car.
Scenic horse riding tour through meadows and mountain slopes near Hveragerði, with wide views across volcanic landscapes in south ...
Horse riding near Reykjavík is a convenient option if you are staying in the capital and want a countryside activity without spending the whole day on the road. Many tours operate in nearby rural areas, lava fields or open landscapes where you can enjoy Icelandic horses within easy reach of the city.
Choose a Reykjavík-area horse riding tour if you want a shorter activity, a gentle start to your Iceland trip, or a combination day with hot springs, the Golden Circle or another classic sightseeing route.
South Iceland and black sand horse riding
Scenic horse riding tour on the black sand beach near Vík. Enjoy an easy and memorable ride on Iceland’s dramatic South Coast.
Scenic horse riding tour through geothermal landscapes near Hveragerði, combining Icelandic horses, hot springs and green valleys.
A full-day experience combining scenic horse riding, a light lunch and relaxing geothermal pools near Hveragerði.
Ride Icelandic horses near Hveragerði, enjoy lunch at Vellir farm, then tour Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
Full-day horse riding tour from Reykjavik through rivers, lava sand and green valleys with views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull.
Scenic horse riding tour through meadows and mountain slopes near Hveragerði, with wide views across volcanic landscapes in south ...
This 1-hour horse riding tour in the Icelandic countryside is ideal for families, small groups and travellers with their own car.
South Iceland is one of the most scenic regions for horse riding, with black sand beaches, green farmland, river valleys, lava fields, mountains and geothermal landscapes. The famous Icelandic horse feels right at home in this terrain, and many tours are designed around relaxed riding and wide-open views.
Black sand beach riding is especially memorable because it combines the character of the Icelandic horse with one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. South Iceland horse riding tours can work well as stand-alone activities or as part of a longer South Coast or Golden Circle day.
Horse riding combo tours
Ride Icelandic horses near Hveragerði, enjoy lunch at Vellir farm, then tour Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
Scenic horse riding tour through geothermal landscapes near Hveragerði, combining Icelandic horses, hot springs and green valleys.
A full-day experience combining scenic horse riding, a light lunch and relaxing geothermal pools near Hveragerði.
Experience horseback riding in the Icelandic countryside followed by an unforgettable whale watching tour from Reykjavík.
Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay combined with a scenic Icelandic horse riding tour near Húsavík.
A cosy winter experience combining a gentle horse ride with warm geothermal pools and a light lunch near Hveragerði.
Horse riding combo tours are perfect if you want to make more of your day. Depending on the tour, you can combine Icelandic horses with the Golden Circle, hot springs, geothermal pools, whale watching or countryside sightseeing.
This is a strong option if you have limited time in Iceland but still want a day that feels varied. A combo tour can give you nature, culture, animals and relaxation in one neatly planned itinerary.
Horse riding for experienced riders
A private 3-hour riding adventure in Skagafjörður for experienced riders, featuring river crossings, varied terrain and extended t...
A challenging horse riding tour for experienced riders, following rivers, wetlands and open plains along the soft banks of the Ölf...
Full-day horse riding tour from Reykjavik through rivers, lava sand and green valleys with views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull.
A scenic horse riding tour inspired by Icelandic folklore, riding through meadows, lava fields and places believed to be home to e...
Experience horseback riding in the Icelandic countryside followed by an unforgettable whale watching tour from Reykjavík.
Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay combined with a scenic Icelandic horse riding tour near Húsavík.
Experienced riders can choose longer, more varied routes through riverbanks, open valleys, lava landscapes and rural terrain. These tours may involve more time in the saddle, varied ground conditions or a more active riding style.
If you have riding experience, check each tour’s level, duration and route description carefully. Some Iceland horse riding tours are designed mainly for beginners, while others are better suited to confident riders who want a deeper countryside adventure.
Horse riding travel guide
Horse riding in Iceland is not just another outdoor activity. The Icelandic horse is part of the country’s story, shaped by centuries of isolation, rural life and travel across difficult terrain. Riding one is a way to experience Icelandic nature at a slower, more personal pace.
The Icelandic horse is small, strong and known for its calm character and smooth special gait, the tölt. This makes many horse riding tours comfortable for beginners while still rewarding for experienced riders who want to enjoy the breed’s unique movement and personality.
How to choose your horse riding tour
The right horse riding tour depends on your experience level, location, season and how much time you want to spend riding. If you are new to horse riding, choose a short beginner-friendly tour. If you want scenery, look for black sand beach rides, countryside routes or South Iceland riding tours. If you want a fuller day, choose a combo tour with the Golden Circle, hot springs or whale watching.
- Choose a short horse riding tour if you want an easy introduction to the Icelandic horse.
- Choose a family-friendly tour if you are travelling with children or nervous first-time riders.
- Choose a black sand beach ride if you want dramatic South Iceland scenery and a memorable photo setting.
- Choose a Golden Circle combo if you want horse riding and famous sightseeing in one day.
- Choose a hot spring combo if you want riding followed by a warm, relaxing geothermal experience.
- Choose an advanced route if you have riding experience and want longer time in the saddle.
Why the Icelandic horse is special
The Icelandic horse is famous for being sturdy, sure-footed, friendly and deeply connected to Icelandic culture. Although smaller than many horse breeds, it is strong and well adapted to Iceland’s weather, terrain and open landscapes.
One of the breed’s most famous qualities is the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel more comfortable than a regular trot. Not every tour focuses on the tölt, but many riders get a chance to experience why the Icelandic horse is so loved.
Horse riding in summer and winter
Horse riding tours in Iceland operate in different seasons, and each one has its own appeal. Summer brings long daylight, green fields, warmer conditions and open countryside routes. It is a great season for families, first-time riders and travellers who want easy outdoor activities.
Winter horse riding can feel quieter and more atmospheric, with snowy landscapes, soft light and a peaceful countryside mood. Weather can affect routes and conditions, but professional operators adjust tours around safety and comfort.
Where to go horse riding in Iceland
You can go horse riding in many parts of Iceland. Reykjavík-area tours are convenient for travellers staying in the capital. South Iceland tours can include hot spring valleys, black sand beaches, lava fields and mountain views. North Iceland tours may offer quieter countryside routes and strong rural horse culture.
When choosing a location, think about your travel plan. If you are already driving the South Coast, a meet-on-location ride can be a perfect stop. If you are staying in Reykjavík without a car, a tour with pickup or an easy meeting point is usually the best choice.
Good to know before booking
- Experience levels vary: Some tours are beginner-friendly, while others are better for confident or experienced riders.
- Age limits vary: Always check the individual tour details if you are booking for children.
- Wear suitable clothing: Choose warm layers, comfortable trousers and sturdy shoes. Waterproof outerwear is useful in Icelandic weather.
- Helmets are usually provided: Operators provide essential safety equipment, but you should still dress for outdoor conditions.
- Start points vary: Some tours start near Reykjavík, while others begin at farms, countryside bases, South Coast meeting points or North Iceland locations.
- Weather can affect routes: Riding routes may change because of wind, snow, rain, trail conditions or operator safety decisions.
- Book early in busy seasons: Small group rides, family-friendly departures and combo tours can sell out in summer and holiday periods.
- Choose by comfort level: If you are nervous, choose a short beginner ride. If you ride regularly, look for longer scenic or advanced routes.