Iceland is famous for its Icelandic horses, so what better way to explore this magical country than on horseback! Today, we visit Iceland’s outstanding mountains, waterfalls, hot springs and beaches on the back of an iconic Icelandic horse.
You’ll learn when to go, what you’ll see, what to pack and who should consider an active riding trip in Iceland.
Photo credits: Ruth Hooten and Active Riding Trips
Horseback Riding Iceland
On a horseback riding tour of Iceland, you can choose from several shorter and longer tours of Southern Iceland and will get to see the Valley of the Horses, the Kattatjarnir ponds, the Reykjadalur Valley, the National Park Thingvellir. and enjoy a beach ride.
I recommend going with Active Riding Trips (and get 5% OFF any of their worldwide riding adventures with the exclusive Promo Code ATA5!). They offer fantastic tours for beginners, intermediate riders and advanced riders, so you can align your adventure with your skill level and comfort on a horse.
When to Visit Iceland for a Horseback Riding Tour
While you can visit Iceland year ’round, in general, you will want to horseback ride Iceland between May and September.
The weather is surprisingly stable throughout the year, despite being so far north due to the jet stream (which moderates the cold). However, it is good to be prepared for all four seasons regardless of the month that you visit! You can check out the monthly weather averages HERE.
Active Riding Trips offers numerous horseback riding adventures in Iceland and around the world! They have tours for beginners, intermediate riders, and advanced riders.
Use exclusive Promo Code ATA5 to get 5% OFF any of Active Riding Trips amazing tours!
Who Can Go on a Iceland Horseback Riding Tour
Active Riding Trips offers Iceland riding tours for group sizes between 2 -18 people. These multi-day tours are great for couples or friends, and solo people (our guest, Ruth, joins them solo (14 tours with ART so far!) and has made lifelong friends from her trips.
Since you are based at a lovely horse ranch, if your travel mate doesn’t want to ride each day, he or she can relax back at the ranch, while you ride. This makes it a great trip for couples with different needs.
Lodging and Food on your Iceland Riding Tour
Your tour starts and ends in downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. I recommend going at least a couple of days early to explore this beautiful city. There is a bus that takes you from the airport to downtown, and from there, it is easy to walk everywhere or go on a day tour of surrounding attractions, like the Blue Lagoon.
Once your tour starts, all but your last night’s dinner and hotel (in Reykjavik) are included! You stay at a lovely ranch, where the horses can roam freely and you can see how well taken care of they are.
You will work up an appetite on your multi-day ride, so all very hearty and tasty meals are included.
Many of Active Riding Trips Iceland tours include a half day Golden Circle tour.
Alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and travel insurance are not included (use my quick policy and price comparison chart to find the best insurance for you and your trip.)
What to Pack for Your Iceland Riding Adventure
Active Riding Trips will provide you with your horse (you will usually get to ride several) and all tack. You will be provided with a complete packing list. For inclement weather, you will also be provided with the ‘attractive’ orange zoot suit seen pictured:)
Important Note about BioSecurity
Iceland is very protective of its unique horses. NO foreign horses are allowed into the country, and once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it is never allowed back in. This protects the native horses from diseases for which it has no immunity. ALL gear brought into Iceland must be thoroughly washed and sanitized to prevent introducing pathogens. This is particularly true with leather! Ruth recommends bringing new riding gloves, and if possible bringing dedicated ‘Iceland’ boots. She goes into more details on the podcast above.
Active Travel Adventures has covered Iceland previously on the podcast:
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