Horseback Riding in Iceland
If you want to travel in Iceland like the locals have done for more than thousand years, doing it by horse is the way to do it.
The Icelandic horse is often referred to as The Most Loyal Servant. It’s been used multiple purposes; such as a true workhorse before the introduction of tractors and a source of milk.
But most importantly to get people from A to B in a sparsely populated country, known for finding the way home in even the worst blizzards.
Today, horses are mostly used by the locals to enjoy nature in the company of a best friend. And it’s one of the best ways to get around Icelandic nature in a slow pace.
The Icelandic Horse: Built to last
You’ve probably seen the photos: thick manes, fuzzy coats, sturdy legs, kind faces. Icelandic horses are often mistaken for ponies, but don’t say that out loud at a stable here—at least not unless you’re ready for a lovingly firm correction.
These horses may be small, but they’re all horse.
The first Norse settlers took them to Iceland in the 800s. The Vikings brought them across the ocean in open boats, choosing the strongest animals to survive the crossing and the conditions in Iceland. Once in Iceland, the breed remained pure. Due to strict laws, no horses have been imported since around 982 AD—and any horse that leaves the island can never return.
Why? To protect the health and genetics of the breed. Icelandic horses are one of the purest horse breeds in the world. They’ve adapted to Iceland’s rugged environment, harsh winters, and minimal shelter.
A Unique Horse Breed
Tölt (rhymes with cult) is a unique gait of the Icelandic horse. If you’ve never felt it before, it’s like riding a rocking horse that glides across. It’s smooth, fast, and steady, and it’s one of the reasons people fall in love with these horses.
The tölt is a four-beat gait. Faster than a walk, more comfortable than a trot.
But gaits aren’t everything. Icelandic horses are also known for their personalities. They’re curious, brave, and surprisingly social. Some nuzzle, some stand quietly, some test your boundaries just a little, but they’re rarely indifferent. They want to know you.
And then there’s their appearance: they have thick winter coats that fluff up like woolen blankets, expressive eyes, and manes that flow. In winter, they look like teddy bears. Come summer, they’re sleek, nimble, and ready to tölt into the midnight sun.
Still Part of Everyday Iceland
Tourists love them—but Icelandic horses aren’t a gimmick. They’re woven into everyday Icelandic life and identity.
In the countryside in the summer, you’ll still see them being used to round up sheep from the highlands. In the fall, riders travel for days through remote valleys during réttir, the annual sheep herding and sorting event—a tradition that hasn’t changed much for centuries.
You’ll also find these horses in Icelandic sagas, poetry, modern fiction, music videos and children’s books. They are a national symbol. Not in the flashy “royal steed” way. But in the sturdy, loyal, hard-working way Icelanders admire, perhaps because those characteristics are deeply woven into how the locals view themselves.
Even among city dwellers, there’s a special place for them. Many Reykjavík locals board their horses just outside the city and ride regularly—often for relaxation, not sport.
So when you take a riding tour, you’re not stepping into a tourist show. You’re stepping into a living tradition.
Your Icelandic Riding Experience
So what can you expect when you go riding in Iceland?
First off—peace. These rides aren’t about racing or performing. They’re about connection. You’ll saddle up and move at the rhythm of the horse. Most tours are calm and slow-paced, giving you time to breathe, look around, and feel the landscape.
Trails vary, but many wind through lava fields, grassy meadows, birch groves, or alongside quiet rivers. Some offer stunning mountain views or pass near geothermal areas.
Tours range from quick one-hour rides to half-day or even full-day adventures. Most stables cater to total beginners and will match you with a horse suited to your level. You’ll get a full safety briefing, a little horse-handling tutorial and lots of encouragement.
More experienced riders? You can find tölt-focused tours or even multi-day treks into the highlands where you switch horses along the way, just like the locals used to do. But you don’t have to be a cowboy. You just have to be open.
Planning Your Ride Near Reykjavík
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to travel far to ride. Several excellent stables operate within 30–45 minutes of Reykjavík, and many offer hotel pickup. That means you can easily ride in the morning and still catch your Golden Circle tour or museum visit that afternoon.
Some recommended options:
- Laxnes Horse Farm (Mosfellsdalur) – Family-run, friendly, and very popular with Reykjavík locals. The valley views are just stunning.
- Oddstaðir (Borgarfjörður) – Located in West Iceland, just a little further outside Reykjavík. Gives you a chance to explore the sites of many Sagas or parts of the Silver Circle.
- Íshestar (Hafnarfjörður) – One of the oldest riding tour companies, with a great reputation and smooth logistics. They offer everything from short, scenic rides to longer half-day tours.
- Eldhestar (Hveragerði) – Located in a geothermal town with stunning surroundings, and they even serve meals on-site. Their tours often pass through rivers and hot spring areas.
All provide helmets, often rain gear, and patient, bilingual guides. Transportation from Reykjavík is usually included or available at a low extra cost. Booking in advance is smart, especially in summer.
Don’t Bring Your Own Gear
This might sound weird, but Iceland takes equine biosecurity very seriously.
You absolutely cannot bring used riding gear—boots, saddles, gloves, helmets, anything that’s touched another horse—into Iceland unless it’s been disinfected according to Icelandic law. And even then, it’s better to leave it home.
Why so strict? Because Icelandic horses have no natural resistance to many common horse diseases. A single contaminated item could introduce something devastating. The entire horse population is vulnerable—and once it’s in, there’s no undoing it.
So just use the gear provided by the stable. It’s clean, safe, and honestly? It makes life easier.
Best Time to Ride
There’s no bad time to ride in Iceland. But every season brings its own flavor.
Summer (May–September): Long days, green meadows, and even midnight sun rides. The weather’s most stable, trails are drier, and the views are wide open. Perfect for longer rides and families.
Autumn (late September–October): Fall colors paint the landscape, the air gets crisp, and the crowds thin out. You might ride through golden birch forests with fog hanging low over the hills.
Winter (November–March): Yes, it’s cold. Yes, there’s snow. But there’s a reason some riders fall in love with winter rides. The horses look like woolly mammoths. The landscape turns surreal. And on clear nights? You might catch the Northern Lights from the saddle. Just dress warmly.
Spring (April): The land starts waking up, foals are born, and the horses shed their winter coats. A quiet, beautiful time with fewer tourists and a sense of renewal in the air.
The Heart Connection
There’s something people don’t talk about enough—and that’s what horseback riding here does to your heart.
For many riders, the experience turns unexpectedly emotional. It could be the silence of the trail. Or the way the horse responds to you without needing words. Or how you suddenly feel very small, yet deeply grounded.
Some people say the horses seem to understand them. Others say they felt like they’d been there before. But almost everyone walks away with more than a nice photo—they walk away with a personal experience.
And yes, these horses remember you. Their intelligence isn’t just instinct. Visit the same stable again and watch one nudge your arm like an old friend. It’s wild.
Relax in a Hot Spring during or after
A big part of going on a ride on the Icelandic horse, is experiencing Icelandic nature in a slow pace, experiencing the bond between Man and a horse that has formed Icelanders throughout the centuries.
Riders in the wilderness of Iceland have on long journeys taken a break and relaxed in the many natural hot springs that you can find around the country.
So it’s fitting to have a soak and relax your sore muscles either during a horse riding trip or even better, after one. Hvammsvík Hot Springs is the perfect place for enjoy Icelandic nature in a calm environment, after having taken in nature from the top of a horse.
Closing Thoughts: Just Ride
So maybe you’ve never ridden before. Or maybe it’s been years. Maybe you’re just looking for something peaceful to do between waterfalls and volcanoes. Whatever brought you here—take this as your sign.
Saddle up. Let the Icelandic horse carry you—gently, steadily—into the quiet. Let the wind tug your hair, let the mountains watch in the distance, and let the horse do what it’s done for a thousand years: move forward with you, step by step, gait by gait.
FAQs About Horseback Riding in Iceland
Do I need to have riding experience?
Nope! Most riding tours near Reykjavík are designed for beginners. The horses are calm and well-trained, and the guides are great at making you feel comfortable—even if it’s your first time on a horse. You’ll get a short briefing and plenty of support before hitting the trail.
Are Icelandic horses ponies?
Technically, no. They may be pony-sized, but they’re considered full horses—strong, resilient, and bred for serious terrain. In Iceland, calling them ponies is a bit of a faux pas. Let’s just say they’re small but mighty.
How long are the tours?
You’ll find everything from short, one-hour rides to full-day adventures. The most popular tours last between 1.5 and 3 hours, which is just enough time to connect with the horse and take in the landscape without getting sore.
What should I wear?
Layers, always. Weather can change quickly, even in summer. Wear long pants (preferably not slippery leggings), sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, and bring gloves if it’s chilly. The stables usually provide helmets and rain gear when needed.
Can I bring my own riding gear?
It’s not recommended—and in most cases, not allowed unless it’s been properly disinfected. Iceland has strict rules to protect its horses from outside diseases. Just use the gear provided by the stable; it’s clean, safe, and saves you the hassle.
Is horseback riding available year-round?
Yes! Tours run all year, although winter rides may be shorter and more weather-dependent. Each season offers a different kind of beauty, from lush green trails in summer to snow-dusted landscapes in winter. Just dress accordingly.
Are there weight or age limits?
Most stables have weight limits, often around 100–120 kg (220–265 lbs), to protect the horse’s health. Age limits vary, but many places accept children as young as 7 or 8. Always check with the tour provider ahead of time.
Can I ride if I have physical limitations or injuries?
It depends on the nature of your condition and the tour. Icelandic horses are very smooth to ride, especially in the tölt gait, which puts less stress on the body than trotting. Still, it’s best to contact the stable directly to discuss your situation.
How do I book a horseback riding tour near Reykjavík?
Most stables offer easy online booking and respond quickly to inquiries. Some tours even include pickup from Reykjavík hotels or bus stops, so you won’t need a rental car. Booking in advance is wise—especially in summer.
Will I get to try the tölt?
Yes—most tours include the chance to experience the tölt! Even beginners often get to try it on their first ride. Your guide will explain what to do, and your horse usually knows how to lead the way.