Horse Riding in Iceland: Icelandic Horse Tours

The Icelandic horse is one of the world’s most distinctive breeds — compact, hardy, and the product of over 1,000 years of isolation. Iceland prohibits importing horses to prevent disease, meaning the Icelandic breed has remained genetically distinct since the Viking settlers brought their horses in the 9th and 10th centuries. The result is a breed perfectly adapted to Iceland’s landscape and climate.

The Tölt

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s signature gait — a four-beat lateral movement where one foot is always on the ground. It’s extraordinarily smooth: the rider barely moves while the horse can travel at the speed of a canter. First-time riders who might struggle with the jarring of a trot often find the tölt completely comfortable.

The flying pace (skeið) is a two-beat lateral gait used in racing — faster than the tölt and reserved for experienced riders and trained horses. You’ll see it at Icelandic horse racing meets.

Where to Ride

Near Reykjavík

Eldhestar Horse Farm (eldhestar.is) — 30 minutes from Reykjavík near Hveragerði. One of Iceland’s most established horse farms. 1-hour tours from approximately ISK 8,900, 2-hour tours from ISK 11,900. Lava field routes and countryside riding. Year-round.

Laxnes Horse Farm (laxnes.is) — 20 minutes north of Reykjavík near Mosfellsbær. Smaller operation, more personalised tours. 1-hour tours approximately ISK 8,500.

Íshestar (ishestar.is) — 30 minutes from Reykjavík near Hafnarfjörður. Multi-day riding tours for experienced riders in addition to introductory tours. 2-hour tours from approximately ISK 12,500.

South Coast

Several farms near Selfoss and Hella offer horse riding with views of the mountains and glaciers. Enquire locally or book via GetYourGuide.

North Iceland

Riding in the Skagafjörður valley (known as ‘horse country’ — it produces many of Iceland’s competition horses) or near Akureyri. Hestheimar (hestheimar.is) near Varmahlíð runs summer trail rides.

Tour Types

Introductory/Beginner (1–2 hours): For riders with no or minimal experience. Basic instruction in mounting, controlling direction, and the tölt. Route is gentle and guided throughout.

Countryside/Lava Rides (2–3 hours): For riders with some confidence. Crosses lava fields, riverside paths, or farmland. Opportunity for more tölt sections.

Half-Day Rides (4–5 hours): For confident riders with some experience. More varied terrain, longer tölt sections.

Multi-Day Trail Rides (2–7 days): Self-supported or supported rides through Iceland’s interior or coastal routes. For experienced riders. Prices from approximately ISK 95,000 for a 3-day package.

What to Wear

Wear long trousers (jeans or riding trousers — avoid shorts). Sturdy boots with a heel (no trainers). Waterproof outer layers. Helmets are provided by all operators.

Browse Iceland tours — day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.

Book Iceland attraction tickets — skip-the-queue entry for geothermal baths, cave tours, and top attractions.

Get travel insurance for Iceland — policies covering glacier hikes, F-road driving, and volcanic disruption.

Related Guides

• Snæfellsnes road trip — The peninsula with some of Iceland’s most dramatic riding terrain along its northern coast
• South Coast drive — Several horse farms near Selfoss and Hella sit along this route
• Iceland with kids — Horse riding is one of the best family-friendly activities in Iceland
• Selfoss travel guide — Practical base for South Iceland horse farms
• Things to do in Iceland — activity guide — Combining Golden Circle touring with a horse riding session near the route