- This ride was nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the 10 best trails in the world !
65.880000035468, -16.84
The North of Iceland is known for its spectacular natural sights and diverse landscape. Our tour goes from Bjarnastaðir Farm near Húsavík to the Lake Mývatn area, famous for its volcanic features and rich birdlife. Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall, and the strange rock formations at Hljóðaklettar are just some of the gems of nature you´ll be seeing on this amazing tour. You ride along soft riding tracks ideal for “tölting”, the unique extra gait of the Icelandic Horse. The first day you spend in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and visit both Dettifoss Waterfall and Ásbyrgi Canyon. From rich green pastureland you head towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains and spend a night in a mountain cabin at Theistareykir. Through an area scarred with cracks and fissures from earthquakes and volcanic activity the route takes us to Lake Mývatn where bubbling mud pools and eerie lava formations are a reminder of the powerful energy right beneath our feet. You have the opportunity to bathe in the warm geothermal water of the outdoor pool at the Mývatn Nature Baths. The next two days take us through Laxárdalur Valley to Heiðabær for an overnight stay and relaxation in the swimming pool on site. From there you continue across Reykjaheiði heath towards the coast and back to Bjarnastaðir Farm. After this amazing tour in an ever-changing landscape you can let our cares float away in the hot tub at Lundur Swimming Pool before sitting down to a hearty farewell dinner at the farm.
ICELAND HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1 (Monday): Arrival, Meeting place is at Reykjavík Domestic Airport at 06:20 for the flight to Akureyri and transfer to Bjarnastaðir Farm. Please dress already in riding clothes and bring your passport or other identification document for your domestic flight. At Bjarnastaðir, we have lunch and start our ride with a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. This is truly a day to remember when we ride on the east side of the National Park Jökulsárgljúfur. After riding, we have a sightseeing tour by bus to Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss and the famous Ásbyrgi Canyon, one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high.
Riding approx. 20 km. Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm.
Day 2 (Tuesday): Kelduhverfi to Theistareykir Mountain Cabin. After breakfast, we drive to Kelduhverfi and start our ride from there. We ride into the mountains and see a magical landscape over Öxafjörður Fjord. We ride to the geothermal area of Theistareykir.
Riding approx. 35 km. Overnight at Theistareykir Mountain Cabin.
Day 3 (Wednesday): Theistareykir Mountain Cabin to Laxárdalur. Today’s ride goes from the Theistareykir area to Halldorstaðir in Laxárdal. We ride over the rough landscape, going through a geothermal area and lave fields up to the desert area of Hólasandur. Then we ride down to Laxárdalur 
Valley and over the Laxá River to Halldórstaðir. We then drive to Bjarnastaðir farm, where we stay the night with a hot tub on the premises.
Riding approx. 35 km. Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm.
Day 4 (Thursday): Laxárdalur to Skógarhlíð. We saddle up again and head of through a black sand desert along the colorful Laxárdalur valley with the glittering Salmon River Laxá on our side. A true day of contrasts in the ever changing Icelandic nature. We stop at the very special Hraunsrétt – sheep round-up location made of lava rocks. We then ride to Skógarhlíð, where we leave the horses before we head back to Bjarnastaðir farm where we spend the night. We will enjoy a nice hot bath in Jarðböðin, an outdoor lagoon with geothermal water.
Riding approx. 30 km. Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm.
Day 5 (Friday): Skógarhlíð to Bjarnastaðir Farm. Today we set out through Geldingadalur Valley and Reykjaheiði heath. At one point, we will practically cross over from one continental plate to another as we ride over the Mid-Atlantic ridge! It is a fascinating area with deep earthquake fissures, multi-colored mountains and geothermal energy. With all this volcanic activity going on here, it is easy to understand that Iceland is still under “natural construction”. We ride into Öxarfjörður Fjord to Bjarnastaðir Farm, where the hot outdoor tub is waiting and we spend our last night.
Riding approx. 40 km.
Day 6 (Saturday): In the morning return to Akureyri. Flight back to Reykjavík Domestic Airport around 13:20.
* Sample Itinerary that may be subject to changes.
MEETING:
On Mondays, at the Reykjavik airport for the flight around 6.20 am from Reyjavik to Akureyri, then free transfer to starting point for the hike.
DEPARTURE:
Saturday afternoon in Reykjavík after the return flight from Akureyri, to Reykjavík domestic airport and transfer to the city center.
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Iceland are not included in our prices because it is generally more advantageous to book your flights yourself, an inclusive tvols package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or to offer you a trip including transport on request: free service.
RIDING LEVEL: 
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for advanced riders. You need to be comfortable and in control at all paces, have a firm seat, and feel comfortable riding for up to 7 hours per day. Riders are expected to ride regularly and be capable of handling horses in an open country. Riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft traveling gate of the Icelandic horse.
RYTHME:
You ride up to 7 hours on horseback during the day, over a distance of up to 35 kilometers. The entire ride is approximately 160 km. You go up to the three gaits + the tölt: gait specific to the Icelandic horse, which allows to comfortably cover large distances quickly. You ride (except two days) with a herd of free horses. Keeping horses loose is the traditional way of traveling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day during long stages. You can ride a variety of several horses a day!
GUIDES:
English speaking local guides. Knowledge of the land and local history. They have more than 30 years of experience in coaching equestrian groups across Iceland. They use their own horses.
GROUPS:
8 to 20 riders.
HORSES:
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had
TACK:
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long. Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
SPECIAL HEALTH RULES:
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country. Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature ! Saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet are provided.
ACCOMMODATION: 
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.
During this tour, you will sleep in simple accommodations in dormitory style rooms. Please, bring your own sleeping bag!
Accommodation Itinerary, subject to changes based on availability:
Night 1: Bjarnastaðir Farm
Night 2: Theistareykir Mountain Cabin
Nights 3, 4 & 5: Bjarnastaðir Farm
Bjarnastaðir Farm:
It is the home of Halldór Olgeirsson and Elín Maríusdóttir and is situated in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. Halldór and Elín, breeders of both horses and sheep will welcome you with open arms and their warmth and hospitality is indeed second to none.
•Number of beds: 23
•Made up beds: Yes
•Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
•Number of showers: 4
•GSM connection: Yes
•WiFi: Yes
Þeistareykir Mountain Hut:
Þeistareykir is known as a geothermal area, with colorful mud pits, tabletop mountains, hills and lava fields, you will find the earth constantly at work. The mountain hut stays warm all year round due to the geothermal activity of the area.
•Number of beds: 30
•Made up beds: No
•Outdoor jacuzzi: No
•Number of showers: 0
•Number of WC: 1
•GSM connection: No
•WiFi: No
Room Occupancy:
Single rooms are not available on this trip.
MEALS:
During the ride full board is provided. The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb).
All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival. Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
Insured by assistance vehicle.
Register early your horseback ride in Iceland, in high demand and quickly sold out !
2025 PRICE / PER PERSONNE:
23 June to 16 August: 2720 €
18 August to 23 August: 2678 €
Booking fees: 15 €
Vegan and gluten free food supplement : 100€
Rates may vary up or down at the time of your reservation depending on exchange rates.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Rental of the equipped horse, guide, accommodation, meals, return flights from Reykjavík to Húsavík and bus transfers to / from the farm, rain gear, bottle of water, bags, helmet , the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, alcoholic beverages (can be purchased at Duty Free in advance), whale-watching option by boat (€ 80 payable locally), possible accommodation and meals in Redjavik, gratuities, transport to get to Iceland, all that is not indicated in "the price includes".
FLIGHTS :
Flights to/from Iceland are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices or to offer you a flight included package on request (free service).
CLIMAT:
Mois | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Average High Temperature (°F) | 35 | 36 | 37 | 42 | 50 | 56 | 59 | 58 | 52 | 43 | 38 | 36 |
Average Low Temperature (°F) | 23 | 24 | 26 | 30 | 37 | 43 | 46 | 46 | 40 | 33 | 27 | 24 |
Average High Temperature (°C) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
Average Low Temperature (°C) | -5 | -5 | -4 | -1 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 1 | -3 | - |
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic Circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, the climate can change very quickly. Generally speaking, the south-western part of Iceland receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. The Arctic Circle in only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures in average around 0˚C.
Summer (May to September):
The first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours. However, even during the middle of summer the sky can be cloudy or overcast and in that case, the air is usually cool and cold during nighttime.
Winter:
The winter season sees long nights and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draw an increasing number of tourists.