If you’re keen to get out into the Icelandic countryside, then perhaps you should consider seeing it from a different perspective: from the back of a horse. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete novice, horse riding in Iceland is a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s extraordinary landscapes.

In this guide, we’ll suggest the best places for riding Icelandic horses within easy reach of Reykjavik, explore the cultural significance of horse riding in Iceland and explain what you can expect when you book a riding tour.

The cultural significance of horseback riding in Iceland

When the early settlers came to Iceland they brought their horses with them . These animals had to be strong and sturdy to cope with the long journey and, after they arrived, the challenges of the Icelandic climate and landscape. Today’s Icelandic horse is a descendant of those from centuries past. Thanks to careful management and import controls, it’s one of the purest breeds in the world.

But horses are also an integral part of Old Norse mythology and as such make a significant contribution to Iceland’s rich cultural heritage. In North Iceland, for instance, you’ll find Ásbyrgi Canyon. Its horseshoe shape is said to have been made by the hoof of Sleipnir, Odin’s horse, as its foot touched the ground.

For centuries, horses have played a key role in Icelandic society and traditions. For example, they still play a crucial role in the autumn réttir , assisting with the sheep roundup alongside those on quad bikes. In North Iceland, young stallions are gathered up and herded by accomplished riders in similar fashion as part of an annual tradition known as the stóðréttir.

What makes the Icelandic horse unique?

Icelandic horses are stocky, with a broad chest and a flowing mane. The breed comprises many colours: black, grey, bay, chestnut, skewbald and silver dapple among them. In fact, there are more than a hundred words in the Icelandic language that describe the various colours and patterns found across the country’s 80,000-strong horse population.

Although they’re relatively small, Icelandic horses aren’t classed as ponies. Their gentle, calm temperament and effortless strength makes them versatile. They are easy to ride, even if you’ve never ridden a horse before.

But perhaps the most unique thing about the Icelandic horse is its five gaits . Like other breeds of horses, it will walk (fet) and trot (brokk) but can also perform a combination of canter and gallop (stökk). In addition, there are two more gaits. One is the tölt, which is a four beat running walk. This can be a slow or fast paced movement yet it’s surprisingly smooth. Some Icelandic horses can also pull off skeið (popularly known as flying pace), a two-beat glide which achieves a similar speed to a gallop.

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What kind of horse riding tour is best for you?

Year-round, there are a wide variety of Iceland horse tours to suit all abilities, from one hour taster rides that are ideal for beginners to multi-day tours for those who are already comfortable spending long hours in the saddle. You’ll find adventures suitable for all skill levels, from complete novices to experienced riders.

You only need an hour or two to be able to slot riding Icelandic horses into your holiday itinerary. It’s the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and majestic glaciers, get a different perspective on lava fields, black sand beaches, woodlands and meadows. You’ll encounter working farms and ford small streams as you explore the Icelandic countryside on the back of your trusty steed.

If you’re already a confident equestrian, you might think about signing up for a longer ride. Day tours typically last around six hours and the extra time in the saddle opens up the opportunity to explore further off the beaten track. You might follow trails through geothermal valleys to bathe in remote hot water springs or traverse coastal wetlands and braided river channels to reach volcanic beaches made of soft black sand.

It’s also possible to make horse riding the sole focus of your time in Iceland with a multi-day ride. This opens up the possibility of reaching relatively inaccessible regions such as Thórsmörk, known for its verdant forest, moss-covered canyons and hidden waterfalls. Alternatively, follow ancient highland trails first travelled by Iceland’s early settlers through some of the country’s most dramatic and colourful scenery in areas such as Landmannalaugar.

Our picks: the best horse riding tours from Reykjavik

If you’re based in Reykjavik, you might want to book a standalone ride or perhaps combine horse riding with another fun activity or some sightseeing.

Lava tour horseback riding

This stellar ride has all the elements of an unforgettable Icelandic horseback tour from the Íshestar stables, located just twenty minutes’ drive from Reykjavik. Unlock a quintessentially Icelandic landscape of rugged lava fields and lush fells as you walk, trot or tölt in the company of likeminded travellers.

The group can be split according to ability: a slower walking pace for those who are less confident in the saddle and a faster ride which will appeal to those that are more experienced. Afterwards, chat about your excursion over coffee when you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about Icelandic horses.

Golden Circle and horse riding

Team riding Icelandic horses with the must-see sights of the famous Golden Circle on this popular combo tour. You’ll be picked up in the morning from your Reykjavik hotel and driven to Eldhestar riding centre near Hveragerði. Once astride , you’ll set off on horseback to explore the nearby countryside.

After a delicious lunch at Vellir farm, the programme continues with guided sightseeing. Watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir, sending a jet of superheated water and steam high into the air, and admire the magnificent waterfall Gullfoss where the Hvitá River plunges dramatically into a narrow, steep-sided canyon. Round off your excursion in Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s geological and cultural history are interwoven within the Almannagjá gorge.

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Practical information on Horseback Riding near Rykjavík

Whichever horse riding tour you opt for, there are certain things it’s helpful to know. For instance, there’s no need to bring your own helmet as this will be provided for you. Regarding clothing, boots with a low heel are preferable to trainers and comfortable trousers are essential so that you are able to move easily while in the saddle. If weather dictates, wear warm gloves. Your tour operator will usually loan out waterproof trousers, raincoats or overalls if required.

If you ride at home, you may be considering bringing your own riding gear, boots (and possibly riding hat). If that’s the case, know that these will need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected five days or more before arriving in Iceland. This is to prevent the spread of infectious diseases to Icelandic horses. For the same reason, you aren’t allowed to bring riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and any other used leather gear into the country.

Who can ride and what to expect

Riders don’t need to be exceptionally fit, though you’ll be expected to mount and dismount unaided. Typically, there’s a minimum age for horse riding tours. It’s usually possible for children as young as 7 years old to participate, though they’ll need to be 14 or 15 to ride without an accompanying adult.

To protect the horses, the maximum weight of a rider is normally between 110 and 120kg but this varies slightly according to the provider, so check the small print before you book. You won’t get to choose which horse you ride, as the riding stables will line you up with a suitably-rested horse that is matched to your size and level of experience.

Icelandic horses tend to be calm and beginner-friendly, so if you’ve always wanted to ride, this is a good place to start. Horse riding is a fun activity to do while you’re in Iceland but it’s still a form of exercise. You’ll need to get into a rhythm and move with the horse. Novices can find this works muscles they never knew they had, so if you aren’t used to riding it’s best to start with a short one to two hour ride and see how you get on.

Backpacks and other bags can’t be carried on the horse with you, as they’ll interfere with your ability to control your horse. In some cases, you may be permitted to wear a small, lightweight pack that fastens around your waist. Many stables, though, will have the facility to look after your valuables and other belongings while you ride, which is especially helpful if you’re intending to continue sightseeing afterwards on one of the combo tours.

However, this might be the time to leave your phone behind and live in the moment. To get the most out of the experience, why not focus all your attention on your horse and those utterly fabulous views that appear beyond its flowing mane?

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Questions and Answers about Horse Riding near Reykjavík

What makes Icelandic horses unique? Icelandic horses are known for their stocky build, broad chest, and flowing mane, coming in various colors. They are not classed as ponies despite their small size. Their gentle temperament and strength make them easy to ride, even for beginners. Unique to this breed are five gaits, including the tölt and skeið (flying pace), which provide smooth and speedy movements.

Where are the best places to go horseback riding near Reykjavík? Some top spots for horseback riding near Reykjavík include the Íshestar stables for a lava tour and Eldhestar riding center near Hveragerði, where you can combine horse riding with Golden Circle sightseeing.

What should I expect on a horse riding tour in Iceland? Horse riding tours in Iceland range from one-hour beginner rides to multi-day adventures for experienced riders. You'll explore diverse landscapes like lava fields, black sand beaches, and scenic meadows. Tours typically provide helmets and, if needed, waterproof gear. Riders need to mount and dismount unaided and adhere to weight limits set by the tour providers.

Why is horseback riding culturally significant in Iceland? Icelandic horses have a rich cultural heritage, descending from horses brought by early settlers. These horses are integral to Icelandic mythology and traditions, such as the autumn sheep roundup (réttir) and the annual gathering of young stallions (stóðréttir). The breed has remained pure due to strict import controls.

What should I wear and bring for a horseback riding tour? Wear comfortable trousers and boots with a low heel. Warm gloves are recommended if the weather is cold. Tour operators provide helmets and, if needed, waterproof clothing. Personal riding gear must be disinfected before arrival in Iceland to prevent disease spread. Avoid bringing backpacks on rides, as they can interfere with control; stables usually offer storage for your belongings.