From Reykjavík: Horseback Ride Below the Majestic Mountains

Explore South Iceland on Horseback for a Full Day of Scenic Beauty

This horseback riding tour from Reykjavík offers an immersive day exploring South Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Priced with flexible booking options and lasting 6 hours, this adventure takes you through meadows, rivers, lava sands, and offers stunning views of volcanoes and farmlands. Led by English-speaking guides from Sunday-Stories, the tour emphasizes small group experiences with a limit of 8 participants, ensuring a personal touch.

Travelers who love outdoor adventures and scenic rides will find this tour particularly engaging. It’s suitable for those with a basic level of physical fitness, comfortable with horse riding. However, those with mobility impairments, young children under 6 years, or animal allergies should consider other options, as this tour involves riding on horseback in various terrains.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 6-hour horseback tour exploring South Iceland’s diverse landscapes
• Guided by experienced English-speaking guides in small groups of up to 8 people
• Ride Icelandic horses and experience the smooth tölt gait
• Pass through river areas, lava sands, farmlands, and an ancient Viking path
• Enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes, including Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, weather permitting
• Suitable for those with basic horseback riding experience and physical fitness

Starting in Reykjavík for a Full-Day Icelandic Horseback Adventure

This tour departs from Reykjavík, offering a convenient way to explore South Iceland’s natural beauty without needing to arrange your own transport. The 6-hour duration includes a comprehensive experience riding through multiple scenic locations, making it an ideal choice for travelers wanting an extended outdoor activity.

The tour begins early or at a time that fits your schedule, with the flexibility to reserve now & pay later. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the live English guide shares insights about the landscapes and Icelandic horses throughout the journey.

Riding Through Meadows and Lava Sands with Icelandic Horses

The core of this experience is riding Icelandic horses, renowned for their smooth tölt gait, which provides a comfortable ride even over longer distances. Riders will enjoy meadow fields, ideal for practicing the tölt, and ride across soft black lava sand that covers parts of the landscape.

This tour introduces riders to various terrains, including shallow waters crossing and a lush island called Lambey, home to diverse birdlife. The horses are well-trained and suited for riders with basic riding experience, making the journey both enjoyable and accessible.

Scenic River Areas: Gljúfurá and Ölfusá

One of the highlights of this tour is passing through the scenic Gljúfurá river area. This location offers a beautifully rugged landscape where horses walk along riverbanks and shallow waters. Riders also cross the Ölfusá river, known for its powerful flow, providing a sense of adventure and connection to Iceland’s natural forces.

At the old cemetery by the Ölfusá river, visitors can take in peaceful views and observe birdlife on Lambey. The scenic river crossings are a memorable part of the experience, emphasizing Iceland’s raw and diverse landscapes.

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Panoramic Views of Volcanoes and the River Delta

Depending on weather conditions, riders enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. These iconic volcanoes form part of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, adding a dramatic backdrop to the ride.

From high vantage points along the route, you see the river delta and the surrounding farmland, giving a sense of Iceland’s geological and agricultural diversity. These vistas are considered some of the most striking features of the tour.

Riding Near Reykjafjall and Following Viking Paths

The tour passes through farmlands near Mount Ingólfsfjall and traces an ancient Viking path near Reykjafjall. In summer, horses and sheep graze along this historical route, which adds an element of history and tradition to the ride.

This section highlights Iceland’s cultural heritage, connecting past and present through the landscape that was once part of Viking routes. Riders get to experience the serenity of open farmland and the history embedded in the terrain.

Concluding with a View Over Hveragerði Village

The final part of the ride features a spectacular view over the village of Hveragerði. Known for its geothermal activity, Hveragerði provides a charming backdrop to conclude the day’s adventure.

After approximately six hours on horseback, riders return to Reykjavík, carrying lasting memories of South Iceland’s volcanoes, rivers, and farmlands, all experienced from the vantage point of an Icelandic horse.

Logistics, Group Size, and Practical Tips

The tour is organized by Sunday-Stories, rated 4.3 out of 5, and offers small group experiences with up to 8 participants. The full-day trip begins at a designated start point in Reykjavík, with availability checks for different times.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and gloves. Since the tour involves horse riding, a basic level of physical fitness is required. The terrain is varied, so dressing in layers helps manage changing weather conditions.

Cost, Cancellation, and Booking Flexibility

Pricing is based on a group of 4 people, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning.

The tour does not accommodate children under 6 years, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with animal allergies. The language of the tour is English, and the small group size ensures a more intimate experience with the guides.

Why Choose This Icelandic Horseback Tour

This full-day horseback experience provides a rich combination of nature, history, and adventure. The focus on riding Icelandic horses, coupled with the opportunity to see volcanoes, rivers, and farmland, makes it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The scenic stops and expert guides help make this a memorable journey. The flexible booking options and small group setting add comfort and personalization. However, riders should be aware of the terrain and weather conditions and be prepared accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour is designed for those with a basic level of horseback riding experience. It involves riding across various terrains, including lava sands and river crossings, but the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt gait helps keep the ride comfortable.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, gloves, and a camera. Dressing in layers is recommended due to changing weather conditions. Weather can change rapidly, so prepare accordingly.

Can children join this tour?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 6 years. It requires physical fitness and comfort with riding horses.

What are the main scenic highlights?
Riders enjoy views of volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, the river delta, river crossings at Gljúfurá and Ölfusá, and the village of Hveragerði. The Viking path near Reykjafjall adds a historical element.

What makes this tour different from others?
The full-day length, small group size, and focus on riding Icelandic horses in diverse terrains, including river areas and lava sands, distinguish this experience from shorter or larger-group rides.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is not explicitly detailed, but the tour starts and ends in Reykjavík, suggesting transportation arrangements are typically handled by the tour provider or that participants need to arrange their own.

This horseback riding tour from Reykjavík offers a unique blend of scenic landscapes, cultural sites, and Icelandic equine traditions—perfect for those seeking a full-day outdoor adventure in South Iceland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby