Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and saddle up for the adventure of a lifetime on a gaited Icelandic horse on one of our horseback riding vacations in Iceland. With its breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty, Iceland is the perfect destination for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-track travel experience while also satisfying a love for riding special horse breeds in their home environment. Explore the rugged terrain, volcanoes, glaciers, and geysers atop one of our well-trained gaited Icelandic horses - these horses form part of the fabric of Icelandic culture. While most adventures in Iclenad have more basic accommodation, we also offer more luxurious stays and, whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a beginner just starting out, a range of vacation packages to suit every skill level and budget. Our team of experts will work with you to find the perfect horse riding holiday in Iceland that suits your needs, whether you're traveling solo, part of a group, or with your family.
A Little Bit About Iceland
Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ and is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean, close to the Arctic Circle. It has close ties with Scandinavia and is part of Europe. Historically, Iceland was settled by Vikings and later came under Danish rule. Known for having the world's first parliament during Norse times, Iceland passed an act centuries ago banning horse imports, leading to today's pure Icelandic breed. In 1944, Iceland gained full independence. Horses are part of daily life here, with nearly every Icelander being a rider or adept at horseback riding.
Iceland is a true gem in the world of travel. With its incredible landscapes that seem to come straight out of a storybook, this destination is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The opportunity to witness volcanoes, deserted beaches, geothermal springs, rock formations, and mineral-packed pools sparkling with vivid color is truly unique. Plus, its wild landscapes are home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun in June where you can experience almost 24 hours of daylight. And there's no better way to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland than by taking a horseback ride through the glacial river valleys and historic routes. With its vast uninhabited land, Iceland is an adventure waiting to happen for those who are willing to explore off the beaten path. Only approximately 15% of Iceland is populated and most people choose to live around the coast, leaving the rest of the country's rugged beauty to be discovered by travellers.
Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, is a mix of modern architecture and commerce and traditional colourful wooden houses. The nearby geothermal hot springs have been harnessed to provide a cheap natural heating system. This leaves the air pristine and pollution free. Your photographs will benefit from the fabulous clear sharp light. The sea also plays a vital role in Icelandic life, supporting the fishing industry. The coast and fjords are rich in bird species, especially sea fowl.
Why Iceland is an Excellent Destination for a Horse Riding Holiday
In Iceland it is traditional to ride with a loose herd of horses, so a fresh one can be taken from the herd as often as is neccesary to continue the fast pace (usually the fast and smooth "tölt"). Horses are part of every Icelandic tale, this and the spectacularly diverse landscapes, ranging from snowy mountains and huge icy glaciers to volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, and sulphur vents make it an unmissable destination for a horseback vacation. A few popular destinations include: the Geysir Hot Springs, where visitors can relax in natural warm waters; the Hvítárvatn glacier-fed lake complete with floating icebergs and the Blue Lagoon which sits in the middle of a lava field, providing a exceptional hot water experience not found anywhere else in the world. believe it or not Iceland also boasts diverse agriculture, from steaming greenhouse structures (powered by green hot springs) to drying fish hanging outside.
The Pure Icelandic Horses
Horse riding in Iceland is made special by the horses. They are small and sturdy (although never called ponies!) and more than capable of safely carrying even heavier riders smoothly over the rough terrain. The horses are known for their "tölt", which is a fast smooth gait. Imagine joining a herd of free-running horses as they travel through remote and sparsely populated areas in the far North of Iceland, under the blazing light of the Midnight Sun during the summer. Or, choose to experience the heart of traditional autumn herding, where you can get up close and personal with these stunning purebred horses.
Why Choose Unicorn Trails for Your Iceland Horse Riding Holiday?
At Unicorn Trails, we are passionate about creating the perfect adventure for our clients. We hand-pick the best hosts, accommodations, and routes to ensure that your horse riding holiday in Iceland is nothing short of magical. With our expertly crafted itineraries, you can explore the landscapes on horseback while also immersing yourself in local traditions, cuisine, and hospitality. The experienced guides will lead you through some of Iceland's most breathtaking locations, giving riders a true taste of Icelandic life and its natural wonders. Whether you’re traveling alone, with a group, or with your children, we have the perfect itinerary for you. We ensure that all of the horses on our trips are happy and healthy, and we support local communities by working with only the best local hosts.
But what really sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional customer service. We believe that every part of your Icelandic horse holiday should be seamless and stress-free, leaving you to focus on experiencing all the beauty that Iceland has to offer. With years of experience and independent advice at our disposal, we are the number one choice for horse riding enthusiasts around the world. We will use our wealth of knowledge to help you book the perfect equestrian vacation in Iceland for you.
Equestrian Vacations in Iceland for Riders of All Abilities
We are experts in organizing horse riding tours that cater to all levels of riders, from beginners to experienced equestrians or even a mix of both in one group. We work around different needs to bring you the holiday of a lifetime. Breathe in the fresh Icelandic air as you explore the rugged terrain and immense landscapes on horseback, guided by our passionate and knowledgeable hosts. Simply contact us to find out more.
Some of our Icelandic horse riding holidays include:
Canyon Trail: Experience the breathtaking beauty of South Iceland and visit some of the country's most iconic landmarks. This tour is perfect for families and those with limited riding experience, offering the opportunity to explore the region's stunning scenery on horseback. You'll ride in the traditional way, herding free horses through birch forests and deep canyons, across wide salmon rivers, and up to a panoramic highland plateau. Along the way, you'll visit the Geysir Hot Spring area and the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss, two of Iceland's best-known sights. While the riding days can be long, there are comfortable beds and a hot outdoor tub available each night.
Glacier Trail: Saddle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime along the historic Kjölur glacier trail, which has been traversed by Icelanders through the centuries. You'll get to take in the beautiful natural surroundings, from extinct volcanoes to glacier lakes and wild glacial rivers. Along the way, you'll even get to admire the impressive Gullfoss Waterfall. The trail takes you up into the highlands, where you'll see the barren sand deserts in close proximity to mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. It's not all rugged terrain, however, as you'll come across sheltered green valleys scattered throughout your journey. This trail is perfect for experienced riders who want to get a view of Iceland's unspoiled highlands and spend long days in the saddle.
Northern Exposure: Experience the incredible North of the country on our Northern Exposure Trail, where natural beauty is abundant and landscapes are ever-changing. From the volcanic features of Lake Mývatn to the countless breeding ducks, this trail proves to be a haven for those seeking the tranquillity of nature. Delight in the gems of nature including Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss- Europe's largest waterfall, and the strange rock formations at Hljóðaklettar during an unforgettable ride. This tour is recommended for advanced riders who are in control at all paces and fit enough to be in the saddle for up to 7hrs a day. As nominated by the Sunday Times, this trail is one of the 10 best in the world.
Autumn Sheep Round up: The autumn sheep round up is not your average tour experience. This ancient Icelandic tradition has roots dating back to a time when farm pastures and fields were so valuable that they had to be kept clear for the upcoming hay harvest and herds were put into the mountains to graze for the summer. Now you have the opportunity to join the farmers and their friends as they gather thousands of sheep from the mountains and bring them back to their resting place for the evening. The adventure requires a willingness to muck in, learn how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hillsides, and navigate rivers. As night falls, join in the traditional singing and celebrate a successful day in the mountains.
Northern Lights Short Break: Experience the magic of Autumn in Iceland with our Northern Lights short break. Enjoy vibrant autumn colors, whist seeing the best-known sights in Iceland on Icelandic horses. If weather conditions permit, witness the spectacular Northern Lights illuminating the sky. The tour includes a visit to the Secret Lagoon, the Geyser Hot Spring area, and the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall. Even if you're not an experienced rider, this tour is equally suited to non-riders with numerous non-riding activities on offer.
The Best Time of Year to Book a Horse Riding Holiday in Iceland
This question may seem simple, but the answer actually depends on your personal interests and desires. If you're an avid adventurer looking to witness the magic of the midnight sun, you may want to plan your trip during the last two weeks of June. Meanwhile, if you're interested in a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, then September to April is the ideal window and the further north, the more likely and colourful the displays. And if you want to witness the sheep or horse round ups, plan your trip for early September to mid-October. Please bear in mind, late autumn and early spring can get quite muddy due to melting snow. At Unicorn Trails, we offer equestrians vacations to Iceland all year round, and our knowledgeable team will be able to advise you on the best time to visit Iceland for your desired horse riding experience.
Find Out More
If you want to find out more about any of our horseback riding vacations in Iceland, then do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team who will be delighted to help. We can provide you with detailed information on every single one of our tours and can give you independent advice to help you book the perfect trip for you. Plus, we're passionate about ensuring as many people as possible can experience the wonder and beauty of horse riding in Iceland with the most responsible and education-led tours possible. This boosts the Icelandic economy and builds awareness of these beautiful horse populations in a way that adds to their protection. Contact us today and let's start planning adventure to this stunning destination!
read less
