Iceland is an exciting country, full of surprises and easy to visit from both the U.S. and Europe, a “hot” and exotic vacation destination. And what better way to discover Iceland’s landscapes, glaciers, volcanoes & and cultural treasures but on an Icelandic horseback riding vacation where you can experience it all - by saddle, riding 3-4 horses per person, per day!
A horse riding trip in Iceland combines the magical landscapes of Iceland with the unique horse back riding experience you are treated to riding Icelandic horses. Hosting majestic glacial-carved gorges, deep fiords, active volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, steaming hot springs, huge glaciers, and ancient Viking history, Iceland is the island home of the free-roaming Icelandic pony and Icelandic horse. And what HORSES they are! Brought to this scenic island by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago, these legendary equines are considered to be truly unique by horse enthusiasts around the world. With wondrously flowing manes and tails, Icelandic horses are both sure-footed and affectionate and are known for their smooth gaits, especially their “tolt”, or running walk. Ideal for days of long overland travel, the tolt is what brings horse riding enthusiasts back to Iceland again and again. While Europeans have long admired and respected the diverse qualities of the Icelandic horse, horse back riders from the U.S. are just beginning to recognize the unique attributes of these wonderful animals.
Turn up your sound and watch our Icelandic Horse video from the 2011 trip on You Tube!
Iceland is an island of huge geothermal activity (as witnessed by the eruptions of 2010!) and is renowned for its volcanoes. On this exciting Iceland horseback riding adventure, we travel to Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in a nutshell" because of its diversity of landscape. A special feature of this horseback riding vacation is that Iceland’s majestic glacier-covered cone volcano, Snæfellsjökull (the inspiration for Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth), is always in view and rises ahead of us. Our rides take us through valleys and mighty lava fields, on smooth sand beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, and on trails known only by the locals. Spectacular scenery and the lovely Icelandic countryside make this horseback riding tour a delight for both riders and horses. At the end of our Icelandic trip, we include some fascinating sightseeing as we sail out to sea to visit the bird cliffs and view sea life, visit a shark museum in Bjarnarhöfn, plus explore the colorful, historic village of Stykkishólmur.
Back in Reykjavic, we'll enjoy a rousing "Viking Feast" as our celebratory Farewell Dinner, and then before boarding our flight for the U.S., spend an afternoon of relaxation, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s famous “Blue Lagoon” Hot Springs and Spa – the perfect finale for our Icelandic horseback riding adventure in the land of fire and ice. Iceland - there’s no place like it on earth!