Trip Overview
Experience the unbridled joy of horseback riding in Iceland on our version of the “pony express,” tölting across volcanic landscapes draped in wildflowers! Gallop on the beaches and ride your Icelandic horse to explore glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls, learn about Icelandic history, and discover Reykjavik’s vibrant foodie scene.
You’ll fall in love with your Icelandic horse at first sight. This iconic breed is best known for its comically shaggy coat and long mane although experienced riders also praise it for its famously smooth gait, a fast but very smooth trot or “tölt.” On this scenic tour of Iceland by saddle, you can ride free as the Vikings once did, exploring this island in the company of your trusty steed and his or her companions. This ride is for intermediate to advanced riders who relish 3-5 hours a day in the saddle.
Upon arrival at the Reykjavik Airport, meet your guide and the women who’ll be joining you for this amazing week of active adventure, food, and fun. In the charming capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, you’ll sightsee on foot and enjoy food tastings of local cuisine before taking a refreshing afternoon horseback ride along the Álftanes Peninsula, tölting among the ducks, geese, terns, and golden plovers. Plus, spend your first three nights in the beautiful Hotel Húsafell.
Mix some history with heady seaside views on a morning trail ride to the home of medieval poet and scholar, Snorri Sturluson, to learn about his life and work then ride to Deildartunguhver to hear about Europe’s most powerful hot spring. After stabling our horses, you’ll decompress the Viking way in Krauma Spa’s hot tubs and steam baths then tuck into a delicious and well-deserved evening meal.
Your week of horse riding in Iceland will also include tölting through the surf and sparkling streams to see Langjökull and Eiriksjökull glaciers, the Lambafoss waterfall, the black lava field of Búðarhraun, and several rides along Golden Beach in Löngufjörur. “Sightseeing” detours will take you to see the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur and a chance to test your strength at Dritvík. Here, stones have been used for centuries to find out who’s got the power to haul nets and rowboats out to sea!
Since much of Iceland’s livelihood depends on its fisheries, part of your foray into Icelandic cuisine includes cruising on a small boat among the fishing skerries of Breiðafjördur Bay to watch shellfish being dredged, harvesting scallops, sea urchins, and crabs. Fish doesn’t come any fresher than straight from the nets, so while you’re on deck, enjoy raw scallops right from the shell! Don’t be shy – freshly shucked sea scallops are as sweet as candy.
It’s a rare moment when women can stop their busy lives to venture far for fun, so take a moment at your farewell dinner to reflect on how richly rewarding it has been to travel with women who share your passion for horses and adventure. Which stole your heart first; Iceland’s outstanding native horses, phenomenal gourmet dining experiences, or her seductive landscapes?
Lush meadows and snow-capped mountains, hot springs and geysers, braided flood plains and frozen lava fields, plus glaciers on volcanoes have all been forged to create Iceland, a feral land of earth, fire, water, and ice!
With the North Star close at hand, join AdventureWomen in 2022 on our extraordinary Icelandic horseback riding odyssey!
- What’s Included on your Iceland Horse Riding Vacation
- Iceland Horseback Riding Tour for Women July 8, 2022: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Please note: All women riders on this trip must be strong intermediate to experienced riders with English and/or Western riding experience, and be in very good physical condition.
Main Attractions
- Three to five hours of unforgettable bliss tölting on an Icelandic horse each day
- Explore Iceland’s diverse and colorful landscapes from volcanoes to glaciers and waterfalls to black sand beaches
- After an active day in the saddle, relax in hot springs and spas
- Discover Iceland’s unique history and island culture
- Taste the best of Icelandic cuisine from seafood to skyr
What You'll See and Do
- Cultural Exploration
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Springs
- Natural History
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Spa Element
Download Extended Itinerary
- Jul 8 > Jul 15, 2022
Download Itinerary PDF