Trip Overview
On this very special, custom-designed 2018 Icelandic horseback riding trip for AdventureWomen, there is no better way to visit the South of Iceland than to ride through it!
As the summer sun skims the midnight horizon, sunset melts into sunrise in Iceland, home to 100,000 Icelandic horses. And what horses! Brought by sea to Iceland by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago, these legendary equines have played a vital role in the history of this land, which was without roads and bridges for centuries. Today, the Icelandic horse is considered to be truly unique by horse enthusiasts from around the world. With long, wondrously flowing manes and tails, these sure-footed and affectionate horses are known for their smooth gaits, especially their tölt, or running walk. Ideal for days of long overland travel, the tölt is what brings horseback riders back to Iceland again and again. While Europeans have long admired and respected the diverse qualities of the Icelandic horse, American riders are just beginning to recognize these wonderful animals.
AdventureWomen’s Icelandic Horseback adventure was selected by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of their “50 Tours of a Lifetime” for 2013.
“Tours we selected…capture [the] spirit of exploration,…[and] push the boundaries of mainstream tourism, whether taking travelers to the far corners of the globe, or helping them dive deep into the culture of familiar destinations.”
Check out this video from our 2016 Iceland Horse Riding Vacation to get a good idea about what it is like to ride an Icelandic Horse:
Horseback riding through Iceland’s valleys, mighty lava fields, and into Icelandic mountains where black ash from numerous eruptions of the volcano Mount Hekla (the most active volcano in Iceland!) reminds us of the huge powers hidden below the surface of the earth. We ride through rich vegetation of fertile farmland and cross mighty rivers, following the Hekla Trail, where it is easy and fun to enjoy the Icelandic horses’ smooth-gaited tölt. We’ll take advantage of enjoying natural hot springs and pools in the countryside, visit a 12th century Viking farm, and experience a well-deserved massage one night.
Many travelers, for the most part, know little about Iceland, although this extraordinary country is only a 4½ hour flight from Boston! Even with its chilly name, Iceland is rapidly becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe. It is the greatest wilderness area in all of Europe, and has a sparse population (320,000 folks) with a passion for the outdoors. Due to its abundant geothermal energy, Iceland is pristine and unpolluted.
On this women-only horseback riding trip through South Iceland, we ride approximately 12 – 20 miles per day through Iceland’s surreal landscapes. Each woman rides up to 6 horses during the trip with the entire herd of nearly 70 horses accompanying us on most days.
Here’s more about what you can expect on your Iceland horse riding adventure…
“Saddling up for a morning ride includes a kiss from Anne DePrez’s horse!”
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 2018 on our 8th, award-winning and extraordinary Icelandic horseback riding odyssey!
- Iceland Horseback Riding Tour for Women: Day-by-Day Itinerary
- What’s Included on your Iceland Horse Riding Vacation
- What to Pack for your Icelandic Horse Riding Tour
- Travel Tips & Information About Traveling to Reykjavik, Iceland
- Detailed Itinerary: Iceland Horseback Riding Tour
Please note: Participants must be strong intermediate to experienced riders with English and/or Western riding experience, and be in very good physical condition.
Main Attractions
- Explore rural Icelandic landscapes on horseback riding 18-20 miles per day
- Ride alongside a herd of free-running Icelandic horses
- Enjoy a ride under the midnight sun on one of the longest days of the year
- Experience Gullfoss Waterfall
- Bathe in natural Icelandic hot springs
What You'll See and Do
- Cultural Exploration
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Springs
- Natural History
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Spa Element