Price
2026
Northern Lights Winter Trail
3 Nights - €1,360 per person, sharing
Ice Riding
3 Nights - €1,570 per person, sharing
Dates & Prices
ICELAND
Winter Riding - 2 Itineraries
Overview
Iceland in winter offers a magical and starkly beautiful experience primarily defined by the season's darkness and cold. The extended periods of night, especially around December, maximize the opportunity to witness the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing vividly across the sky. Furthermore, winter is the only time when the famous natural ice caves form and are accessible for exploration. These crystalline blue tunnels inside massive glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, provide a unique and breathtaking geological experience that is entirely dependent on the freezing temperatures.
Beyond these spectacles, the Icelandic landscape is transformed by snow and ice, turning the rugged mountains, volcanoes, and powerful waterfalls into a serene and dramatic winter wonderland, which can be enjoyed with far fewer tourists. This season creates the perfect contrast for indulging in the country's geothermal culture, relaxing in a steaming hot spring or lagoon while surrounded by freezing air or falling snow.
Combined with horse riding in the snow or on a frozen lake, winter presents a uniquely adventurous and atmospheric Icelandic journey. We offer two distinct Winter Rides in Iceland:
Northern Lights Winter Trail
Enjoy visiting the best-known sights in Iceland, riding the Icelandic Horse along fine bridle paths and viewing a dazzling Northern Lights display after a great day in the saddle.
Ice Riding
Ride on the ice of lake Mývatn in the North, watch the Mývatn open when horses and riders compete on the ice and warm up in geothermal meccas of the north.
Our selection of curated trails is run by the local farmers. They personally guide riders across breathtaking, pristine areas of the Icelandic wilderness, ensuring an authentic and privileged riding experience found nowhere else.
Location
North and South of Iceland
Airport
Reykjavik, Iceland
Duration
3 nights
When to go
February-March, October-December
Riding level
All levels
Weight
102 kg / 16 stone / 224 lbs
Group size
18 max
Accommodation
Shared dorm style rooms in farmhouses
Included
All the riding and full board shared accommodation.
Extras
Children - 25% discount applicable for under 12's.
No single rooms available.
Excluded
Flights, tips, airport transfers and alcohol (BYO policy).
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
Our Iceland riding itineraries start and end in Reykjavik.
Pick up is directly from the airport or from BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík at set times. Pleace check the details at the time of booking. Depending on your flight times, you may need to fly in a day earlier and stay in a hotel in Reykjavik at your own cost.
Departure dates
2026
Northern Lights Winter Trail
February: 24 - 27
March: 3 - 6, 10 - 13, 17 - 20
October: 6 - 9, 13 - 16, 20 - 23
November: 3 - 6, 10 - 13, 17 - 20
December: 1 - 4, 8 - 11
Ice Riding
26 February - 1 March
Riding & Itinerary
NORTHERN LIGHTS WINTER TRAIL
Intermediate to Advanced riders
Winter in Iceland means a countryside ablaze with color and the Northern Lights dancing in the Arctic night sky. Enjoy visiting the best-known sights in Iceland, riding the Icelandic Horse along fine bridle paths and viewing a dazzling Northern Lights display after a great day in the saddle. Riding during the wintertime is an Icelandic tradition and a wonderful experience.
We will take a tour and visit the Secret Lagoon where you can relax in the mineral-rich water. We will ride along the river Þjórsá and visit the Golden circle. During the riding days, “tölt”, the special gait of the Icelandic Horse will be introduced to you while riding on the river trails, made for tölting.
Get ready in the evenings to experience the unique tranquility of the Icelandic countryside and gaze skywards to perhaps see green-colored Northern Lights dancing above you (weather permitting).
ICE RIDING
Beginner to Advanced riders
Our tour starts at Bjarnastaðir farm (near Húsavík in the north) where our farmer Halldór and his wife Elín live. Winter time is the main riding season in Iceland and is substantially different than riding during the summer time. Riding in the snow and on the ice is very magical and is something that every rider should try at least once in their lifetime.
We will ride Halldórs spectacularly trained and sure-footed horses and enjoy a comfortable ride on the ice of lake Mývatn, watch the Mývatn open when horses and riders compete on the ice and warm up in geothermal meccas of the north.
Note
The winter is as wonderful as it is unpredictable. Therefore we reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to the weather and light conditions.
Please disinfect all of your riding gear to protect the horses. Used leather gear is not allow to Iceland, bring insulated rubber style boots or brand new unused winter riding boots.
Horses
Icelandic Horses
Riding level
All levels
Type of riding
Prepare for cold weather with appropriate gear
Tack
English
Weight limit
102 kg / 16 stone / 224 lbs
Group size
18 max
Accommodation & Meals
These itineraries have a simple farmhouse accommodation in shared dorm style rooms. The food is lovely home cooked Icelandic food, consisting of soups and stews, fish and lamb, with healthy breakfasts and lunches.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the remote areas. We recommend you bring your own bottle.
Northern Lights Winter Trail
The River Site Cabins at Kálfhóll Farm sit peacefully overlooking the glacial river Þjórsá, offering stunning views of the surrounding farmland and Mt. Hekla in the distance. These cozy cabins are a perfect blend of comfort and nature, the ideal base after a day of riding with the Icelandic horses. Guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub, listen to the river flow, and enjoy the warm hospitality of this family-run farm.
Ice Riding
Farm accommodation in shared rooms.
Accommodation
Shared dorm style rooms in farmhouses
Single Supplement
Shared accommodation only
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
Bring your own alcohol policy
The Destination
Iceland's appeal as a winter destination is rooted in its unique access to natural phenomena intensified by the long hours of darkness and cold weather. The primary draw is the maximum visibility of the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), complemented by the opportunity to explore otherworldly natural blue ice caves that only form safely inside glaciers during the winter months. Beyond these spectacles, the cold transforms the landscapes into a tranquil, snow-draped wonderland, creating a striking contrast for soaking in the therapeutic waters of geothermally heated lagoons and hot springs while surrounded by freezing air.
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