PRICES & DATES top
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Iceland Trail Rides: Prices & Dates 2023
High season is for departure from June 25 to August 18, 2023. All other departures are priced as low season.
10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT BOOK BY END OF DECEMBER 2022
- Northern Exposure – Wonders of Lake Mývatn
Low Season $2,647
High Season $2,760
June 26 – July 1, July 31 – August 5 / August: 7 -12 & 14-19 & 21-26
- Snæfellsnes – Mountain & Beach Ride
Low Season $2,767
High Season $2,830
June: 3 – 10 & 17 – 24 / Aug: 12-19 & 26 – Sep 2 – All Rides Fully Booked
- Snæfellsnes: Nature and Beach ride in Löngufjörur North-West adventures
Low Season $998
High Season $1,112
June: 3 – 5 & 17 – 19 Aug: 12 – 14 & 26 – 28
- Golden Circle – Southern Comfort
Low Season $2,723
High Season $2,811
May: 27 – June 2 June: 3 – 9 & 10 – 16 & 17 – 23 July: 15 – 21 Aug: 19 – 25 & 26 – Sept 1
- Kjölur – Across the heart of Iceland
Low Season $2,811
High Season $3,013
June: 23 – 30 & 30 -7 July: 23 – 30 & 30 – Aug 6th Aug: 3 – 10 & 11 – 18
- Under the Mystique Midnight Sun – Ride through summer solstice
$2,565
June: 17 – 22
- Ice Riding and Mývatn Open
$1,434
March: 2- 5 – Fully Booked
- Riding between Rivers
Low Season $1,421
High Season $1,548
May: 29 – 31 June: 5 – 7 & 12 – 14 & 19 – 21 July: 17 – 19 Aug: 21 – 23 & 28 – 30
- Snæfellsnes – Beach to Mountain
Low Season $1,724
High Season $1,876
June: 5 – 10 & 19 – 24 Aug: 14 – 19 & 28 – Sep 2 – All Rides Fully Booked
- Geysir Gullfoss Special
Low Season $1,769
High Season $1,901
May: 27 – June 1 June: 3 – 8 & 10 – 15 & 17 – 22 July: 15 – 20 & 22 – 27 & 29 – Aug 3 Aug: 26 – 31
- The Arctic North
$3,076
July: 3 – 10
- Trail of Hope – Nord-West Adventures
Low Season $1,901
High Season $2,034
June: 11 – 15 & 18 – 22 July: 30 – Aug 3 Aug: 7 – 11 & 22– 26
- Landmannalaugar – Volcano mt Hekla
Low Season $3,095
June: 25 – July 1st July: 4 – 10 Aug: 11 – 17 – All Rides Fully Booked
- Winter Riding and Northern Lights
$1,333
February 28 – March 3rd March 7- 10 & 14 – 17 & 21 – 24 & 28 – 31 Oct 10 – 13 & 17 – 20 & 24 – 27 & 31 – Nov 3rd November 7 – 10 & 14 – 17 & 21 – 24 & 28 – Dec 1 December 5 – 8 & 12 – 15
- Autumn adventure – Pearls of the Northwest – Includes a ’round up’ day
$1,775
Sep: 7 – 11
- Glimpse of Fjallabak, Food and Fun
$1,996
June: 19 – 24 & 24 – 29
- Kings Trail – Across the Western Highlands
$3,209
July: 13 – 19 & 21 – 27 – All Rides Fully Booked
- Tour With No Name!
$2,950
Jul: 14 – 20 & 20 – 26 – All Rides Fully Booked
Children – 25% Discount under 12 years old
Families – 5% Discount – Parents and children 12 – 18 years old travelling with parents, minimum family of 3
Note: Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our ‘Terms & Conditions’ for full details.
Included – All the riding with 3-4 ponies per person & full board shared accommodation.
Excluded – Flights, tips, airport transfers and alcohol (BYO policy).
Getting There
International flight to Klefavik.
Transfer
Short transfer to Reykjavik.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Iceland Trail Rides: Prices & Dates 2024
High season is for departure from June 24 to August 18, 2024. All other departures are priced as low season.
7% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ON ALL 2024 RIDES WHEN BOOKED BY NOVEMBER 1ST 2023
- Northern Exposure – Wonders of Lake Mývatn
5-nights
Low Season $2,767
High Season $2,811
24 – 29 June, 29 July – 3 August
5 – 10, 12 – 17 & 19 – 24 August
- Snæfellsnes – Mountain & Beach Ride
7-nights
Low Season $2,893
High Season $2,918
3 – 10 June, 22 – 29 June
3 – 10 August, 17 – 24 August
- Golden Circle – Southern Comfort
6-nights
Low Season $2,723
High Season $2,811
1 – 7, 8 – 14 & 15 – 21 June
27 July – 2 August
24 – 30 August & 31 August – 6 September
- Kjölur – Across the heart of Iceland
7-nights
Low Season $3,019
High Season $3,234
9 – 16 June & 26 June – 3 July
5 – 12 & 12 -19 July
7 -14 & 14 – 21 August
- Under the Mystique Midnight Sun – Ride through summer solstice
5-nights
$2,590
16 – 21 June
- Ice Riding and Mývatn Open
3-nights
$1,541
29 February – 3 March
- Snæfellsnes – Beach to Mountain
6-nights
Low Season $1,851
High Season $2,015
31 August – 5 September
- Geysir Gullfoss Special
5-nights
Low Season $1,901
High Season $2,040
1 – 6, 8 – 13 & 15 – 20 June
27 July – 1 August
24 – 29 August & 3 August – 5 September
- The Arctic North
7-nights
$3,026
1 – 8 July
- Trail of Hope – Nord-West Adventures
4-nights
Low Season $1,965
High Season $2,116
8 – 12, 15 – 19 & 23 – 27 June
30 June – 4 July & 29 July – 2 August
25 – 29 August
- Landmannalaugar – Volcano mt Hekla
6-nights
Low Season $3,146
High Season $3,241
24 – 30 June
1 – 7 July
5 – 11 & 12 – 18 August
- Winter Riding and Northern Lights
3-nights
$1,409
27 February – 1 March
5 – 8, 12 – 15, 19 – 22, 26 – 29 March
8 – 11, 15 – 18, 22 – 25 October
29 October – 1 November
5 – 8, 12 -15, 19 – 22, 26 – 29 November
3 – 6 & 10 – 13 December
- Autumn adventure – Pearls of the Northwest – Includes a ’round up’ day
4-nights
$1,832
5 – 9 September
- Kings Trail – Across the Western Highlands
6-nights
$3,348
22 – 28 July & 30 July – 5 August
- Tour With No Name!
6-nights
$3,171
12 – 18 & 18 – 24 July
Children – 25% Discount under 12 years old
Families – 5% Discount – Parents and children 12 – 18 years old travelling with parents, minimum family of 3
Note: Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our ‘Terms & Conditions’ for full details.
Included – All the riding with 3-4 ponies per person & full board shared accommodation.
Excluded – Flights, tips, airport transfers and alcohol (BYO policy).
Getting There
International flight to Klefavik.
Transfer
Short transfer to Reykjavik.
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
SUMMARY OF THE TRIP top
Iceland is a unique country in itself but if you add the Icelandic pony with its extraordinary gait and stamina on these Icelandic Riding Trails, you end up with a very special and a very different horse riding holiday.
This selection of trails has been crafted over many years by a collection of farmers we support directly year after year in Iceland. They offer their best home bred Icelandic horses for you to ride and guide you personally across the whole of Iceland in areas of pristine beauty, which only they know like the back of their hands.
Please have a read through each Iceland Trail Ride Summary below and a full day to day itinerary is available on request. Rides run throughout the whole year and are a selection of trails rides from one place to the next, along beaches, in the mountains, rounding up sheep, rounding up horses, celebrating the summer solstice, riding at night instead of the day, farm stay breaks and rides for those that have less riding experience than is required for trail rides – pretty much there is a ride for everyone, including families and children!
Icelandic horses, although small in height are extremely comfortable to ride and famous for the 5 gaits unique to this breed.
A bit about the special gait the ‘Tolt’
The tolt is the speciality of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horses hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. This flying pace is a two-beat gait, well known in the international racing world. When pacing the horse moves both legs on the same side together. In Iceland, pace horses are ridden in races and pace racing in Iceland is one of the oldest and most respected equestrian sports.
THE RIDING top
Iceland Trail Rides: Horses – Pure Icelandic Ponies.
Iceland Trail Rides: Level of Riding & Pace – Beginner to Advanced. A good level of fitness is required as you will be spending long hours in the saddle especially on the advanced trail rides
Tack – English.
Weight Restriction – 16 Stone / 102 kg / 224 lbs.
Iceland Trail Rides: Group Size – Maximum 18.
ACCOMMODATION top
A mix of cosy, simple guesthouses & farmhouses. The food is lovely home cooked Icelandic food, consisting of soups & stews, fish & lamb, with healthy breakfasts & lunches.
Iceland’s Trail Rides – Summary
- Northern Exposure
This tour was nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the 10 best trails in the world.
The North of Iceland is known for its spectacular natural sights and diverse landscape. Our tour goes from Bjarnastaðir Farm near Húsavík to the Lake Mývatn area, famous for its volcanic features and rich birdlife. Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall, and pearls of Öxarfjörður, are just some of the gems of nature we´ll be seeing on this amazing tour.
An optional whale watching tour completes the selection of natural attractions on and offshore.
We ride along soft riding tracks ideal for “tölting”, the unique extra gait of the Icelandic Horse. The first day we spend in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and visit both Dettifoss Waterfall and Ásbyrgi Canyon. From rich green pastureland we head towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains and spend a night in a mountain cabin at Theistareykir. Through an area scarred with cracks and fissures from earthquakes and volcanic activity the route takes us to Lake Mývatn where bubbling mud pools and eerie lava formations are a reminder of the powerful energy right beneath our feet. We will have the opportunity to bathe in the warm geothermal water of the outdoor pool at the Mývatn Nature Baths.
- Snæfellsnes
The Snæfellsjökull National Park is where you find one of Iceland´s most beautiful and emblematic sights – the glacier-covered cone volcano Snæfellsjökull. Riding on this trail is definitely the best way to see the astonishing nature of the peninsula. The mystery and spiritual aura of this still active volcano were made famous through Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Many of the great Sagas are located in this very area. Today the remote beauty and rich bird life draw visitors from all over the world. The peninsula itself is often called “Iceland in a nutshell” because of its diversity of landscape.
- Golden Circle
What better or more unique way to do the popular Golden Circle Tour than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland. The key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir, Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall. Each one guaranteed to take your breath away.
This tour is perfect for families and those not having the required riding experience for our highland tours. Keep in mind that riding days can be long so you should be in good physical shape and have the basic horsemanship skills.
On the first riding day you get acquainted with the unique Icelandic Horse and its special extra gait as we take an easy trek along the banks of the majestic Thjórsá River. We continue towards Gullfoss Waterfall with its thundering waters and the hot spring area of Geysir. After a relaxed day´s riding in that locality we next explore some of the more remote places, well off the beaten track. On our way to our accommodation, we visit the charming Secret Lagoon for a well-deserved bath. We cross the highland moor of Hrunaheiði and enjoy good riding tracks on our way back to Kálfhóll Farm.
Part of this tour can be booked as 5-day tour/4 riding days – see our tour Geysir Gullfoss Special and as a 2-day tour / 2 riding days- see our tour From Geysers to Mountains.
- Kjölur
Step back in time and ride along the ancient Kjölur trail as Icelanders did over the centuries when traveling to the annual summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. We visit this historic site where the heart of the nation beats and which became Iceland´s first National Park in 1930. When we arrive at the south we will visit and enjoy the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Travelling from south to north or vice versa right across the heart of Iceland we find ourselves traversing sandy deserts close to the mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. Sheltered green valley’s come as a surprise in this rugged terrain. Hveravellir is a geothermal area in the highlands where we can soak in a long hot bath under the Midnight Sun.
- Under the Mystique Midnight Sun – Ride through summer solstice
On this unique tour, we will let the midnight sun guide our path! We ride during the night and sleep during the day. The midnight sun is nowhere brighter than where we will be riding in the northernmost part of Iceland. We will be riding exactly when the Summer Solstice occurs on June 21 when we have the longest day of the year. On that day we will have the unique opportunity to see the sunshine through all three pillars of the Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn. This is a newly built monument for the island´s Pagan worshippers.
This part of Iceland is inhabited by only a few people, most of them living in little fishing villages along the coast. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with riding a few days on the beach. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the NorthAmerican and Eurasian plates drift apart. From mid-June to mid-July this area is “home” to the Midnight Sun which sends its golden light over the deep fjords of North Iceland.
Hosts for this tour are Halldór and Elín with their family from Bjarnastaðir Farm, known to many Icelanders for their excellent breeding of horses. Halldór is a respected member of his community and among other things, he is a “mountain king” when the time calls for gathering up the sheep in autumn.
- Geysir Gulfoss Special
This tour is a short version of the popular Golden Circle Tour taking place in the hot spring area of Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. We also visit Thingvellir National Park on our transfer day. Enjoy accommodation at a cosy holiday farm with a hot outdoor tub and a hotel with private facilities during this tour.
- Arctic North
This part of Iceland is inhabited by only a few people, most of them living in little fishing villages along the coast. There is a lot of diversity on this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart. From mid-June to mid-July this area is “home” to the Midnight Sun which sends its golden light over the deep fjords of North Iceland.
- Trail of Hope
This tour is an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to enjoy a comfortable ride in a variety of landscapes. As we ride through unspoiled nature our guide introduces us to Iceland´s heroic past with tales of bloody conflict, revenge and love from the ancient Sagas.
Cantering along seemingly endless sandy stretches with the sea air in one´s face is an exhilarating experience for both rider and mount. There´s plenty of time to try the horse´s unique gait known as “tölt” while enjoying nature and learning something of the rich history of this beautiful and remote area. We start the ride at Hvammur Farm in Vatnsdalur valley. Sense the adrenaline kick as we ride across the waters of Lake Hóp, driving a herd of free-running horses ahead of us. A visit to a seal colony on the North-Atlantic coast is something you don´t want to miss.
- Landmannalaugar to Volcano Mt Hekla
Mount Hekla is a highly active volcano often titled the “Queen of Iceland”. The mountain towers regally over the region and every day we see evidence of its numerous devastating eruptions throughout the ages. In the old times, people actually believed it to be the gateway to hell. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Southern Highlands. It’s natural bathing pools are only one of the highlights which make this area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for nature lovers.
- Winter Riding and Northern Lights – Winter adventures for Horse Lovers
Winter in Iceland means a countryside ablaze with colour 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 between rivers, Þjórsá and Hvítá 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 tranquillity of the Icelandic countryside and gaze skywards to perhaps see green-coloured Northern Lights dancing above you (weather permitting).
- Autumn adventure – Pearls of the Northwest – Includes a ’round up’ day
We are proud to present an autumn adventure in the Northwest of Iceland that includes a round up day. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Húnaflói Fjord and into the mysterious highland with a great view towards the two great glaciers: Hofsjökull and Langjökull
We will meet sheep farmers on their way back to civilisation after many days in the saddle, herd a big flock of sheep. It is for sure a unique sight to witness 14 thousand sheep on their way back home after spending the summer up in the highland followed by over 30 shepherds with 100 horses! You can feel the joy and the excitement as this is their last day and everyone is on their way back home. You can for sure help them out and take part in the singing and the happiness. When you participate in the Round Ups you are experiencing the Real Thing! You will be one of the group to herd and sort the animals. Of course, that means long hours outside in sometimes cold weather. Iceland in autumn has many colours and types of weather. Anticipate being in golden sunshine one moment and to ride in rain and even sleet during the next.
We therefore recommend to dress well during these tours, to bring long woolen underwear and lots of woolen socks and gloves. It is also good to bring some quick energy supplier like chocolate. A warm rider is a happy rider!
- Kings Trail – Across the Western Highlands
The Kings Trail is a unique tour where we ride across Iceland´s western highlands, from the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley in the north and shrine of the nation Þingvellir in the south.
1907 the King of Denmark and Iceland, visited the country. Because of this huge event, some improvements were made on the ancient tracks to Þingvellir, to make it easier for the population to ride to the old parliament place and see their king. That is why we still today call parts of our trails leading to Þingvellir Kings Trail.
We enjoy the true quality of the Icelandic horse in the mystical inspiring landscape and peaceful wilderness. Our historical riding paths lead us across the legendary Arnarvatnheiði Heath with its countless lakes and myths. During our ride the majestic glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull are on the east side of our tracks. We visit the geothermal area Húsafell. Húsafell is often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers with its natural forest and great outdoor pool. This is the perfect location to enjoy the midnight sun in Iceland. The Þingvellir National Park is a number one location to visit in Iceland. There is nothing more authentic then visiting the UNESCO park then on a horseback like the Icelanders have done for centuries! At this heart of the nation the first parliament was founded in the year 930 AD. Þingvellir is not only designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical importance but also because of the very special geology and natural features. Along this magnificent trail we travel with a herd of 60-90 free running horses, and everyone will find his/her favourite horses. Haukur, his team and his horses as well as the many spectacular natural and historical sites make the Kings Trail an unforgettable experience.
- Ice Riding and Mývatn open
Our tour starts at Bjarnastaðir farm (near Húsavík in the north) where our farmer Halldór and his wife Elín live. Wintertime 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.
- The Tour With No Name!
The north east and east Iceland is known for its spectacular sights and untouched nature. Our tour goes from Bjarnastaðir Farm (near Húsavík) where our farmer Halldór and his wife Elín live. The ride takes us from the north all the way to the eastern wilderness. The path from Bjarnastaðir to the Eastern part of Iceland is amongst the most rural parts of the country. We follow both excellent riding paths and rougher terrain while witnessing stunning sites only available to horse riders. There is nothing like riding a horse while viewing a flock of reindeers in the wild, the arctic fox running in distance and the rich birdlife that guides our way. The first tour goes from North to East while the second tour goes from East to North.SAMPLE ITINERARY top
GOLDEN CIRCLE RIDE – An example of one of the most popular trail rides in Iceland.
All the other trail ride day to day itineraries are available on request.
Day 1
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00, where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Blesastaðir Guesthouse, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Day 2
After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along the pleasant trail at Thjórsá glacier fed river. We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub at Blesastaðir Guesthouse before a hearty dinner. (Approximately 15 km)
Day 3
We leave Blesastaðir and drive back to the horses. From there we head off to the fertile farmlands of neighbouring community Hrunamannahreppur. We drive spare horses along in a free running herd, enabling us to change our mount regularly and traveling at a brisk space. We cross the well know Salmon River Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn. We continue our ride on good trails, towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Our ride ends at Brúarhlöð and we drive to the Myrkholt Farm, where we spend the night. (Approximately 30 km) Day 4. Myrkholt – Gullfoss – Myrkholt We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting, alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever-deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Myrkholt where we spend the night. (Approximately 20 km)
Day 4
Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði. Rest of the day is spent at the Geysir area. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. (Approximately 18 km)
Day 5
Guesthouse We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilization. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, we drive to the Secret Lagoon for relaxing bath in the geothermal pool and then drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse and spend the night. (Approximately 30 km)
Day 6
Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. Today we follow good riding tracks past Mt. Galtafell. We cross River Laxá before we reach Sandlækjarmýri. We turn towards the banks of Thjórsá River and follow them to Kálfhóll Farm. Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff and horses and return to Reykjavík, approx. arrival at 20:00. (Approximately 40 km)
DESTINATION MAP top
Zara’s Planet Horse Riding Holidays Guarantee:
All our horse riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book one of our horse riding holidays and will refund the difference should you find the same horse riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
If you are having trouble finding exactly the right horse riding holiday for you from our horse riding holidays collection, please contact us directly using the form below and tell us in your own words what you would like to do and we will use our extensive knowledge to make sure we find that perfect horse riding holiday.
CHECK AVAILABILITY top
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