Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik

Horseback riding along Iceland's spectacular beaches.
Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik
Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik
Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik
Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik
Unique Horse Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Optional Pick-up from Reykjavik
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
From: Eldhestar Farm - Hveragerdi
Pick-up

When to book

Most travelers book about 6 weeks ahead. The price is the same all season, so book the date that suits you. August is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Hotel pick-up or Eldhestar Farm - Hveragerdi
Duration
8 hours - 9 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English
Available
May - Sept.
Minimum age
8 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 6 weeks ahead. The price is the same all season, so book the date that suits you. August is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Embark on an unforgettable horseback riding tour that takes you through Iceland’s breathtaking countryside and one of its iconic black sand beaches. Perfect for those who crave excitement and natural beauty, this tour for experienced riders offers the ultimate blend of thrill and stunning landscapes.

Begin your journey in Reykjavik with a convenient morning pick-up, where you'll be greeted by your driver and guide for the day. As you leave the city behind, you’ll head toward the charming fishing town of Thorlakshofn, a hidden gem nestled along Iceland’s southern coast.

This small town serves as the perfect starting point for a horseback adventure that promises to showcase some of the most diverse landscapes Iceland has to offer. Upon arrival in Thorlakshofn, your Icelandic horses, known for their gentle nature and unique riding pace, will be ready and waiting for you.

The adventure begins with a ride along a long, black volcanic beach. The soft, black lava sand beneath your horse’s hooves provides a unique path as you follow the scenic shoreline, the waves of the North Atlantic crashing nearby.

As you continue along the beach, you’ll soon reach the area where the impressive glacial river Olfusa meets the sea, forming a large delta. This confluence of river and ocean creates a landscape that is both rugged and beautiful. At one point during the tour, you will have the chance to cross the river on your horse like Icelanders have been doing for centuries.

Leaving the river behind, your journey continues along grassy riverbanks, winding through wetlands and meadows. The peaceful surroundings of the Olfus area are a stark contrast to the crashing waves you encountered earlier, offering a serene and immersive experience in Iceland's countryside.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the smooth, flowing pace of the Icelandic horse, known as the “tolt.” The gentle rhythm of the tolt, combined with the stunning views of nearby mountains and volcanoes like Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull, creates an unforgettable riding experience.

As you ride further inland, you’ll pass through the Floi Bird Reserve, a haven for sea and wetland birds. Keep an eye out for various species that call this area home as they add to the rich wildlife that thrives in this part of Iceland.

The trail then leads you to the historic old cemetery at Arnarbaeli, a place that offers a quiet moment of reflection into the past amid the scenic beauty. From here, your path takes you along the river Gljufura, passing lush pastures where Icelandic horses graze peacefully. The sight of these horses, set against the backdrop of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, is a fitting end to your ride.

Finally, you’ll arrive back at the horse farm, where your journey concludes. After a day of exploring black sand beaches, riverbanks, and the tranquil countryside, you'll be driven back to Reykjavik.

Please note that this tour is most suitable for experienced riders only. If you do not consider yourself an intermediate, strong intermediate, or advanced rider, please choose a different tour instead.

Dont miss out on the opportunity to witness the beautiful landscapes of the South Coast of Iceland on this amazing horseback riding tour. Check availability by choosing a date.

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

4,5 to 5,5 hours on horseback
Lunch box
Coffee and cake
Helmet and rain gear
Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik

Activities

Horse Riding
Sightseeing
Bird watching
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Attractions

ÖlfusáÖlfusá
Floi bird reserveFloi bird reserve
Arnarbæli Old CemeteryArnarbæli Old Cemetery
EyjafjallajokullEyjafjallajokull
Katla VolcanoKatla Volcano
Myrdalsjokull GlacierMyrdalsjokull Glacier
HveragerdiHveragerdi
ThorlakshofnThorlakshofn
South CoastSouth Coast
ÖlfusÖlfus
HeklaHekla
Hotel EldhestarHotel Eldhestar

Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures. Free pick-up is included with this tour.

Pick-up location

This tour includes hotel pickup. Use the drop-down to view pickup locations. You can also add your pick-up location later.

How it works

Secure your spot with Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace—instant confirmation, best price guarantee, and 24/7 local support.

Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.
Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

What to bring

Sturdy shoes
Gloves
Warm waterproof clothing

Good to know

This tour suits only experienced riders.

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Price per person by month

Summer only.

The price stays at about US$305 per person from May to September, with no peak-season surcharge. Not available: October to April.

Stable price all season
US$305per person
Every month costs the same

Average price per person, by month

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
US$303
Jun
Jul
US$303
Aug
US$303
Sep
US$303
Oct
Nov
Dec
Runs this monthDoesn’t run
Prices from US$303Lowest price, in several months
May to SeptemberRuns 5 months a year

Weather and cancellations

Rarely called off.

0%
May
0%
Aug
0%
Sep
None called off
  • Called off by the operator? You get a full refund or a free rebooking.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

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We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

  • Free cancellation & full refund

  • Unlimited changes and support

  • Best price always guaranteed

  • 0% booking & credit card fees

Who books this tour

Who travels on this tour, where they come from and which days fill up first.

Who books

1.3travelers per booking on average
Couples20%
Solo travelers70%
Families with children10%

Solo travelers make up the largest share of bookings, at 70%. Couples follow, at 20%.

Where travelers come from

United States54%from the United States
United StatesUnited States54%
SwitzerlandSwitzerland15%
SwedenSweden15%
GermanyGermany8%
FranceFrance8%

The largest share of travelers, 54%, comes from the United States, followed by Switzerland and Sweden.

Busiest days of the week

Tue, Wed, Fri, SatbusiestSunquietest
Mon
10%
Tue
20%
Wed
20%
Thu
10%
Fri
20%
Sat
20%
Sun
0%
Busiest daysQuietest days

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are the busiest departure days. Sunday is the quietest.

Verified reviews

7 reviews
9.8
All languages
All ratings
All ratings
Christine Dahl
10
Amazing!

Christine Dahl

Anna was the best guide! Very knowledgeable and helpful and kind. I loved the whole day! It was wonderful to just have 2 guests and the guide as we both got personal attention.

regina m mcbride
10
Amazing!

regina m mcbride

Amazing, amazing day. Riding on the beach, through the waters of the delta, along the coast and fields of flowers, up through the fields and farms with stops for sandwiches and cookies and to let the horses have some grass, it's just the most beautiful route you could imagine. It's a long ride, and I was surprised to find I didn't find the "tolt" very comfortable, and there was a lot of it - some galloping too, which was really fun, haven't done that since I was a kid, and a little horse handling experience too which was great for my grandson - all in all a once in a lifetime ride which will never be forgotten by either of us. Thousand times better than any trail ride I've been on in the States.

Sandra Gallasch
10
Amazing!

Sandra Gallasch

Translated from German

A wonderful experience with nature and animals! Our guide, Eva, was super lovely, explained everything really well, and gave us an unforgettable adventure.

Beginners and pros were equally happy!

Evelyn Hock
10
Amazing!

Evelyn Hock

Translated from German

Experiencing the tölt gait was so special and beautiful! I rode for 6 hours along the beach, through marshland, lupines, and rivers! Simply dreamy, like in a movie...

Hiroshi FUJIKAWA
8.0
Great!

Hiroshi FUJIKAWA

It was a pity that intermittent rain plagued us all day.

Had it been a clear day, I think it would have been the best horse trekking experience I've ever had, with splendid views.There were several river crossings, which I particularly loved, and I also enjoyed cantering on the black sand beach.

Next time, I'd like to stay overnight and challenge myself with a multi-day course.

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