Horseback riding tours in Iceland are a memorable way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes — from lava fields and black sand beaches to green valleys and coastal trails.
The sturdy Icelandic horse is known for its smooth gait and gentle nature, making it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Tours are available year-round across Iceland, with gear and guidance included. You can join a horse riding tour near Reykjavik or along your road trip route.
Top Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Iceland has many horseback riding tours that offer different experiences depending on the region and the season. Whether you want a short ride or a full-day adventure, there are options for everyone.
You will be accompanied by expert riders who will guide your tour and ensure a safe and pleasant experience. You'll be provided with all the gear you need, such as helmets, and you'll learn how to handle your horse before starting the tour.
Some tours provide transfers from Reykjavik, while others can be joined on location if you're planning a road trip, giving you the freedom to add this activity to your adventure. Here are some of the best horseback riding tours in different areas of Iceland.
Best Horse Riding Tours From Reykjavik
Reykjavik offers several excellent horseback riding tours for all riding levels. Some tours even offer convenient pickup from your accommodation, making it easy to enjoy a riding adventure even if you're short on time.
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The Horse Riding Tour from Reykjavik: The best-rated horse riding tour offers pickup from Reykjavik. You'll ride through the beautiful Raudholar red hills and take in the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
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Easy 2-Hour Horse Riding Tour through Lava Fields: See beautiful lava fields on the friendly Icelandic horse on this top-rated tour. It offers an optional Reykjavik transfer.
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Scenic 5-Hour Horseback Riding & Icelandic Heritage Tour: This longer horse-riding experience brings you to the scenic countryside close to the town of Hveragerdi. It includes pick-up from Reykjavik.
Best Horse Riding Tours in South Iceland
South Iceland is home to some incredible landscapes, making it a perfect place for horseback riding! These are the best horse tour options in the region.
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Horseback Riding Tour on the Black Sand Beach from Vik: This best-rated South Iceland tour departs from Vik and is great for all skill levels. You'll ride along the beautiful black sand beach with views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and dramatic mountains.
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Horse Riding Tour from Hveragerdi: This highly-rated, family-friendly tour departs from Hveragerdi, and you'll ride through lush hillsides known for their geothermal activity.
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Enchanting 1.5-Hour Horse Riding Tour of the Reykjadalur Valley: Ride through the famous Reykjadalur hot spring valley and witness the geothermal heat of the earth, surrounded by lush mountains. This highly rated tour starts in Hveragerdi town.
Best Horse Riding Tours in North Iceland
North Iceland is a very popular region for horse riding, with great options to choose from. Explore scenic coastlines and landscapes with the best horse tours in the North.
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1.5-Hour Horseback Riding in the Countryside: Explore the peaceful landscapes of the historic Skagafjordur fjord with this best-rated tour.
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Small Group 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour in North Iceland: This highly-rated excursion offers a gentle ride through the northern countryside starting from the village of Varmahlid by the Ring Road.
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Scenic 1.5-Hour Seaside Horseback Riding Tour in Husavik: This tour departs from Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and takes you along beautiful coastal trails with views of the sea.
Best Horse Riding Tours in East Iceland
East Iceland is a region of dramatic fjords, vast wilderness, and quiet coastal villages. These horseback riding experiences are perfect for exploring off the beaten path, and these are the best options.
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3-Hour Horse Riding Wilderness Tour in the Countryside: This top-rated adventure takes you into the untouched wilderness surrounding the Wilderness Center, where you’ll ride through quiet trails on the edge of the eastern highlands.
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Magical 3-Hour Midnight Sun Horseback Riding Tour: This experience is only available between June and August, as you'll ride under the soft glow of the midnight sun, surrounded by the serene East Iceland landscapes. It starts from the Wilderness Center.
Best Horse Riding Tours in West Iceland
West Iceland is home to very diverse nature and areas like the capital region, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and the Westfjords. These are the best horse riding tours in West Iceland.
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2-Hour Horseback Ride through Mosfellsbaer: This highly-rated tour takes you through the serene countryside in the Mosfellsdalur valley, west of the capital region. Enjoy the fresh air and lush green fields as you explore this beautiful area.
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Exciting 1.5-Hour Horse Riding Tour of Borgarnes: Explore the nature around the town of Borganes on horseback and admire the beautiful Borgarfjordur fjord, surrounded by tall mountains.
Best Horse Riding Tours on the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of the best places to combine sightseeing with horseback riding. These tours include visits to top attractions like Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, along with a scenic ride on a friendly Icelandic horse. Most tours include transfers from Reykjavik, making them easy to join during a day of exploring.
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Classic 11-Hour Golden Circle & Horse Riding Tour with Audio Guide: Enjoy a full-day Golden Circle tour with an included 1-hour horseback ride. Features an in-bus audio guide in multiple languages and optional pickup from Reykjavik.
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The Golden Circle & Horse Riding Tour from Reykjavik: Combine the three Golden Circle highlights with a relaxed riding tour on the same day. Includes pickup, lunch, and a professional English-speaking guide.
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1-Hour Horse Riding Trip in the Golden Circle: A short and family-friendly riding tour ideal for all experience levels. Starts from Sydra Langholt and can be added to a self-drive day around the Golden Circle.
What to Know About Horse Riding Tours in Iceland
Horse riding tours in Iceland are available all year, but each season brings a different experience. In summer, you’ll ride through lush landscapes, while winter tours showcase snowy scenery and the Icelandic horse in its adorable, fluffy winter coat.
There are different horse tour lengths to choose from, and you can take short rides that only take an hour or two, which are usually family-friendly. If you want to go all out on a horse-riding adventure, some tours last up to a full day and often include additional activities, like hot spring bathing in nature. These are better suited to experienced riders.
What makes horse riding in Iceland truly special is the Icelandic horse itself. Icelandic horses are famous for their gentle nature, their unique, smooth “tölt” gait, and their ability to travel easily over rough ground.
They were brought here by the first settlers of Iceland over 1,000 years ago, and this small, strong horse is one of the purest breeds in the world. To protect the breed, Iceland doesn’t allow other horses into the country, and Icelandic horses that leave can never return. This helps keep the breed healthy and unique.
You’ll find horseback riding tours all around the country, so whether you're staying in Iceland's capital or planning a road trip, you’ll have plenty of chances to ride the special Icelandic horse.
