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The best horse riding tours in Iceland include the black sand beach ride from Vik Village, lava field rides near Reykjavik, and countryside rides in North Iceland. Most tours last one to three hours and welcome beginners.
Our study of Iceland’s horse population by region finds the largest herd in South Iceland, followed by Northwest Iceland. Both regions are easy to include in self-drive tours, and you can also experience Icelandic horses through guided activities across the country.
Horse riding is among the 20 things tourism professionals most often recommend in a 2026 survey of Iceland’s top experiences. It also ranks third in a comparison of 19 Iceland activity types by traveler satisfaction.
For expert insight, we spoke with Sanna, a riding guide for the horse riding tour on the black sand beach at Vik on the South Coast. She shares what riders can expect and offers practical tips throughout this guide.
There are several excellent Reykjavik 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.
The Golden Circle has several horse farms conveniently located near popular attractions, making it easy to add horseback riding to your sightseeing itinerary. You can visit Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park, then enjoy a scenic ride on an Icelandic horse at a nearby farm.
South Iceland is a great choice if you want to combine horse riding with some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. You can ride across open countryside, through valleys, or along the black sand beaches of the South Coast.
Here are some of the top horse riding tours in South Iceland.
North Iceland is a great choice if you want to experience Icelandic horse country while enjoying quieter paths and dramatic coastal views. The region is also known for its strong Icelandic horse culture, with riding tours available around areas such as Skagafjordur and Husavik.
West Iceland is a good choice if you want to combine horseback riding with the breathtaking landscapes of Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Borgarfjordur. East Iceland is another option if you want a horse riding experience through the Eastfjords’ remote valleys, past abandoned historical farmsteads, and alongside glacier rivers.
You do not need previous riding experience to join most horse riding tours in Iceland. Stables provide a helmet and safety instructions before the ride, and many tours are designed for first-time riders. If you are nervous or have never ridden before, check that the tour is suitable for beginners before booking.
Sanna, who’s guided countless tours, reassures first-time riders that the horses are kind and know how to correct mistakes, and that one often takes care of a rider who is unsure what to do. She also recommends arriving early so you have time to meet your horse before the ride.
Icelandic horses also have a smooth walk, which Sanna says makes it easier for beginners to stay balanced in the saddle.
Stables pick your horse for you, and the choice is deliberate. The guides pay attention to how comfortable or nervous each rider feels, which helps them choose a horse that suits the guest.
"We always ask guests about their prior experience with horses, and their weight, so we can find a right-sized and right-minded horse for each rider."
— Sanna, Horse Riding Guide in Vik
The horses have preferences too. Staff who work with them daily know which ones suit a capable rider and which do better with a first-time rider.
"Some of our horses prefer more experienced riders, and some prefer beginners who let them just do the job independently. Our guides are also good at reading people if they are nervous, and can choose the most calming horse."
— Sanna, Horse Riding Guide in Vik
Horse riding in Iceland is unique because of the Icelandic horse’s smooth tolt, distinctive gaits, calm temperament, and small but sturdy build. Icelandic horses have four or five gaits: walk, trot, canter, tolt, and, in five-gaited horses, the flying pace (skeid), which can reach 30 mph (48 km/h).
The tolt is the gait most riders remember. Sanna, who works with the horses daily, describes it as smooth, comfortable, and fun, and says even first-timers find it easy. Icelandic horses can also trot, so follow your guide’s instructions to ask your horse for the right gait.
The horses are also known for their friendly nature. Sanna says guests are often surprised by how dog-like they are, and describes them as easy, calm, confident, and trustworthy horses that love to interact with people.
Icelandic horses have also been isolated from other horse populations for centuries. Iceland does not allow horses to be imported, and Icelandic horses that leave the country cannot return. This strict biosecurity has kept the population free of most diseases found in horse populations elsewhere. Our guide to the Icelandic horse covers the breed’s history, gaits, and the rules on bringing riding gear into the country.
Planning a horse riding tour in Iceland is simple once you know the basics. Use these tips to choose the right season, tour length, and base for your ride.
Horse riding tours in Iceland let you explore lava fields, farmland, and black sand beaches while getting to know the Icelandic horse. Choose a tour that suits your experience and itinerary, and let the guides help you feel comfortable in the saddle.
Choose a ride near your planned stops, then compare time in the saddle, transfer options, and rider requirements. Share your experience level with the stable so the guides can match you with a suitable horse and help you feel comfortable before setting off.
A ride adds more than another stop to your trip. It gives you time to slow down, connect with your horse, and experience the landscape along trails you would miss from the road.
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