Initially imported by Norse settlers, the Icelandic horse is one of the oldest, rarest and purest breeds in the world, having existed on the sub-arctic island in isolation for over 1000-years.

The breed is known and revered for its shaggy, stocky appearance, raw strength and gentle temperament. Unlike other breeds, moreover, the Icelandic horse has a fifth gait called "tölt." Before the arrival of the automobile, this gait proved invaluable to Icelanders as it made it relatively easy to travel long distances by guaranteeing a smooth ride on the poorest of roads.

To protect the Icelandic horse against disease, and to preserve the purity of the breed, no foreign horses are allowed to enter the country. In fact, Icelandic horses may not return home once they have left the island. Therefore, when Icelandic equestrians travel internationally for competition, they will often leave their best horses at home to avoid having to abandon them abroad.

Icelandic horses were initially used for transport and farming. Although they are mostly only used for competitions and leisure riding today, many farmers still use them for backcountry travel and sheep herding.

There are over 80,000 horses in Iceland—a significant number when you consider that there are only 350,000 people. This means that where ever you may find yourself while travelling in Iceland, you will have the option of exploring the country on horseback via a horse riding tour, and get to know the beautiful animal that is the Icelandic horse.

Should you love horses, Skagafjörður fjord is a must-visit, as this area is renowned for its horse riding culture and its large horse population.

Horse Riding Tours

71 Horse Riding Tours

Magical 2 Hour Horseback Riding Tour of Icelandic Elves & Mysteries

Scenic 5 Hour Viking Express Horseback Tour of Heidmork with Transfer from Reykjavik

Horseback Riding & Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Amazing 1 Hour Horseback Riding Tour in the Red Lava Hills of Raudholar near Reykjavik

4 Hour Red Lava Horse Riding & Perlan Glacier Ice Cave Exhibition with Transfer from Reykjavik

Scenic 3 Hour Horse Riding Tour for Experienced Riders with Transfer from Reykjavik

Combination 8 Hour Horse Riding & Puffin Watching Day Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Family-Friendly 1.5 Hour Horse Riding Tour in South Iceland with Transfer from Reykjavik

Top-Rated Snorkelling Silfra & Horseback Riding Tour

Family-Friendly 30 Minute Horseback Riding Tour on a Black Sand Beach with Transfer from Vik

Scenic 9 Hour Horse Riding Day Tour in the Mountains of Hveragerdi with Transfer from Reykjavik

Whale Watching Boat Trip & Horse Riding Tour at Hafnarfjordur with Transfer from Reykjavik

4 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Reykjavik Accommodation

Scenic 9 Hour Horse Riding Day Tour on a Beach & in the Countryside with Transfer from Reykjavik

Charming 2 Hour Horseback Ride through Mosfellsbaer with Transfer from Laxnes Farm

Combination 6 Hour Horse Riding & Northern Lights Hunting by Boat with Transfer from Reykjavik

Fantastic 2 Hour Horseback Riding Tour in the Icelandic Countryside with Lunch

Adventurous 4 Hour Horse Riding Tour in South Iceland’s Countryside with Transfer from Reykjavik

Guided 2 Hour Horseback Riding Adventure in the Meadows & Rivers of Skagafjordur Valley

14 Day Budget Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Myvatn & the Westfjords

1 Hour Horse Riding Tour over the Mountains & Meadows of South Iceland Departing from Skeidvellir

2 Hour Midnight Sun Horse Riding Tour through Red Lava Landscapes with Transfer from Reykjavik

Red Lava Horse Riding & Whale Watching Tour

Spectacular 5 Day Self Drive Wildlife Tour of Iceland with Whale & Puffin Watching

Self Drive Tours

Vacation Packages

Nature Tours

Adventure Tours

Cheap Bus Tours

Tours by Attractions

Top things to do in Iceland

Find the Northern lights

Explore an Ice cave

Go on a Road trip

Do the Golden circle

Visit Reykjavik

Bathe in the Blue lagoon

See the Glacier lagoon

Discover the South coast