Discover winter in Iceland! In addition to horse riding, bathing in the hot springs is a must, which is great fun in the snow-covered landscape and under often bright blue skies or the Northern Lights! Enjoy the thrill of tölting on snow-covered lava fields with views of impressive volcanoes, spot the Northern Lights and marvel at Gullfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser and Thingvellir National Park, three of the most famous highlights in southern Iceland. You will bathe in a natural warm river at the Hengill volcano, among other places. Whale watching is also a special experience. The icelandic horses in their winter coats will warm the hearts of riders. In Iceland, winter is  a unique adventure! But don't worry: unlike in Lapland, the temperature in Iceland in winter is around 0 degrees, usually accompanied by a thin layer of snow, ideal for riding without risking frostbite.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Keflavik Airport and transfer by Flybus to the central bus terminal BSÍ, where you will be picked up between 5.30 and 6 p.m. Dinner and overnight stay at the riding farm.

Day 2: The day begins in the stable after breakfast. You’ll receive the necessary riding gear (riding helmet, warm overalls, or rain gear) and get to know the horses after a brief riding demonstration. On your first ride, you’ll follow the Gljúfurá River and ride toward the volcanic mountains. Back at the farm, you’ll warm up with a light lunch before setting off on your next ride. Afterward, you’ll visit a thermal bath to relax. Back at the guesthouse, coffee and homemade cake are served in a cozy atmosphere. If the forecast is favorable and the sky is clear, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights from the farm!

Day 3: Today you’ll ride past many hot springs in the colorful geothermal area of the Gufudalur Valley. At noon, you’ll return to the farm for a warming snack. Afterward, you’ll be picked up to visit the three most impressive natural attractions in southern Iceland: the famous Geysir geothermal area, the “golden waterfall” Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. After touring the Golden Circle, you’ll return to the guesthouse for dinner.

Day 4: In the morning, you’ll ride through the stunning landscape of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms along the way. After the ride, you’ll warm up with a light lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken to Reykjavík’s old harbor, where you can spend about three hours whale-watching in Faxaflói Bay and enjoy a beautiful view of Reykjavík and the mountains surrounding the capital. The bus will take you back to the guesthouse, where coffee and homemade cake await you, and you’ll have the chance to relax in the hot tubs before dinner.

Day 5: Today begins with a ride along the Ingólf Trail. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the first settler, Ingólfur Arnarsson, who settled in Iceland in the 9th century. After lunch at the hotel, you’ll ride through the geothermal valley of Reykjadalur, passing the beautiful Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and many colorful hot springs. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a relaxing dip in a warm river—an unforgettable experience! The day’s ride ends with refreshments at the guesthouse.

Day 6: After breakfast and check-out, you’ll ride along the mighty Ölfusá glacial river. From there, weather permitting, you’ll have a fantastic view of the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a light lunch before riding for another 1.5–2 hours, depending on the weather and wind. After returning to the farm, you’ll enjoy one last cup of coffee and some homemade cake before we drive you back to Reykjavík, where you’ll arrive around 6:00 p.m.

The last dinner and overnight stay in Reykjavík are not included in the price! Subject to change at any time! The order of the individual programme items may vary.

Winter riding course
Would you like to ride well-trained Icelandic horses and improve your riding skills? Our riding week in Iceland offers the opportunity to combine lessons and trail rides in beautiful countryside. A new, large indoor riding arena provides ideal training conditions, and in the afternoon you will go on trail rides along the Ölfusá river and across lava fields at the Hengill volcano. The riding centre is located at the foot of the mountains in a charming volcanic area with many hot springs. On the last day, after riding, you will visit the major sights in the south (Thingvellir, Gulfoss, Strokkur).

Programme:
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the riding stable, dinner together.

Day 2: After breakfast, you’ll meet your riding instructor at the stables. You’ll discuss the upcoming riding lessons and begin your first session. After lunch at the hotel, you’ll go on your first trail ride to the hot springs in the colorful geothermal area of the Gufudalur Valley. Back at the farm, coffee and cake await you, followed by a delicious dinner at the hotel. After dinner, you can also relax in the hot tubs.

Day 3: In the morning, lessons take place in small groups organized according to your riding experience. After the lesson, you’ll have lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a group ride. You’ll ride to the banks of the mighty Ölfusá glacial river. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull.

Day 4: In the morning, you’ll continue your riding lessons with your horse. After the lesson, you’ll have lunch at the hotel, followed by a ride along soft trails through the meadows surrounding the farm—a great opportunity to practice the Icelandic horse’s unique gait, the “tölt,” once again. You’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the varied landscape between the sea and the Hengill volcano.

Day 5: This morning, you’ll start with groundwork and learn how to train your horse from the ground. After the groundwork, you’ll have the opportunity to do some brief concluding exercises in the saddle. When you return to the stable after lunch, you’ll learn about horse breeding in Iceland and meet the broodmares and foals.

Day 6: The day begins with a final horseback ride. You’ll ride in the footsteps of the first settler, Ingólfur Arnarsson, along an ancient Viking route. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to ride with the herd. You’ll learn how to use your horse to influence the herd. Back at the farm, coffee and cake will be waiting for you, and the bus will take you back to Reykjavík, where you’ll arrive around 5:00–5:30 p.m.

Subject of change!

Accomodation
You will spend the night in the cozy guest house at Riding centre in 2- to 4-bed rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen. Meals are served in the Reiterhotel next door. Single room occupancy and hotel accommodation are available for an additional charge.

Saddle & Tack: Icelandic saddles and English bridle.

Experience: Winter joys of Iceland: You should be confident in trails and be able to ride independently. You ride mostly in walk, trot and tölt, cantering is only occasionly. You will be shown how to tölt on site. 1.5 to 5 hours at saddle per day. During the day rides, hand horses are brought along for changing, not a free-running herd.
Riding course: Possible for every riding level, from beginners to experienced riders.

Horses: Icelandic horses