Iceland on Horseback: Multi-Day Riding Itinerary

Iceland on Horseback: Multi-Day Riding Itinerary

The Icelandic horse, with its distinctive tölt gait and thousand-year heritage, offers travellers an unparalleled way to experience Iceland's dramatic landscapes. These sure-footed descendants of Viking horses can traverse terrain that would challenge even the most experienced hikers, from black sand beaches to highland valleys carved by ancient glaciers.

A multi-day riding expedition across Iceland provides access to remote regions rarely seen by casual tourists, whilst honouring a tradition that has remained virtually unchanged since the settlement era. The experience demands no previous riding expertise with these particular horses—their unique gaits and gentle temperament make them suitable for intermediate riders seeking adventure beyond the typical day tour.

The Five-Day Highland Circuit

Day 1: Reykjavík to Þjórsárdalur Valley (85km)

The journey begins with a morning departure from Reykjavík, heading northeast towards the Þjórsárdalur Valley via Route 1 and Route 32. Your riding base lies near Árnes, where local farmers maintain herds of pure-bred Icelandic horses in the shadow of Mount Hekla.

After collecting your assigned horse and essential gear check, the afternoon's 18km ride follows ancient paths along the Þjórsá River, Iceland's longest waterway at 230km. The route passes Stöng, a reconstructed Viking-age farmstead buried by Hekla's 1104 eruption, offering insight into medieval Icelandic life.

Accommodation comes via traditional guesthouses or camping, with costs ranging from 8,500 ISK (€55) for dormitory beds to 15,000 ISK (€97) for private rooms. Evening meals feature locally sourced lamb and root vegetables, reflecting the sustenance that sustained Iceland's horse-riding culture through centuries.

Day 2: Þjórsárdalur to Landmannalaugar (32km)

The second day presents Iceland's most challenging riding terrain as you ascend into the central highlands. The 32km route to Landmannalaugar crosses the Dómadalur valley before climbing to 650 metres elevation through ancient lava fields and rhyolite mountains.

Icelandic horses excel in this environment—their additional tölt and flying pace gaits distribute weight evenly across unstable volcanic terrain. The tölt, in particular, allows comfortable travel across the rough highland trails without the jarring motion associated with standard horse gaits.

Landmannalaugar's geothermal area provides evening relaxation in natural hot springs heated to 38-40°C year-round. The contrast between cold highland air and thermal waters epitomises Iceland's geological extremes. Basic mountain hut accommodation costs 6,800 ISK (€44) per night, including access to cooking facilities and hot springs.

Day 3: Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn (24km)

This segment follows a portion of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail, though mounted travellers can cover the distance in half the time required by hikers. The 24km route descends through the Jökultungur lava field, formed by eruptions from the Torfajökull volcanic system approximately 55,000 years ago.

The path winds between obsidian hills and steaming fumaroles before reaching Álftavatn (Swan Lake), where wild pink-footed geese nest during summer months. The lake sits at 520 metres elevation, surrounded by glacial moraines deposited by the retreating Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.

Evening accommodation utilises the Ferðafélag Íslands mountain hut (5,500 ISK/€36 per night), with riders responsible for carrying sleeping bags and personal provisions. The remoteness of this location—67km from the nearest paved road—underscores the practical value of horse-based travel in Iceland's interior.

Day 4: Álftavatn to Emstrur (15km)

The shortest riding day covers just 15km but traverses some of Iceland's most spectacular highland scenery. The route crosses several glacial rivers, where Icelandic horses demonstrate their legendary water-crossing abilities developed over centuries of highland travel.

Mýrdalsjökull glacier dominates the southern horizon, whilst the Markarfljót river valley stretches eastward toward Vatnajökull. The geological diversity here reflects Iceland's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—black basalt contrasts sharply with lighter rhyolite deposits from different volcanic periods.

Emstrur hut provides overnight accommodation (5,500 ISK/€36), positioned strategically for the final day's descent toward the coast. The location sits at 420 metres elevation, marking the transition from highland plateau to coastal lowlands.

Day 5: Emstrur to Skógar (22km)

The final day descends 420 metres over 22km through the Þórsmörk nature reserve to conclude at Skógar waterfall. This dramatic elevation change showcases Iceland's compressed geological zones—from highland desert to temperate coastal vegetation within a single day's ride.

The descent through Þórsmörk requires careful navigation of glacial streams and loose volcanic soil. Icelandic horses' experience with such terrain proves invaluable, as their ancestors have traversed these paths for over a millennium.

Skógafoss, the 60-metre waterfall that marks the journey's end, represents the geological boundary between Iceland's highland interior and coastal plains. The Skógar Folk Museum (2,000 ISK/€13 entry) houses extensive collections of traditional riding equipment and horse gear, providing historical context for the multi-day experience.

Practical Considerations

Optimal Timing

Highland riding tours operate from mid-June through early September, when river crossings remain manageable and weather conditions allow safe camping. July offers the most reliable conditions, with average highland temperatures of 10-15°C and nearly 20 hours of daylight.

Equipment Requirements

Tour operators provide horses, tack, and safety helmets meeting European standards. Riders must supply weather-appropriate clothing, sleeping bags rated for 0°C, and personal provisions for mountain hut stays. Waterproof riding boots and thermal layers prove essential for highland conditions.

Costs and Booking

Complete five-day packages range from 185,000-220,000 ISK (€1,200-1,425) per person, including horse rental, guides, accommodation, and meals. Single-day extensions cost approximately 35,000 ISK (€227) additional.

Reputable operators include Eldhestar (operating since 1986) and Íshestar, both maintaining certified guides and insurance coverage for international visitors. Booking requires 6-8 weeks advance notice during peak season.

Safety Protocols

All guides hold Icelandic certification for highland travel and equine safety. GPS tracking devices and satellite communication equipment provide emergency contact capabilities in remote areas. Helicopter evacuation insurance coverage costs an additional 2,800 ISK (€18) but proves essential for highland travel.

The multi-day riding experience reveals Iceland's landscapes as they appeared to the original settlers—vast, challenging, and utterly magnificent. Modern riders follow paths carved by centuries of Icelandic horses, maintaining one of Europe's oldest continuous equestrian traditions whilst accessing terrain that remains largely unchanged since the Viking age.

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