Horseback riding in the Icelandic countryside: Vellir farm

Ride across open meadows on Icelandic horses bred for these paths

Horseback riding at Vellir farm in the Icelandic countryside gives you an hour on an Icelandic horse across meadows and riding paths, with an English-speaking guide, safety equipment and weather gear included. Children from age 7 are welcome. The ride suits all fitness levels and works for families traveling by car.

Step-by-step itinerary

One-hour horseback riding tour

• Meet at Eldhestars farm
• Ride horses on countryside paths
• Explore meadows around the farm

The experience

You meet at Eldhestars farm in Vellir and spend an hour riding Icelandic horses across the meadows and established paths around the property. The horses are built for this terrain and this climate. They're smaller and stockier than most riding breeds, with thick coats and sure footing on ground that shifts between grass and stone. Your guide speaks English and stays with the group the whole time, setting a pace that lets you feel how the horse moves under you without demanding any prior experience.

The farm provides riding and safety equipment, rain gear, and insulated coveralls if the weather turns. You don't need to bring anything except clothes you don't mind getting dirty. The ride works for families with children from age 7 onward, and the operator notes it suits all fitness levels. The hour is steady but not strenuous, and the paths are chosen so you're not fighting the horse or the ground.

This is a working farm in open countryside, not a manicured ring, so you're riding the actual landscape where these horses live. The location is accessible by car, and public transportation options exist nearby if you're traveling without a vehicle.

What’s included

• One hour of riding on Icelandic horses.
• English-speaking guide for the full ride.
• riding and safety equipment.
• rain gear and insulated coveralls.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 13:30 and 14:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (7 to 14 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “5 minutes east of Hveragerði directly on road 1.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Eldhestar horse riding

Is this one for you?The hour moves at a steady pace across open meadows, so you're riding actual countryside, not a controlled arena. Bring a comfort level with being outdoors on an animal, not a background in riding.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 14 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What do I wear for an hour of horseback riding in Iceland?

Bring clothes you don't mind getting dirty. The farm provides riding and safety equipment, rain gear, and insulated coveralls, so you're covered for weather.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, the weight limit is 110 kg. Service animals are allowed on the property.

How do I get to Vellir farm if I don't have a car?

Public transportation options are available nearby, though the farm is designed for guests traveling in their own vehicle.

What makes Icelandic horses different from other riding horses?

Icelandic horses are smaller and stockier than most breeds, with thick coats and strong legs built for rough terrain and cold weather. They're native to Iceland and bred for these exact paths and conditions.