Icelandic Horse Riding near Hveragerði: Tölt & Views

Ride the tölt across geothermal slopes and lava fields, then warm up with cake at the farm

A 2-hour horseback riding tour near Hveragerði in South Iceland where you ride Icelandic horses through meadows, lava fields and geothermal terrain, learning the tölt gait while passing hot springs and volcanic hills. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, riding and safety equipment, and finishes with coffee and home-baked cake at the farm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ride through scenic Icelandic landscapes

• Ride up hill on riding trails
• Pass slopes of mountain Reykjafjall
• Ride through green forest
• Pass hot springs near Hveragerði
• View volcanic hills above village
• See Varmá warm river and valleys
• Stop for coffee and learn about horses
• Ride back to farm

The experience

The ride starts at the farm and climbs excellent trails up the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain through rare Icelandic forest, then descends into the geothermal area above Hveragerði, known as the "hot spring capital of the world." The landscape here shifted dramatically during the 2008 earthquake and continues to change. You pass colorful hot springs and volcanic hills with views of the Varmá river (called the "warm river" because geothermal water flows through it), and green valleys with rising steam visible in the distance. The terrain gives you a chance to experience the tölt, the smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses.

Riding and safety equipment, rain gear and insulated coveralls are provided. During winter, the tour includes a stop to warm up with coffee, tea or hot chocolate and learn more about the breed before heading back. Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík hotels are included, and an English-speaking guide leads the whole ride. At the farm, you finish with home-baked cake.

What’s included

• Home-baked cake and coffee or tea at the farm.
• English-speaking guide.
• riding and safety equipment, rain gear and insulated coveralls.
• pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík hotels.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

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

GroupUp to 50

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.Operator's directions: “5 minutes south 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.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Eldhestar horse riding

Is this one for you?The ride lasts around 2 hours with active riding on mountain slopes and through geothermal terrain, so it suits anyone comfortable in the saddle for that length of time. Children from age 7 can join, and the pace works for all fitness levels, though the weight limit is 110 kg.

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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 is the tölt, and will I experience it on this ride?

The tölt is a smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses, and the riding trails on this tour are designed to let you feel it. The meadows and lava fields give good ground for the horse to show this special movement.

What does the geothermal area near Hveragerði actually look like?

The area is colorful and constantly changing, with hot springs, volcanic hills and steam rising from green valleys. It expanded dramatically during a 2008 earthquake and sits between the volcano Hengill and the southern lowlands, giving wide views across the landscape.

Is pickup from my Reykjavík hotel included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík hotels are included in the tour price.

What should I wear, and what gear is provided?

Riding and safety equipment, rain gear and insulated coveralls are all provided. Bring warm layers underneath, as the weather in South Iceland can be cold and changeable.