Hot Spring, Hiking & Horse Riding Full-Day Tour

Overview

This tour provides the chance to witness spectacular sceneries and a variety of Icelandic nature. We will start our journey by riding along the Reykjafjall mountain and then through a peaceful forest to the vibrant geothermal valley with steamy hot springs, an area that expanded after an earthquake in 2008. As we head to the Hengill volcano, we can try the "tölt," a gait exclusive to the Icelandic horse. We make our way across the Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and some hot springs until we get to the Reykjadalur valley, where we can take a refreshing dip in a warm stream. The ride down the valley offers stunning views of Hveragerdi, the countryside, and the Westman Islands if the weather permits. Lastly, we head back to the farm and enjoy coffee and homemade cake. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and towel!

The tour requires that all participants are in good physical shape and able to mount a horse on their own. We will be riding at a "tölt" speed (the speed of trot) for most of the journey. We will also need to hike for approximately 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes depending on weather conditions and trail maintenance. If the weather does not permit us to go into the mountains, we will adjust the tour accordingly. Please note that there are no changing rooms in the valley.

The tour will last 5-6 hours, with various stops and a chance to dip in the warm geothermal river. We will cover around 19 km of riding and provide a lunchbox consisting of a sandwich, cookies, and a water bottle. Unique sandwiches are available upon request. Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik is available each day between 8:00 and 8:30, and we will return to Reykjavík at around 17:15.

Location Pick-up

Daily tours start at 09:00. We offer pick-up service from the BSI central bus station, hotels, guesthouses, and designated bus stops between 7:45 and 8:30 in the morning and between 13:00 and 13:20. Please note that we cannot pick up from private apartments and Airbnb accommodations.

Is the ride difficult

No, we encourage everyone over 8 years of age to join this magnificent journey.

Safety

Everyone is required to wear a helmet.

Eldhestar has strict security measures in place. For safety reasons, you cannot bring backpacks, large cameras, selfie sticks, or other bulky items on the horses. Small waist bags are allowed. Please note that horse riding is a potentially risky activity, and you participate at your own risk.

Is the ride season bound

The tour is only available 20. May - 15. September.

What to bring

To participate in the horse riding tour, you'll need to wear sturdy shoes, good sneakers or narrow hiking boots, and comfortable pants (riding pants are not required). Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel as well. It's a good idea to bring gloves and a thin hat under the helmet (a "buff" is a good choice). If you want to carry small items like a camera, you should bring a small waist bag (backpacks are not allowed on the horses). On rainy days it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat in case you get wet during the ride.

Important information

The maximum weight for participants is 120 kg.

All used riding gear, such as boots and saddlebags, must be disinfected before coming to Iceland to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases that could threaten the horses. That typically includes washing riding wear and cleaning helmets, shoes, and safety vests with iodine or another disinfectant.

Used riding gloves and leather items, such as chaps, are not allowed.