Horseback Riding With Elves
Tour Description
Experience the unique landscapes of South Iceland on a sturdy Icelandic horse. This tour features a ride through the geothermal meadows of Hveragerði, a crossing of the Varmá River, and visits to sites significant to local legends, such as Skjólklettur (the "Elves' Church") and the Einbúi hill. You will have the opportunity to try the tölt, a smooth gait unique to this breed, and enjoy a light lunch at a local countryside hotel.
This 5-hour excursion offers a practical introduction to Icelandic equestrian traditions and local folklore. The tour starts at Vellir farm, located near Hveragerði, about 45 kilometers (a 40-minute drive) from Reykjavík. This area is famous for its steam vents and hot springs, as well as its history of stories regarding the "hidden people" or elves.
The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. Upon arrival, you will receive all necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and waterproof gear. Your guide will introduce you to the Icelandic horse, a breed known for being sure-footed and calm. A major highlight of the 1.5 to 2-hour ride is the tölt. Unlike the trot or gallop found in other breeds, the tölt is a four-beat gait that allows the rider to sit comfortably without bouncing, even on rocky ground.
The route passes through a variety of terrain, including meadows and lava fields. Guides select the path based on daily conditions, often stopping at landmarks tied to oral history. You may see Álfakví, a rock cleft associated with spirits, or ancient sheep houses left undisturbed out of respect for elfin residents. While crossing the Varmá River, you will hear about the Nykur, a mythical water creature from Icelandic sagas.
Folklore remains a respected part of Icelandic culture today, often influencing how roads and buildings are constructed. This tour provides an authentic look at how these traditions persist in the modern day. After the ride, the group returns to the farm for a light lunch at Hotel Eldhestar before heading back to the city.
From Reykjavík
All Year
5 Hours
Included
Easy
Highlight Of The Tour
What’s Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Riding tours start at 09:00 if you didn't book a pick up service and will drive yourself to the farm.
We offer hotel pick-up in Reykjavík at 8:00 and pick-up in Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær, Kópavogur at 7:30. The tour returns to Reykjavík at around 13:00.
No, we encourage everyone over 7 years of age to join this magnificent journey.
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. Horse riding is a potentially risky activity; you participate at your own risk.
The tour is available all year, but it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat on rainy days or during winter day tours if you get wet during the ride.
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). 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 or during winter day tours, it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat in case you get wet during the ride.
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.
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