






Hot Spring, Hiking & Horse Riding Full-Day Tour
Tour Description
Ride the unique Icelandic horse through a landscape of steaming geothermal valleys and volcanic mountains. Highlights include experiencing the tölt, a smooth and exclusive fourth gait, as you traverse the slopes of the Hengill volcano. You will visit the Reykjadalur "Steam Valley" to bathe in a natural warm river and view the impressive Djúpagilsfoss waterfall. The journey offers panoramic views of the South Iceland coastline and concludes with traditional coffee and homemade cake at a local farm.
This 5 to 6-hour equestrian tour is a practical way to combine Iceland’s horse culture with its volcanic activity. The experience begins at a farm near Hveragerði, located approximately 45 kilometers (a 40-minute drive) from Reykjavík. The ride covers roughly 19 kilometers through a terrain shaped by the 2008 earthquake, leading you through peaceful forests and active geothermal fields.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to try the tölt. This is a smooth four-beat gait natural to Icelandic horses that allows for a stable and comfortable ride over uneven ground. The trail ascends toward the Hengill geothermal area, passing boiling mud pools and steam vents. At the midpoint, we reach Reykjadalur, where guests can take a 30 to 45-minute break to bathe in a geothermally heated river. Please be aware that there are no formal changing rooms in the valley—only simple wooden partitions for privacy—so it is practical to wear a swimsuit under your clothes.
Participants must be in good physical condition and able to mount and dismount a horse without assistance. The tour involves a moderate amount of physical exertion, including a short hike (15–45 minutes) depending on trail conditions. We provide a packed lunch and all necessary riding gear, including helmets and waterproof clothing if needed. This tour is an authentic look at the Icelandic highlands, suitable for those who appreciate both physical activity and natural relaxation.
From Reykjavík
May - September
9 Hours
Included
Easy to moderate
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. You will be back to Reykjavik at around 17.00
No, we encourage everyone over 8 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. Please note that horse riding is a potentially risky activity, and you participate at your own risk.
The tour is only available 20. May - 15. September.
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.
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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