






The Heritage Horseback Tour
Tour Description
Explore the Icelandic countryside on a guided horse riding tour through diverse natural terrain. Highlights include riding across ancient lava fields, crossing a small river, and traversing scenic meadows with views of volcanic mountains. You will have the opportunity to experience the tölt, a smooth and unique gait exclusive to the Icelandic horse. The tour also offers a factual look at the evolution of Icelandic agriculture as you pass local farmsteads, concluding with traditional coffee and homemade cake.
This excursion offers a practical introduction to the Icelandic horse and the rural landscapes of South Iceland. The tour is based near Hveragerði, located approximately 45 kilometers (a 40-minute drive) from Reykjavík, making it an accessible half-day activity for those staying in the capital.
The riding route is designed to showcase the variety of the Icelandic environment. You will navigate through open meadows and rugged lava fields formed by historical volcanic activity. The trail also includes a river crossing, allowing you to experience the sure-footed nature of the Icelandic horse in water. Throughout the ride, your guide will provide information on the local farming history, explaining how agriculture in this volcanic region has changed from traditional methods to modern practices.
A primary feature of the tour is the chance to try the tölt. This is a natural, four-beat gait that is famous for being exceptionally smooth, allowing the rider to remain almost motionless in the saddle even at higher speeds. The pace is adjusted to suit the ability of the group, ensuring a safe and informative experience for all participants.
After returning to the stables, guests are invited to the farm for a traditional Icelandic "kaffi og kaka" (coffee and cake). All necessary safety equipment, including helmets and weather-appropriate riding gear, is provided. This tour is a factual and engaging choice for those interested in both the unique biology of the Icelandic horse and the history of the island’s rural life.
From Reykjavík
All Year
4-5 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.
The ride is easy, 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.
The age limit is 7 years old, but adults must accompany all children.
✓ All-day tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours from the departure time by sending a written email to info@troll.is. You will receive a full refund except the 3% card fee. All cancellations requested less than 24 hours from the departure time are non refundable. ✓ In the case of cancellation of the tour by the operator because of extreme weather, road conditions, or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or booking other activities when possible or provide a full refund.
You Might also like
This horseback riding tour offers a practical and scenic introduction to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, starting just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik in the town of Hveragerði. You will mount an Icelandic horse—a unique breed known for its calm demeanor and smooth gaits—and follow well-maintained riding trails up the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain. The route passes through a local green forest, a unique feature in Iceland's typically treeless landscape.
Experience the diverse landscapes of South Iceland on a combined horseback riding and hiking day tour. The program begins at our farm, Vellir, located approximately 40 minutes from Reykjavik. You will start with a 1.5- to 2-hour horse riding session along established trails, passing through peaceful meadows and rugged lava fields typical of the Icelandic countryside. Afterward, a light lunch is provided at Hótel Eldhestar.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs is the #1 place to visit in the world in 2023 according to Timeout
Explore the volcanic landscape of South Iceland on a comprehensive horseback riding tour based near Hveragerði, a town located 40 minutes from Reykjavik. This tour is designed for those who want to experience Iceland's unique nature and its famous native horses on a single, scenic route.
