Below the Mountains Horse Riding Day Tour
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Description
Spend a full day discovering South Iceland from the saddle, riding between volcanic mountains and the Atlantic lowlands on trails perfectly suited to the sure-footed Icelandic horse. With Reykjavík transfer, lunch and a warm farmhouse welcome included, this is an immersive countryside experience rather than a brief introduction.
Itinerary
Reykjavík pickup
From the city to horse country
Begin with collection from your confirmed Reykjavík pickup point and travel across the southern lowlands towards the riding centre near Hveragerði. Volcanic ridges, open farmland and distant mountains build anticipation for a day shaped around Icelandic horses.
Meet your horse at Vellir
A thoughtful match and riding introduction
At the farm, your guide introduces the day’s route, provides the necessary equipment and matches each guest with a suitable Icelandic horse. A short warm-up creates confidence before the group leaves the paddock for the open countryside.
Meadows and Gljúfurá River
Soft trails made for tölt
Ride across broad meadows and follow the Gljúfurá River on forgiving tracks where the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt can truly shine. The peaceful rhythm of the ride reveals South Iceland at an intimate and wonderfully unhurried pace.
Ölfusá riverbanks and Lambey
Black lava sand, wetlands and volcano views
Continue towards the mighty Ölfusá, passing an old cemetery and descending to soft black lava sand. In suitable seasonal conditions the route reaches green river islands, with bird-rich wetlands and possible views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull.
Lunch in the countryside
A welcome pause during the ride
Stop for an included lunch that suits the season: a packed meal outdoors in favourable conditions or warming soup during the winter programme. The break gives riders and horses time to recharge before the mountain section begins.
Ingólfsfjall and Reykjafjall
An old route beneath volcanic mountains
Ride through farmland towards table-shaped Ingólfsfjall, named for Iceland’s first settler, before following an old route along Reykjafjall. Mountain slopes, grazing horses and views towards Hveragerði create a beautiful final chapter on horseback.
Farmhouse refreshments and return
Coffee, cake and an easy journey home
Back at the farm, celebrate the ride with coffee, tea or hot chocolate and home-baked cake. Afterwards, settle into the return transfer to Reykjavík with a full day of rivers, tölt and volcanic landscapes behind you.
Book this full-day ride for an unforgettable connection with the Icelandic horse and the magnificent landscapes below South Iceland’s mountains.
What is included
- Pickup and drop-off according to the booking options
- Approximately five to six hours of riding with breaks
- English-speaking riding guide
- Helmet and riding safety equipment
- Rain gear or warm overalls when required
- Lunch according to the seasonal programme
- Coffee, tea or hot chocolate and home-baked cake
What do I need to bring
- Warm layers and waterproof outerwear
- Sturdy shoes or narrow hiking boots
- Comfortable trousers
- Gloves and a thin hat or buff that fits under a helmet
- A small waist bag for personal items
Good to know
- The advertised day lasts about nine hours, including Reykjavík transfers and five to six hours of riding with breaks.
- The current minimum age is 8 years; participants should be in good physical condition and able to mount with little assistance.
- The route is suitable for different experience levels and horses are matched accordingly.
- The seasonal lunch format and exact route can vary with weather and trail conditions.
Meeting point: Pick-up
Choose an eligible pickup point while booking. Your voucher confirms the exact collection time and location; the riding centre is at Vellir near Hveragerði.
Highlights
- Five to six hours riding through South Iceland
- Tölt across meadows and along the Gljúfurá River
- Black lava sand and Ölfusá river-delta scenery
- Views towards Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull in clear weather
- Lunch, farmhouse refreshments and Reykjavík transfer included
Below the Mountains Horse Riding Day Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
The day lasts about nine hours from Reykjavík, with approximately five to six hours on horseback including breaks. The riding route covers around 20 kilometres through varied countryside.