Description
Discover Horse Riding and Golden Circle, a richly varied Icelandic experience where the Golden Circle’s tectonic history, geothermal energy and glacial power come vividly to life alongside a memorable added adventure.
Waterfalls and geysers share the day with one of Iceland’s most beloved cultural icons, adding the warmth and character of the Icelandic horse to the famous scenic loop.
Þingvellir National Park, Icelandic horse experience, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall create a day of bold contrasts, engaging stories and beautifully chosen moments that reveal why this part of Iceland remains unforgettable.
Itinerary
Reykjavík departure
Leave the city for Iceland’s most celebrated scenic route
Set out from Reykjavík as colourful neighbourhoods give way to broad skies, lava-covered ground and the low mountains of the southwest. The easy escape from the capital makes the Golden Circle wonderfully accessible while still delivering a day that feels rich in scale and variety.
Þingvellir National Park
Walk between continents at Iceland’s historic assembly site
Stand inside the great rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly pull apart. Þingvellir is also the birthplace of Alþingi, founded here in 930, so dramatic cliffs, clear water and Iceland’s national story share the same UNESCO-listed landscape.
Icelandic horse experience
Meet and ride Iceland’s charismatic native breed
Saddle up for an inviting ride on Iceland’s compact, confident native horse. The experience brings you closer to rural scenery and introduces the breed’s distinctive personality and history before or after the famous Golden Circle landmarks.
Geysir geothermal area
Feel the anticipation as Strokkur erupts
Steam drifts across mineral-coloured ground before Strokkur suddenly sends a gleaming column of water high into the air. The famous Great Geysir gave the world its word for this phenomenon, but Strokkur supplies the excitement today with eruptions that transform the geothermal valley every few minutes.
Gullfoss waterfall
A two-tiered cascade of immense beauty and power
See glacial water turn from a wide, serene river into one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Gullfoss crashes down two angled drops and disappears into a narrow canyon, creating a magnificent combination of movement, sound and fine silver spray.
Return to Reykjavík
A scenic finish after an unforgettable day
Settle back for the return to Reykjavík as farms, lava fields and mountain silhouettes pass the windows. It is time to revisit the day’s contrasts—from tectonic cliffs and erupting water to roaring falls and any added adventure—before arriving back in the capital.
Choose your date and let Iceland’s most celebrated route surprise you with far more than three famous landmarks.
What is included
- Bus fare
- Guided tour 1.5 2 hours guided riding tour
- Protective helmet and light lunch
- Professional local tour guide
- Light lunch at Hotel Eldhestar
What do I need to bring
- Warm layers
- Waterproof outer layer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera or phone
Good to know
- The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most popular day routes.
- Stops and timing can vary slightly by tour version and season.
- This is a strong choice for first-time visitors to Iceland.
Meeting point: BSI Bus Terminal - Vatnsmyrarvegur 10, Reykjavík, 101
Highlights
- Þingvellir National Park
- Icelandic horse experience
- Geysir geothermal area
- Gullfoss waterfall
Horse Riding and Golden Circle – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The horse element is designed around Iceland’s native breed and the activity stated in the booking, which may range from a countryside ride to a shorter stable or farm experience.
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