One of Our Longest-Running Riding Tours
The Golden Circle is one of Íslandshestar’s longest-running tours and has introduced riders from around the world to the Icelandic horse, the tölt and the beautiful countryside of South Iceland.
It has even been recognised by CNNgo as one of the world’s greatest horse treks. But what makes the tour particularly special is the way it combines Iceland’s famous natural attractions with quieter riding routes that most visitors never experience.
Rather than seeing the Golden Circle only through a bus window, guests travel through the landscape on horseback, following rivers, green countryside paths and historic riding trails.
A Wonderful Introduction to Multi-Day Riding in Iceland
The tour includes five riding days and is well suited to intermediate riders who are comfortable spending long hours in the saddle. It does not involve the same remote mountain conditions as some of our more demanding highland expeditions, making it a popular introduction to multi-day riding in Iceland.
Each riding day offers something different. Guests become acquainted with the Icelandic horse while riding beside the Þjórsá River, follow peaceful countryside trails and, when conditions allow, cross the Stóra-Laxá River.
The route also passes historic farms, traditional sheep pens and Hruni, an old church site connected to the Icelandic story of the Dance at Hruni.
Gullfoss and Geysir—from the Saddle
Two of the great highlights are Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area.
Riders approach Gullfoss through green meadows and open countryside before stopping to explore one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. The journey also takes us through Haukadalsskógur forest towards Geysir, where we leave the horses nearby and walk through the geothermal area to watch Strokkur erupt.
Experiencing these famous places as part of a longer journey on horseback creates a very different connection to the landscape.
The tour also visits Brúarhlöð, where the milky-green Hvítá River flows between unusual rock formations, and the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, where riders can relax in naturally warm geothermal water after a day in the saddle.
Stay in the Icelandic Countryside
Kálfhóll Farm serves as the welcoming base for much of the tour. Guests return after their riding days to enjoy home-cooked meals, comfortable accommodation and time with their fellow riders.
This combination of daily riding and a comfortable countryside base makes the Golden Circle an excellent option for riders who want a genuine Icelandic experience without staying in simple mountain huts.
Why Travel with Íslandshestar?
Íslandshestar is owned by Icelandic farmers who breed, train and care for their own horses. Our tours are operated in different regions and hosted by different farming families, giving every journey its own character.
Depending on the tour, you might tölt across wide black-sand beaches, travel with a free-running herd through the highlands, ride between glaciers and volcanoes or explore peaceful countryside from a family farm.
The landscapes and accommodation may differ, but every tour offers Icelandic hospitality, carefully selected horses and a close connection to the land and the people who live there.
Begin Your 2027 Adventure
Whether the Golden Circle becomes your first riding holiday in Iceland or your next journey with the Icelandic horse, it offers a memorable balance of riding, nature, local history and relaxation.
Our 2027 Golden Circle departures are now available. Book before the end of October and receive a 7% early booking discount with the code early2027.
Discover the Golden Circle tour and view the 2027 departures.
