About us

A company owned by farmers all over Iceland!

Íslandshestar is owned by Icelandic farmers who host and operate the tours directly from their own farms. Many of these farmers and families have been running horseback riding tours for decades and love opening their homes and farms to riders from all over the world.

Because the farmers own and operate the company themselves, they are closer to their guests and can offer a more personal and authentic experience. When you book with Íslandshestar, you are booking directly with the people who breed, train and care for the horses, know the land, and lead you through the landscapes they call home, with no intermediaries.

And because every farm is different, every tour has its own character, atmosphere and special highlights. Some tours take you deep into the Icelandic Highlands, others along beaches, across rivers, through mountains or alongside a free-running herd. The horses, landscapes, traditions and personalities of the farming families make each experience unique.

That is part of what makes travelling with Íslandshestar so special, no two tours feel exactly the same. Each one gives you a new perspective on Iceland, the Icelandic horse and the people who have built their lives around them.

Our recommendation? Try them all! Every farm has something different to offer.

Support the direct-from-farmers concept and join us on the horseback riding adventure of a lifetime!

Halldór and Elín at Bjarnastaðir

Halldór, Elín and their wonderful staff are known for offering our guests the chance to witness the most incredible sights in North East Iceland. Halldór or Dóri like he is called is often called the mountain man up in the North. He owns many sheep which he drives and herds back from the northern highlands every autumn and offer his guests to join him as well. Dóri knows his area up in the north like the palm of his hand. Halldór is also known for his perfectly trained and grate horses.

Today, they run the: Northern Exposure, The Arctic North, Sheep Round-Up Melrakkaslétta, Riding under the mystique midnight sun, Tour with no name

Hannes and family at Kálfhóll farm

For many years, our farmers Gestur and Margrét operated our tours in the south with great care and dedication. Few years ago, they have passed this legacy on to their son Hannes and his wife Sophie, who have been closely involved and helping with the tours for many years.

The family at Kálfhóll farm is well known for their warm hospitality and for guiding guests into the magical world of the southern countryside and the breathtaking highlands of South Iceland.

Today, they run the: Golden Circle, Geysir – Gullfoss Special, Landmannalaugar – Volcano Mt Hekla, Winter riding and Northern Lights, Riding between rivers

Haukur Suska at Hvammur farm

Haukur Suska and family lives in Hvammur Farm in Vatnsdalur in North Iceland. Haukur along with his family operates several of our tours. Haukur has five children and many many horses. His wonderful family and staff helps him operate the tours. Haukur is always cheerful and it’s so much fun when he takes out his guitar starts playing and singing with our guests.

Today, they run the: Trail of Hope, Kings Trail, Kjölur, Northern Highland Trail, Trail of Hope Autumn Adventure
Horse Roundup, Skrapatungurétt, Víðidalstungurétt and Laufskálarétt, Farm Stay

Sigga og Ásberg at Hraunholt

Ásberg and Sigga has been living at Hraunholt togther for over 20 years in Snæfellsnes and Sigga his born and raised there. They are old fashioned horse and sheep farmers and breed and train their own horses.

Today, they run the Snæfellsnes, Snæfellsnes Beach Ride

Guðmundur Hólm

Guðmundur began riding as a child with his grandparents and soon took part in various courses and competitions. After his teenage years, his passion for horses evolved — moving from competition to long riding tours. Later, he started working as a tour operator and has never looked back. He still takes part in sheep round-ups in the highlands and says there’s nothing better than being out in the wilderness on a good horse, surrounded by good company.

Today, he runs the Sprengisandur – Echoes of the past and Canyons and Hidden Waterfalls together with his family, friends, and relatives.

Riding tours all over Iceland

Our farmers live in almost every part of Iceland so we offer riding tours in a diversified landscape. They operate the tour from their homes and know the area they ride in like the palm of their hands and know the most beautiful places to visit in each part.

Haukur and family in Hvammur farm lives in north-west Iceland and takes you to the most stunning places of Vatnsdalur and Víðidalur valley and through west Iceland on our popular tour the Kings Trail.

Halldór and family in Bjarnastaðir farm live in north-east Iceland. There are hardly words to describe how beautiful the unspoiled nature is in north-east Iceland.

Hannes and family in Kálfhóll farm operate tours all over south Iceland, both in popular tourist places as well as in the most rural places in Iceland.

Our people

Our experienced team members are glad to assist you to find the perfect riding tour for you.

Þórður Freyr

Managing director

Heiðdís Halla

Sales manager

Jenný

Marketing Manager

Happy travelers

”A wonderful experience, I loved everything about it, beautiful country, lovely people..and the best horses!! Thanks again to Haukur and everybody at Hvammer Farm for the best holiday ever”
S.P.L. on Trail of Hope

Excellent trip in Iceland, the best way to discover the country and its traditions! Fantastic and very professional team!

D.C. France.

Perfect tour! Great staff, beautiful landscapes. Amazing horses, good food. I would definitely recommend it!

 M.O. Germany.