Which Horse Riding Tour in Iceland Should You Choose?

We offer a wide selection of multi-day horseback riding tours all around Iceland, and choosing the right one is not always easy. The best way to find the right match is to start with a few simple questions. Most riders already have a sense of what they want, it just needs to be clarified.

Do you have a specific area in mind?

We run tours in different regions of Iceland, and each one offers something different.

South Iceland tours like Riding and Golden Circle Sightseeing, Golden Circle, Geysir Gullfoss Special, Landmannalaugar – Mt. Hekla, Canyons and Hidden Waterfalls, Riding Between Rivers, Winter Riding and Northern Lights, and The Magic of Vatnajökull, Vestra Horn and Stafafell offer everything from comfortable countryside riding to highland landscapes, geothermal areas, rivers, glaciers, volcanoes, and classic Icelandic highlights.

In North Iceland, tours such as Trail of Hope, Northern Exposure, The Arctic North, The Northern Highlands Trail, and Under the Mystique Midnight Sun focus more on open landscapes, strong riding, quieter surroundings, and unique northern nature.

In West Iceland, Snæfellsnes and Snæfellsnes: Beach and Mountain Ride combine coastline, lava fields, beaches, mountains, and glacier views within a relatively compact area.

In East Iceland and the northeast, The Tour with No Name takes riders into one of the more remote and less visited parts of the country, with untouched nature, varied terrain, and a quieter atmosphere.

If you are interested in crossing the country, Kjölur and The Kings Trail take you across Iceland through historic routes, highland landscapes, and areas that are difficult to experience in any other way.

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Accommodation plays a bigger role than many expect. Some riders prefer staying at farms, where the atmosphere is more comfortable and you are based in one place or return to the same location. Tours like Golden Circle, Trail of Hope, Northern Exposure, Arctic North and Snæfellsnes are good examples of tours where the farm stay is part of the experience.

Others are looking for a more remote experience, staying in mountain huts or simpler accommodation and moving from one place to another. Tours like Landmannalaugar – Mt. Hekla, Kjölur, The Kings Trail, and The Northern Highlands Trail are more suited to riders who want that kind of journey.

Do you want countryside riding or a highland tour?

This is one of the most important differences between tours. Countryside tours take place in more accessible areas, with farms, valleys, rivers, and softer riding terrain. They still offer varied riding, but usually with a more comfortable structure. Examples include Riding and Golden Circle Sightseeing, Trail of Hope, Riding Between Rivers, Geysir Gullfoss Special, and Snæfellsnes.

Highland tours go into more remote areas, often with river crossings, longer riding days, free-running herds, and fewer facilities. These tours are more demanding and usually better suited for experienced riders. Examples include Landmannalaugar – Mt. Hekla, Kjölur, The Kings Trail, Northern Exposure, The Arctic North, and Canyons and Hidden Waterfalls.

How experienced are you, and how long do you want to ride?

It is important to match the tour to your riding level so you can enjoy the experience fully. Shorter and more relaxed tours such as Golden Ride, Volcano Ride, Riding Between Rivers, and Riding and Golden Circle Sightseeing are suitable for riders who want a gentler introduction or have limited time.

Intermediate riders often look for tours with more riding days, varied landscapes, and a good balance between comfort and adventure. Tours like Golden Circle, Trail of Hope, Geysir Gullfoss Special, Snæfellsnes, and Winter Riding and Northern Lights can be a good match.

More experienced riders who want long riding days, stronger pace, and more challenging terrain should look at tours like The Arctic North, Northern Exposure, Landmannalaugar – Mt. Hekla, Kjölur, The Kings Trail, The Tour with No Name, and Under the Mystique Midnight Sun.

Do you want to join a round-up?

Some riders come to Iceland for something more specific than a regular riding tour. They want to take part in local traditions and experience the farming culture behind the Icelandic horse. Our round-up tours are for riders who want to be part of real seasonal work with local farmers.

On Horse Round Up in Skrapatungurétt and Horse Round Up in Víðidalstungurétt, riders help gather horses from their summer pastures and take part in one of Iceland’s most important autumn traditions. We also offer sheep round-up tours, including Sheep Round Up Landmannaafréttur, Sheep Round Up Rangárvallaafréttur, and Sheep Round Up Melrakkaslétta.

These tours are different from regular riding tours. The days can be unpredictable, the terrain varies, and you are part of real farm work rather than following a fixed holiday schedule. They suit riders who want an authentic experience, who do not mind flexible plans, and who enjoy being part of something traditional and practical.

What kind of experience are you looking for?

Beyond location and riding level, it helps to think about what you want your days to feel like. If you want strong riding and long days, look at tours in the north, the highlands, or crossing routes such as Kjölur, The Kings Trail, The Arctic North, or Northern Exposure.

If you prefer a balanced trip with riding, comfort, and sightseeing, tours like Riding and Golden Circle Sightseeing, Golden Circle, Geysir Gullfoss Special, or Winter Riding and Northern Lights,  Trail of hope are worth considering.

If you are drawn to remote landscapes and places few visitors reach, tours such as Landmannalaugar – Mt. Hekla, The Tour with No Name, The Northern Highlands Trail, and Canyons and Hidden Waterfalls may be a better match.

If geothermal bathing is important to you, look at tours where it is part of the experience, such as Winter Riding and Northern Lights, Golden Circle, Northern Exposure, and Kjölur.

Final thoughts

There is no single tour that suits everyone. The right choice depends on how much you want to ride, where you want to go, what kind of accommodation you prefer, and what you want to experience while you are in Iceland. Once you have answered those questions, it becomes much easier to find the tour that fits you best.